Exploring the best places to visit in Kutch: A Kutch travel guide with insider tips

The Rann of Kutch desert sparkled like the snow
The pretty villages had heritage arts to show.
The ruins of Dholavira whispered mystical tales
The Bajana sanctuary was all about the Wild Ass Trails. 

Discover these and the other places to visit in Kutch. Based on my experience, this essential Kutch Travel Guide  covers tips on how to get there, best time to visit and where to stay.

There are some places that have been on your bucket list but tend to elude you over and over. Every attempt to visit the place is futile – for varied reasons and you keep craving to tick it off. For me, the Rann of Kutch held this elusive charm – evading me for the last five years.  

It felt as if the universe was conspiring against me with vivid descriptions of the white desert, random pictures of the various places to visit in Kutch appeared on my social media and practically everyone I knew seemed to have been to this destination. The last straw was the ads of Gujarat Tourism with the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan saying – “Kutch nahi dekha toh Kuch nahi dekha” . (If you have not seen Kutch, you have not seen anything).  Sigh!

The White Rann of Kutch - one of the best places to see in Kutch Gujarat
The White Rann of Kutch – one of the best places to see in Kutch Gujarat

The long and painful quest to visit Kutch finally came to a delightful end. I not only experienced the stunning white salt marsh of Kutch but also got a taste of the famous Rann Utsav festival. From the colorful cultural villages like Nirona and Gandhi nu Gam to historical places in Kutch that include the new UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira and seeing the Wild Ass Wildlife sanctuary, I found myself mesmerized by the various shades of Kutch.

In this travel guide, I will share all the best things to do in Kutch. These activities offer a variety of experiences – from pristine beaches to heritage palaces and cultural villages, wildlife experiences, scintillating drives and landscapes.  Based on your interests, you can add these famous places in Kutch to your own itinerary. The article also, includes useful information including permits, where to stay in Kutch and the best time to visit.

So, without further ado, let’s travel to Kutch, Gujarat.

Quick links for your Kutch itinerary

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.

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.

Is Rann of Kutch the same as Kutch? – Information and facts about Kutch

The White Rann of Kutch was initially a part of the Arabian Sea till the geographical shift caused it to separate and dry up as a salt marsh
The White Rann of Kutch was initially a part of the Arabian Sea till the geographical shift caused it to separate and dry up as a salt marsh

Most people assume the Kutch (or Kachch) is synonymous with the Rann of Kutch which is the great white desert. Well, this isn’t completely wrong as the Rann of Kutch occupies 50% of the district that is largely termed as Kutch. The other parts of the district include higher sandy grasslands and gorgeous beaches like Mandvi. Here are some facts about Kutch that will further clarify this difference.

  • Kutch means a tortoise in the local language. The name was derived from the shape that the map of Kutch made.
  • The area of Kutch district is 45,674 sq km and that makes it the largest district of Gujarat. The headquarters is in Bhuj and the other important towns include Mandavi, Rapar, Anjar and Bhachau.
  • While one side of this district has the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch bordering it, at the other end are the salty marshlands – better known as the Rann of Kutch.
  • The Gujarat Rann of Kutch is divided into the Greater Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch. Together they make up around 26,000 sq km of the district of Kutch.
  • The Greater Rann of Kutch is a saline wetland that is submerged in water during monsoons and becomes a beautiful white desert during winters. A part of this desert extends into the Sindh district of Pakistan. It is believed to be the largest salt desert in the world.
  • The Little Rann of Kutch is also, a salt marsh but also, includes a few grasslands which are sanctuaries for some amazing and rare wildlife like the Indian Wild Ass.
  • The Rann of Kutch was originally a sea basin where the great Indus river along with other rivers used to empty itself. However, with the earthquakes and geological shifts, the land got separated from the rest of the sea and what remains are the salty mudflats.

Fascinating right? You will find your trip to Kutch even more enticing when I share the history of Kutch with you.

