Things To Do in Kutch

The White Salt Desert of the Rann of Kutch is very beautiful and watching a sunrise from there will make you realize that you are in another world. Stretched from horizon to horizon underneath the sky are white, glistening salt flats that transform colors according to the time of day. The salt water reflects the salt crystals during the daytime and at full moon, the whole desert appears to be brightened with a sallow pale silver light. The White Desert is best explored during the annual Rann Utsav which is organized by Gujarat Tourism, from October to February. It brings about cultural troupes, craft bazaars, adventure, and colorful tents for a night stay in a quiet place. These events include camel rides, ethnic dance, and food that includes traditional Gujarati cuisine. 

The tallest “peak” in the entire Kutch region is Kalo Dungar which is 462 meters above sea level. It provides an excellent viewing platform of the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch – the large salt plain that stretches far and wide. This place looks beautiful during the evening when the colors of the sky at the times of sunset are well mirrored in the salt pans below. Besides the attractive views, this place is an abode for worshiping specifically due to the Dattatreya Temple. The traditions have it that the temple serves as pilgrim destination of choice, for a very long time now. Going to Kalo Dungar is one of the best things to do in Kutch for a quiet visit and an exploration of the terrains of Kutch.

Situated in the Kutch district, the White Desert of Kutch is ideal for adventurous travelers, photographers, or painters. Of all these, the most interesting activity is the camel ride or camel safari which you can experience with Kiomoi’s Kutch tour packages. It is a unique experience in itself; the best time to enjoy the sparkling white salt desert of Great Rann is during dusk. Carts for camel rides are part of the beauty and excitement geared for travelers during the Rann Utsav every year. The camels bring color to the desert complement the texture and create a perfect family-traveled adventure for cultural tourists. The Great Rann of Kutch has the experience of riding decorated camels. The camel ride is a perfect way of having more enjoyable and great times in this desert. 

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest examples of seasonal saline wetland area in India situated in the Rann of Kutch. Stretched over 7505 square kilometers, this sanctuary serves as a dwelling place for nature lovers. It showcases the best of the desert region picturing the cast of the plants and animals found in the area. In monsoon, it is home to many migratory birds like flamingoes, pelicans, wild cranes, and other wild ducks. The sanctuary is a habitat for a variety of endangered species including the Indian wild ass, the desert fox, the hyena, as well as the chinkara. You can explore this place by buying our Gujarat tour packages. Unique ecosystems and the White Desert in the background make the area great for taking pictures and for adventure. 

Investing in homemade stuff at the markets of Kutch is exciting and surprises you with colors of ethnicity. Renowned for art and craft, Kutch is the perfect place for the buyer interested in acquiring original local products authenticating the area’s legacy. With textile products, the buzz is emphasized by local and ethnic clothing materials, ornamental, traditional Bandhani (tie-dye) fabrics amongst others. Ajrakh block paints on fabrics also come from Bhuj, mirror work, and handwoven shawls from Bhujodi are also famous. In addition to textile industries, Kutch is well-known for its hand-made jewelry, pots, wood, leather, etc. The Rogan art paintings are very special types of paintings on fabric and visitors must pay a visit and patronize the artwork as souvenirs. You can directly buy from the craftsmen of the village such as of Nirona and Hodka villages. 

Vijay Vilas Palace at Mandvi was constructed by Maharao Shri Khengarji III in 1929 as a summer resort for his son, Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji. Located in the middle of lush gardens and fronting the Arabian Sea this palace blends Rajput-Mughal and Victorian architectural motifs. Due to intricate designs, stone carvings on the flooring, and marble supported by elegant arches of the palace give the richness of that era. In addition, several numbers of balconies and terraces are provided for a broad scenery view of the palace surroundings. One of the crucial features at Vijay Vilas Palace is the principal dome of the structure from which one can catch a glimpse of the sunset and the private beach. Tourists can find exhibits and memorabilia related to the royal family and history. Vijay Vilas Palace ticket price is around 50 per person. 

The Kutch Rann Utsav is a colorful feast of music, dance, and arts and crafts held every year in the stark white of the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. This takes place from November to February, where several performances happen in the form of music and dance-based arts, food, and music. The most popular site is the Rann Utsav Tent City which is a large complex of luxurious tents that give a comfortable stay in the middle of the desert. Several Rann Utsav packages include accommodation in tents and tours. There are many things to do such as camel riding, and watching folk dance, and at night one can also watch the stars in the clear sky. Rann Utsav booking can be done online whereby guests do not face any problem at all these camps. 

Kalo Dungar, which means ‘Black Hill’, is the highest point of the Kutch region in Gujarat, where the visitor gets to see a distant spectacle of the Great Rann of Kutch and the salterns. Located at an altitude of approximately 462 meters above sea level, this hill offers spectacular views of the line between the horizon and the salt plain, and the famous Salt flats. It is also a mythological place and there is a temple of Lord Dattatreya dating back to centuries. There are many sites to visit in Kalo Dungar Gujarat as it is surrounded by breathtaking views of nature that many people enjoy through photography. A visit to Kalo Dungar offers everything, ranging from majestic camping grounds to peaceful places. The distance from Bhuj to Kalo Dungar is around 90 kilometers.