Covering a distance of over 10,800 sq. km. the great ran of Kutch is famed for being one of the largest salt deserts in India. The stark white landscape is a sight to behold during the full moon when the salt crystals on the ground glimmer like a diamond. This place allows you to have a surreal holiday experience and is frequented by tourists and travelers from all over the world. The area is primarily and predominantly inhabited by the local Kutcha tribe and is a part of The Great Thar Desert in the westernmost part of India. The entire region is divided into 2 parts - the great ran and the little Rann each of them is distinct in their features and offers different experiences. However, no matter where you go it surely will be a treat for your mind, body, and soul. You may have seen pictures of Kutch but nothing compares to being there and experiencing the uniquely awe-inspiring natural beauty in person. Along with this Rann of Kutch is also home to an incredible amount of rich flora and fauna making it an ideal vacation destination for people seeking a soulful holiday packed with immense adventurous fun.

Location

The great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat covers the region of little Kutch and continues to run along the area of the Banni Grasslands along the southern ends. It is spread out in an area where it covers the Gulf of Kutch and the mouth of the Indus River in Southern Pakistan. This great ran of Kutch combined with the little ran is called ‘Rann of Kutch’. Due to its location, during the monsoon months, the flat desert covered in salty clay gets completely submerged under standing water that gets collected here. Ghaggar River dries up in this desert after traveling for over a distance of almost 320 km from the Siwalik ranges in the northwestern region of the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Luni River that rises from Rajasthan also drains itself into the northeastern corner of Rann. The wildlife thriving around the area in the thorny, sandy islets makes it a wonderful place to experience the unique collection of a plethora of flora and fauna including flamingos, Indian Wild Ass, etc. the entire region is very unique in its appearance and also consists of a vast lake which has been navigable through the time of Alexander the great.

How to Reach Ran of Kutch from Ahmedabad

The best way to reach ran of Kutch is via Bhuj and from here you can arrange for your further mode of transportation. Once you reach Ahmedabad you can get on a train for Bhuj which are 7 in number and takes 6.5 hours to cover. For Bhuj local and state transport bus services also ply that take around 5 hours and 45 minutes to 6 hours to cover. The best part about the road journey is that the roads leading up from Ahmedabad to Bhuj are in very good condition. As an alternative, there are several packages for Rann of Kutch also available which will make your journey easier and more convenient.

Best Time to Visit

Every year Rann of Kutch starts drying up during October which turns it into a surreal white landscape that stretches as far as the eyes can see. This is the time when the tourist season commences and goes on through the winter months till March. If you are looking for a peaceful and calm experience here then visiting Kutch by the last week of March is recommended. April and May are also good options to visit but it starts getting increasingly hot as the day starts.

What Time of the Day is Perfect for a Visit to Rann of Kutch?

The best time for you to head out to explore the salt desert is either during the early morning or by the evening setting sun. if you visit during the afternoon, or peak daytime then it will be blinding for you, the salt here is so white. The best time to experience the fairytale-like land is during the full moon night when the environment turns into a tranquil ambiance and when the soft moonlight reflects off the white salt ground. Stay in a tent here to experience this work of nature.

Rann Utsav

Rann Utsav

An initiative of Gujarat tourism Rann Utsav is an annual fair and festival that is held close to the hearts of the local tribes of Gujarat. Kickstarting during November and concluding during the last week of February this grand celebration of Gujarati culture is attended by a large number of tourists from all over the world. People visit this place, stay in state-of-the-art tented accommodations, check out the cultural displays of Gujarati tribes, enjoy delicious food while going on soulful spa treatments, attend cultural shows, and take ATV / Camelback rides. This truly is a carnival of rich heritage, tradition, and culture. Here you will be experiencing the unique blend of music, dance, and the stunning beauty of the dream-like surrounding. A great place to go with your family and kids since there are several entertainment centers as well to keep the kids entertained and busy. The entire festival sprawls over a large area and should be on your bucket list.

Permits Required

Due to its proximity to the Pakistani border, the great ran of Kutch is a very sensitive region that requires the completion of several papers works, and permits. First of all, written permission is needed to enter the salt desert. You can obtain this permit on your way at Bhirandiyara Village checkpoint which is situated at a distance of almost 55 kms from Bhuj. You will be required to pay an amount of Rs 100/- per person along with paying Rs. 25/- for a bike and Rs. 50/- for taking a car. You will also be required to submit a photocopy of your ID along with your original papers. Remember that this checkpoint shuts down later in the morning by 11 am. The permission for Rann of Kutch can also be obtained at the Gujarat police DSP office in Bhuj located close to Jubilee ground. This permission will be checked at the entrance checkpoint for Kutch by army officers.

