The Rann Mahotsav has begun from November 11, 2024 and will continue till March 15th 2025. The great Rann of Kutch is deep into the western frontiers of the Indian subcontinent vividly spread across 7505 sq. km. Situated at the center of the vast Thar desert, Kutch is surrounded by Sindh province of Pakistan on one side. It is the largest salt marsh in the world.
The Rann Mahotsav’s concept was the vision of Narendra Modi, then Chief minister of Gujarat that began to be organized as a part of Vibrant Gujarat. The year- end month is the best time to visit the white desert when you can ring in the New year at the Rann Mahotsav. This great festival in Gujarat celebrates music, dance, food, art and the rich cultural heritage. So, there is basically a lot that you can do here. In this article, we bring a complete guide about the Rann Mahotsav, check out the things to explore –
The festival
The festival that was initially meant for three days, is now an event carried on for days. Till date, there have been more than five lakh visitors, including tourists from 20+ countries from the world. The celebration is organized at the Dhordho village near the Rann of Kutch. Dhordho has been recognized as one of the 54 best tourism villages in 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The place attracts visitors for the mud craft, Mutwa embroidery and the banni hospitality here.
The star attractions at the Rann Mahotsav are:
Yes, the beginning is from the land itself, the white desert
The daily cultural programme
Adventure activities (both land and aerospace)
Accommodation in temporary tents with all the facilities and means of entertainment
Thematic village and Watch tower at White Rann
Traditional handicrafts and food stall
Other activities include – Paint ball, ATV rides, Golf carts, Para motoring, Horse and camel rides, etc.
Meditation and yoga sessions are also conducted.
For the online permit entry at the Rann of Kutch, you can visit - https://rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in/
Special dates to look for:
20th – 30th December 2024 – Christmas week
Uttarayan on January 14th 2025
Republic day on 26th January 2025
Full moon nights in December, January and February
Valentine’s Day on February 14th 2025
Accommodation –
Staying at the Rann Mahotsav is one of a kind experience. You can stay at the Dhordho White Rann Tent city; it is the property initiated as well as endorsed by the Gujarat Tourism. It is structured, built and rebuilt every year. There are a variety of options for your comfortable stay. Check these out-
The Darbari suite which is spread across an area of 1600 sq. ft. provides you luxury accommodation that includes: AC, flat screen TV, non-alcoholic mini bar, king sized bed, royal sofa set, living room, dressing room, sit out area and much more.
The Rajwadi suite occupies an area of 900 sq. ft. It offers a master bed room that has a comfortable dressing room, private dining area, sit out area, with all the amenities including AC, flat screen tv, and the non-alcoholic mini bar.
The Super premium and premium tents have the most access to the entire tent city. It is spread in an area of 473 sq. ft. It includes AC, double bed, a front porch and a sitting area. It has a spacious bathroom with essential toiletries. They provide you with everything for a comfortable stay.
Deluxe AC Swiss cottages covers an area of 387 sq. ft. There is a spacious room with twin bed, front porch, a cozy sitting area, AC, a bathroom with toiletries. The non AC Swiss cottages have the similar amenities. Except for the AC and the tea/coffee maker.
The stay packages (for 2 persons) provided are –
One night and two days: Starts from INR 14,000
Two nights and three days: Starts from INR 26,000
Three nights and four days: Starts from INR 35,000
Four nights and five days: Starts from INR 47,000
For more details, you can visit – https://www.rannutsavgujarat.in
The other nearby resorts are –
White Rann tent city, Dholavira
Evoke Dholavira resort, Dholavira
White Rann Resort in Dhordho, Kutch
Kutch Yatra resort
Great Rann resort
While you attend the Rann Mahotsav, you can also visit some nearby destinations – Bhuj, Mandvi, Dholavira (world heritage site), Narayan Sarovar, Lakhpat, Kalo Dungar and Gandhi nu Gaam.
How to reach –
The nearest airport to the Rann of Kutch is the Bhuj Airport which is 85 km away.
The most convenient railway station is the Bhuj Railway station (85km distance).
If travelling via bus, then again the Bhuj Bus stop is nearest to the Rann of Kutch.
Come explore, enjoy and celebrate the Indian culture with a plethora of attractions waiting for you. Do not miss the chance of spending the holidays at the White Rann. Even though you may face problem with bookings at the peak time of the year, yet make sure you grab the incredible opportunity to attend the grand Rann Mahotsav 2024-25.