History of Kachch

Kutch has been a setting for many mythological stories. Go to Dhola Vira – one of the historical places to visit in Rann of Kutch and you will find evidence going back to 8000 years – specifically the Indus Valley Civilization. (more on that coming up). It is not known what happened after the city of Dhola Vira got buried but Kutch definitely existed when Alexander The Great came to India. He mentions this place in his Greek chronicles.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dhola Vira - one of the key historical places in Kutch
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira – one of the key historical places in Kutch

From Greek rulers to Persian commanders, then the Mauryans and finally the Guptas in the 1st century, Kutch found several rulers. It was documented as Kiecha by the famous Chinese traveler and scholar of that time – Hiuen Tsang. After the Guptas, the Maitraka dynasty took over in 5th century, followed by the Chavdas In the 7th and finally the Solankis in the 10th century. During the rule of Jadejas (Vaghela dynasty renamed), it became a princely state with a council of 12 called Bhar Bhayat.

Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi - remnant of the Jadejas in Kutch
Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi – remnant of the Jadejas in Kutch PC: Wikimedia Commons

The Jadejas succumbed to the British East India Company in 1819 and they became vassals in Kutch. Upon India’s independence, it reverted to the status of a princely state until the devastating earthquake in Kutch in 1950s. Post the calamity, it was merged with the state of Gujarat.

Kutch has seen several natural disasters of epic proportions including a cyclone in 1998 and the Bhuj earthquake of 2001. Despite the serious damage, the district has risen and remained as an important part of the state. Visiting Kutch allowed me to see the resilient nature of the Kutchi people and their love of tradition and culture.

Best places to visit in Kutch Gujarat

With such an illustrious history and unique geological landscapes, I am sure it is now obvious to you that there is a diverse set of things to do in Kutch. Each of these attractions in Kutch offers you a multitude of activities – all of which I have detailed in this part of the travel guide to Kutch.  

White Desert of Kutch – the Great Rann of Kutch

It is natural to begin this list with the most renowned of the Kutch Tourist Places – the great white desert. To be honest, this was the main reason why I wanted to visit the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat. The endless expanse of the white landscape appears so surreal. In many cases, the place appears like a winter wonderland filled with snow.

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

Rann in Hindi means desert and for most, that would be heaps of sand. However, the Rann of Kutch is neither snow nor sand. It is actually a salt marsh – and one of the largest in the world. During monsoons, the place gets soaked with water and it looks nothing like what you see in the pictures. Eventually, as it starts drying up, you get this endless expanse of the White desert. The white Rann of Kutch remains like this from October to March after which it slowly cracks to the summer and finally submerges in monsoons.

The White Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
The White Rann of Kutch in Gujarat

After spending a complete day in the white desert of Rann, I could not but help compare the landscape to the Taj Mahal in Agra. You might find it strange but the kaleidoscope of colors in this rare landscape in Gujarat was akin to the manner the Taj Mahal shines through the day. 

The pinkish glow of Sunrise over the Rann of Kutch
The pinkish glow of Sunrise over the Rann of Kutch

The sunrise over the Zero-point of Kutch let me witness the soft pink glow of the white Rann while through the day, this white salt marsh in Kutch sparkled white. The sunset swathes an orange hue over the desert before it shines white again under the moon. The shades of Rann matched the hues of Taj Mahal through the day. If you ask me which is the best time of the day to visit Rann of Kutch – my answer would be – depends on which shade you would like to see! 

Sunset at the Rann of Kutch desert
Sunset at the Rann of Kutch desert

Adding to the fun of this play of colors are the various things to do in the Greater Rann of Kutch. Here is a quick list of activities that are possible in one of the best tourist places in Kutch Gujarat.

  • Opt for a cycle tour to the Rann of Kutch. There are cycles available at most resorts in Dhordo (the base of the Rann Utsav festival) and if you are staying the Tent City, then you can take one of their guided cycle tours to explore the white desert.
  • Try Paramotoring at the Sunset point of the Rann of Kutch
  • Go on an ATV ride over the salty marsh
  • Sign up for a star-gazing tour at the Rann of Kutch. Tent City has one every day. And I would not say no to one especially if you want to experience the glory of the full moon over the white desert of Kutch. When I visited, there was a meteor shower expected and my co-travelers did see their fill of shooting stars.

Important Tip: Make sure you wear crocs or washable shoes when you visit the Rann of Kutch, especially at dawn. The marshy soil is usually damp and your feet are likely to sink. Yes, you will be leaving muddy footprints around  and if you are wearing jeans or pants, they will get soiled. So dress accordingly.

The pink hues of Taj Mahal at Sunrise
The pink hues of Taj Mahal at Sunrise

Taj Mahal – the wonder of the world is one mesmerizing monument that glows in various shades under the sun. Check out how you can experience these shades and decide on your best time to visit it.

