The Festival: Experience Kutch at its colorful and exotic best during the Rann Utsav. This annually organized festival offers an opportunity for visitors to attend the folk dance and music concepts, to watch artisans at work, to Shop directly from NGO’s craftspeople and village co-operatives, to see the great historical monuments in the state, and to visit places off the usual tourist trail. During the festival, Tourism arranges tours with Transport, accommodations, food and guided sightseeing. Do not miss this chance of a lifetime to visit one of India’s most colorful regions. The cool winter breeze and soothing rays of the full-moon night will welcome about 8,000 tourists in the Great Rann of Kutch for the three-day-long Rann Mahotsav. Many high profile dignitaries will enjoy cultural programs, to be performed in the midst of the White Salt Desert spread over miles. Nearly 30 cultural troupes from various districts of Gujarat will participate in the Dance and Musical Carnival. The Rann of Kutch is a large area of salt marshes located mostly in Gujarat (primarily the Kutch district), India and the southern tip of Sindh, Pakistan. It is divided into two main parts: Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch. A package of 03 Nights & 04 Days is given below. 02 Nights & 03 Days are also organised along with 01 Night & 02 Days.
A grand Tent City of over 400 tents, consisting of both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned tents, have been set up on the outskirt of the bordering village of Dhorado in the Rann, all of which have been booked. The tourists would be taken on the entourage of Kala Dunger (Salty Hill), located on the outskirts of Rann, popular handicraft village ‘Ludia’ and eco-friendly Hodko village by the organiser. On the third day, the tourists will be taken on five optional sightseeing tours. These tours would include a visit to Mata Na Madh, Narayan Sarovar, the famous bird sanctuary of Chhari Dhangh, a thousand-year-old Kera Shiv Temple, the archeological site of Dhola Veera and others.
Geography: The Rann of Kutch is located in the Thar Desert bio-geographic area in the Indian state of Gujarat, with some parts in the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is a seasonally marshy region, the word Rann meaning “salt marsh”, alternating with Medak’s, elevated pieces of land where vegetation grows. Kori Creek and Sir creek are located in the Rann of Kutch area, which is part of Indus river delta.
Kutch is the name of the district in Gujarat where this region is situated. The marsh covers an area of around 10,000 square miles and is positioned between the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in southern Pakistan. Many rivers located in Rajasthan and Gujarat flow into Rann of Kutch. These are Luni, Bhuki, Bharud, Nara, Kharod, Banas, Saraswati, Rupen, Bambhan and Machchhu
Ecological Importance: The Rann of Kutch is the only large flooded grassland zone in the whole Indo-Malayan region. The fact that the area has desert on one side and the sea on the other provides the Rann of Kutch with a variety of ecosystems, including mangroves and desert vegetation.[3] The grassland and deserts of the Rann of Kutch are home to forms of wildlife that have adapted to the often harsh conditions of this vast area. These include endemic and endangered animal and plant species
Day – 01 – Check-in time: 12:30 PM, Transfers from Bhuj to Tent City, Dhordo on fixed timings i.e. 08:15 AM: From Railway Station, Bhuj and Airport, Bhuj Or 10:00 AM: From Railway Station, Bhuj Or 02:30 PM: From Railway Station, Bhuj Or 03:30 PM: From Airport, BhujNo complimentary transfers will be available after the above-mentioned timings. Individual transfer is available on request (chargeable). Allotment of the tent to guests arriving before check-in time will be subject to availability. Distance from Bhuj to Tent City, Dhordo is approx. 85 km, which takes about 1 hr 45 min. Complimentary refreshment will be served en route Dhordo in the bus.
