Explore the Magnificent Kutch Rann Utsav: White Rann, Cool Breeze, Luxurious Tent City & Must-Visit Scenic Spots for Tourists

“Without seeing Kutch, you haven’t seen anything,” the famous Kutch Rann Utsav has begun. Until March 15, 2025, travelers from both India and abroad will become guests of Kutch, enjoying the extraordinary natural beauty of the White Rann, the experience of staying in tent cities, local culture, and traditional cuisine.

Let us tell you why Kutch, located on the westernmost edge of India, has become the first choice for travelers from all over the world. If you wish to experience the hospitality of Kutch, here’s how you can reach there. We will also explore the tent city packages and nearby tourist attractions.

Get Ready to Explore the Rann Utsav in Kutch

Pack your bags and get ready to visit the Rann Utsav in Kutch!

The Rann Utsav begins from November 11 and will run until March 15, 2025. Starting from November, the white sands of Kutch will come alive with the festival celebrations. This year, the Gujarat Tourism Department has officially launched the event after Diwali, beginning on November 11. The Rann Utsav will last for a total of 124 days.

Token Fee for Visitors to the White Rann

Visitors will need to pay a token fee to visit the White Rann in Dhordo. The district administration collects this fee, and tourists are required to obtain a permit from the ticket counter before reaching the BSF checkpoint. The fee is ₹100 per person. 

Additionally, for vehicles, the fee must be paid near Bhirandiara. To avoid congestion at the ticket counter during peak times, four new counters have been set up this year.

Reception Area in Tent City Designed with Traditional Kutchi Art

Amit Gupta, spokesperson for Laluji and Sons, the company managing the Rann Utsav, shared that this year, special attention has been given to showcasing local Kutchi craftsmanship. The reception area at Tent City has been fully designed with traditional Kutchi art, and several structures representing Kutchi culture, such as “Bhungas” (traditional circular huts), have been created within the complex. 

Additionally, intricate mud paintings and grass weavings are displayed in these Bhungas. The Rann Utsav commenced with these artistic creations, attracting both domestic and international visitors. There has already been strong enthusiasm for bookings, especially for viewing the upcoming full moon.

Regarding accommodation, Salam Hasam Haleputra, owner of Mehfil Rann Resort, mentioned that tourists visiting the White Rann, from Bhirandiara village on Bhuj-Kavda Road to Dhordo, have access to well-equipped private resorts and home-stays. The cost for a one-day, one-night stay for two people ranges from ₹2,500 to ₹6,000, including meals and accommodation.

Consideration for Starting Volvo Bus Service

The revenue generated from the permit fee collected from visitors is being used by the local administration to establish various facilities. Notably, there are plans to introduce a Volvo bus service, similar to the one at the Statue of Unity. 

Additionally, there are plans to operate government-run ST buses from Bhuj to Dhordo. Currently, camel carts are running on a 2-kilometer stretch from the BSF checkpoint to the watchtower, and there are discussions about creating a separate route for these carts. However, the implementation of all these plans is expected to take place in the near future.

How to Reach Rann Utsav?

By Road:

Traveling by road to Rann Utsav is quite convenient. Bus services are available from Ahmedabad, both government and private. For instance, private buses depart from Ahmedabad at 8 PM and reach Bhuj by 6 AM the next morning. Private travel agencies providing bus services are located in areas such as Paldi and Geetamandir in Ahmedabad. These buses are a great option for those looking for an overnight journey.

By Rail:

Bhuj and Gandhidham are well-connected by long-distance trains. Trains from Ahmedabad and other cities make traveling by rail a comfortable and efficient option to reach Rann Utsav.

Special Trains to Bhuj:

• Bandra Terminus to Bhuj, Valsad, Train numbers 09029-30 (2 trips).
• Bandra Terminus to Bhuj Superfast, Train numbers 09037-38 (6 trips).
• Bandra Terminus to Bhuj, Train numbers 09471-72 (2 trips).

By Air:

Bhuj has an airport with flight connections to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, making air travel a quick and convenient option for reaching the festival.

