Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget

One question that pops up in my inbox every single day is – how do you manage to travel so frequently? The answer to that is by planning pocket-friendly trips. My recent rendezvous was with Kutch and it was the good kind of cheap.

Rann of Kutch is an annual festival that takes place in Kutch, the border region of Gujarat. Tourism here swells during the months of December, January, and February; when the salt pans form, converting the area into a mystic white desert. With an increase in the number of tourists, the prices see an upward rise too. So, if you’re still planning a getaway to witness this spectacle, start jotting down these notes.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 1/10 by Japleen Kaur — Sunset at the Rann of Kutch

Where to stay?

There are luxurious Swiss tents that sound like a dream come true at a cost of around Rs 10,000 per night. If you’re not ready to live that dream yet, then opt for a home-stay located near the white Rann itself. Hodka village is around 7 km away from the main arena and every house there has accommodation facilities. Well kept, comfortable mudrooms with conical roofs give you the experience of living just like a local amidst the locals.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 2/10 by Japleen Kaur — Locals paint on the walls of their cottages

It can’t get better than this now, can it? I paid Rs 1,700 per night for my stay, including all three meals.

You can contact Ramdi Bhai, the sarpanch of Hodka Village who will take care of all the bookings for you, at 9426382558.

What to eat?

Talking about meals, they were as authentically Kutchi as it can get. While my friends kept ordering dhokla and khandvi (popular snacks), I had to remind them that Gujarati and Kutchi food are actually quite different. We were pampered with dishes like - sev tamatar saag, baajre ki roti, lasun ki chutney, seviyaan without milk, locally made chicken, kadhi, pulao, poha and much more. Every meal is accompanied by some salty chaas to wash it all down.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 3/10 by Japleen Kaur — Dabeli -- the local snack

After 7-8 pm, Kutch turns into a ghost town, so chances of you getting food outside are higher during the lunch hours. Tiny eateries line the highway and the Rann premises. You can get pav bhaaji, dabeli and chaat for as cheap as Rs 50, taking care of your food expenses instantly.

How to get around?

Local buses and tempos ply daily and are recommended for solo travellers, as they are the cheapest mode of transport and help cut down on costs from your overall budget. If you’re more than three people, then hire a jeep/car for Rs 500 a day that will give you the liberty of driving anywhere within a radius of 300 km. You can go catch the sunrise at the desert or bathe under the moonlit sky on the white salt pans.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 4/10 by Japleen Kaur — Wearing a local dupatta while sitting on the back of 'toofan', a widely found vehicle in Kutch

What to do/see in Kutch?

Apart from the Rann, where you’ll probably spend a lot of time clicking pictures of breathtaking sunsets, there are other things on offer!

Bhuj

This major town near the remote Kutch region has plenty of palaces and temples. The Vijay Vilas Palace is one such attraction and has a nominal entry fee. However, if you’re like me and don’t like crowded places, then take an offbeat stroll outside that not many people opt to do. You can spot peacocks dancing in the garden which is a sight to behold.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 5/10 by Japleen Kaur — Vijay Vilas Palace as seen from the garden outside

Mandvi

This is another town that is known for its beaches and is a tourist favourite. This is probably the only beach where you can take a camel ride.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 6/10 by Japleen Kaur — Camel ride on Mandvi beach

Kalo Dongar

The highest point in Kutch is perched upon a hill at a height of 462 m. It is definitely a respite from the barren land all around. You can see the Kutch lake from this point and glimpse at Pakistan on the other side.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 7/10 by Japleen Kaur — On top of the Kalo Dongar hill

Gandhi-nu-dham

A handicrafts village near Hodka where you can purchase ethnic rugs, flowing dresses, dupattas, décor items and more. Bargaining will be a wise move here.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 8/10 by Japleen Kaur — Shopping galore at Gandhinudham

Khavda village

Interestingly, a local family in this village uses sand from the Rann to make utensils that you can take back home as souvenirs.

Photo of Here’s How You Can Visit the Rann of Kutch on a Budget! 9/10 by Japleen Kaur — Local artisan at work

Additional tips

Take the Rann of Kutch entry permit online so that you can enter as early as 5 am or as late as 11 pm without any problems. It’ll cost the same but since the pass expires every 24 hours, you’ll be able to make the most of it.

If you’re staying with locals, they’ll give you heavy discounts on shopping as most of these families supply clothes to big brands like FabIndia. I got a stole as a gift from my host family which I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise!

Make sure you take at least two to three days to explore Kutch in all its glory. The vast white desert, sinking sun and locals that’ll treat you like family await you!