If there is a place that denotes nothingness, it’s Kutch. If there is a snowless white blanket, it’s in Kutch. Kutch is known as the White Desert Of India, in the vibrant state of Gujarat. It comes straight from a movie scene where a plain white canvas stretches for 27,454 km². If winter travel is on your mind, consider this magnificent destination because it is an all-inclusive package of fun and frolic.

A combination of adventure, leisure, cultural stimulus, and a bunch of good times awaits you at Rann Utsav, the great Kutch festival. It has something for every traveler; adventure junkies, couples, families, and laid-back holidaymakers. If you’re in Kutch on a full-moon night, get ready for a soul-soothing experience.

Kutch turns into a magical desert when lit by the moon!

Best time to visit Kutch

The famous Rann of Kutch festival kicks off in November and concludes in February. Trivia here is to avoid new year’s eve and Christmas holidays to enjoy lesser crowded Kutch.

How to reach Kutch?

The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport which connects the destination from every city in the country. From Ahmedabad, you can either hire a self-drive car, a cab, or board a bus. It takes 9 hours by road.

Where to stay in Kutch?

My personal favorite is Tent City, it has everything you need in this deserted terrain. Luxurious tents, scrumptious meals, evening entertainment, an activity zone for kids and adults, and a travel desk offering a number of local sightseeing trips. Tent City offers a ‘Glamping’ experience in the middle of nowhere. Whereas there are a number of tent resorts for you to choose from.

Things to do in Kutch

1. Don’t miss the spectacular sunrise from the white sands. Nobody likes to wake up at 5 am on a vacation, but this sunrise is one of the best things to witness and definitely not worth missing. Wear a jacket, as it is super windy and cold at this hour.
2. Visit Nirona- 60 km from Kutch is this cultural village where you will experience exquisite Nirona Rogan Art, Kutchi rural life, and vivid shades of Gujarat.
3. Visit Little Rann of Kutch and spot wild asses in the sanctuary. A jeep ride of 45-minutes takes you to a place where you will walk over the cracked land, and witness the amalgamation of salt sea and marshes.
4. No trip to Gujarat is complete without savoring its rich flavors. Be it a full-fledged Gujarati Thali or lip-smacking snacks like Khandvo, Sev Khamani, Patra, and Methi Nu Gota, the list is endless (I am drooling while writing this). And, how can we miss Gujarati Kadhi and Basundhi? A tip for you, keep drinking buttermilk and stay hydrated!
5. Shop handcrafted souvenirs from Gandhi Nu Gram. It is a minuscule village in the Bhuj district and is known for its Gujarati crafts, costumes, and artifacts.
6. The shopping arcade in the Tent City also offers a huge collection of art pieces, Gujarati ‘Chaniya choli’, local snacks, and a desk offering bicycles for rent. Explore Rann, the way you want to!
7. Sunset from the other side of the desert, the same Rann of Kutch offers a dreamy sunset where you can see the sun setting in the endless sands. Walk barefoot on this white sea and witness the amber hues of dusk.
8. Visit Kaalo Dungar and spot Indo-Pakistan Border. You can see the endless salt sea, it looks like a sea but actually is a salt formation. This is a rare phenomenon found only in Kutch.
9. Spot the Milkyway from the barren land. A few kilometers from Tent City, you will find a star gazing site where telescopes are placed for the ones interested in spotting planets and constellations. Imagine you look up to the sky and a million twinkling stars showing their magic. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to wear in Kutch

It is highly recommended to carry cotton-based clothes, sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses the sun is strong and the mercury touches 35-38 degrees, whereas for the ‘desert-like’ cool evenings and nights carry a jacket, hoodie, or a shawl.

Rann of Kutch was my bucket list item. It mesmerized me to the core and I was bewitched looking at its beauty. Visit Gujarat, visit Rann..!