Kutch is a unique place on earth with an numerous sites for unbelievable sights and unforgettable experiences – Rann Utsav.
Wildlife Hopping
Gujarat is home to the famous wild ass sanctuary. The wild ass sanctuary of little rann of kutch is the only place on the earth where the endangered indian wild ass still exists. The great rann of kutch along with the littlle rann of kutch is famous as the world’s last refuge of the indian wild ass (khur) for the conservation of which it has been declared as the indian wild ass sanctuary
In a specially designed jeep you can race through the expanse of the Rann with the wind in your face. Alternatively you can take a leisurely camel safari to see the wildlife . Or you can be driven at a more leisurely pace to the neighbouring villages where you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the different tribal communities
As parts of the rann of floods in the monsoon it is an important staging ground for migratory birds. It a popular breeding ground for flamingos. The trumpeting of thousands of graceful cranes brings life to the beautiful desolate Rann. Also large flock of waders, waterfowls and raptors and larks arrive on the scene, making it popular destination for photographers and bird watchers.
Vivid culture and alluring life
The pastoral clans like Rabaris, Kharapat Rabaris, Jats and Bharvads give this area a unique and vibrant touch.
Known for extraordinary craftsmanship and brilliant embroidery work, all these clans have their own lexicon of motifs and embroidery stitches and other craft techniques. Families and women settled in these parts of Gujarat have perfected the art of making beautiful clothes and decorations. Though many of these skills have since been lost, they are being kept alive today through various handicraft initiatives.
Attractions
- For photography enthusiasts, special rides and camouflaged jeeps can be organized
- A trip to a typical Kutchi village and an insight into the art of handloom weaving and Dyeing Units can be enticing due to the vibrantly colored dyes and the exquisite craftsmanship. The age old craft of pottery can also be viewed from close quarters
- Tribal life is best experienced with the tribal people and there is no substitute for a stay at the typical tents
- patola silk sarees, bandhanis, ghagra-cholis and marriage costumes are the specialty here. You will also find interesting wall hangings, embroidered quilts, cradle clothes, cloth toys, embroidered footwear, lacquer furniture and curios. These are mostly around the wild ass sanctuary
Near by places..
Chhari dhand
This wetland is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl. During a good monsoon year chhari-dhand(dhand, a shallow lake) gets inundated with rain water that lasts through out the year and is a paradise for amateur bird watchers, wetland and wildlife expers. It provides habitat for 55 species with the abundance of around 50,000 birds. Many of these fall under the rare and threatened categories. Many raptor species, Greater flamingo , Great white pelican, Common pochards and Common coot are some of the bird species commonly found here. The Indian wolf, Jungle, Chinkara, Caracal are the threatened mammalian fauna that depend on this wetland.
Narayan Sarovar snapshot
“beautiful scenes for photography”. Worth the drive to the western edge of India! The temples are well maintained and the panoramic view of the sea is long lasting.
Kandla Port
Kandla Port is a national port in kutch and is one of the eleven most important ports of india. This port is situated on the kandla Stream and its first investigation was undertaken by the British Royal Indian Navy in 1851. Kandla Port is also the country’s only free trade zone whose foundation was laid by pandit jawaharlal nehru.
The Kutch Museum
The kutch museum is the oldest museum in gujrat. This museum houses the largest existing collection of kshetra inscriptions, which belong to the 1st century AD.
Its collection also includes examples of the extinct Kutchi Script along with a collection of some ancient coins. One section of this museum is also dedicated to tribal culture and includes examples of ancient artefacts, folk arts and crafts along with information about the tribal people. There is also a display of some embroidery work, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculptures and metalwork in this museum.
Aina Mahal
Aina Mahal is a palace of mirrors built in the 18th century and is also known as the madansinhji museum. The museum has two parts, one of which is called the kala atari picture gallery and the other part is called the aina mahal.This ‘aina mahal’ or the hall of mirrors is the biggest attraction of this museum. The art gallery in this museum comprises many photographs and portraits of bhuj city and its rulers.
Prag Mahal
The prag mahal is another prominent sightseeing destination of kutch and is located next to the aina mahal. This fort was built in the 19th century and was commissioned by rao pragmalji II. Its italian-gothic architecture style was presented by colonel henry saint wilkins.
The main features of this palace includes its main hall, which is filled with decaying taxidermy followed by its Durbar Hall, which comprises ancient and broken chandeliers along with classical statues.Its corinthian pillars, jali work and a small hindu temple in its courtyard are also quite popular.
Get in touch with us to plan you vacation to Rann of Kutch. We can work customised trips to suit your requirement.
The official dates for Rann Utsav have been announced; please check out this link for more information – https://www.rannutsav.com/blog/official-date-announced-of-rann-utsav-2023-2024/