The Rann of Kutch is a special place in India that offers unforgettable memories. The Rann Utsav is an event you shouldn’t miss. Visiting the Rann Utsav gives you a great chance to stay in a tent and explore the colorful Kutch region. Known as the White Desert, the Rann of Kutch is a breathtaking place, and the vibrant colors of the region will make your trip to the Rann Utsav truly memorable.
In this guide to the Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav, I will help you to plan your perfect trip and share what you need to know. One of the highlights will be watching the sunset over the Great Rann of Kutch, one of the best sunsets in the world.
The term “Rann” means desert in Hindi. The Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt flats globally, spanning approximately 26,000 square kilometers. Most of it is located in Gujarat, India, with some extending into Pakistan’s Sindh region. It is split into two main sections: the Greater Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch, each with its own distinct and breathtaking landscape.
In this Rann of Kutch travel guide, you will find :
Table of contents
- Rann Utsav Travel Guide
- Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch
- When is Rann Utsav celebrated?
- Where to Stay in Rann of Kutch during the Rann Utsav?
- How Many days are enough for Rann of Kutch?
- How to Reach Kutch?
- How to Reach Kutch from Bhuj?
- How to Get Permit to Visit Rann of Kutch?
- Mobile Network in Kutch
- Is Rann Utsav Worth Visiting?
- What will be the Cost of Travelling to Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav?
If you are interested to see a short video of my journey through the Rann of Kutch, see the video below:
Rann Utsav Travel Guide
The Rann Utsav began in 2004, originally planned for just three days during the Full Moon when the Rann of Kutch appears magical. The festival gained international recognition and quickly expanded to several months.
Today, Rann Utsav runs from November to February and celebrates the culture, heritage, people, and cuisine of Vibrant Gujarat. It offers a glimpse into the rich traditions of Gujarat and the Kutch region.
Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch
A popular question is when to visit the Rann of Kutch for the best experience. The Best time to visit the Rann of Kutch and experience the Rann Utsav is from November to March. The festival, which starts in November and runs through February, takes advantage of the pleasantly cool weather during these months. Nights can get quite chilly, so it’s a good idea to bring light to moderate winter clothing.
This period is the peak tourist season in the Rann of Kutch. With the Rann Utsav drawing large crowds, you’ll find numerous shops run by local artisans and artists offering Kutch crafts.
During this season, the Rann of Kutch remains dry and free of mud, unlike the rainy months or immediately after the rains. If you’re planning a trip, the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is from November to March.
When is Rann Utsav celebrated?
Rann Utsav runs from November to February, lasting for four months each year. The exact dates may vary slightly each year.
Where to Stay in Rann of Kutch during the Rann Utsav?
Rann Utsav takes place in Dhordo, a village in the Kutch region. During the festival, Dhordo undergoes a remarkable transformation, with an entire city rising up to host the celebrations.
The area, known as Tent City, features luxury tents set up before the Rann Utsav. In recent years, several resorts and smaller tent cities have also emerged. For the duration of the four-month festival, these tents offer accommodation to tourists from around the world. Once the festival ends, the tents are taken down.
How Many days are enough for Rann of Kutch?
To fully experience the Rann of Kutch and the Rann Utsav, consider staying for 2 days and 2 nights. This allows you to relax, explore various attractions, and visit the white desert multiple times, ensuring you capture unforgettable memories from Kutch.
How to Reach Kutch?
If you are coming from any by big city in India, unfortunately, there is no direct connectivity to Kutch.
If you’re planning to drive or take a bus to Bhuj, be prepared for a long journey, but rest assured, the drive is quite scenic. From Ahmedabad, the trip typically takes around 7-8 hours.
For bus travel, you have options from both private and government providers. Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) operates clean, economical buses with both semi-sleeper and sleeper options. Prices range from ₹400 to ₹800, depending on the bus type. Private buses are generally more expensive.
Consider taking an early morning bus to reach Bhuj by afternoon. This way, you can explore Bhuj before heading to the Rann Utsav or the Rann of Kutch the next day, saving valuable time.
If you’re traveling with a group of four, hiring a private car might be a better choice than taking a bus. Private cars can be rented on an hourly basis or for a flat rate from Ahmedabad to Bhuj. Occasionally, you might find shared private vehicles, but these are rare. It’s a good idea to check with various travel agencies or your hotel for the best rates and options.
How to reach Bhuj by Train?
Traveling to Bhuj by train is a highly convenient option. You can alight at Bhuj Railway Station, which is well-connected by trains from major cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
Once at Bhuj Railway Station, local transportation options are readily available to take you to your destination in Bhuj. The village of Dhordo, where the Rann Utsav tents are set up, is about 80 kilometers from the station. You can either hire a car or take advantage of the free pick-up and drop-off service provided by the Rann Utsav organizers from the railway station.
How to Reach Kutch from Bhuj
Traveling from Bhuj to Kutch is relatively quick, with the distance being approximately 80 kilometers. There are several options for making the journey, but costs can add up if you’re on a budget and have arranged your own accommodation.
If you’ve booked a stay at Tent City in Dhordo for the Rann Utsav, traveling from Bhuj to Kutch becomes more convenient and budget-friendly. Rann Utsav provides a free pickup and drop-off service, with around 3-4 buses operating between Bhuj and Dhordo at various times throughout the day.
To take advantage of this service, ensure you arrive in Bhuj with enough time to catch one of these buses. Otherwise, you might need to arrange alternative transportation or spend an extra day in Bhuj. Be sure to check the pickup and drop-off timings when you book your stay at Tent City Dhordo.
How to Get Permit to Visit Rann of Kutch?
To visit the Rann of Kutch, you will need a permit due to its proximity to the Pakistan border. However, if you book your stay at Tent City for the Rann Utsav, the permits will be arranged on your behalf.
If you need to obtain the permit yourself, you can get it from the Bhirandiara Check Post, which is about 55 kilometers from Bhuj. While the permit is generally issued for one day, presenting your accommodation booking voucher can extend it to 2-3 days. You will need to show an original government-approved ID and provide a photocopy.
The permit is quite affordable, costing approximately ₹100 for adults, and an additional ₹50 for the vehicle permit.
Alternatively, you can apply for the permit online through the Go Kutch website.
Mobile Network in Kutch
If you rely on high-speed internet, you might be somewhat disappointed in the Kutch region. Due to its vast size and proximity to the border, the network coverage can be inconsistent. You may find 4G connectivity in some areas, while others might have no data service at all.
Public Wi-Fi is generally unavailable, except at Tent City in Dhordo, where free Wi-Fi is provided. However, the speed of this Wi-Fi typically ranges between 4-10 Mbps.
Is Rann Utsav Worth Visiting?
There’s no doubt that Rann Utsav is a must-visit and offers a truly unforgettable experience. It provides an incredible opportunity to explore the rich culture of the Kutch region and gain insight into its unique lifestyle and crafts. Visiting Rann Utsav will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.
What will be the Cost of Travelling to Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav?
The Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav may not be ideal for budget backpackers, as it is generally not a low-cost destination. However, backpackers can still make it work with very economical accommodations.
If you plan to stay in the luxury tents at Rann Utsav, you should budget around ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 for a couple for a 3-day stay, excluding airfare.
Alternatively, if you choose to stay in a hotel in Bhuj and travel to the Rann of Kutch daily, you can reduce your budget by approximately ₹5,000. In this case, you would need about ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 for a couple for 3 days.
Finally, I want to say that visiting the Rann of Kutch and experiencing the rich culture of Vibrant Gujarat was a dream come true for me, thanks to Gujarat Tourism.
I cherished every moment of my journey through Vibrant Gujarat and look forward to planning another trip soon to explore more of the state.
If you found this guide to the Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav helpful, please share it with your friends and family. If you have any questions, feel free to email me or leave a comment below.
