Kutch Travel Essentials

Rating:

 
4.4 /5 (53 ratings) Rate This Destination

Weather:

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: July to March Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"The White Desert of India"

Kutch Tourism

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 district 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.

Kutch Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Top Hotels In Kutch

More on Kutch Travel

Just run in the Great White Rann!

The Great Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat. The area is special for its spectacular views at full moon nights when the moonlight shines brightly on the salt crystals formed on the marsh. A trip to this place would be a leisure trip where you can relax from all your stress and enjoy the delicacies at certain resorts. Although there is only the White Rann desert to see at this place, travelers can visit other places of interest like the Kala Dungar and Gandhi-nu-gaam for shopping and leisure. Tourists can also enjoy Golf Cart, ATV Ride, Camel Cart Excursion, Paramotoring, Meditation, Yoga and Gujarati Culture at select resorts in the tent city. The Gujarat tourism arranges a Rann Utsav every year for tourists to visit the place.

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 found 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.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kutch

The food in Kutch is mainly vegetarian, given a dominating influence of Jainism and Brahmanism, both of which follow strict vegetarianism and often avoid garlic, potatoes, yam and onion too. A local delicacy in the area is Bajra na Rotla which is usually accompanied by, like almost every other meal in the district, a refreshing glassful of Lassi, Chaas or Buttermilk. You can also relish a typical Gujarati Thali which would consist of Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Curd , Rice and Vegetable Curries The other Gujarati savouries that one cannot miss include Chakri, Dhokla, Papad, Kachumbar, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi and Khaman. Most of these are dry snacks and are ideal while traveling or for taking some home. Along with these try traditional Gujarati sweets such as Ghevar, Malpua, Basundi and much more.
Try Kutchi dabeli or Double Roti (A snack made by creating a mixture of boiled potatoes, a special dabeli masala and stuffing on a pav and served with a special chutney). Alcohol is not available here since Gujarat is a dry state.
View Top Restaurants in Kutch

Suggested Itinerary for Kutch

Day 1: Arrive at Bhuj airport or railway station in the morning and head towards the Tent City. Plan you travel accordingly because check-in times at resorts in Kutch are 12:30. In the evening, transfer to White Rann and witness the grandeur of the sunset. Mode of transfer can be through Camel Cart / Bus on a first come first basis. Back at the resort, enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities.
Day 2: Wake up early morning to witness the beautiful sunrise at the White Rann. Get back to your resort and have breakfast and relax. Later in the day, all resorts offer a complimentary visit to Kala Dungar and Gandhi-nu-gaam. Enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities at night.
Day 3: Check-out from the hotel and head towards Bhuj for the local sight-seeing. Places of interest are Aina Mahal, Swami Narayan Mandir, Museum etc. Please check timings and open days of these places before the visit.

Best Time to Visit Kutch

Browse Hotel Collections

Kutch Photos

Kutch, Gujarat
Camel Cart Ride at Rann of Kutch Festival

+ 45
photos

FAQs on Kutch

What are the places near Kutch?

The top places near to Kutch are Bhuj which is 58 km from Kutch, Dholavira which is located 40 km from Kutch, Anjar which is located 71 km from Kutch, Udaipur which is located 399 km from Kutch, Patan which is located 231 km from Kutch

What are the things to do in Kutch?

The top things to do in Kutch are Rann of Kutch, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Dholavira, Kutch Museum, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, Mandvi Beach, Bhuj. You can see all the places to visit in Kutch here

How much does a package cost for Kutch?

The packages for Kutch start at INR 9000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What is the best way to reach Kutch?

Since the Rann of Kutch or the Kutch area is basically a barren desert it is only accessible through road. Kutch city does not have a dedicated railway station or airport. You have to take a vehicle to reach this place.
Read More

What is the local food in Kutch?

The food in Kutch is mainly vegetarian, given a dominating influence of Jainism and Brahmanism, both of which follow strict vegetarianism and often avoid garlic, potatoes, yam and onion too. A local delicacy in the area is Bajra na Rotla which is usually accompanied by, like almost every other meal in the district, a refreshing glassful of Lassi, Chaas or Buttermilk. You can also relish a typical Gujarati Thali which would consist of Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Curd , Rice and Vegetable Curries The other Gujarati savouries that one cannot miss include Chakri, Dhokla, Papad, Kachumbar, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi and Khaman. Most of these are dry snacks and are ideal while traveling or for taking some home. Along with these try traditional Gujarati sweets such as Ghevar, Malpua, Basundi and much more.
Try Kutchi dabeli or Double Roti (A snack made by creating a mixture of boiled potatoes, a special dabeli masala and stuffing on a pav and served with a special chutney). Alcohol is not available here since Gujarat is a dry state.
Read More

What is the best time to visit Kutch?

As we shift westwards of a truly incredible India, we come across an offbeat region in the state of Gujarat - Kutch. Winters (November-Feb) are the best time to visit Kutch, mainly because of the full moon nights as the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand turns the place into an absolute paradise. The Rann Festival is also organised during the same time, and that increases the scope for a lot of activities in and around the region. Summers should be avoided as temperatures can go as high as 45 degree celcius. 

Read More

Who should visit Kutch?

Great place to arrange a short and sweet tour with your family and your loved ones. Awesome for couples to spend some quality time

What is not so good about Kutch?

Temperatures are a bit extreme, hot during day and cooler at nights. Some resorts have a problem of bugs in the tents which can be an inconvenience.

What is famous about Kutch?

Leisure destination. The entrancing White desert in the Rann of Kutch. Delectable Gujarati delicacies to enjoy.

Have a Question on Kutch?

Ask a question from the travellers who have
experience.

Popular Questions And Answers on Kutch

Q. From Ahmedabad how to see all the places shown here

Rajat Jain

5 years ago
You can drive to Kutch, take a bus, or simply take the train, which goes via Bhuj and takes about 7.5 hours. The road is also scenic and if you can drive, its a lovely journey.
Add Your Answer

Q. What is the best time to visit Kutch?

Holidify

5 years ago
The best time to visit Kutch is from July-March. You can also visit the place during Kutch Mahotsav
Add Your Answer

Kutch Reviews

Your rating

Naman Sarawagi

on Great Rann of Kutch 5 years ago
The Rann (Desert) is magical. Nothing like anything that I have witnessed before. Good 2-3 hours during sunset and an hour around sunrise to enjoy. The White Rann and Tent City are good places to sta (Read More)y. Avoid going to Kutch if you don't get a booking at 1 of these 2 places. Other places are BAD. The overall festival is pretty mediocre. The food outside the main catering area is like any other run down tourist place. Include Mandvi beach during your visit. About 100 Kms from Kutch. Nice long stretch of sand with activities. Kutch probably has the worst food for a tourist place.

sarika shah

5 years ago
Best time to visit kutch is November to February.. Enjoy Rannutsav

Naman Sarawagi

on Mandvi Beach 5 years ago
The beach is about 2.5 hrs from Kutch but generally included in the same visit. The beach is long. About 100 meters from the main entrance, the beach is mostly untouched and clean. Food is a let down (Read More) on the beach.
View 10 Packages