The Rann of Kutch
Feeling exhausted from running between office and home? Need some time away from deadlines and targets? Then let’s give you a heads-up of such a place that will surely divert your mind and give you some unforgettable memories, the Rann Of Kutch. The Rann of Kutch located in the state of Gujrat in the west of India along the Arabian Sea is a massive expanse of marshy salt desert that promises to take your breath away with its mesmerizing beauty. Not to mention that it is the largest salt desert in the whole world. This huge mass of cracked earth, inland from the Arabian Sea extends for miles of nothingness with stunning small oasis of water bodies and shrub forests which serve as a home for the beautiful pink flamingoes and wild asses.
Let’s share some interesting facts of Rann of Kutch with you. The area was once a part of the sea until an earthquake turned the exposed sea bed into a sprawling desert and with time transformed into the salt desert that you visit today with minimal or no vegetation and arid climate. During the monsoon, the land fills up with water however in the summer, the water dries converting it into a crunchy bed of white salty land.
Kutch is the home of the famous Kuchi embroidery, tie and dye popularly known as ‘bandhni’, leatherwork, pottery, bell metal craft and many more.
About 200km east of the Rann is the little Rann of Kutch which bears the Wild-Ass Sanctuary which shelters the endangered chestnut-colored Indian wild ass (Khur) as well as blue-bulls, blackbuck and chinkara.
Where can you visit during your vacation in Kutch? Let’s list out some of the must visit places nearby.
- The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Katch comes first in the list with its beautiful white sand desert stretched for kilometers
- Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest wildlife sanctuary, also known as the “Flamingo City” preserves various species of flamingos including porcupine, spiny-tailed lizard, black-necked storks, wild ass, foxes, hyenas and nilgais. The sanctuary is also a fossil preserve with numerous ancient remains of dinosaur, whale and crocodile, including fauna fossils in addition with deep sea creatures like sea urchins and ammonites
- Dholavira, one of the largest excavation of the Indus Valley Civilization, an archeological site having remains of 4500 years old
- Kutch Museum, showcasing some of the extinct Kuchi scripts, ancient coins, handcrafts, embroidery, paintings and many more that will introduce you with the history of the place
- Mandvi Beach, the long stretch of serene and pristine seashore which is an epicenter for various water sports like – parasailing, swimming, banana boat ride, horse riding, camel riding, biking along the shore, and not to forget the delicious tandoori snacks
- The Aina Mahal, or the “Hall of Mirrors” having glittering glass everywhere that is sure to amuse you
- Hamisar Lake, the 450 year old lake is the heart of Bhuj where you can enjoy swimming or can just sit at the edge and enjoy the view
- Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the house of the rare chestnut colored wild ass known as Khur. This 4954sq-km land is home for many other mammals, reptiles and amphibians
- Narayan Sarovar, Kandla and Mudra Port are other places that you can surely take a round
Best time to visi the Rann of Kutch :
One little tip for you in the end. Try to plan your trip during the time of October to February during which the famous Rann Utsav takes place. T he festival feels like heaven with its pomp and grandeur where you can enjoy the carnival of music, dance, nature and camping. And if you can visit it on a full moon night, then it will be a dream come true experience.
Are you thinking how to reach your destination? You need not stress much as the Rann of Kutch in Bhuj is well connected through air, road and railways throughout the country. The nearest airport being the Rudra Mata Airport in Bhuj and Bhuj Railway station is the nearest.
So all set to plan your trip to Rann of Kutch this year? We hope so.