Arrival at Tent City, Dhordo from Bhuj 10:00 AM Onwards, 12:30 PM Onwards: Welcome & Check-in, 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM: Lunch at respective dining area, 02:30 PM to 04:00 PM: Enjoy in-house activities, 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM: Evening Tea/Coffee, 05:00 PM to 05:30 PM: Transfer to The White Rann to witness the grandeur of sunset. Mode of transfer can be through Bus/camel cart/both, 07:00 PM to 07:30 PM: Return transfer to Tent City, Dhordo, 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Dinner at the respective dining area, 09:00 PM to 10:30 PM:b Enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining, activities @ Cultural Activity
Sri Swaminarayan Temple (Approximate Time is 20 minutes): Made of marble, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple built in the state of Gujarat recently. Kutch Museum: (Approximately 20 Minutes): A visit to the Kutch Museum, to learn about the history of the tribal and folk tradition of the district, will help you get to know about present-day people and their lives. Remember that visiting a museum is a great way to learn about history, but tribals are not merely part of history, they are a major part of Kutch’s (and India’s) population and cultural identity today. (Kutch museum remains closed on Wednesday). Bhujodi (Approximately 40 minutes): The handicraft village Hiralaxmi Craft Park – a vision to preserve, restore and promote the art and craft of Kutch and make them accessible to the public. The handicraft village is where live artisans can be seen working. The cost of entry (if any) will be borne by the guest. In case guests have to reach Railway Station / Airport / Bus Stand earlier for their onward journey, they will have to arrange it on their own. The Time of any such departure should be notified at the reception at the time of check-in.
Day – 02 – 06:00 AM to 06:30 AM: Morning Tea, 07:30 AM to 08:30 AM: Breakfast at the respective dining area, 08:30 AM onwards complimentary tour to Mandvi – Kutch Mandvi is an important beach famous among travelers for peace and solitude. Mandvi has beautiful white sand, serene locales, and enchanting sunset views. Dist. from Tent City is approx. 140 kilometers one way. 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Visit Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial – Shyamji Krishna Varma was born on 4th October 1857 in the Mandvi Town of Kutch District of Gujarat. He was one of the foremost freedom fighters in the history of the freedom movement of India. The memorial’s objective is to pay tribute to the contribution of Shyamji Krishna Varma and also to educate the young generation about those great Indians who sacrificed everything for the country’s freedom. 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM: Visit Vijay Vilas Palace – The great palace of Mandvi was built in 1929 by his highness Maharao Vijay Singhji, The Maharao of Kutch, as a summer resort. This palace has a domed terrace that gives a panoramic view of the sea. It has interiors made like offices where the king used to work. 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM: Lunch – 03:00 PM to 05:30 PM: Enjoy leisure at the private beach – This beach is regarded as one of the finest beaches on Gujarat shoreline. A great family spot to spend quality time where you can swim and enjoy a nice view of the coastline. 05:30 PM onwards return transfer to Tent City, Dhordo – 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Dinner at the respective dining area
Day – 03 – 06:00 AM to 06:30 AM: Morning Tea – 06:30 AM to 07:00 AM: Transfer to White Rann to witness the grandeur of sunrise – 07:30 AM to 10:00 AM: Breakfast at respective dining area – 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM: Enjoy in-house activities -12:30 PM to 02:30 PM: Lunch at respective dining area – 03:00 PM to 07:30 PM: Complimentary tour to Kala Dungar (Black Hill). Kala Dungar is the highest point in Kutch. On the route visit to Handicraft Village ‘Gandhi nu Gaam’. Complimentary Refreshment will be served. 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM: Dinner at the respective dining area. 09:00 PM to 10:30 PM: Enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities @ Cultural Activity area
Day – 04 – 06:00 AM to 07:00 AM: Morning Tea – 07:30 AM to 09:30 AM: Breakfast at respective dining area – 09:30 AM: Check-out from Tent City. Departure to Bhuj with complimentary sightseeing on the way. 11:30 AM to 02:00 PM Complimentary sightseeing – places of interest in Bhuj
Bhuj: The White Desert is a vast area of pristine white salt desert often explored for its natural beauty and ecological importance. It is also called the worldês largest salt desert which stretches from the mouth of River Indus to the Gulf of Kutch. The contrasting landscape of the White Desert is one of a kind in India and draws tourists in large numbers.
Mandvi Beach: This beach in Bhuj is one of those places that one must visit when on the northwestern coast of India for its beautiful, idyllic serenity. Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Mandvi Beach is a pristine and tranquil seashore which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. In addition to being a laidback beach location, Mandvi Beach is popular for its camping and water sports facilities. Standing near the Vijay Vilas palace estate in Bhuj, Mandvi Beach is a secluded and undiscovered beach destination with clean water and beautiful view. Take a long walk along the shore as you witness the sun setting over the horizon, or go for bird spotting and discover the beauty of Kutch through its fauna. Another activity to pursue here is a camel ride, which takes you on a round of the entire property as you bobble up and down on this majestic animal’s back, or practice some yoga to the tune of the gentle sea. With its tranquil surroundings being it’s most alluring quality, Mandvi Beach makes for an enchanting rendezvous with nature and its beauty.
