A week of rigorous training, surviving on healthy food only, waking up before sunrise and not missing a slot, doing things on constant watch and burning up calories around the clock. Yeah that's what vacation with parents is like, a boot camp! But also so much about 'Hum saath saath hai'.
We landed in Bhuj early in the morning and my mom forces us to believe that we are born wanderers and if anything we could be hippies in our past lives. Our destination is still a hour and half away. The tent city, Dhordo is our home for the next few days. Over, the years we have heard so much about the Rann Utsav (Thanks to Mr.Amitabh Bachchan!) that in 2020 we finally decided to experience all of it at its cultural best. All the pick and drop services where included in the package at Rann Utsav from Bhuj-Dhordo-Bhuj
Rann of Kutch is Spectacular and the Sunsets here a sight to behold. When here, a camel ride is something you can't miss. The Rann Utsav is only a four-month fest starting from mid November, considering that the water level rises in the next months it's not possible to visit the White Rann then.
The Tent city is a town in itself. It has the most warmest tents and scrumptious variety of foods. There's a cultural program every night starting at 9 where a great and talented line up of artists perform.
Fun fact- There's a performance by a tribal community called 'Siddi' who are as African today as the day they landed on Indian soil.
Around 3 and half hour drive from the Tent City is the Vijay Vilas palace and Mandvi Beach. Vijay Vilas palace was initially a summer home for the Maharav of Bhuj. But after the 2001 earthquake the Royal family resided here for quite a while.
The palace is open to public visit apart from the second floor of the palace, as the second floor is dedicated solely for the Royal family. Scenes from a few Bollywood movies have been shot here.
Vijay Vilas heritage resort that belongs to the Royal family has a private beach which is open for accommodation.
Man, the sunrises in Rann of Kutch are to die for! Zero point is what they call the place from where you witness the sunrise in all its gorgeousness. And the freezing temperatures add much thrill to your excitement.
Gandhi nu Gaam or the handicraft village is where you experience the rich heritage of Kutch. The village was in shambles after the 2001 earthquake and was then adopted by an Ashram that have since then contributed on building up the village brick by brick.
Next, Kalo Dungar is the highest point in Kutch and also gives a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch. Kalo Dungar is also very close to the Pakistan border. (In case anyone is interested in going on a long walk!)
It was the last day at Rann Utsav and so the souvenirs had to be bought. There are Haats and market in and around Tent City that allows you to purchase the authentic products directly from the artisans. The Kutch embroidery, Patchwork fabrics, Ajrakh block prints, Bandhini sarees and dupattas, and Chunky jewellery is something that you should definitely get your hands on.
After reaching Bhuj there are many places that can't be missed and the one place I really enjoyed going to was Bhujodi. It is Kutch's major textile center. Here you can meet weavers, tie-dye artists and block printers, most of whom belong to the Vankar community. Many will let you watch them work if asked.
And with that it's a wrap for the 'Hum Saath Saath hai' series- Part 1