WHITE DESERT - RANN OF KUTCH

Another place in my travel wishlist. Rann of Kutch is a salt marshy land (World's largest salt desert) located between Gujarat & Sindh province in Pakistan.

Journey toward's Rann of Kutch was continuation of our Rajasthan trip. After 10 days in Rajasthan, it was time to explore this white beauty. Took a bus from Udaipur to Ahmedabad (4hrs), after dinner took another late night bus to Bhuj (6hrs). We reached early morning to bhuj and checked in to hotel. After such tiring journey we decided to take rest for that day. The hotel was a decent one with AC and clean bathroom.

The hotel staff helped us in booking a cab to Rann of kutch. Next day we started to Rann after having lunch in bhuj. One has to pass through Tropic of Cancer to reach the White desert.

Permits to visit Rann of Kutch:

A permit is required to visit Rann of Kutch as its near to the Pakistan border. This can be obtained on the way at the Bhirandiyara village checkpoint, nearly 55 Km from Bhuj. The cost is Rs 100 per person and Rs 50 for a car. You have to carry a photocopy & original ID proof.

Accommodation:

One can stay in Dhordo village, which has resorts with Kutchi bhungas (Mud huts) costing nearly around Rs 3500 for double occupancy or can stay in luxury camps made by Gujarat Tourism near army check point costing nearly Rs 10,000. We decided to stay in Bhuj and do a day trip.

Rann Utsav:

Rann of Kutch is seasonal, Gujarat Tourism conducts Rann utsav festival from December to March with dance , Music, handicraft stalls & food stalls for the visitors. One can visit Rann even in summers but it will be very hot and basic needs like food and water are not available.

After reaching Army check point, one can walk or take a camel ride to reach the white desert. It is nearly 1.5 Km

The first sight of White desert was just awesome. As far as my sight goes, i could see only white salt. The time we reached it was very sunny so sat for some time in shade enjoying the Gujarati live music performed by locals. There were lot of tourists from different parts of India. We started walking on the salt till a point where there were no one. Now could see only acres and acres of white land with no one in sight.

The sun set was just beautiful. On one side the sun was setting and the other side we could see the full moon.

After some time, the Sun has disappeared leaving the Moon alone. White desert started looking even more beautiful & mesmerising. It seems that light of moon has a magic of it's own. Heard a lot about the beauty of white desert during full moon night, it was my turn to enjoy the tranquillity sitting on the salt desert.

Neither a picture can capture nor a word can describe it's beauty, one has to experience it.

Total Expenses:

Udaipur to Ahmedabad - Rs 900

Ahmedabad to Bhuj - Rs 650

Bhuj to Rann (Cab) - Rs 1800

Permit Cost - Rs 100 per person

Hotel - Rs 800 for double occupancy (Booked via Goibibo, got up to 70% discount)

Bhuj to Ahmedabad - Rs 700

There is so much to see and experience in India. Truly my country is "INCREDIBLE"

"BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE, THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES"