The Great Rann of Kutch is the world's largest salt desert spreading across India and Pakistan and is a remarkable journey to be undertaken during the majestic Rann Utsav that happens in December, each year. Measuring over 16,000 square kilometers, the vastness of the Salt Desert is worth setting on the road for.
This December, we are on our wheels exploring the old town of Bhuj, traditional handicrafts of Kutch in Gujarat, the vast Salt Desert and treating ourselves with stays in Heritage Houses and indulging into delicious local Kutchi cuisine.
Dates
18th to 20th December (Ex. Bhuj)
17th to 21st December (Ex. Mumbai)
Last Date for Bookings from Mumbai: 15th October
The Plan:
17th December - Journey Commences
Leave for Kutch (via Trains or your selected mode on transport)
18th December - Arrivals across the Salt Desert
Meet at Bhuj Railway Station by 8:30am and after some breakfast and refreshments, drive down to our Campsite in Hodka close to the Rann. Once we drop our bags at the campsite, we'll hop on our wheels to explore Central and North Kutch. Thaan Monastery and getting lost into the traditional Rogan Art at Nirona Village are at the top of our lists.
After a day of exploration, we'll leave for Dhordo to witness the magical sunsets in the White Rann, indulge into some cultural programmes of the Rann Utsav, have traditional Kutchi Dinner and return for our stay at the Campsite for the night.
19th December - Beaches, Ships and White Sands
After breakfast, bid adieu to the campsite and march towards the highest point in Kutch, Kala Dungar. Cross the much acclaimed Tropic of Cancer, Bhrandiyari and Khavda regions on the way. After lunch, set out on the road for south Kutch - Mandvi town and bazaar, ship building yard, ship model making workshop, Shyamji Krushna Verma memorial, Vijay Vilas Palace and the beautiful Mandvi Beach for sunset. By late evening, we'll be setting our abode in the Heritage House of Devpur.
20th December - Winning hearts with Handicrafts
Being the last day into the vastness of Bhuj, we'll check-out after breakfast and visit Bhuj - Kutch museum, Pragmahal, Aina Mahal, Bhuj bazaar and Bhuj haat, Bhujodi weaving village, Hira Laxmi Memorial Craft Park and indulge into some great handicrafts shopping. After Dinner, we'll catch a return train for Mumbai.
[For those opting for other transport mode can choose to stay back at little longer and continue their journey or say farewell to the place along with us and head to their destinations. Mapping Journeys will provide all assistance regarding extra stay and transport, if required.]
21st December - Farewells
Reach Mumbai
Cost:
Ex. Bhuj - Rs. 9500/- per person
Ex. Mumbai: Rs. 9500 + Train Fare (3AC Sleeper)
For more details, payment options and booking, visit:
http://goo.gl/olXSiB
Contact: +91 9867693107 | +91 9867697306
Happy Explorations,
Mapping Journeys