The White Rann of Kutch, often simply referred to as the Rann of Kutch, is a mesmerizing salt desert located in the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat. Covering an area of about 7,505 square kilometers, it is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The region derives its name from the vast stretches of white salt that characterize the landscape here.
Table of Contents
About White Rann Of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh and its soils tend to change with the seasons.During the rainy season, flooding occurs in the area, leaving behind a layer of white salt after the water recedes. This unique natural phenomenon produces spectacular views, especially under sunlight or moonlight.
The horizon that you see in the pictures captured by me speaks for itself. The warmth of the sunset was a sheer delight as the sun seemingly meets the earth in the most gentle way possible. The white salt of the desert throws a perfect contrast to the changing colors in the sky. And as the sun bids a good bye to the onlookers, the white desert shines under the moon in bliss.
Cultural Significance
The Rann of Kutch is culturally significant in addition to its natural beauty. Several groups, notably the Kutchi, call this region home. And The desert terrain inextricably links their way of life
Handicraft Market
Thе annual Rann Utsav, a cultural fеstival hеld from Octobеr to Fеbruary, attracts tourists from all ovеr thе world. During this fеstival, visitors can witnеss traditional dancе pеrformancеs, folk music, camеl safaris, and еxquisitе handicrafts madе by local artisans.
Rann Utsav date 2023-2024: Time you need to go
The Rann Utsav celebration is conducted every year during the winter months. The Rann of Kutch becomes extremely hot in the summer. The Official date for Rann Utsav: October 26th, 2023 to February 24th, 2024. .
How to Reach kutch
Rеaching thе Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, India, involvеs sеvеral transportation options, dеpеnding on your starting point. Hеrе arе thе gеnеral ways to rеach thе Rann of Kutch:
- By Road: You can reach to Bhuj City from any part of Gujarat state. And there are only two govt buses from Bhuj city go to Dhrodo side (White Rann is nearby Dhrodo village) and they will drop you at Bhindiyara check post that is 15 km away from Rann of Kutch. Better You hire taxi from Bhuj to Rann of Kutch which will cost around Rs.2500 per day.
- By Airways : The nearest airport to the Rann of Kutch is Bhuj Airport (BHU). From Bhuj, you can hire a taxi to reach various parts of the Rann of Kutch. This airport is not well connected with major cities of India. Better you take flight up to Rajkot or Ahmedabad then go by road.
- By Train : Bhuj is the nearest major railway station. Several trains connect Bhuj to other cities in Gujarat and neighboring states. From Bhuj, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the Rann of Kutch.
How to Get Rann Permit and charges applied
It is a border area and Indian army is posted there so everyone must have a permit for visiting Rann of Kutch.
Per day charges are below –
- Free entry for child up to 5 years.
- Rs.50 per child between 6 to 12 years.
- Rs.100 per adult.
- Rs.25 for two wheeler
- Rs.50 for four wheeler
You can avail the permit both ways- offline and online. It is available at Bhindiyara village check post. It will be on the way to the Rann.
You can get permit online by clicking here Online Rann Permit .
Where To Stay In Rann of Kutch
There are plenty of resorts available and you can book any of them online. Prices range from Rs.3000 to Rs.15000 per night on twin sharing basis.
Bhunga houses are Kutch’s round huts and the true identity of the Kutch desert areas. These wonderful cottages are made of mud and decorated on the inside and outside with numerous things. Staying in Bhunga houses is an unforgettable experience. You must give it a try.
You can check resorts and Tent houses on Expedia Group.
Staying in Rann Of Kutch is expensive as it is a desert area plus business stands there for four months only.
Do watch my vlogs on my YouTube Channel
Also read my blogs on Thar desert of Jaisalmer.
3 thoughts on “White Rann Of Kutch : Rann Utsav – A Must Read Before Visit”