Rann Utsav, also called the White Desert Festival, is an important part of Gujarat tourism today. The carnival of music, culture and dance is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by not just the people of Gujarat but tourists and travelers from all across the world. It is a 3-month long celebration in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. It begins in November and continues until the time of Holi, every year. People who have visited Kutch during Rann Utsav can’t resist convincing co-travelers, friends and relatives to witness the grand celebration of Rann Utsav.
The white desert looks all the more spectacular on a full moon night during the 3-month festive celebration.. The white sand landscape turns into a glittering land as the moonlight flashes on the white sands of the desert. The view is heavenly with those white luxurious tents lined by the desert for tourists – the artists performing folk music & dance at a distance and the camel rides under the bright moon. Nothing could be more beautiful, isn’t it?
Here is all you need to know about the festival before you visit the Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav 2022-2023.
What is the history of Rann Utsav?
Rann Utsav was the vision of our esteemed Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in 2006 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. He inaugurated the first Rann of Kutch Festival in 2006 to signify the culture of Gujarat and promote an important hub of Gujarat Tourism, the Kutch Tourism. The festival attracted lots and lots of global travelers to Gujarat and they became a part of the three day celebration of the culture and tradition of the state. The first year of the Rann of Kutch Festival observed a 3-day celebration which was later increased on demand and now celebrated as a 100-day celebration.
Where is the White Desert Festival celebrated?
Rann Utsav is organized in Dhordo, a village in Kutch situated 85 kilometers from Bhuj. It is the desert region of Rann of Kutch spread over 3800 square miles. The White Desert is situated to the north of Tropic of Cancer in the district of Kutch. The district is known for promoting and preserving the tradition and culture of Gujarat. This area is the official border of India and Pakistan. Rann Utsav includes a lot of recreational activities and attractions for the tourists which we will discuss in the article but one of the most popular attractions here is the tent city set up near the Dhordo village with almost 400 AC and Non-AC tents for accommodation of the tourists from far off lands.
What are the places you can visit on the Rann of Kutch Tour?
There are several reasons to visit Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav, one of which is a complete tour of the Rann of Kutch area. There are several attractions surrounding the white desert area which you can visit on your Kutch tour.
Check out these places to visit below:
- Kutch Museum
- Mandvi Beach
- Swaminarayan Temple
- Black Mountain
- Vijay Vilas Palace
- Crafts village in Kutch region
What are the recreational and cultural activities offered in Rann Utsav 21-22?
When visiting Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav 2022-2023, you can be a part of several exciting recreational activities such as:
- Camel Cart Rides
- Yoga & Meditation Centre
- Spa Centre
- Shopping Handicraft items, Bandhni sarees and other traditional items
- Tasting delicious local cuisine
- Live Music Concerts
- Adventurous activities like biking and parasailing
- Kids Zone Area (If you are with kids)
- Gaming Zone
- Special folk dance shows like Garba and Dandiya Raas
- Camel rides
What are some special festive activities to be organized during Rann Utsav 2021-22?
Here are the dates of the scheduled festive activities in Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav 2021-22:
- 31 Dec, 2021: New Year Celebration (A Gujarati traditional celebration of New Year’s)
- 14 Jan, 2022: Kite Flying Festival on Makkar Sankranti
- 26 Jan, 2022: Special Republic Day celebration
- 14 Feb, 2022: Special Gala Dinner on Valentine’s Day on the White Desert.
How to Reach Rann of Kutch for Rann Utsav?
To reach Rann of Kutch for Rann Usav 21-22, the nearest airport you can fly to is Bhuj Airport, at a distance of 86 kilometers from Dhordo village, the venue of the white desert festival. In case you want to travel by rail, Bhuj is the nearest railway station connected to various major cities of India. You can even book cheap flights to Ahmedabad, then travel by rail to Bhuj, followed by a 2-hour drive.
Another route for travelers from Mumbai is to take the Kutch Express to Gandhi Dham. Dhordo is 135 kilometers away from Gandhi Dham. A 3-4hours drive to the tent city is also a mesmerizing experience as you cross the beautiful landscape en route. If you want to board a bus to reach Dhordo, the village is well connected to many cities in Gujarat by the state transport buses.
Where to stay when visiting Kutch for Rann
Utsav?
For the best experience of the Rann Utsav, stay in one of the tents at Rann Utsav tent
city in Dhordo. Apart from the tent city, here are some of the best accommodations
options you can choose from when visiting Kutch for the Rann Utsav
- Rann Village Resort
- Bhanni Village Stay
- Rann Bhumi
- Mahefeel E Rann Resort
- Kutir Village Resort
- Rann Home Stay Resort
- Kutch Classic Rider Camp
- Rann Kandhi Resort
What are some important things to keep in mind when visiting Rann of Kutch during Rann Utsav?
When you are traveling to Rann of Kutch for the first time during Rann Utsav, there are some useful tips you should follow, such as:
- Remember to book your accommodations at least 45 days prior to the departure.
- Pack sufficient woolens as the temperature is chilled both during day and night.
- To visit Kutch, you need a Government pass (due to its proximity to the India-Pakistan border). You can get the passes from Bhirandiriya check post by producing your original government-issued Identity card (Aadhar Card and Pan Card for Indian visitors and a valid Passport in case of foreign visitors). We would suggest you carry I-cards all the time.
- If you have time, go for a sunset view at Mandvi Beach, it is a spectacular sight.
People Also Ask
What is Little Rann of Kutch?
The Little Rann of Kutch is a part of the famous Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. This region is a salt marsh and is home to khur, the India wild ass.
When will the Rann of Kutch festival 2022 end?
The popular Rann of Kutch festival began on 26th Oct 2022 and will end on 20th Feb 2023.
What is the distance between Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch?
The distance between the city of Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch is approximately 272 km.
Can I reach Rann of Kutch via Ahmedabad to Bhuj flights?
Yes, you can reach the Bhuj airport via flights from Ahmedabad and travel by road to Rann of Kutch.
Can I still visit the Rann Utsav 2022?
Yes, you can still be a part of the Rann Utsav 2022 as it will continue until 20th Feb 2023.
What is the distance between Bhuj and Rann of Kutch?
The distance between Bhuj and Rann of Kutch is around 85 km.
We hope you are now ready for a memorable trip to Rann of Kutch for the White Desert Festival. If you have any queries, you can write it in the comment section below. We would be happy to help you.