How to plan a trip to the Kutch Rann Utsav festival? – Your ultimate guide

There are craft stalls that beckon you with their colors
And mouth-watering delicacies that you will love to savour.
You will love the graceful dancers twirling to the drum beats.
At the Rann Utsav in Kutch, these are just some of the many treats!

Get ready to enjoy the infamous Kutch Rann Utsav festival in Gujarat. Learn about the various Rann Utsav packages - the stays, the activities and other facilities that they include.

Ever since my own Kutch trip during the Rann Utsav, I have been swamped with queries like – What is the Rann Utsav and is it worth going? I see a lot of Rann Utsav packages online – which ones are the best? Is it necessary to choose from them or can I do this Kutch Rann Utsav trip by myself? Are there any special Rann Utsav activities that you recommend?

If you are one of those people who have similar queries, then you have landed on the right page. This travel guide is your starting point for planning a beautiful trip to Kutch during the Rann Utsav festival. With my own experience at this vibrant four-month-long fiesta. I have several tips that will make your Rann Utsav booking easier.

The Kutch Rann Utsav festival is a four-month long celebration in Gujarat

This Kutch Rann Utsav guide starts with why this festival is celebrated and where is the main center for it. I have included vital information on the various packages of the Rann Utsav tent city as well as the White Rann resort as well as the pros and cons of these.

In case you are looking for a (Do-It-Yourself) DYI trip without these Rann Utsav packages, I have included my suggestions. You will find the section on the activities of Rann of Kutch festival useful for this as it includes both – the special things to do that are available during the fiesta as well as those that will help you explore the other beautiful places in Kutch.

I am sure that by the end of this article, you will be marking the Rann of Kutch festival dates for 2024 and will be raring to go!

Quick links for a Kutch trip?

In case you are looking for some quick links to the stays and tours of the famous tourist places in Kutch, you can consider using these online options.

Booking.com has several good Kutch hotels listed on their site. You could use this link to browse and book the same.
GetYourGuide has various local tours and car bookings available that you can use to explore Gujarat. In fact, you can book a 3-Day Little Rann of Kutch Private Wildlife Tour from Ahmedabad using the link given.
Viator.com has tons of tours covering the key places to visit in Kutch. Here are five that you can consider buying –
For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using Amazon through this link.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

Contents

1 What is the Kutch Rann Utsav?
2 How did the Kutch Rann Festival start? – A brief history
3 Where does the Rann of Kutch festival take place?
4 What are the Rann of Kutch festival dates for 2024?
5 About the Kutch Rann Utsav packages and accommodation
6 The Rann Utsav Activities – the best things to do during the Rann of Kutch festival
7 How many days are recommended for the Rann Utsav in Gujarat?
8 What is the best way to reach the Rann Utsav location – Dhordo?
9 Common FAQs about Kutch Rann Utsav festival

What is the Kutch Rann Utsav?

The term Rann Utsav translates to the Desert festival – in this case, the desert being the Great Rann of Kutch. It isn’t one of those traditional, religious festivals that celebrates a deity or a folklore. It, in fact, commemorates the culture of one of the largest parts of Gujarat – Kutch.

The Greater Rann of Kutch or the white desert is actually a salt marsh

This desert festival of Kutch brings various villages of the region together and allows them to showcase their heritage art and craft – be it the Kutchi handicrafts or the foot-tapping Kutchi music and dance. The Rann Utsav adds color to the largest salt desert in the world – which has a history that goes back to the era of the Indus Valley civilization.

As a traveler, you will find that the Rann Utsav of Kutch is a perfect opportunity to experience the unusual white desert and its various secrets. It is an irresistible capsule of tales with stories of its rise and fall, the life lessons of the unique wildlife found here, or survival of rare art forms practiced by the natives.

How did the Kutch Rann Festival start? – A brief history

I always wondered how this Gujarat Kutch festival started – especially since it does not have any mythological roots. I found the answer after meeting the Sarpanch (chieftain) of Dhordo village where this festival is held. He told me quite a fascinating story of Rann Utsav that began in 2006.