Bhuj – the headquarters of Kutch

This isn’t just the administrative capital of the Kutch district. Once the capital of the Jadejas, this town has its own set of tales to share. From its beautiful palaces and cenotaphs to modern temples and a lake teeming with migratory birds, Bhuj definitely requires more than a day to explore. Here are some of the most unmissable parts of this town –

Aina Mahal

This literally translates into the palace of mirrors and was built almost 350 years back. You will find the exteriors damaged by the earthquake but once you enter, be prepared to be mesmerized by its very European interiors – starting with the glass chandeliers. There are several interesting paintings within the Aina Mahal of Bhuj.

Prag Mahal – one of the key tourist places in Kutch

Prag Mahal in Bhuj - one of the key tourist places in Kutch
Prag Mahal in Bhuj – one of the key tourist places in Kutch Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Right next to the Aina Mahal, is the Prag Mahal that was built in the 19th century by Maharaja Pragmalji. The Palace is conspicuous with its very Gothic Italian architecture. The palace was the backdrop of the movie Lagaan -which was set around the British Era. It has a stunning Durbar hall and a tall clock tower that can be climbed for the lovely views of Bhuj.

Bhuj Chattardi

The red sandstone cenotaphs of the Jadeja family are a work of marvel and a testament to the local architecture. While there has been a lot of damage owing to the earthquake of Bhuj, what remains is still worth a visit. The intricately carved ceilings, tall pillars and detailed hero stones will leave anyone spellbound – even today.

Museums of Bhuj

There are several museums in Bhuj that you can add to your Kutch places to visit. One is the City Museum that has a collection of rare historical artifacts – from coins to weapons, arts and crafts, textiles and more. The museum is an ideal foundation for anyone who wants to get to the roots and the culture of Kutch.

The other museum that I would recommend you visit is the Smritivan Earthquake museum that was recently built near the Bhuj fort. Meant as a memorial for the devastating earthquake victims, this place will leave you with a lot of food for thought. The galleries span the history of Kutch, the actual event, the stories of survivors, the aftermath – positive and negative effects and the new future. The location of the museum is such that you can enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or sunset over Bhuj when you reach its highest point.

Swaminarayan temple

The white marble temple will awe you with its spellbinding architecture. It has over 250 pillars and 25 domes. The temple exteriors did suffer some damage with the natural disaster of Bhuj but magically, the idols inside the temple escaped and remained intact.

Hamirsar Lake

Black cormorants seen during the Kabini Boat Safari
Black cormorants – common birds at the Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj

The lake within Bhuj town attracts several migratory birds and is an ideal place for bird lovers. From the pelicans to cormorants and the common mallards, there is plenty to be spotted around this water body that was made by the Jadeja kings.

Important tip: It might be a good idea to keep Bhuj as a base for a day or two during your Rann of Kutch visit. Not only will you be able to cover all these places to visit in Kutch Bhuj but also, make day trips to the nearby traditional Kutch villages.

Traditional villages of Kutch

They say that if you want the authentic flavor of a place, then you should head to the rustic hamlets there. Quite true I would say – especially when the best places to visit in the Rann of Kutch are their traditional villages. Not only do you get to experience the local life but also, learn about the heritage art and handicrafts of Kutch – most of which you can buy and carry back home as souvenirs.

A traditional Kutchi house - Bhunga
A traditional Kutchi house – Bhunga

When you visit the Kutch villages, keep an eye out for the traditional Bhungas – round homes of the Kutchis. Do not dismiss them as thatched dwellings. They are in fact, ingenious structures designed to withstand the earthquakes that this region is prone to. Constructed using bamboo, clay and cow dung, these homes adapt to the harsh climate of Kutch – keeping their residents warm in winters and cool in summers. The thatched straw roof collapses inwards in case of an earthquake and is made such that it can withstand strong winds.

Nirona - one of the traditional villages of Kutch
Nirona – one of the traditional villages of Kutch

Most of the Kutchi residents still garb their colorful traditional outfits – Kediya for men and ghaghras for women. The women sport a lot of jewelry and tattooes on their arms. Many are happy to strike a pose for you but some are camera-shy. Be sure to respect their privacy and ask them before clicking their picture!

Among the various famous places in Kutch, these are my recommended hamlets that you fit into your itinerary.  I have mentioned the distances of these villages from Bhuj as well as Dhordo Village – the latter being the place for Rann Utsav festival and Tent City.

