Kutch is surreal, scenic and astounding – with sprawling salt marshes, sparkling white deserts, historical cities, temples, caves, and luxuriant wildlife sanctuaries. Kutch has something to offer to every traveller. Moreover, the place has the best climate during winter and the month of December is the best time to explore this paradise on Earth. The weather in Kutch In December is soothing and comfortable and the annual Rann Mahotsav organized at this time makes the holiday even more mesmerising. Before you get hassled about what to see and do, read the list of places to visit in Kutch in December. Believe us, you will come back with a heart full of unforgettable memories.
12 Places To Visit In Kutch In December
If you are planning to visit Kutch, here are our recommendations of the must-see places to visit.
1. Great Rann of Kutch – Enjoy Rann Mahotsav
2. Mandvi – The beach destination
3. Bhuj – Relive with history
4. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary – For spotting flamingos
5. Dholavira – Historical place
6. Kandla Port – The commercial hub
7. Narayan Sarovar – A Serene Lake
8. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary – For Wildlife Buffs
9. Siyot Caves – Best architecture
10. Kalo Dungar – The highest point
11. Topansar Lake – Spot migratory birds
12. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary – Wildlife at its best
1. Great Rann of Kutch – Enjoy Pulsating Rann Mahotsav
Image Credit: sarangib for Pixabay
Nestled between the Thar Desert on one side and the azure Arabian Sea on the other, the Great Rann of Kutch is nothing less than a natural wonder. With sprawling stretches of salt and sand, this is one of the most popular places to explore in Kutch in December. The sparkling white sand desert on a clear full moon December night enhances the charming quotient of the place whereas the vibrant annual Rann Mahotsav uplifts the glory to a new height.
Key Attractions: Experience vibrant Rann Mahotsav which happens every year between October and February. Enjoy cultural performances, desert safari, hot air balloon ride, shopping, and delectable local food.
How to Reach: Bhuj is the nearest airport and nearest railhead located 80 km away.
Where to Stay: White Rann Resort, Rann Village Resort, and Rann Resort Dholavira
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2. Mandvi – For Beach Enthusiasts
If you are fond of the sea, sunbathing building sandcastles and wondering where to go in Kutch in December, plan for Mandvi. This is one of the most scenic beach destinations in the Kutch area, that can be visited during December. Enjoy the cool sea breeze, and warm sun, take beach strolls and make the most of your Kutch holidays.
Key Attractions: Sunbathing and camel ride on the beach.
How to Reach: The nearest airport and railhead are at Bhuj, 58 km away.
Where to Stay: Hotel Kalash Mandvi and Serena Beach Resort
3. Topansar Lake – Enjoy Beautiful Migratory Birds
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If you are visiting Mandvi, plan a trip to Topansar Lake, located nearby. This picturesque lake offers a cool breeze, and scenic views and one can spot a lot of migratory birds, particularly during December. Surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, Topansar Lake is an important destination on the list of places to see in Kutch in December.
Key Attractions: Migratory birds
How to Reach: Both the nearest airport and railhead are at Bhuj, 58 km away.
Where to Stay: Seabreeze Mandvi Resort, Rukamavati Guest House and HV Beach Resort.
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4. Bhuj – The Historical City
Image Credit: Rahul Zota for Wikipedia
Bhuj is a historical destination in the Kutch area and one of the must-visit places if you plan to travel to Kutch in December. Located near Hamirsar Lake, this ancient city is adorned with heritage palaces, temples, museums, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Key Attractions: Aina Mahal, Swaminarayan Temple, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Hamirsar Lake and Pirotan Island.
How to Reach: Bhuj has its railhead and airport and is connected to all major cities of India.
Where to Stay: Hotel Lakeview, Regenta Resort and Biz Hotel
5. Spot Flamingoes At Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Kirandeep Singh Walia for Pexels
Spread over 7,505 sq. km is a sprawling saline wetland area – known to be the habitat for Indian Cormorants, Indian Porcupines, Spiny-Tailed Lizards, Black-Necked Storks, Wild Ass and Flamingos. The sanctuary is also famous for its unique terrain made of flat snow-white surfaces with extensive deposits of salt crystals; a safari in Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is surely one of the most sought-after things to do in Kutch in December.
Key Attractions: Flamingo City. December is the best month to spot flamingos.
How to Reach: Bhuj is just 100 km away from Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: Hotel Kutch Desert
Related Post: Tourist Places In Ahmedabad
6. Dholavira – Reliving History
Dholavira otherwise popularly known as Timba Prachin Mahanagar Kotada, is one of the most historical places in Kutch. The Archaeological Survey of India has excavated relics of the ancient Harappan civilization from here. Located on the Khadir Bet Island in the Rann of Kutch, Dholavira is one of the favourite places amongst history enthusiasts and certainly one of the most popular places to explore in Kutch in December.