The Sarpanch of Dhordo village in Kutch who explained why the Kutch Rann Utsav festival is celebrated

The region of Kutch has faced several devastating earthquakes and the last one in Bhuj left various villages in disrepair. The locals not only lost their homes but their means of livelihood too. Despite the various rehabilitation efforts, the circumstances remained quite dire. As Sarpanchji reminisces – “We were one of the last villages of Kutch and at one point, did not have proper roads, electricity and other basic facilities. The salt land made it difficult to move around and we thought we might just have to abandon our homes.”

It was during those days that PM Modi (then CM of Gujarat) visited the region. It was the sight of the sparkling white desert that gave him the vision of turning this misfortune of a land into an opportunity for growth. “I remember meeting him then and he said that this beautiful salt marsh is a place that the world needs to see” – recollects Sarpanchji. And thus, began the new tourism festival called the Rann Utsav.

What started as a three-day festival, slowly extended to a week, then a fortnight, and now finally is a four-month-long Kutch carnival. This festival of Rann of Kutch transformed the lives of the Kutchi villages by providing them with jobs and showcasing their talent in arts and crafts. It gave the women who practiced the heritage Kutchi arts a platform to sell their products and allowed the world to take in the unique culture that existed here.

Dhordo - the place where the Rann of Kutch festival takes place every year — Dhordo – the place where the Rann of Kutch festival takes place every year

“The Rann Utsav of Kutch is a festival that has converted my village to a modern town.” – proudly states Sarpanchji. “Today, we have all the modern amenities – be it the basic electricity or a contemporary ATM. The best part is that not just this village but all the other Kutchi hamlets from here to Khadiya have been transformed. It is indeed a pleasure to welcome the world to experience our life and land.”

This inspiring and heartwarming story of the Kutch Rann Utsav notched up the value of this desert festival in my mind. It isn’t just me but the world seems to have acknowledged the efforts of this festival. UNTO (UN Tourism) awarded the best tourism village to Dhordo – the village that hosts the Rann Utsav in Kutch in 2023.

Where does the Rann of Kutch festival take place?

Dhordo, a Kutchi village located 80 km from Bhuj, is the center of all the celebrations during the Kutch festival. This hamlet is where the popular Rann Utsav tent city is erected during the entire duration of the festival. It is also, the center of the Arts and Crafts exhibition that brings in talent from all over Kutch and Gujarat to the stunning landscape of the White Rann of Kutch

What are the Rann of Kutch festival dates for 2024?

The Rann of Kutch festival dates 2023 – 2024 are from 10th Nov 2023 to 27th March 2024. The new dates for the Kutch Rann Utsav festival 2024 – 2025 will be announced later this year on their official website. The official website also lists the Rann Utsav Full Moon days in the calendar along with the public holidays. It is important to note these dates as the Rann Utsav packages will have a slight premium applicable on those days.

About the Kutch Rann Utsav packages and accommodation

Entrance to the Rann Utsav Tent City in Dhordo

Most visitors to this festival tend to book packages for Rann Utsav festival in Kutch with their official partners – The Tent City in Dhordo and the White Rann Resort. These two operators offer similar Rann of Kutch festival packages that start for 1 night & 2 days and go up to 4 nights and 5 days. The packages for the Rann of Kutch festival include all of the following –

Stay in the chosen accommodation – tents or the traditional Kutchi bhungas
Permit for the Rann of Kutch
All meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Cultural activities
Sightseeing in Kutch (the places would differ in the packages)
Transfers from Bhuj Railway station to Dhordo and back

Prices for the Kutch Rann Utsav packages

The cheapest package for Rann Utsav starts at INR 6900 for a Non-AC Swiss tent in The Tent City. The Kutch Rann Utsav package price based on the type of tent or Bhunga you choose. On the special festival days and Full Moon days, you have to pay a slight premium. You can access the prices of these Rann Utsav tour packages on these two websites –

The cultural show in the evenings at Tent City in Kutch

How to book a Rann Utsav package?

The Rann Utsav booking is possible through the two official websites that I have shared earlier. Each of these have a contact form as well as phone numbers to help you book your desired package. There are several Gujarat tour agents who offer similar packages on their website.

Besides these two websites, you can book these Kutch Rann Utsav packages online through this link.

The festive vibes of the Rann of Kutch festival

Try to do your Kutch Rann Utsav booking at least a month in advance to get the dates that you want. Despite the number of tents and bungas, the place does get full – especially on the special days.

