Have You Been to the White Desert of India? I did & Here's How You Can Too!

While looking for something that has tradition, history and an enthralling experience, I spotted Kutch on the map of India. This place is famous for the white salt desert, popularly called the Great Rann of Kutch. It lies within the Thar Desert. The rate of evaporation of water is lesser than the rate of precipitation owing to the white appearance of the desert sand.

Kutch is most popular for the Rann Utsav. This is celebrated in the winter months. I would suggest the time of Rann Utsav as the best time to visit Kutch. This Utsav is celebrated from October to February. The weather conditions are ideal too, to visit with friends or family.

How to reach Kutch?

By Flight / Train: The airport and railway station that is nearest to Kutch is approx. 80 km away at Bhuj. Bhuj is well connected to all the major cities in India.

You have to opt for Taxi/Cab or buses to reach the Rann.

Things to do at Kutch:

1. Rann of Kutch:

The Vast expansion of the Rann of Kutch covers a land area of about 23000 sq. km. This lies in the Thar Desert bordering Pakisthan. The sand is white seasonally, after the rains. Every year, a Rann Utsav is organised by the government. The Rann Utsav is a very colourful and exciting event. There is music, dance, meditation, yoga, camel cart excursion and enjoyable Gujarati culture. The white desert looks mesmerising under the full moon. During the Rann Utsav, you can stay in the camp stays at the desert. It sure will be the most exciting experience.

2. Mandvi beach:

This is one of the most beautiful beaches you will spot, with camels around. This beach is 5 km from the main town. This is a nice place to enjoy the sea breeze and relax. Very close to the beach is the famous Vijay Vilas Palace. This palace is built in Rajput style. The Palace is built with red sand stone and has beautiful gardens and marble fountains. The palace has the typical Rajput architecture.

3. Wild Ass Sanctuary:

This wildlife sanctuary is spread over 5000 sq km. and its name comes from the wild asses that are seen here. This sanctuary has a wide variety of plant, animal and bird species. About 70,000 bird nests are seen here.

4. Kutch Museum:

This is the oldest museum in Gujarat. The museum has a display of coins, musical instruments, Kshatrapa inscriptions, Indus seals, stone tablets, artefacts, sculptures, paintings, arms and even stuffed animals. The museum is closed on Wednesdays. This is the first museum to have an online exhibit.

5. Dholavira:

This place belongs to the Harappan Civilization and is one of the major cities of that time. It comes under the five largest Harappan sites. This is the most renowned archaeological site in India. It would surely be exciting to visit a place that is 5000 years old, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization.

6. Religious centres:

Badhreshwar Jain temple:

This is considered as one of the most sacred and the oldest Jain temples in Inida. It has a beautiful architecture and the temple is made of the finest marble.

Narayan Sarovar:

This is a sacred lake for the Hindus. It is also called Vishnu ka Sarovar. It is one among the holiest lakes in Inida for the Hindus.

7. Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial:

Shyamji Krishna Varma was a revolutionary fighter and has contributed to our Nation’s pride. The Kutch University was renamed after him and there are postal stamps commemorating him. This Memorial is buikt in his honour.

8. Prag mahal:

This Palace was built in the 19th century. It composes of Italian architecture. It was built with Italian marble and red sand stone from Rajasthan. It has a tower clock that stands 45 feet high from where the entire city of Bhuj can be seen. This palace is a historical site. Many movies are shot here because of its charm and glamour.

Shopping:

Kutch is famous for the handicrafts that are very creative. It is a land of art and tradition. The fabric you get here are unique and exclusive. The things that you can buy from Kutch are Bandini fabric, embroidery and mirror work dupattas, silver jewellery, copper bells, ajrakh block printed fabric and oil based paintings.

Places to stay:

If you plan your trip for the Rann Utsav, the minimum tent rate is approx. 5000 INR for one night/2 days per person.

Other places of stay in the district of Kutch are:

1. Shyam Villa: Costs 2000 INR per night.

2. Royal Guest House: 1300 INR per night

3. Shakti Hostel and Hotel : 800 INR per night

There is no limit on the number of days you should stay here. You can take a weekend trip or plan for a week or more. Kutch has a lot of places to explore. Carry the best of your wear that looks both casual and ethnic and enjoy by being one with their culture. Kutch can simply be summarized as a vibrant, fun and exquisite place. It is a completely safe place and you can enjoy everything Kutch has to offer in your own way.