Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch, is a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. Much of it consists of one of the world's largest salt deserts, measuring about 10,000 square kilometers (3,800 square miles). What makes it even more amazing is that the salt desert is underwater during the main monsoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Here's all the information you need to visit it.

The vast and arid expanse that is the Great Rann of Kutch lies to the north of the Tropic of Cancer (you'll pass through it and see the sign), at the top of the Kutch district. The northern boundary forms the border between India and Pakistan.

The Great Rann is best approached via Bhuj. Dhordo, approximately an hour and a half north of Bhuj, is being developed by the Gujarat government as the Gateway to the Rann. Dhordo is on the edge of the salt desert.

Description of the “The White Desert of India"

Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert.  The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning. 

Kutch is also among the largest districts of India with a terribly low population density. Also, Kutch lies on the India-Pakistan border and you can see parts of Pakistan from Kutch. Kutch is also famous for crafts and embroidery works, Flamingo Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch. Beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don't miss to see the ancient town of Dholavira.

History of Kutch

The history of Kutch dates back to prehistoric times. There have been traces found, of its existence, in the Indus Valley sites. Alexander mentioned the town in his early writings. It was ruled by the Greeks before it finally fell in the hands of the Mauryan Empire. For the next few centuries, Kutch was ruled by a number of dynasties including Western Satraps, Guptas, Chavdas, Chalukyas and the Jadega brothers. The ancestors of the last ruler Rayadhan II, also founded Kathiawar. In 1819, owing to a defeat in a battle, Kutch came under the jurisdiction of the British. When India attained independence, Kutch became a ‘dominion of India’ and was declared a separate state 1950. In 1956, it was merged with Bombay state. Finally, when the two states of Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed in 1960, Kutch came to be a part of the latter.

Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch

The Rann begins to dry up in October every year, steadily transforming into the desolate and surreal salt desert. The tourist season runs until March. Nearby accommodations close at the end of March and don't reopen until November. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience, go towards the end of the tourist season in March. You can still visit the salt desert in April and May though, on a day trip from Bhuj. However, it's very hot during the day. Plus, there's an absence of basic facilities for tourists (food, water and toilets). 

You'll pretty much have the salt desert to yourself though!

It's best to head out into the desert only in the early morning or evening, otherwise the salt can be blinding. You can take a moonlight camel safari into the desert. The full moon is the most magical time of month to experience it.

Top Places to See in Kutch

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

Less than 100 km 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.

Dholavira

It is one of the largest excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization which was one of the most developed civilizations roughly 4500 years ago.

Kutch Museum

The oldest museum of Gujarat, the Kutch Museum boasts of its collection of the extinct Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tribal artifacts are also a part of the museum along with many other kinds of objects on display such as embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculptures and precious metalwork.

Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

Also known locally as the Lala Prajan Sanctuary, its primary aim is to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. Among many other different varieties of wildlife that can be found within the reserve, there are three different kinds of Bustards themselves in the sanctuary.

Mandvi Beach

The Mandvi beach is one of the most serene beaches on the Northwestern shore. It's the perfect destination to come and relax with family and friends during winter mornings.

How to Reach Kutch

The only way to reach Kutch is by road as it's mostly desert. Kutch city does not have a dedicated railway station or airport. The nearest airport and railway station is in Bhuj. You will have to take a vehicle from here to reach Kutch. 

By flight: The nearest airport to Kutch is in the city of Bhuj, which is around 80 km from the Rann desert. Bhuj airport is well connected to cities all over India. Flights run from and to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata etc.

By road: This is the only actual option to reach Kutch. You can take your own vehicle or hire a cab from Bhuj to reach Kutch. Consequently, you can also travel with your own vehicle from Ahmedabad (400 km away) or Rajkot (300km away) to reach Kutch directly.

By train: As mentioned, the city does not have a dedicated railway station of its own. However, Bhuj city has a railway station with trains coming from many major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad etc. You will have to arrange a vehicle or take a cab to reach Kutch from Bhuj.