The Great Rann of Kutch, one of the world’s largest salt marshes or deserts, is a breathtaking attraction in the Indian state of Gujarat. Every year, Gujarat Tourism hosts the popular Rann Utsav, also known as the White Desert Festival or Kutch Utsav. This important annual event takes place over the span of four months during the chilly yet pleasant winter season. It draws people from all over the world to experience and celebrate the culture and colours of Gujarat.

About the Kutch Rann Utsav

The Tent City, located near Dhordo Village in Kutch, is the largest tent accommodation in India and is set up specifically for Rann Utsav. Covering an area of 500,000 sq. m, the tent city features over 350 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned tents, all equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for guests’ comfort. The tent city is a unique and breathtaking setup that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Kutch’s rich culture and heritage, surrounded by the peaceful desert and a variety of fun activities. It’s no wonder the Rann Utsav and its tent city is a popular destination for travel enthusiasts worldwide.

Rann Utsav 2022 – Important information

Dates	26th October 2022 to 20th February 2023
Location	Tent City, Dhordo, Kutch, Bhuj District, Gujarat
Official Website	https://www.rannutsavonline.com/
Nearest Bus Station	Bhuj Bus Stop (81 km away)
Nearest Railway Station	Bhuj Railway Station (80 km)
Nearest Airport	Bhuj Airport (80 km)

Things to do at Rann Utsav 2022-23

Apart from offering a beautiful glimpse of the folk culture of Gujarat, Raan Utsav entertains tourists with a host of other activities. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting things to experience in the colourful Rann Utsav. 

1. Enjoy the moonlit night views:

The white desert exudes a captivating and dreamlike appearance during a full moon night. The entire landscape is illuminated by brilliant moonlight, resulting in a breathtaking and unparalleled display of nature’s artistry. If you find yourself in the Rann region during the Poornima phase, make sure to spend an unforgettable moment basking in the moonlight and revelling in the stunning beauty of the white desert at its prime.

2. Hot Air Balloon Ride

“Ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of the white desert from above? Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride, and you will be enchanted by the breathtaking scenery. The stark white salt sand dunes are even more stunning from a bird’s eye view, and you will get to take in the stunning panoramic views of the nearby tent city and other notable attractions. This unforgettable experience will stay with you for a long time to come.”

3. Get a taste of the rich and colourful local culture:

The Rann Utsav is a vibrant fusion of cultures, a cultural extravaganza showcasing the finest of Gujarat. The glittering Garba and Dandiya Raas are the main attractions of the tent city. In addition to local talent, the festival invites diverse dancers and performers from across India. The captivating tribal dance of the Siddi community is also a must-see. Ultimately, the spectacular dance and music performances under the moonlight in the picturesque setting are delightful experiences for tourists.

4. Go on a camel safari:

An excursion to the desert is impossible without a camel ride across its sandy expanse. In the Rann of Kutch, a journey on the back of a camel across the white desert is an awe-inspiring adventure. The Rann Utsav also offers nocturnal camel safaris for those seeking to behold the stunning, endless white desert beneath the moon’s glow.

5. Explore the nearby villages:

For a memorable trip, consider exploring the nearby villages that showcase Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and artistic skills. Some highly recommended villages near the tent city include Khavda, Hodka, Ajrakhpur, Nirona, and Bhujodi. Khavda is renowned for its talented potters, while Hodka features families skilled in creating beautiful Banni embroidery. Ajrakhpur is known for its Ajrakh block printing style that uses natural dyes. These villages’ charm lies in the local people’s simplicity and their traditional way of life.

6. Relish the local cuisine:

The local cuisine is a standout feature of the celebrated Rann Utsav festival. The tent city features two sprawling dining halls that offer delicious and authentic Kutchi dishes. Participants can savour three sumptuous buffet meals daily, complemented by morning and evening tea. The tent city also features numerous food stalls, ideal for satisfying unexpected hunger cravings at any hour. These stalls offer a wide range of offerings, including Bhel, Dosa, Samosa, Pav Bhaji, Kutchi Dabeli, sandwiches, and refreshing beverages.

7. Indulge in shopping:

The tent city is renowned for its lively market that offers a range of premium Bandhani sarees, beautifully adorned garments, fashion accessories, handmade crafts, jewellery, bedspreads, cushion covers, and attractive decorative items at budget-friendly prices. To fully experience the Rann Utsav, take time to peruse the various stalls, as many more fascinating products are waiting to be discovered. Most of these products feature intricate Gujarati art forms and make the perfect mementoes to bring back your journey.

8. Explore the hidden gems:

While residing in the tent city, take advantage of the opportunity to discover nearby hidden treasures. A few must-see sights include Kala Dungar (Black Hills), Dholavira, Kadiya Dhro, and Mandvi Beach, to name a few. The Rann also boasts numerous noteworthy historical sites, palaces, museums, and temples that are well worth a visit.

Keep in mind these points for a memorable Rann Utsav experience:

• Bring warm clothing as the festival takes place during winter with mild days and chilly nights.
• Possess a valid form of identification for entry into the tent city.
• Pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there may be extensive walking involved.

Rann Utsav is a unique and captivating cultural celebration in Kutch, Gujarat. To fully immerse in the experience, book accommodations in advance in the tent city or a nearby hotel in Dhordo. Secure early bookings for more favourable availability and prices.

How to reach Rann of Kutch?

By Air: There are continuous modes of transport from all parts of the country. There are 2 nearest airports to reach Kutch. The first is taking a flight to Rajkot or Bhuj. From there, one can either take a train or a cab.

We provide the lowest fares for flights to Bhuj and Rajkot; try our all-new Ghumo Phiro app.

By Train: Kutch is connected by train from all the major locations in India. Just head over to IRCTC to book your train.

If you require assistance with the booking, or are looking for special discounts, or want to know more about the place, just email us at [email protected], and we will take care of all your requirements.