Rann of Kutch Exploration

0/5.0

Rann of Kutch , Gujarat

Highlights

White Desert Visit

Rann Utsav Glamping

Tropic of Cancer Visit

Mandvi Beach Visit

Local food exploration

Bujodi Village Visit

About the campsite

Have you ever experienced how surreal & amazing nothingness is? Experience the raw beauty of nothingness at India's biggest salt plains, Rann of Kutch.
A part of the Thar Desert in the state of Gujarat, Rann of Kutch is divided into two areas, The Great Rann & The Little Rann - each offering different experiences.
Presenting a once in a lifetime 'Exploratory Trip to the lunar landscapes of The Rann'. We would be exploring the spectacular landscapes of Rann through bikes & cars and camping at

The Rann Utsav.
Rann Utsav is a festival hosted by the govt of Gujarat during the winter months (December - February) every year near Dhordo village in the pristine white salt desert landscapes. Imagine looking out at the night under moonlight on the sparkling white landscape stretching as far as your eyes can see.
Rann Utsav also hosts several cultural shows, hot air ballooning, camel shows by BSF & more.

About Rann Utsav:
The Rann Utsav is a vibrant festival held in India's Rann of Kutch during the cooler months of November to February. Celebrating the rich culture of the Kutch region, it features folk dances, music, and local handicrafts like embroidery and pottery. Visitors stay in a luxurious 'Tent City' and can indulge in Gujarati cuisine, participate in adventure activities, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the salt desert, especially on full moon nights. The festival also offers excursions to nearby attractions, making it a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural splendor.

About white desert:
The White Desert, also known as the Great Rann of Kutch, is a remarkable natural wonder located in the Thar Desert in Gujarat, India. It's a vast expanse of white salt that creates an endless horizon, offering a surreal and otherworldly landscape. This salt marsh is one of the largest in the world and becomes especially enchanting during the monsoon season when it's submerged under shallow water. During the dry season, the terrain transforms into a dazzling white desert, attracting tourists and photographers drawn to its ethereal beauty. The White Desert is also famous for the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that celebrates the local heritage, crafts, and arts of the Kutch region, making it a unique blend of natural splendor and rich cultural experience.

About Mandvi Beach:
Mandvi Beach, located in the historic port city of Mandvi in Gujarat, India, is renowned for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. Known for its fine, white sands and clear blue waters, this beach is a popular destination for both relaxation and recreational activities. It offers a picturesque view of the Arabian Sea, and its long coastline is perfect for leisurely walks and sunset viewing. Visitors can enjoy camel and horse rides along the shore, or indulge in various water sports. Mandvi Beach is also famous for its proximity to the Vijay Vilas Palace, a notable historical landmark. The local markets nearby offer a chance to explore traditional Kutchi handicrafts and cuisine, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking a blend of natural beauty, culture, and history.

About Dholavira:
Dholavira, in Gujarat's Kutch District, is a significant archaeological site of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, dating back over 4500 years. Known for its advanced urban planning, the site features a unique layout with a citadel, middle town, and lower town, all surrounded by defensive walls. Notable for its sophisticated water conservation systems and drainage, Dholavira provides insights into the ingenuity of early human settlements in harsh environments. The discovery of large inscriptions in the Indus script adds to its historical value, making it a key location for understanding the Harappan civilization.

About Tropic of Cancer:
The Tropic of Cancer, a major circle of latitude, passes through Gujarat, one of the eight Indian states it crosses. This geographical line influences Gujarat's climatic conditions, contributing to its semi-arid and arid regions. Marked by signboards for educational purposes, the Tropic of Cancer's presence in Gujarat highlights the state's unique position on this global latitude, especially significant during the June solstice when the sun is directly overhead at noon in these regions.

About Bhujodi village:
Kutch, being the largest district in India has artisans across the district specialising in various arts and handicrafts. Bhujodi village brings all the artisans across the entire region of Kutch accessible under one roof. Come and witness local artisans live at work here.

About Bhuj / Gujarati food:
Kutch, a culturally rich region in Gujarat, India, is famous for its unique landscapes, vibrant traditions, and diverse culinary delights. The cuisine of Kutch, deeply influenced by its geographical and cultural tapestry, is known for its flavorful and hearty dishes. Signature Kutchi delicacies include 'Kutchi Dabeli,' a spicy and sweet snack made of mashed potatoes and special spices, served in a bun; 'Kadhi-Khichdi,' a comforting combination of rice and lentils in a tangy yogurt sauce; and 'Bajra na Rotla,' a flatbread made from millet flour, often accompanied by jaggery and white butter. The region's proximity to the Arabian Sea also introduces a variety of seafood dishes to the local palette. Sweets like 'Jalebi' and 'Gulab Pak' are popular as well. This cuisine is not only a testament to the region's culinary skills but also reflects the harmony of its cultural diversity.

Activities

Rann Utsav Glamping

Local food exploration

White Desert Visit

Bujodi Village Visit

Visiting Tropic of cancer

Indus Valley Civilisation site visit

Sight Seeing

Amenities

Western Toilets

Electricity

Stay in Luxury Tents

Meals

Safety Features

First Aid Kit

Certified Instructors

Itinerary

............................................................................................................