By Road Travel from Other Regions:

For those traveling from Ahmedabad, North Gujarat, or Saurashtra, the most direct route is via Samkhiyali, leading to the Bhachau-Bhuj bypass road. This is accessible by private vehicles, buses, or ST buses. The distance from Samkhiyali to Bhuj is approximately 120 km.

Distance from Bhuj to the White Rann:

The White Rann is around 80 kilometers from Bhuj. Visitors will need to hire private vehicles to reach the Rann, with rental costs typically ranging from ₹3,500 to ₹4,000. The journey from Bhuj to the White Rann is scenic, taking you through areas like Banni and Khavda to the final destination at Dhordo.

Entry to the White Rann:

The entry point to the White Rann is through Dhordo village, which has been recognized by UNWTO as one of the world’s top 54 tourist villages. To enter the Rann, tourists must obtain a permit from the office at Bhirandiara, which costs around ₹100 per person.

Where to Stay in Kutch?

In Bhuj, there are various accommodation options for tourists, including hotels, guesthouses, and religious institution guesthouses. Room rates range from ₹600 to ₹8,000 per night, catering to different budgets. 

For those who have booked tents in the Rann Utsav Tent City, they can also travel to the White Rann of Kutch via a bus operated by the company managing the Tent City, which departs from the Bhuj railway station.

Don’t Miss Out on Kutch’s Handicrafts

Kutch is renowned for its rich heritage of handicrafts, attracting many tourists who are eager to buy traditional items such as Kutchi shawls, bandis, and chaddars. Some of the most famous crafts include Rogan art, Ori-Bharat, Namda work, Meenakari, silver work, Ajrakh block printing, Khamar painting style, Bandhani, woodwork, pottery, leatherwork, Lac work, Banni embroidery, Ahir embroidery, Rabari embroidery, Copper Bell work, Patchwork, Kabir work, Sevamuti, Dhadki Kala, Mashru Kala, Zardozi, and wood carving. 

Visitors can explore the skillful artisans and their works, experiencing the creativity and craftsmanship that define the cultural richness of Kutch.

Must-Visit Places in Kutch

Kutch offers a wealth of historical and scenic attractions for visitors. Some of the must-visit places include:

• White Rann: The famous salt desert known for the Rann Utsav.
• Smritivan: A memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in the 2001 earthquake.
• Mandvi Beach: A serene and beautiful beach, ideal for relaxation.
• Vijay Vilas Palace: A majestic palace with intricate architecture.
• Dhordo: Known for its traditional culture and proximity to the White Rann.
• Narayan Sarovar: A sacred lake surrounded by temples.
• Koteshwar: A historic temple site located near the Arabian Sea.
• Mata no Madh: A pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Ashapura.
• Jesal Toral Samadhi: A significant historical site with cultural importance.

These locations provide a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making Kutch a captivating destination for all kinds of travelers.

Visitor Statistics for Rann Utsav

According to the Tourism Department, during the 2023-24 period, 7.42 lakh tourists visited the Dhordo Rann Utsav, with 4.26 lakh staying overnight. In comparison, the previous year (2022-23) saw a total of 3.45 lakh visitors, out of which only 1.06 lakh stayed overnight. 

However, there have been complaints about the exorbitant rates charged for tents in the Tent City, which is managed through tenders by the Gujarat Tourism Department, leading to some dissatisfaction among tourists.

History and Importance of Rann Utsav

Rann Utsav is a festival celebrated in the vast white desert of Kutch, Gujarat, and is an event that has gained international recognition. Similar festivals are also held in other famous desert regions around the world, such as the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India. These festivals aim to boost tourism and promote cultural activities.

The Kutch Rann Utsav was officially inaugurated in 2005 by Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, and it has since become a well-known event. Prior to this, in 1992, the Tourism Department had organized a festival called “Kutch Utsav.” However, it was in 2005 that the official Rann Utsav was initiated by Narendra Modi, who personally attended the event.

Every year, the Rann Utsav is held in the Kutch region, with different themes each time. Initially, it was a three-day event, but over time, it has grown and is now celebrated for around 115 days, or approximately three months. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from around the world, who come to experience the unique culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of the white Rann of Kutch.