Places to Visit around Rann of Kutch

Kala (Kalo) Dungar

Your visit to Rann of Kutch is incomplete without visiting the highest point here. Kala Dungar is a uniquely fun place for you to relax and have a different experience. The land beneath goes on as far as the eyes can go and you may even see the nearby Indo - Pak border from here. The perfect vantage point to get the panoramic view of the entire Kutch landscape surrounding you.

Wild Ass Sanctuary

Panning over an area of 4,592 sq. km. in the year 1972 as the name suggests this sanctuary was established as a safe abode for the endangered species of the Wild Ass. Apart from the ass population the sanctuary also serves as the home for a variety of unique flora, fauna, and water-based creatures due to its unique location. It will soon become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

Add a spiritual blend into your vacation plans for Kutch by offering your prayer to lord Shiva at this eloquently built temple located close to the great Rann of Kutch. The architecture of this temple is remarkable and worth a visit since it depicts the age-old culture and tradition of Gujarat. The walls are beautifully carved and finely designed which elevates the beauty of this place.

Chhari Dhandh

This is among the most offbeat places for you to visit which consists of wide green open spaces which allow you to have a peaceful time. You can check out the wilderness of Gujarat here. a visit here especially during the time of sunset you will be able to view some of the most exotic birds collection flying home from the watch tower here. One of the most fun experiences here would be to camp here for a night which would be unlike anything else in the world.

People of Kutch

The local people and tribes inhabiting Kutch are very hard-working and creative while simultaneously managing to keep their ancient heritage well preserved. They are famous for their delicate wood carving, terracotta pottery, and other unique textile designs and patterns. The houses where they live are made out of mud and cow dung as well as mirrors. If you want you can even stay in one such house by checking for availability there. They believe in keeping their houses and surroundings clean. Their creativity is evident since they produce fine works of textiles like block printing of all types. They are even popular for the Bandhani style of clothing weaving utilizing different shapes and styles. The local population is orthodox in their thinking and way of life but has embraced the wave of tourism with open arms. Their handicrafts work is their source of earning and livelihood. The people of Kutch can easily be distinguished in a crowd because of their traditional clothing. It is clear that the people here are humble, peaceful, nature-loving, and respect their heritage.

Flora and Fauna of Kutch

The unique Kutch landscape allows you to explore one of the most diverse ranges of flora and fauna selection here:

  • Flora: Acacia trees are a common occurrence in Kutch along with the presence of Mesquite which is a leguminous plant growing freely in the arid regions of Kutch. The wild exotic plant collections here were bought from South America to hinder the growth of desert and soil erosion. Some plant growths here are also utilized as cattle feed. The coastal regions are home to Halophytes, Suaeda, Avicennia, etc. flower culture also extends to muddy creeks and in the area.
  • Fauna: The wildlife collection of this region includes animals like the famous Wild Ass, Chinkara, Desert Fox, Jackal, Nilgai, Wolf, Blackbuck, and striped hyena, etc. people visit here to witness the incredible selection of fauna that has found its home in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Besides the mammals, there are also several lizard species along with exotic bird species here. The patchy grassland here serves as the grazing land as well apart from attracting several birds from all over.

Villages in Rann of Kutch

Bhujodi

Situated at a mere distance of 8 kms from Bhuj and is one of the main centers for textile development in Gujarat. Visiting here you will be able to meet and buy some of the most exquisite collections of Tie Dye artists, block printers, weavers, etc. buying their crafts will help them in maintaining a livelihood for their families so make sure to buy something there and do your bit for the welfare of the people here.

Ajrakhpur

The village is named after the worldwide famous 3,000-year-old art of Ajrakh i.e. block printing using natural colors like henna, indigo, pomegranate, etc. it truly is a one-of-a-kind art that will be a good way to experience the local like in Kutch. Each printing block here is intricately hand-carved by the people belonging to the Khatri community.

Kukma Khamir

Situated at a distance of 16 km from the main town of Bhuj Kukma Village is primarily famous for being the main weaving center of Kutch. The village of Khamir is one of the most active campuses which is open to the general public and welcomes anybody interested in learning or knowing more about weaving. This is also ranked among one of the most famous tourist spots in Gujarat and helps in promoting traditional artisanal growth and promotion. If you are looking for a different holiday experience then you must visit this village.