Rann of Kutch & Rann Utsav

Kutch: history

Kutch was ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs from the 16th century, with Bhuj as their capital. Long before that, the Harappan city of Dholavira stood here. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The earthquake of January 2001 destroyed much of Bhuj, and the town has since been rebuilt. Each winter the Rann Utsav festival is held in a tent city at Dhordo, at the edge of the White Rann.

Kutch: tourist attractions

• White Rann at DhordoA salt desert that stretches to the horizon, at its best at sunset and on full-moon nights.
• Kala DungarThe highest point in Kutch, with a view across the Rann.
• Aina Mahal & Prag MahalThe old palaces of Bhuj.
• Smritivan Earthquake MemorialA hilltop memorial and museum to the 2001 earthquake.
• Craft villagesWeaving at Bhujodi, Rogan painting at Nirona and block printing at Ajrakhpur.
• Kutch MuseumThe oldest museum in Gujarat, founded in 1877.

Kutch: excursions nearby

• Mandvi about 60 km from BhujA beach, Vijay Vilas Palace and a yard where wooden ships are still built.
• Mata no Madh about 95 km from BhujThe temple of Ashapura Mata.
• Dholavira about 130 km from DhordoThe Harappan city, reached by the 'Road to Heaven' across the salt flats.
• Lakhpat & Narayan Sarovar about 140 km from BhujA deserted fort town and a holy lake near the western tip of India.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.