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary: Less than 100 kilometers away from Bhuj, this sanctuary is spread over an area of about 7505.22 sq. km. in the Kutch District of Gujarat. This wildlife sanctuary is considered as one of the largest seasonal saline wetland areas. It has a water depth that ranges between 0.5 to 1.5 m and preserves various species of flamingo birds. Also sight other species such as the greater flamingo, Indian porcupine, spiny-tailed lizard, black-necked storks, wild ass and Indian cormorant. The best time to visit this sanctuary is during the months of winters. Also, lying close by is the buried city Dholavira of Harappan civilization which was excavated here, which attracts hordes of archaeologists here from all across the world. Some parts of the sanctuary are restricted to civilians because of the Indo-Pak International border. This sanctuary is also famous for its flat snow-white surface with extensive deposits of salt crystals and it provides a very unique and beautiful view.
Aina Mahal: The Aaina Mahal palace, or ‘Hall of Mirrors’ was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. The responsibility of engineering, architecture, and embellishment was entitled to Ram Singh Malam – a genius of an artist who took his training in Europe for 17 years but came back to India seeking name and fame. He was asked by the king to create this palace of dreams for him, and thus the Aina Mahal came into existence. However, what once stood proudly with glittering glasses, antique clocks and exotic tile works was shaken and disheveled in the 2001 earthquake that hit Bhuj. The loss was tragic, but it has now been recovered and renovated for people to visit safely again. The Aina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, easily walkable from most of Bhuj. Be sure to explore the rest of the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes, and balconies. Inside, Aina Mahal is now a vivid collection of art and archaic pieces which is a treasure trove for anyone remotely interested in history or art or both. The Hall of Mirrors in the palace is the main attraction for the visitors. This is where it has got the most number of glass exhibits, on the walls, ceilings, pillars, and even windows, adding to the overall charm of the glittering room. Other than that, you can visit the Museum which houses royal possessions and weapons, local crafts and international paintings; and the Darbar Hall with the great ivory throne in it. All the furnishing and embellishments of the Aina Mahal are locally made under Malam’s supervision but are inspired by international styles. The ownership of Aina Mahal might not have a great historical significance or a very big name attached to it, but it sure is a one-of-a-kind palace enriched with the best of artistic styles and designs.
Hamirsar Lake: Hamirsar Lake is located at the western end of Bhuj. Its water level depends on the time of the year. It might be dry and largely deserted, or full of water, and encircled by merry families. The lake is absolutely stunning in look and has a cheerful outlook. It is a must-visit, for a happening and lovely get together. Hamirsar Lake is a water body at the heart of Bhuj town. It is located in Kutch, Gujarat. Bhuj is known for its hot and dry summers. This lake is considered an oasis between saline and arid Kutch. The kings built the lake to fulfill the domestic needs of people of Bhuj in ancient times. Hamirsar Lake was well developed with a channel and tunnels that used to carry water from three rivers to fill the town’s water reservoirs. But after the earthquake of 2001 in Bhuj, this water system was gravely disturbed distorted. The municipality and people of Bhuj took initiatives to revive the water system to its original form to fulfill the needs of its people once again. This was achieved in 2003. The water of Hamirsar Lake became potable. This manmade lake was named after Rao Hamir, a Jadega ruler who ruled around 450 years ago. Rao Hamir is considered the father of Rao Khengarji, the founder of the Jadeja dynasty in Kutch.
Shri Swaminarayan Temple: Originally built in the year 1822, it was the first of many Sampradey Swaminarayan temples. But the 2001 Bhuj earthquake destroyed much of this temple, except for the many divine deities and thereafter, a new temple was constructed where all the divine idols where moved. Located in Bhuj, Near Hamirsar lake, it is an architectural masterpiece built from marble and is a stunning place to visit. The completely white structure of the temple is surely going to be a treat to your eyes.
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