Beauty In The Nothingness – The Rann Of Kutch
Have you ever dreamt of yourself surrounded by nothing but never-ending whiteness? Do you think such a tintless infinite horizon exists only in dreams? The answer to it is, it does exist in real life in Kutch, Gujarat. Nothing but complete beauty in the wilderness that instantly transports you to cloud 9.
Let’s take a peek at this reality-like dream place called the Rann of Kutch, utterly the most picturesque desert in the world.
The Rann Of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch consisting of the Great Rann and the Little Rann is a blissed-out salt marsh region in Gujarat, India. Entrancingly sitting amidst the Indo-Pakistan Border, it is the world’s largest salt crust desert. The reason behind the massive stretch of packed white salt is due to the lower rate of water evaporation than the precipitation rate.
Occupying a total area of 10000 sq m, the Rann of Kutch becomes a marvelling spectacle in the monsoon when the spread of white salt emerges underwater. The place becomes wilder during the clear seasons as one can witness the change of landscapes making it truly a magical experience.
Where is the Rann of Kutch?
The Great Rann of Kutch being the larger portion of the desert extends east and west with the Thar Desert to the North and the low hills of Kutch to the south. The northern part of the desert forms the border between India and Pakistan Meanwhile, the Little Rann of Kutch lies southeast of the Great Rann and southwest of the Gulf of Kutch. On your arrival, you will see the sign board indicating the desert crosses the Tropic Of Cancer.
How to Reach The Rann of Kutch?
To reach the Rann, one must first reach Bhuj, the nearest city to the destination. From Bhuj, travellers should proceed on their journey to the desert. Reaching the place is easy and can reach through Air, Road and Rail.
By Air
Bhuj airport serves as a domestic airport and is well-linked with airports in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Airlines like GoAir, Jet Airways, Air India and Indigo offer direct flight service from Mumbai to Bhuj. However, direct flights from Delhi or any other major cities to Bhuj are not available till Ahmedabad. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad connects with all the domestic and international airports in India.
By Road
Bhuj is a tourist-friendly destination and accessible through various major cities of India. With the roads in good condition, visitors can take a bus anywhere from Gujarat to Bhuj. Tourists can also book private transportation and reach the destination. One can fly to Bhuj or arrive by train and take the road trip to the Rann of Kutch.
By Train
For those travelling by train, the nearest railway station to the Rann of Kutch is the Bhuj Railway Station. From there on, one can get a taxi, or private vehicle or a tour operator can arrange for you to reach the destination.
Permit To Enter The Rann of Kutch
The fact that few portions of the Rann touch the international border with Pakistan, every visitor needs a permit to enter. You need not worry much as obtaining permission is simple. One can easily get the permit from the BSF checkpoint in Bhirandiyara village on the way to Rann by submitting photocopies of certain documents:
- For Indian visitors, PAN Card, driving licence, Aadhar card or Passport is a must.
- Foreign tourists will only have to present their passports.
Entry fee during the Rann Utsav per adult and child is Rs. 100 and Rs. 50 respectively.
Best Time To Visit
The end of October to March is the tourist season and the most ideal time to visit the White Desert. The temperature is mild and pleasing during the day but it drops suddenly at night. To see the fresh and unspoilt view, you can plan a trip during October. As crowds pour in throughout the months, the white settings turn blemished and brown making the landscape grubby.
The temperature is gravely high at noon from April to September and is not an ideal time to visit. However, to see the imposing scene of the Rann during the extreme monsoon season, you can take a day trip from Bhuj. You will be blown away at the flooded sight of the desert.
Things Not To Miss at the Rann of Kutch
The arid region of nothing but the sheet of endless salt is simply a treat for the eyes at the Rann of Kutch. No sand dunes, dust storms or cactus are in sight yet the weight of beauty it holds is plainly breathtaking. Besides, nature’s exquisite art of sketching the entire landscape at every passing time of the days and seasons is clearly ravishing. Things worth seeing the most at Kutch and cannot afford to miss are:
Sunrise –
Witnessing the sunrise at the Rann of Kutch is a wholesome experience that will imprint on your mind forever. Capture the very sight to revitalize your memory back to this moment.
Sunset –
The sublime view of the setting sun will simply sweep the onlookers’ hearts with fascination. The exhausting ball of light setting the horizon ablaze in fiery orange will keep your heart racing in awe.
Full moon night –
The full moon at its pinnacle glimmering above the slivery flat surface is a sight that will absorb every fibre of your being. This juncture of a moonlit night enhancing the entire desert will transport you to a heavenly realm where all you wish for could possibly come true.
Rann Utsav Festival –
Rann Utsav is an amusing cultural festival that takes place annually in the Dhordo Village, Kutch. At this event, a carnival of music, setting up a city tent, dance, and other cultural attractions are the prime activities that will last for more than 100 days.
Photography –
Photography is the ultimate thing you should not miss out on at the Rann. It is just the right place for every photographer who dreams of capturing the most picturesque landscape. Snap every good moment, aesthetic view, and ideal photoshoot in this seventh heaven.
Scenic Ride –
A scenic ride along the breathtaking nothingness is a thrilling experience at Rann of Kutch. For instance, take the road from Dholavira to Dhordo to witness the most ravishing ride in the world.
Sightseeing –
Rann of Kutch, prevailing with limitless attractions, is perfect for sightseeing. Nearby vicinity is one of the most striking remains of the Harappa Civilization in the region of Dholavira, A UNESCO recognised site. Kala Dungar is also a magnificent place to view the desert significantly.
Camel Safari –
Taking a camel safari on a moonlit night at the Rann gives an extraordinary excitement that you have never felt before. Enjoy the staggering view riding on the back of a camel with your loved ones and devote the moment.
Places To stay
During the peak season which is from October to March, Rann of Kutch is recreated with tent cities where one can choose from hundreds of stay options. You have nothing to sweat out in finding a place to stay during this time of the year. However in odd seasons from April to September, one can only get the stay option only in Bhuj. You can also find a few options at Dhordo or nearby Hodka. The Gateway to Rann Resort and the Toran Rann Resort at Dhordo, and the Shaam-e-Sarhad resort at Hodka are a few resorts mentioned.
Also Read:- THE VIBRANT STATE OF GUJARAT