Last Sunday, my dad called and was asking for suggestions for a short trip during weekend. Even my Maasi and Maasa wanted to join because they too had an off on Friday on account of Mahashivratri. But, they were adamant that they don't want to visit the stereotype places like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Alibaug and Igatpuri and also want to report back to work on Monday. I was scratching my head for the best possible weekend gateway. I googled a lot for all suggestions and discussed with friends. Also, my parents had never experienced flight journey so I desperately wanted them to experience it. So, I came up with an option of Kutch. But, I was not sure if I would be able to reserve hotel room, flight tickets and local transportation within such short notice. Also, when I searched online, I got to know that last date for Rann Utsav 2020 was 20th February. But, still I decided to go with the Kutch option and booked a trip for 6 persons (including me) from 21st February to 23rd February.
Transportation cost for 6 persons
1. Air Tickets: ✈️
My dilemma started when the flight tickets from Mumbai to Ahmedabad for the onward journey were costing me Rs 3200/-(fair enough) but return journey was costing a bomb of Rs 9000/-, so I decided to return via sleeper AC bus. There is also an airport at Bhuj but there are very less number of flights available and it is also very expensive. (Rs 13000/- for a single journey for my travel dates)
Destination: Mumbai to Ahmedabad
Flight: Air India
Time: 1.35 am to 2.50 am
Cost : Rs 19674/- (Rs 3279/- each)
2. Local Transportation: 🚗
There are very less number of local transport available in Bhuj as well as Kutch, so, it is recommended to book beforehand to avoid last minute hassle. I rented a car with driver from Amy Cab services. The coordinating lady, Rachna was very helpful and quick in response. She allocated us Kamlesh for our entire travel, who was an enthusiastic 27 year old lad. Being an Ahmedabad resident, he shared a lot of information about Gujarat. I also explored an option of booking a zoomcar but it was expensive by Rs 3000/-
Destination: Pick up from Ahmedabad Airport to Hotel at Kutch, all local travel and transfer from hotel to Ahmedabad bus stop.
Car Rental Agency: Amy Cab Services
Car: Mahindra Marazzo
Cost: Rs 17500/- ( Rs 13 for every km +300 per day of Driver)
*Kindly note that there is a condition of minimum 900 kms)
3. Bus for return journey🚌
Destination: Ahmedabad to Mumbai
Bus Agency: Falcon travels
Type: Volvo- AC Sleeper
Time: 10.00pm (reached at my destination at 6.30 am)
Cost: Rs 12060/- (Rs 2010/- each)
Stay for 6 persons
I was searching for an accommodation in White Rann Resort but there were no rooms available for my travel dates. After long online search, I came across this option of Kutir Craft Village Resort based on ratings.
Kutir Craft Village Resort:🏡
They have traditional bhonga styled house and also provide option of booking a family room of 4 members. I booked a couple room and one family room and my package included breakfast, Gujarati lunch and Kutchi dinner. They also organised traditional folk music program post dinner by the local artisans. The food was really lip smacking as they cook on Chulha. Also, my Airtel Network was not working in this resort's premises but thankfully they had a provision of free WiFi for the guests.
Cost: Rs 22440/- for 2 nights for 6 persons
Itinerary for 2 days:
As we were short on days, we planned to visit Rann and Kalo Dungar in Kutch whereas in Bhuj, we planned for Aaina Mahal, Swami Narayan Temple, Prag Mahal, Hamirsar Lake and Chattedi. Kindly note that ATM's in Kutch are at a very far off locations so please carry enough cash for your travel.
Day 1:
1. Rann
Since we reached at 11.30 in the morning at the resort on 21st February, we decided to visit the Rann in the evening. Post lunch and a quick nap we started at 4.30 pm. I didn't booked online permit for the Rann and hence we had to waste our 20 minutes for getting the offline permit. I would recommend to book the permit online on rannpermit.com to save time. Entry fee is Rs 100 per person and Rs 50 for 4-wheeler and Rs 25 for 2-wheeler.
White Rann is the true beauty and will leave you mesmerized. They have also made a viewing deck, from where you can have a panaromic view of the Rann.
Day 2:
Next day, we left at 9.30 am in the morning for Bhuj. The best part of traveling in Bhuj was that all the destinations were in close proximity of each other and hence it saved our time.
1. Swami Narayan Temple: This beautiful temple is located in heart of Bhuj City and its artistic work is marvelous.
2. Aaina Mahal: Entry fee is Rs 20/- and they charge for photography inside the Mahal. They have showcased the collection of royal family. It also has shopping stalls within it's premises
3. Pragmahal: Entry fee is Rs 40/- and they also charge for the photography. It has a clock tower and it's architecture is inspired by Italian style. They have also showcased the personal collection of royal family. Some part of Mahal was damaged during the massive earthquake of the year 2001, the restoration work for the same is still in progress.
4. Hamirsar Lake: This lake covers the entire outline of the city and is a pretty sight.
5. Chattedi: At this place, tombs of Kutch royals i.e Jadeja rulers are located. There has been a major destruction because of 2001's earthquake so it appears as ruins. The famous Shaadi scene of the film, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was shot here.
After, visiting the Bhuj locations, we had our lunch and started for Kalo Dungar at Kutch
6. Kalo Dungar: The road towards this location is a magnetic field area and you can experience the same in your vehicle. The vehicle will automatically climb on the slope on neutral gear.🤔 This is said to be the highest point of Kutch and has an old dattatreya temple located within it's premises and also there is a viewing deck from where you can have a panaromic view of the Rann. There are many shopping and eating stalls. Even, the Pakistan's border is very close from this area but of course not visible.
Day 3:
We checked out of the hotel at 10.am and started our journey towards Ahmedabad. Since our bus was to leave at 10 pm, we requested Kamlesh to show us some places in Ahmedabad. He took us to Akhshardham temple in Gandhinagar and our next stop was Kankaria Lake but we couldn't reach on time because of the traffic jam. There were arrangements going on the road because of Donald Trump's visit on next day. 😔
Finally, our weekend trip came to an end with amazing memories and a destination ticked off the bucket list. 😇 and the per person cost was Rs 12800/- which I thought was a really cheap deal. This trip was a hell of experience for me as I managed to fulfill my parents wish to sit in a flight, I learned to plan a trip on a very short notice with all best possible options and we all had a family get-together after ages. At the start of 2020, I had never imagined that I will be vacationing in Kutch in the month of February. Sometimes, impromptu plans work really well. I would like to end my draft with the famous lines 'Kutch nahi dekha toh kuch nahi dekha'☺️😇