Dhordo – the center of Rann Utsav Festival

Distance from Bhuj – 80 km

Dhordo is a village that is known for its for Mutwa art – which is an embroidery of Kutch done using a single stitch and may or may not involve mirror work. However, the bigger claim to fame for this village is that it is the site which hosts the three-month long Rann festival – from December to February.

Handbags made using Mutwa art in Dhordo Tent City
Handbags made using Mutwa art in Dhordo Tent City

During the Rann Utsav months, the entire focus shifts to the temporary carnival spot – The Tent City which is the tented accommodations created for visitors to the Rann of Kutch. There are art and craft stalls created in and around the Tent City that are given out to the heritage artisans from all over Kutch. The festive atmosphere is further enhanced by live folk performances and various other activities.

Entrance to the Tent City in Dhordo
Entrance to the Tent City in Dhordo

Thousands of visitors throng the village during the Rann Utsav. This festival and how to plan visiting it requires a complete blog post which I will be sharing soon. In the meanwhile, note that besides Bhuj, Dhordo is a base to visit the nearby places in Kutch.

Nirona Kutch

  • Distance from Bhuj – 40 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 70 km

There are three unique art forms that Nirona is known for. The first is Rogan art –  a Persian art that is only practiced by the Khatri family in India. The cloth printing art involves the use of thickened castor oil with colors. The sole family has kept this form alive and has won national awards for it.

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
Rogan art textiles - the art only lives with one family in Nirona Village of Kutch
Rogan art textiles – the art only lives with one family in Nirona Village of Kutch

The 2nd unique art is the Copper Bell Art practiced by the Luhar family. The craft initially was used to create cow bells with varying sounds using metals like copper but the ingenious family has now extended it to other metal artifacts including musical instruments and wind chimes. What makes these metal crafts amazing is that they are beaten into a desired shape and no screws are used to fix them together. Instead, they involve an interlocking mechanism which the family demonstrates on a visit.

Catch a demonstration of the Copper Bell Craft in Nirona Village - one of the best things to do in Kutch
Catch a demonstration of the Copper Bell Craft in Nirona Village – one of the best things to do in Kutch

The last but not the least is the lacquered wood art similar to the Channapatna toys found in Karnataka. Practiced by the Vardhas, you can see a live demonstration of how the local neem wood is polished into shape and decorated with vegetable colors to make the most fascinating kitchen equipment like ladles and spatulas. Of course, there are some amazing toys too!

Laquer Wood Art in Nirona Village - one of the tourist places in Kutch
Laquer Wood Art in Nirona Village – one of the tourist places in Kutch

If you are keen on learning more about these arts or seeing a demonstration, be sure to let the families know in advance. You can call Mr. Abdulgafar Khatri on +91 98257 53955 for the Rogan art and Mr. Luhar Salim Husen on +91 94277 66528 for the Copper Bell Art.

Channapatna dolls - the ones I bought
Channapatna dolls

The Channapatna toys of Karnataka have a GI Tag and owe their origin to the Persian artists who came by during Tipu Sultan’s reign. Check out more about this art .

Gandhi nu gam – a charming Kutch tourist attraction

  • Distance from Bhuj – 70 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 29 km
One of the many colorful Bhungas in Gandhi nu gaam - one of the famous places in Kutch to see
One of the many colorful Bhungas in Gandhi nu gaam – one of the famous places in Kutch to see

The original name of this village was Ludiya (Ludia). It was one of those places in Kutch that was completely destroyed by the Bhuj earthquake. The hamlet has literally risen from the rubble with the help of an NGO. Now called Gandhi nu Gam, it is home to the Meghwal community.

Tons to see and shop in Ludiya Village - now called Gandhi nu gam in Kutch
Tons to see and shop in Ludiya Village – now called Gandhi nu gam in Kutch

Gandhi nu gaam was one of those Kutch attractions that completely charmed me with its vibrant atmosphere. This is where you will see the most colorful bhungas that are not just home but double up as a workspace with the courtyard actively used as a shop front. From fashionable ghagras that can double up as skirts to mirrorwork dupattas, trendy traditional jewelry, stunning bags and purses and cotton bed covers and quilts – there is so much to shop for (and all very reasonable).