Day 1

Morning:

Transfer
Reach Ahmedabad by Flight / Train on Day 0 & reach Bhuj by Bus/Train. You can also fly to Mumbai and from there take a direct train to Buj. Assistance will be provided by Exoticamp for trains.

Local food exploration
Arrive at Bhuj in the morning (8.00 am) & post a short briefing head to Bhuj Market Area for a Quick Breakfast Stop. Local Breakfast will be provided. Ex. Kutchi Dabeli, Poha, Jalebi, etc.

Noon:

Tropic of Cancer Visit
Post-breakfast transport from Bhuj to Dhordo through Tempo Traveller/ Innova. On the way we would stop at ‘Tropic of Cancer’. Stop for Bhirandiyara Lunch.

Noon:

Check In Check-in at Dhordo Camp Site (near Rann Utsav Festival Tent City). Fresh up and Tea Break.

White Desert Visit
By evening gear up with the most colourful clothes to enter the White Salt Flats of Kutch. With Water bottles and some cash - Watch a surreal Sunset against the white desert.

Night:

Visit Rann Utsav
Post sunset move to the Utsav area which is established two kilometres away from the White Desert.

Campfire
Get back to the Campsite for a Campfire and Cultural event followed by dinner

Day 2

Morning:

Check Out Check Out Finish breakfast at the campsite, check out & head towards Khavda and to India Bridge. Finish lunch near Khavda.

Noon:

Check In Check in at Dholavira at 12:00 pm

Indus Valley Civilisation site visit
Go on a guided visit to the ancient ‘Indus Valley Civilisation’ archeological site. Evening Sunset at Dholavira. Return to the hotel / lodge by night and finish dinner.

Day 3

Morning:

Check Out Finish Breakfast, Check-out & head towards Bhuj. Visit Bhujodi Village.

Noon:

Sight Seeing
Finish Lunch at Bhuj & visit the local Bhuj market along with Aina and Parag Mahal, the old palace of Kutch Kings.

Mandvi Beach Visit
Head to Mandvi beach for sunset. Laze around the beaches of Mandvi.

Night:

Local food exploration
Explore street food options near Mandvi for Dinner. Leave Mandvi and proceed towards Ahmedabad / Mumbai.

Included in the price:

- Luxury Swiss tent stay near the White Desert on Day 1.
- Hotel / Cottage / Resort Stay on Day 2.
- Basic Veg Food.
- Breakfast, Dinner on Day 1.
- Breakfast, Dinner on Day 2.
- Breakfast, Dinner on day 3.
- AC Car / Van transfer for the entire duration of the trip.

Cost Excludes:
--------------
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Lunch is not included on all three days.
- Tea and snacks during the trip
- Cab service to commute between the airport, railway station and bus stand.
- Any additional activities in Raan Utsav

Important Info

Stay:
We would be staying in Luxury Glamping Tents on Day 1 at Dhordo Village (Near Rann Utsav Festival / White Desert) with attached washrooms.
1 Night resort stay in Dholavira on Day 2.
All stays are triple-shared.

Note:
The package is designed for three sharing basis. If you wish to avail of two sharing please contact us upfront and pay an additional total 3000 for 2 pax.
Update this information post-booking so we can block your stays accordingly.

Package Includes:
Permits for white rann in Dhordo.
Local govt approved Guide for Indus Valley civilization site.
Cultural activities at the tent site in Dhordo.
Transportation from Bhuj to all places and drop.
Pure Veg Breakfast & Dinner for all 3 days.

Cost Excludes:
Cab service to commute between the airport, railway station and bus stand.
Lunch is not included on all three days. We'd be stopping at local eateries.
Adventure Activities around Dhordo

Cancellation Policy:

75% refund for all cancellations done 7 days before the date of stay
No refund for cancellations within 7 days from the date of stay
Booking dates cannot be transferred / rescheduled
In case of govt. imposed lockdowns / Covid disruptions, an option to reschedule booking to any other date within a year will be given. No refund will be issued.
Refunds if any will be credited to the source account in 7 working days

Campsite Rules

No Smoking

No Littering

Valid ID required

How to get here?

Onward:
Day 0: Jan 13, Jan 25, Feb 9, Feb 23

Option 1: Reach Mumbai by train/Fight and take the train (Day 0) to Bhuj that reaches Day 1 (Jan 14, Jan 26, Feb 10, Feb 24) morning before 9 am
Option 2: Reach Ahmedabad by Train/Flight and take Train/Bus (Day 0) to Bhuj that reaches Day 1 (Jan 14, Jan 26, Feb 10, Feb 24) morning before 9 am

Return:
Day 3: Jan 16, Jan 28, Feb 12, Feb 26

Option 1: Take the bus from Mandivi to Ahmedabad post 9pm
Option 2: Take the train from Ghandhidham to Mumbai post 10pm

Day 4: Jan 17, Jan 29, Feb 13, Feb 26
Take a Train/Flight from Mumbai / Ahmedabad to your hometown

Exoticamp will help you book the Bus/train/Flight based on availability. You can pay in actuals+5%

Map

Exact location to be shared on booking