Located in the Thar Desert in Gujarat, some parts of Rann of Kutch stretch to the Pakistani province of Sindh. This white desert is one of the greatest charms of Gujarat. Yes, Rann of Kutch is truly unique, in the sense that it offers you a different side of nature – a vast desert without any greenery.
Fun Fact: The word Kachchh derives from a local fable that the region’s map, if turned upside down, resembles kachchh, the Sanskrit word for “tortoise.” (Britannica.com)
Here are 5 reasons why you should visit the Rann of Kutch :
1.Breathtaking natural beauty
The wide expanse of Rann of Kutch gives you the opportunity to take in the best of sunrises and sunsets. Get up early in the morning or observe the sky in the evening, and you can actually see nature painting a live picture for you. The red, orange, purple, pink, and blue hues meld perfectly into the white of the desert on the horizon. Your camera will love it!
Full moon nights bring out a whole new side of the Rann of Kutch. When you see the white full moon shining on the vast white desert – it is nothing short of magical, so be sure that you are at the Rann of Kutch during the full moon.
2.A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers
Although the air is dry and the ground is cracked, Rann of Kutch is still home to some rare wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts must head to the Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Little Rann of Kutch, which is one of the biggest wildlife reserves in the country. Apart from Indian wild ass or ‘ghudkar’, you can also spot jungle cat, desert fox, jackals, and a few birds at this sanctuary.
If you are a bird-watcher, do head to the marshlands. The Nava Talav (lake) and the marshlands are the place to be when you want to see water birds like demoiselle cranes, pelicans, storks, and flamingos. The sight of the pink flamingos against the backdrop of the blue waters is something you will never forget.
3. Ample shopping opportunities
The villages near the Rann of Kutch are inhabited by the local tribes of the region such as the Agarias and Rabari. Visit one of these villages and you will be blown away by the colourful attire and handicrafts on offer. Whether it is the Batik prints or the Chaniya Cholis with elaborate mirror work and embroidery, you will be tempted to buy it as a souvenir.
4.Warm hospitality and delicious food
India has a tradition of following the Sanskrit adage ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which means ‘the guest is equivalent to God’. The Rann of Kutch locals live by this adage – the villagers extend warmth and hospitality to each and every traveller. Though Gujarat has a long coastline with plenty of fresh seafood options, the cuisine here is primarily vegetarian. As compared to other cuisines in India, Gujarati food boasts plenty of sweet and mildly spicy dishes such as khandvi, Dhokla, handvo, gathiya, thepla, undhiyu, fafda jalebi, and many more. Even the savoury dishes tend to have a milder taste instead of the cutting spicy taste that characterises most Indian dishes.
5. For the love of festivities!
Last, but surely not the least, the Rann of Kutch is an absolute treat to visit during the Rann Utsav. It takes place between the months of November and February. The Rann Utsav is nothing short of a carnival, when artistes and musicians from all over the country come together to create a joyful ambience.
During the Rann Utsav, the landscape of the Rann is dotted with craft and food shops, golf carts, game stalls, horse and camel rides, and so on. It is a true celebration of the Indian festive spirit, that you absolutely cannot miss!
Know Before You Go:
Tribal hamlets with cylindrical mud bhungas (huts) are the epicenter for Kutchi embroidery, tie and dye, leatherwork, pottery, bell metal craft and the famous Rogan painting by the only surviving expert family. Approximately 200 km east of the Rann, is the Little Rann of Kutch, which houses the 4953-sq-km Wild Ass Sanctuary. It homes the only remaining population of the chestnut-coloured Indian wild ass (khur), as well as blue-bulls, blackbuck and chinkara. (Info courtesy: Gujarat Tourism)
So, if you, like us, love exploring India in its different shades, check out these under-rated places in the country where you can go to take a well-deserved breather!