The carved wooden work tables whose demonstration you can see when you visit Gandhi nu gaam in Kutch
The carved wooden work tables whose demonstration you can see when you visit Gandhi nu gaam in Kutch

The one art form that you should keep an eye out for is the carved wood tables that are made completely by hand. One of the bhungas is a demonstration shop and the artisan will be more than happy to display his skill.

Kheta Ben - who has been featured on the Indian postage stamp
Kheta Ben – who has been featured on the Indian postage stamp

There is a resident who has made this village famous on the Indian postage stamp. The gorgeous Kheta Ben lives in the far end of the village and she shot to fame for her face was chosen as a portrait by the Indian postal department – under the theme of the traditional women of India. You can pay a visit to her and maybe even strike a pose with her – the last with a small purchase from her shop. Loved her cheeky entrepreneurship where she does not directly ask for money but requests you to buy something for that one picture.

Bhujodi Kutch

  • Distance from Bhuj – 10 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 86 km

Known as the Weaver village of Kutch, Bhujodi is home to the best of handlooms that this region has to offer. In this over 500-year old village, you can find fashionable tie and dye fabrics, bandhani and block-printed designs – all done right from scratch. There are multiple places where one can witness live demonstrations of the same.

Ajrakhpur Village

  • Distance from Bhuj – 14 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 90 km

Home to the Khatris, this village is renowned for the 3000-year old Ajarkh block printing. The art form came in with the earliest generation of Khatris who settled here from Sindh. What makes it unique is the use of natural colors like henna, indigo, pomegranate and even mud on the fabric. There is a 16-step process that you can witness when you visit Ajrakhpur and learn more about this form.

What makes the fabric worth your buy are not just the amazing designs but the fact that these will never run color! 

One of the beautiful ladies of Gandhi nu Gaam
One of the beautiful ladies of Gandhi nu Gaam

Hodka Village

  • Distance from Bhuj – 65 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 18 km

Hodka village is another colorful hamlet with its bhungas. It is best known for its leather goods and quilts. The quilts made here are not just cozy but very decorative – thanks to the traditional embroidery of Kutch. You will also, find tons of mirror-work wall hangings (torans) and quirky jewelry on sale in this village.

Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) – the highest point in Kutch

  • Distance from Bhuj – 97 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 48 km
  • You can plan a visit to Gandhinugam – either before you arrive at Kalo Dungar or after you leave it. It almost, falls along the way.  

Literally translating to the “Black Hill”, Kalo Dungar is the highest point in Kutch. At an elevation of 462 m above sea level, this is the place to get panoramic views of the Greater Rann of Kutch.

The viewing platform of Kalo Dungar - one of the places to see in Kutch
The viewing platform of Kalo Dungar – one of the places to see in Kutch

Kalo Dungar is located very close to the Indo-Pak border (which is only 40 km away) and is under the protection of the BSF (Border Security Force). On a bright and clear day, you can see the Hanuman temple which is close to the border of India and which was bombed during one of the Indo-Pak wars. On the day I visited, I even caught a glimpse of the last bridge – India Bridge from the peak.

Inside Dattatreya Temple on Kalo Dungar - the highest point in Kutch
Inside Dattatreya Temple on Kalo Dungar – the highest point in Kutch

Besides being a sunset and sunrise point, Kalo Dungar is home to a 400-year old Dattatreya temple that is attached to a legend. As the story goes, Lord Dattatreya met some hungry jackals at this hill and gave his body to them as food. Miraculously, his body kept regenerating the parts that the jackals ate. Even today, the temple has a separate feeding station for the jackals where the prasad of the evening aarti is kept.

When you visit the Kalo Dungar, you will see an active street market between the temple and the viewpoint area. Some interesting folk artists perform on the street and keep you entertained as you enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Rann of Kutch.

Kadiya Dhro – one of the offbeat attractions in the Rann of Kutch

  • Distance from Bhuj – 40 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 80 km
Kadiya Dhro - the grand canyon of Gujarat
Kadiya Dhro – the grand canyon of Gujarat PC: Wikimedia Commons

It was an article on the internet that had first introduced Khadiya Dhro to me. Referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Gujarat”, I found myself comparing the landscape of the weathered rock to the other Grand Canyon in India that I had visited. The textured erosion and the placid river flowing through those hollows had really got me excited but unfortunately, it was not to be on this trip to Kutch.

You however, should plan to get here and try some hiking. The Tent City in Dhordo arranges for day trips to Kadiya Dhro.