Which one is better – Rann Utsav Tent City or The White Rann Resort in Dhordo?

A Kutchi Bhunga stay is possible at the White Rann Resort in Dhordo, Kutch during the Kutch desert festival of Rann Utsav

Though I stayed at the Tent City during the Rann Utsav, I did get a tour of the White Rann Resort – which is right across the Tent City. To be honest, they are both equally good. Here are the key differences between them –

Tent City in Dhordo offers over 350 tents (glamps) of varying categories – from non-AC to premium and luxury tents. White Rann Resort on the other hand, offers both tents and the traditional circular bhungas that are found across Kutch.
Given the scale of Tent City, the Rann Utsav activities are slightly more than the White Rann Resort. However, the cultural evenings are quite comparable with the same musical nights and fun Rann Utsav activities.
The Tent City has its own craft bazaar that is accessible only to the guests. The White Rann Resort does not have a separate bazaar. However, you can access the common exhibition area of Dhordo Rann Utsav which is outside the gates of both these centers.

My review of the Kutch Rann Utsav Tent City & its facilities

My premium tent in the Rann Utsav tent city

I was quite in awe of the grand entrance to the Tent City. The reception area was no different from a five-star hotel – with check-in desks, lounge areas, a transport desk and booking counters for various optional activities in the Rann Utsav. The area outside this building transforms into a Rann Utsav carnival with live folk music, funny cosplays and men on stilts ready to strike a pose for those memorable Kutch Rann Utsav photos.

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The Tent City in Dhordo has several clusters of tented accommodations and a golf cart that runs between them. There are two dining halls between these clusters that offer a complete course of vegetarian meals – with lots of local delicacies and a few Chinese and continental dishes.

My premium tent, located in cluster H was quite a comfortable one with an attached bath/ Well equipped with toiletries, there was 24 hours of hot water – though the flow was quite low and one had to wait for the bucket to fill up. Also, it was slightly muddy but that is expected across this area which does not get corporation water all the time. Also, remember it is hard water.

The cafe inside the Tent City of Dhordo, - the center for Kutch Rann Utsav festival — The cafe inside the Tent City of Dhordo, – the center for Kutch Rann Utsav festival

Every cluster has its own security guard and receptionist who can call you a golf cart or arrange for extra towels or similar requests. One important thing to note here is that none of the tents can be locked. Though security is not such an issue here, it might be wise to lock your valuables in your bag.

The Bhungas inside the Tent City - part of their Crafts exhibition — The Bhungas inside the Tent City – part of their Crafts exhibition

The large facility also, includes a crafts bazaar, cafes, photo-op locations, a children’s park area and a spa. There is a fun toy train that runs around too. All in all, the tent city by itself is a destination of its own.

Can I plan a trip to the Rann Utsav without booking the official Rann Utsav packages?

Cultural shows during the Rann Utsav in Kutch

Yes, of course, it is very much possible to plan a do-it-yourself or a budget trip to enjoy the Rann Mahotsav. Over the years, many home-stays and resorts have sprouted around Dhordo that you can consider instead of the official packages of the Kutch Rann festival. Based on the travelers recommendations, here are three alternatives that you can book online –

However, here are a few pros and cons of the two options – a package stay vs individual accommodation –

Individual stays usually do not come with a Rann permit. You will have to book one yourself (Check this guide on how to do that).
The packages include daily sightseeing activities in Kutch. There are buses along with guides arranged for these places. Given the distances between these places and Dhordo, the transportation is definitely handy.
Most homestays or independent resorts do not offer transfers between Bhuj and Dhordo. These are on a chargeable basis. However, the packages of Tent City and White Rann Resort include the same as complimentary.
The cultural evenings that are a part of the packages are again something that you cannot get in individual resorts or homestays. On the other hand, these homestays can give you an authentic local flavor of life in Kutch.

That hopefully, will help you clear your doubts and help you select the right option for your Rann Utsav stay.

The Rann Utsav Activities – the best things to do during the Rann of Kutch festival

The sunrise at the Rann of Kutch - one of the Rann Utsav activities that you can do — The sunrise at the Rann of Kutch – one of the Rann Utsav activities that you can do

This Kutch festival in Gujarat is quite an immersive experience with a variety of things to do. It is not just about passive viewing of the sunset or an evening of cultural programs. Even these activities in Rann Utsav have options that involve you doing things and making it even more exciting.

