Why your trip to Kutch should be a perfect blend of the off beaten paths and the famous touristy Rann Utsav

Reetu Yadav

Published on: June 6, 2019

Are you thinking of visiting Rann of Kutch,one of the world’s largest salt desert, this season?
1)A trip to Kutch is incomplete without a visit to the colorful city of Dhordo.

Dhordo is a treasure trove of culture, exquisite handicraft, melodious folk songs, foot-tapping folk dance and gastronomical wonders. The streets of Dhordo are a shoppers delight. The sea of extraordinary choices will leave you dazzled and mesmerized. You can pick up souvenirs and purchase exquisite handcrafted articles from here. Once the wallets are lighter and the bags heavier, you can spend the evening soaking in the Kutchhi culture. The brilliant performance by local artists against the background of the setting sun, the camel rides and the interaction with local camel herders, the women dressed in traditional wear, looking gorgeous as ever and the array of food is what makes Dhordo, although a tourist spot, a compulsory visit.

2)The heart of Kutch lies in its villages, its Culture and Craft.

Almost every hamlet in Kutch specializes in one craft and just a handful of families practice it. At Bhujodi village, weavers create magic with their fingertips. At Ajrakhpur, families practice block printing and there are several villages specializing in jewellery and bandini. One must see village is Nirona, only 45 kms away from Bhuj. Here you can interact with the locals, hear their stories and see them practice some unique arts and crafts form such as Copper Bell art, Lacquered Wood art, and even Rogan Painting — a local art form that is almost exclusive to the village and has even made its way to the White House as a gift to President Obama from Prime Minister Modi. If you have been to Kutch and not visited its villages, then you have not seen Kutch at all.

3)Overnight stay at Dhordo is overrated. Instead stay the night at local villages.

The white salt desert stretches for 10,000 sq kms. That implies that Dhordo is not the only place from where the Rann can be accessed. You can choose to stay the night at beautiful campsites located at local villages such as Chobari and Bhuj. These campsites, unlike Dhordo are not crowded and does not dig a hole in the pocket. They are remote, peaceful and traditionally set up. Moreover, the food at these campsites are prepared by the locals of that area and it can’t get more authentic than this. And if that doesn’t convince you, due to lack of crowd, you get the Rann all to yourself.

4)Visit the Rann during the full moon period

All those who advice you to visit Rann during the full moon period are, well, right. During full moon, the moon turns as bright as the sun and the infinite sea of white land sparkles as precious gems under its light. It’s a phenomena that has to be experienced to be believed.

5)Explore the Indus valley civilization at Dholavira.

Dholavira is around 120 kms from Chobari and is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus valley Civilization of the Harappan culture, dating back to 4500 years ago.
Visit to Dholavira offers us a memorable experience that comes with being surrounded by the Great Rann of Kutch. It is a unique insight into the pioneering Harappan mind, with one of the world’s earliest and best planned water conservation systems and what might be the world’s first signboards, written in ancient indus script.

6)Indulge in Local food.

Well, Gujarat is famous for its variety in food and is heaven for Street food lovers.
During our last trip to Kutch, the team loved the food we had at a locals home at Dholavira. Don’ forget to indulge in Vada pao, Dabeli, Pao Bhaji, Khakhra , Dhokla durig your visit to Kutch.

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