Enjoying the colors of Gandikota at the Penna River View Point
Enjoying the colors of Gandikota at the Penna River View Point

Gandikota – another Grand Canyon of India in Andhra Pradesh with an epic fort around it. Check out what makes this one special

Mandvi – adding a beach to the list of Kutch sightseeing places

  • Distance from Bhuj – 58 km
  • Distance from Dhordo – 80 km

 The beach town of Mandvi has one of the oldest ship-building yards in India and is home to the beautiful Vijay Vilas Palace built in the 1920s. The palace in particular, is renowned for its architecture which is a fusion of Rajasthani, Bengali and Kutchi styles. The palace has been a backdrop of many Bollywood movies.

Mandvi adds a different flavor to your Kutch places to visit with its beach activities. Consider an idyllic day by the shore with this destination. Besides the Palace, you should also, visit the Jinalaya Jain temple with its 72 shrines dedicated to the Jain tirthankaras.

Road to Heaven

Road to Heaven - one of the new attractions of Kutch connecting Dhordo to Dhola Vira
Road to Heaven – one of the new attractions of Kutch connecting Dhordo to Dhola Vira

This is the latest addition to the list of places to see in Kutch. The newly constructed road from Khavda cuts across the Arabian Sea and connects the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira to Rann of Kutch. The reason I include this in a must-see Kutch attraction is the stunning views on either side of the road.

Pink Flamingoes that I saw on the way to Dhola Vira on the Road to Heaven
Pink Flamingoes that I saw on the way to Dhola Vira on the Road to Heaven

The 30 km stretch on one side has the Arabian sea while the other side has either the sea or its backwaters or the salt marsh of the Rann of Kutch. The seemingly endless road is perfect for a sunrise or a sunset drive – during which you can even spot amazing birds. In fact, it was on this road that I spotted the famous pink flamingoes in Kutch.

If you have the next destination that I am going to share on your list, there is no missing out on this Road to Heaven!

Dholavira – a must-visit historical place in Kutch

One of the excavated reservoirs of the Dhola Vira city
One of the excavated reservoirs of the Dhola Vira city

Much before it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021, Dholavira was on my eternal bucket list. The fascinating site was said to be the 2nd largest discovery of Harappan ruins after the one in Pakistan.

Dholavira in Kutch is an archaeological marvel that provides insight into the ancient Indus Valley Civilization.  When you visit the site, you will see a well-planned urban infrastructure and advanced water conservation systems of that era. It was fascinating to see the excavated pipelines that took water to the upper city which is believed to have been occupied by the royalty.

I was fascinated with the various structures within the partially excavated site – which I believe is just 5% of what has been unveiled. The rest of the city still remains underground and is slowly being brought out.

Some of the artifacts inside the Dhola Vira Museum - one of the key historical places in Kutch
Some of the artifacts inside the Dhola Vira Museum – one of the key historical places in Kutch

The Dholavira Museum has the various articfacts that were found during the excavation. Don’t miss their audio visual tour – it definitely makes you appreciate this place better. Visiting Dholavira is definitely one of the best things to do in Kutch for history lovers.

Important Tip: The Road to Heaven is the best route to get to Dhola Vira from Dhordo. With this new road the Dholavira to Rann of Kutch distance has been reduced to 88 km (Dhordo).

Indian Wild Ass sanctuary at Bajana  – a key place to visit in the Little Rann of Kutch

Go Khur spotting at the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary - one of the  key activities in the Little Rann of Kutch
Go Khur spotting at the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary – one of the key activities in the Little Rann of Kutch

So far, most of the top places to see in Kutch have been in the Greater Rann of Kutch. With the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary on your planned visit list, you will get a taste of the Banni grasslands and the Little Rann of Kutch.

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is located at Bajana, near Surendranagar and is the only place in India where you can spot the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. If you look at the picture, you might dismiss them as donkeys but they are far more than that. Known as Khur locally, they are strong and fast creatures that have resisted domestication. They for one can run at 70 kmph and actually create a sandstorm when they do.

Cranes that I spotted at the Little Rann of Kutch
Cranes that I spotted at the Little Rann of Kutch

Besides these unusual and underrated animals, you can also spot wolves, jackals, desert foxes and deer. The wetlands that you encounter on your jeep safari through the park is home to numerous birds – native and migratory. In fact, the variety that can be spotted here has brought several ornithologists from across the world to the sanctuary. On my quick visit, I spotted the bar headed geese and a variety of cranes as well as flamingoes.