My travel guide to Kutch has detailed information on all best things to do in this region and tips for trying them out. For this Rann Utsav booking guide, I am just adding a quick list .

Enjoy paramotoring over the Rann of Kutch at sunrise or sunset.
Take a cycling tour to the Rann of Kutch. This is an additional activity that can be booked at the transport desk of the Rann Utsav tent city
Discover the heritage villages around Kutch. Most packages offer trips to Nirona, Bhujodi or Gandhi nu Gaam during the stay. These villages are renowned for heritage arts like Copper bells, Wood enameling, Rogan art etc. The artisans here are happy to showcase the process involved in their work and in some cases, even have workshops to allow you to try your hand at it. Gandhi nu Gaam in particular, is great for shopping.
Enjoy the sunset at the highest point of Kutch – Kalo Dungar. The place has a fascinating history
Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Dholavira and discover the Harappan civilization
There are several offbeat places that can be visited as an additional tour like the Khadiya Dhro and Mandvi. These tours can be arranged by the Tent City help desk at an additional cost.
Enjoy yoga in the morning at the Tent City
Join in for some garba and dandiya at the cultural events. During my stay I saw this amazing dancer who while spinning turned a dupatta into a peacock. Incidentally, he has earned a record for spinning continuously for 90 minutes.
Discover the crafts bazaar put up specially for the Rann Utsav.
Sign up for a wildlife safari at the Little Rann of Kutch

Demonstration of Rogan art in Nirona Village - one of the places to visit in Kutch — Demonstration of Rogan art in Nirona Village – one of the places to visit in Kutch

How many days are recommended for the Rann Utsav in Gujarat?

I would say a minimum of 2 nights and 3 days is ideal for this Kutch desert festival. This will help you experience not just the Rann and the facilities of the Tent City but also see a place or two around.

A lot of people take up this minimal stay and then head out to explore the other places in Kutch on their own.

What is the best way to reach the Rann Utsav location – Dhordo?

Dhordo is 80 km from Bhuj – from where you get complimentary transfers to the Tent City in Dhordo or the White Rann of Kutch. Many resorts offer this transfer at an additional cost too.

Bhuj has a good railway connection and also, has an airport with limited connectivity to Mumbai and Delhi. If you are flying into Gujarat, you can opt for the other airports like Rajkot (308 km by road to Dhordo) or Ahmedabad (407 km by road to Dhordo). From these two cities, you can either hire a cab or get into a train to reach Bhuj.

Common FAQs about Kutch Rann Utsav festival

What is the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch festival?

The Rann of Kutch festival takes place between November to March. I would recommend visiting the Rann between December to February – before it starts becoming hot. This is when the temperatures are pleasant enough for you to enjoy the various Rann Utsav activities.

Also, keep in mind the full moon nights when the Rann of Kutch sparkles in the moonlight.

Is it worth visiting the Rann Utsav in Kutch?

Definitely yes. The Rann Utsav in Kutch is a kaleidoscope of colors, culture, heritage and nature. You get to experience the Kutchi culture through their arts, craft and music, enjoy the unusual landscape of the Great Rann of Kutch and meet the locals – all at one place.

What is the dress code of Rann Utsav festival?

There is no official dress code for this Kutch desert festival. However, bright and colorful attires do help you blend with the happy festive atmosphere. Flowy outfits add drama to the backdrop of the white Rann – allowing you capture a frame that will be a memory for life.

There are several traditional outfits that you can buy at the Crafts market held during the Rann Mahotsav. They are quite reasonably priced.

Does the Rann Utsav have wi-fi?

Yes, you do have Wi-Fi connectivity at the Dhordo Tent City and the White Rann Resort – the two official stay options of the Rann Utsav. However, the Wi-Fi is patchy and is best available at the reception of the two places. Mobile signals too, is patchy.

Before you go, pin this

I trust that you now have all the information that you need to plan an amazing trip to the Rann Utsav in Kutch. Remember to book your Kutch Rann Utsav packaged early so that you get the dates that you are looking for. And in the meantime, bookmark this guide with these pins.

P.S: I visited the Rann of Kutch festival on invite by India Tourism and Gujarat Tourism. However, the views that I have shared are completely and honestly my own.

Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

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