The White Rann was on our bucket list since long.. But we were looking for a non-touristy visit and thus involved a lot of research. Finally we got in contact with a local guide Ramjibhai Meriya (9825968216), who turned out to be an amazing person as well, and helped us plan our trip.
Here's our travelstory..
Day 1: We started from Ahmedabad at around 7:00 and reached Chobari by 1:30, our accomodation. Lunch was taken at Lodheshwar, the only decent place nearby, which served okayish-gujarati dish. Very happy with Ramjibhai's property, we explored the natural surroundings, with fields & birds all around, felt the cool breeze in the hot afternoon, under the pipal tree. The first outing was to Ekal Rann, harldy 15 kms from the property. Unaware of what more nature had in store for us, we started to appreciate the Sun-rise, witnessed the moonrise - turning from orange to yellow to white.
It started getting dark, and we had to leave for dinner at 'Ekal Mata nu mandir' [Ekal Mata's temple]. We were yet to see the much talked beauty of White Rann under the full moon light. Our hunger was satiated but our souls were'nt. We headed back to the Rann, to witness the grandeur of the salt blankets under the Moon.
Its the most Unique terrain I have ever seen, and most probably, will every be seeing.
Day 2: Passing through the local villages, appreciating their hard lives & colourful clothes, we headed to Dholavira - the archeological site of Harappan civilization. We spent some time trying to guess what each block of bricks formed, had lunch with a local Kacchchi family, and started for the Fossil park. Visit the Fossil park, not for the fossils, but for the amazing view of the Great White Rann. Magnificent than what we saw at Ekal Ka Rann! Trust me, it will take your heart away..
The feeling that Pakistan border was just 45 kms from this point, gave a different tickle.
When you are in Kutch, you are sure to get touched by the hospitality of Kacchchi people. We experienced it at many instances, whether it was having lunch at Dholavira's family, or asking for a direction to the elderly.
Day 3: A lazy start for the day... After all, how many times do you sleep on a scaffold and wake up to a beautiful sunrise?!
At around 11:00, in search of some wild asses (locally known as, ghurkhars), we began our return journey, towards the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK). The temperature kept soaring, and obviously the ghurkhars were'nt lazy that day. So we hardly got a glimpse of one or two of them.
Adesar was the entry point for LRK and the exit was at Zinzuwada. Although the road was traced with flagpost every one km, the fear of getting lost did not give away. The adventure of driving through the Little Rann of Kutch, was indeed the coolest thing of the trip!
I totally agree with Big B now, kutch nahi dekha to kuch nahi dekha ...
"Human is a virus", says my hubby. Maybe that's the reason nature has this terrain on His canvas, where humans cannot do their bit of destruction.
Very basic, and thus very beautiful. Birds chirping, amazing sunset, can sleep outside on cots, scaffold, or under the tree! Chobari is the nearest point to enter Ekal ka Rann
Only decent place to have food on the way to Chobari.
The Ekal Rann is a few kms from this temple. This serves as the landmark. Stay and food options are available for budget travelers.
Ruins of Harappan civilization and a museum. Located on Khadir bet (island) and hence has a view of GRK on both sides when crossing the bridge.
1000's of years' old fossil of tree, possibly from the Jurassic age, as per the guide. Also access the the GRK beyond. Must visit.
Spot the wild ass. Drive through the vast expanse of cracked Rann.