How to Visit Great Rann of Kutch: Essential Travel Guide

The Rann of Kutch, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch (there's a Little Rann of Kutch as well), is a remarkable place to visit in Gujarat. Much of it consists of one of the world's largest salt desert, measuring about 10,000 square kilometers (3,800 square miles). What makes it even more amazing is that the salt desert is underwater during the main monsoon season in India. For the remaining eight months of the year, it's an enormous stretch of packed white salt. Here's all the information you need to visit it.

Location

The vast and arid expanse that is the Great Rann of Kutch lies to the north of the Tropic of Cancer (you'll pass through it and see the sign), at the top of the Kutch district. The northern boundary forms the border between India and Pakistan.

The Great Rann is best approached via Bhuj. Dhordo, approximately an hour and a half north of Bhuj, is being developed by the Gujarat government as the Gateway to the Rann. Dhordo is on the edge of the salt desert.

When to Go

The Rann begins to dry up in October every year, steadily transforming into the desolate and surreal salt desert. The tourist season runs until March. Nearby accommodations close at the end of March and don't reopen until November. If you want to avoid the crowds and have a more peaceful experience, go towards the end of the tourist season in March. You can still visit the salt desert in April and May though, on a day trip from Bhuj. However, it's very hot during the day. Plus, there's an absence of basic facilities for tourists (food, water and toilets). You'll pretty much have the salt desert to yourself though!

It's best to head out into the desert only in the early morning or evening, otherwise the salt can be blinding. You can take a moonlight camel safari into the desert. The full moon is the most magical time of month to experience it.

Getting There

Resorts in the area will arrange transport for you from Bhuj. There are a couple of ways of getting to Bhuj.

• If taking a train, it's most convenient from Mumbai (15 hours).
• Bhuj has a domestic airport. Air India flies there non-stop from Mumbai (2 hours).
• Buses to Bhuj are available from many places in and around Gujarat, and the road is in good condition.

If you want to do the Great Rann on a day trip from Bhuj, you can hire a cab or motor bike. Alternatively, small group tour packages are available.

Going on a guided tour takes the hassle out of planning and sightseeing. Kutch Adventures India is based in Bhuj, and is involved in rural and responsible tourism in the area. Owner Kuldip will put together a bespoke itinerary for you, including visits to surrounding handicraft villages (which Kutch is renowned for).

Permits for Visiting the Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a sensitive area, due to its proximity to the Pakistani border. Therefore, a permit is required to visit the salt desert. This can be obtained on the way at the Bhirandiyara village (famous for mawa, a sweet made from milk) checkpoint, about 55 kilometers (34 miles) from Bhuj. The cost is 100 rupees for an adult, 50 rupees for a child aged six to 12 years, 25 rupees for a motor bike and 50 rupees for a car. You'll need to submit a photocopy of your ID, plus show the original. Do note that the checkpoint may not open until late morning (around 11 a.m.) and is not open at all during the off-season. Alternatively, Indian citizens can now get permits online here.

You must present the permit to the officers at the army checkpoint at the entry to the salt desert about 45 minutes further on from Bhirandiyara village.

Where to Stay

It's most convenient to stay in Dhordo or nearby Hodka.

The most popular option is the Gateway to Rann Resort at Dhordo. It's made up of characterful Kutchi bhungas (mud huts), traditionally crafted and decorated with handicrafts. Rates start from 4,500 rupees for an air-conditioned double, per night.

The Gujarat government has also set up tourist accommodations, the Toran Rann Resort, opposite the army checkpoint near the entrance to the salt desert. This resort is closest to the salt desert, although the location is not particularly scenic. Bhunga accommodations cost 4,500-5,500 rupees per night, plus tax. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Another recommended option is the Shaam-e-Sarhad (Sunset at the Border) Village Resort in Hodka. The resort is owned and managed by the local residents. You can choose to stay in eco-friendly mud tents (3,400 rupees per night for a double, including meals) or traditional bhungas (4,800 rupees per night for a double, including meals). Both have attached bathrooms and running water, although hot water is provided only in buckets. Family cottages are also available. Visits to local artist villages are a highlight.

The Rann Utsav

Gujarat Tourism holds a Rann Ustav festival, which begins at the start of November and extends until the end of February. A tent city with hundreds of luxury tents is set up near the Gateway to Rann Resort at Dhordo for visitors, along with rows of food and handicraft stalls. The package price includes sightseeing trips to surrounding attractions. Activities offered included camel cart rides, ATV rides, para motoring, rifle shooting, kids' entertainment zone, spa treatments, and cultural shows. Unfortunately, the festival has become increasingly commercialized in recent years, which has resulted in pollution and garbage in the area. Some people complain that it's ruined the atmosphere. If this is a concern, ideally plan to visit after the festival is over.

Other Ways to See the Rann of Kutch

If you want to see the Rann of Kutch from a different perspective, Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) offers a panoramic view from 462 meters above sea level. It's the highest point in Kutch and you can see all the way across to the Pakistani border. Kalo Dungar is accessible via the village of Khavda, which is 25 kilometers (16 miles) away and around 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Bhuj. This village is home to artisans who specialize in block printing, including ajrakh block printing from Pakistan. It's best to take your own transport as public transport is infrequent. The old Lakhpat Fort (140 kilometers/87 miles from Bhuj) also provides a fabulous view of the Rann of Kutch.

More About Kutch

Read more about the Kutch region and its attractions in this Ultimate Kutch Travel Guide.