Last year Diwali, one of my wish got fulfilled as we visited Rann of Kutch festivals. That was last minute planning and as we have college friend in Mundra, so decided to visit Kutch festival in this year. In this post you will get to know all the details about visiting Rann of Kutch Festival.
The great Rann of Kutch is considered one of the largest salt desert in the World. From 2005, Honorable Prime Minister then Chief minister of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Modi has started this festival to showcase the tradition and culture of Gujarat to the people across World. In 2005 it was only for 5 days but currently the festival is arranged for three months. From November to January.
Read: Coorg Attractions
In the monsoon, sea water enters into this huge land. Earlier the Indus River had been flowing in to this area and It was used to be its catchment area forming part of its delta. Indus river branch called Koree River, shifted its course after an earthquake in 1819 isolating Rann of Kutch from its delta.
Best time to Visit:
Though the festival begins in the month of November, the best time to visit Kutch festival is beginning of December. The temperature will be best that time (neither too cold nor too hot) Try to visit in any full moon night. We could not go but from our friend, we got to know that the white sand desert looks amazing in the moon light.
How to reach Kutch:
Kutch is 400 km from Ahmedabad and 73 km from Bhuj. During the festival time, buses are available from Bhuj to Kutch. If you book any private bus, it would cost you 500-600/ head. From Ahmedabad to Bhuj you can reach by bus or train. We took sleeper bus which was quite comfortable.
Where to Stay:
During the Kutch festival, you can stay in Kutch. There are lot of tent as well as Govt. guest house option is there but let me tell you those options are quite costly. It may varies from 7000 to 15000 per day per tent, but if you don’t have any budget restriction please stay at tent. Staying in tent lead to a beautiful experience, as there will be lot of cultural events, stalls, food stalls which you can enjoy more. You can even try to stay at local’s place, I heard that there are such kind of options available.
Alternatively you can stay in Bhuj and then travel to Kutch. Then you can visit to the other nearby places. As ee stayed at Mundra,we could visit Mundra Port, Swaminathan Temple (while going to Kutch) and Vijaya Vilas Palace (Where shooting of famous Bollywood film- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Raamleela happened).
At Kutch Festivals:
We started at 9 am (we tried started early , but we had two 2-3 years toddlers, one mine and one our friend’s, so anyone who travels with toddlers can understand what early means!!!) J
Mundra to Kutch is 130 Km, so while going first we have visited Swaminathan Temple. It is a beautiful architecture, though the biggest Swaminathan temple is in Gandhinagar (Akshardham temple), however this one is also good to visit.
On route we had lunch where we tested awesome Gujrati Thali. We took some rest in the restaurant as the outside temperature was almost 35 degree (That’s why it is better to visit in the month of December). Finally we reached Kutch at around 5pm.
We faced some traffic jam while entering the place as there were no traffic police to manage, all the cars created that mess!!! (Incredible India). Anyway after parking our car, we took a Camel driven car, which cost per head 50 for one way. This will take you from the main gate to the mid of the salt desert. Alternatively you can walk as the distance is merely 1 km but for our two kids we preferred to take camel car. There was also horse driven car, which will take you faster.
You can ride on the watch tower to get the 360 degree view of the desert. We witnessed the mesmerizing sunset. Even after sunset, we sat down for a while. Our friends were telling that on the full moon the night view is awesome. Somewhere far some folk song was playing by some local artist. Even our naughty kids were also became calm for a while.
After some time we proceed to the tents where people were selling traditional things (dress material, food, kids game etc.). We purchased some dress material for my daughter and me. (We girls can’t restrain ourselves when shopping comes into picture!!J)
Have you also visited Kutch festival, tell me about your experience.
Read More:
Excellent