Rann of Kutch

Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Desert

Timings : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Time Required : 2-3 hrs

Entry Fee : Entry: INR 100 per person,
Car: INR 50

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Great Rann of Kutch, Kutch Overview

The Great Rann of Kutch, is a large area of salt marshland, is located in the District of Kutch, in the western state of India, Gujarat. The vast expanse is situated in the Thar Desert and is formed of salt marshes. Sunsets at the Great Rann of Kutch are a treat to the eyes after exploring the region. 

The region is divided into two parts, the Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch and comprises of massive deposits of salt in the desert. These deposits are known for producing a mirage, and many pilgrims have shared stories about witnessing optical illusion that seem as good as real.  

The region has been so famous for its natural beauty that it was featured in numerous films in India, for example - Refugee, Magadheera, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, Sarainodu etc. It has also been mentioned in several books including the Booker Prize-Winning Novel, Midnight's Children, written by Salman Rushdie. The name, Great Rann of Kutch, was derived from the word "Rann" meaning desert in Hindi and the district it is located in. It is considered as one of the largest salt deserts in the entire world.

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Geography of Rann of Kutch

The beautiful Rann of Kutch is a large flooded grassland zone in India and has desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other that helps the ecosystem thrive in the extreme climatic conditions of Kutch.  

The salt march of the Great Rann of Kutch is located in the Thar Desert of the district of Kutch, in Gujarat. A part of this Rann lies in India and some portion in the Sindh province of Pakistan. In India, it occupies an area of over 7500 square kilometres making it one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The Rann is divided into two parts, the Great and the Little Rann of Kutch and has the Banni Grasslands to its south.

It lies between the Gulf of Kutch and the Indus River in Pakistan and comprises of flatlands of salty clay located about 15 metres above sea level. These flatlands were once a part of the Arabian Seabed but due to a continuous geological uplift of the region, the land was disconnected from the sea leaving an enormous lake. The Rivers Luni and West Banas drain into the Thar Desert from North-East while the River Rupen drains from the east. The wildlife sanctuary on the sandy islets of the region is home to a variety of birds like Flamingos, Common Teal, Pelicans, Ducks and Sarus Cranes.

Rann of Kutch Utsav

The Rann Utsav is a vibrant celebration of life and colours of the beautiful and rich culture of Kutch and Gujarat. The festival is celebrated in the midst of the enchanting Rann of Kutch with traditional music, dance and finger licking good Gujarati cuisine. It is a three-month-long event and many plan family holidays during the time to experience and enjoy the lively celebrations of Kutch.

An overnight stay is highly recommended as the visuals of the Rann of Kutch especially during full moon nights cannot be found in any other part of the world. The day times have a variety of colour sprinkled on the barren lands and offer visitors an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse traditions, the generosity and hospitality of Kutchi people.

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Handicrafts in Rann of Kutch

The unique handicrafts of Kutch are world famous. A lot of women and young girls make their living by selling different types of embroidered clothes. The embroidery is of various styles such as Rabari, Ahir, Sindhi, Banni, Mutwa, Ari and Soof - and some styles include mirror or bead inlay.

Best Time To Visit Great Rann of Kutch

The best time to Visit the Great Rann of Kutch is between October and March as the weather is pleasant to explore the outdoors.

Tips For Visiting Rann of Kutch

1. There is provision to park vehicles at a little distance away from the Great Rann of Kutch.
2. Do carry proof of identity to pass check-posts without any hassles.
3. Vehicles are not allowed beyond the BSF check-point.
4. The area is categorized sensitive due to its proximity to Pakistan and hence is under the Control of the Indian Army. Do not let that bog you down; they do not interfere as long as you are just having fun exploring the natural beauty of the location.
5. Do not litter.
6. Take precaution if you have any cuts or rashes. Since this is a salt desert, you might experience burning sensation.
7. Some parts of the desert might be wet, so tread carefully.
8. Wear proper footwear as it tends to get heavier by salt sticking to it.

How To Reach Rann of Kutch

The closest railway station is the Bhachau Railway Station in Bhachau town which is around 80 kilometres from the mesmerizing expanse of Rann of Kutch.The closest airport is the Kandla Airport in Kutch which is about 100 kilometres away from the salt desert.  

One can rent tourist cabs to reach the Great Rann of Kutch via road from the Airport or the Railway Station. There are regular direct buses plying from Bhuj to Rann of Kutch that one can take.

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Great Rann of Kutch Reviews

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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.

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