A map of the best places to visit in Kutch, Gujarat

Here is a map that I have put together of Kutch and its famous places to visit. This will give you an idea of the direction in which all of them are located and where you should base yourself to get the most out of your Kutch visit.

The rest of this travel guide to Kutch is about important information that you will need when you plan a visit here.

Common FAQs about the Rann of Kutch

Do you need permits for the Rann of Kutch? Where do you get them?

The Greater Rann of Kutch is very close to the international border of India and hence, you do need Restricted Area Permits to visit the Rann of Kutch. You can avail these at the Bhirandiyara checkpost by showing your Passport or any other Government IDs like Aadhar Card. The permit costs are as below –
– INR 100 per Indian adult and INR 50 for children between the ages of 6 and 12.
– INR 500 for foreign nationals
– INR 50 for a four-wheeler vehicle permit
– INR 25 for a two-wheeler permit

Both individual and vehicle permits have to be obtained.

Recently, Indians can get these permits online through this website. Only one ID needs to be uploaded for the permit. However, all the travelers will have to still show their offline IDs along with the digital copy of the permit at the Bhirandiyara village checkpost.

What are the best places to stay in Kutch?

When it comes to the Greater Rann of Kutch, it is best to base yourself at Bhuj which has quite a few good options for a stay. Here are some suggestions for Bhuj Hotels.
Luxury hotelsThe Fern Residency , Regenta Resort by Royal Orchid.
Mid priced hotels – The Shyam Palace, Hotel Tulsi Residency
Budget StaysHotel Desert Inn

If you are planning on visiting during the Rann Mahotsav, then consider staying at Dhordo for at least a day. The Tent City in Dhordo is the best place to stay with its comfortable accommodation and entertainment packages.
The other recommended resort include the Rann Heritage Resort

While visiting the Little Rann of Kutch, you can consider staying at the Royal Safari Camp in Bajana.

What is the best way to get to the Rann of Kutch?

There are three ways of getting to the Rann of Kutch – By air, rail or road.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Kutch is Bhuj. However, you only Mumbai to Bhuj flights. On a similar line, you have Kandla airport which is around 54 km from the Rann of Kutch. However, again with a limited connectivity, this is not used as much.

The other options that you can consider is Rajkot which is around 230 km from Bhuj. This has a better frequency of flights with a few direct international connections. You can just hire a cab to take you from Rajkot to Kutch by road.

The best connectivity by air is the Ahmedabad international airport. There are multiple flight options and lots of buses as well as cab availabilities to reach Kutch. The Ahmedabad to Kutch distance is around 335 km and it takes around 8 hours to travel that.
By Rail:

Bhuj is the closest railway station to the Rann of Kutch .

By Road:
There are plenty of cab transfers available from the bigger cities like Ahmedabad and Rajkot to Kutch. You can even rent a car or a bike to get to the Rann of Kutch. The highways are quite well developed and well lit till Bhuj. From Bhuj to Dhordo, you do have good roads but they are not lit at night.

Visiting Kutch is all about a road trip from your chosen base. Most of the places to visit in Kutch are at least 30 km from each other and the public buses between these places is not as frequent. Hence, it is advisable to have a transport with you at all times.

Which is the best time to visit the Rann of Kutch?

Cultural shows during the Rann Utsav in Kutch

The best time to visit the Rann of Kutch is between November to February. From March onwards, the white salt marsh hardens and the beauty of it pales down during the scorching heat. Monsoons covers the marshland and submerges it till October.

The Rann Mahotsav is when the salt marsh comes alive with the vibrant cultural fiesta. This is a 3 month long festival held in Dhordo – starting in December. It is possibly the best time to visit Kutch and experience the traditional hospitality.

How many days is ideal to visit the Rann of Kutch?

Keep aside at least three days to visit the Greater Rann of Kutch and around one day for the Little Rann of Kutch. This just the minimum duration of stay. Depending on where you are coming from, you should set aside at least two days of complete travel to reach and leave Rann of Kutch.

Before you go, pin this

Kutch travel guide
what to see in kutch
places to visit in kutch

You might also like these posts –

Show some love and share the post

2 thoughts on “Exploring the best places to visit in Kutch: A Kutch travel guide with insider tips”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.