Key Attractions: Relics of Harappan civilization; their water storage, urban planning, and architectural remnants.
How to Reach: Take the bus from Bhuj up to Rapar – which is the nearest town to Dholavira.
Where to Stay: Dholavira Resort and Rann Resort Dholavira
7. Kandla Port – Commercial Hub Of Kutch
Image Credit: Deendayal Port Authority, Kandla for Wikipedia
Kandla Port is one of the commercially significant destinations in Kutch which offers a jaw-dropping view of the Arabian Sea. This is an important port on the west coast of India, actively trading in petroleum, chemicals, iron, steel, salt, textiles, and food grains.
Key Attractions: Panoramic view of the Gulf of Kutch. Winter months, especially December offer the most enchanting and clear view of the sea.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station and airport are at Bhuj, which is 70 km away from Kandla Port.
Where to Stay: Hotel Kandla International, Radisson Hotel and Quality Inn Palms
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8. Narayan Sarovar – India’s Westernmost Tip
Image Credit: Amit.tannk for Wikimedia Commons
Tucked in the Kori Creek of Kutch, Narayan Sarovar or Narayansar is one of the most offbeat yet beautiful places to see if you are planning to travel to Kutch in December. This is one of the holy places in India and people travel to this westernmost part of India to offer prayers and enjoy the mesmerising scenery.
Key Attractions: Koteshwar temple, Laxminarayan, Dwarkanath, and Laxmiji temple
How to Reach: Travel 100 km from Bhuj through barren scrubland to reach this westernmost tip of India.
Where to Stay: There are no hotels here. One needs to stay at Bhuj and travel to this holy destination.
9. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary – Heaven For Wildlife Freaks
Image Credit: sarangib for Pixabay
This is the only habitat of endangered Indian Wild Ass, located on the Little Rann of Kutch. Sprawling over 5,000 sq. km, this sanctuary also acts as home to other herbivores, invertebrates, and aquatic animals. Flocks of migratory birds are also seen here, making it one of the best photography places to travel to Kutch in December.
Key Attractions: Spotting wildlife like Indian Wild Ass, Chinkara, Nilgais, Jackals, Black Bucks, Indian Wolves, White-Browed Bulbul, Stone Plovers and Ducks.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is at Ahmedabad, 150 km from the sanctuary. The closest railhead is at Dhrangadhra – 16 km away.
Where to Stay: Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort and Kutir Village Resort
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10. Siyot Caves – Great Place For History Buffs
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These are ancient caves depicting Buddhist and Hindu architecture. There are 5 rock-cut caves, also known as Kateshwar Buddhist Caves. This is one of the oldest caves in India which attracts historians from all over the world.
Key Attractions: Sanctum area of the caves depicting marvellous Buddhist sculptures.
How to Reach: Travel from Bhuj which is 125 km away.
Where to Stay: Stay at any hotel in Bhuj
11. Kalo Dungar – Highest Point In Kutch
Image Credit: Sudha Kulkarni for Wikimedia Commons
Kalo Dungar or the Black Hill is the top-most point in the Kutch region offering the best view. Located 25 km from Khavda, this is a favourite spot for professional trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The mesmerising view of Rann of Kutch and the Indo-Pakistan border on a clear December day makes a holiday to Kutch in December worth it in every sense.
Key Attractions: Temple of Dattatreya. It is a 400-year-old temple with three-headed incarnations of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.
How to Reach: The nearest town is Khavda, 25 km away. One can avail of local jeeps from there to reach the top or can trek uphill.
Where to Stay: Kiyaoo Resort and Toran Resort
Related Post: Places To Visit In Gujarat
12. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary – Spot an Endangered Species
Image Credit: Prajwalkm for Wikipedia
Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, also known as Lala-Parijan Sanctuary is the habitat of the country’s heaviest flying bird – Bustards. They are an endangered species, which can be best spotted in December and January. Characterised by scattered scrublands, semi-arid grasslands and salty marshes, Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is the best answer to those who are wondering where to go in Kutch in December.
Key Attractions: Safari to spot jungle cats, harriers, cranes, black partridges, sand grouse and black and grey francolin and quails.
How to Reach: Nalia, 20 km away is the closest railhead and Bhuj, 110 km away is the nearest airport.
Kutch Weather In December
December month in Kutch is chilly and cold, with temperatures ranging between 12-25 degrees Celsius. The weather in Kutch in December is soothing and comfortable for tourists to enjoy the surreal beauty of this place. Light to moderately heavy woollen clothing is recommended.
How To Reach Kutch
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By Train: Kutch has no railhead of its own. Bhuj is the nearest railway station located 70 km from Kutch. Bhuj is connected with all major cities of India like Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, etc. One can avail of public transport and cabs from Bhuj to reach Kutch in 1 and a half hours.
By Flight: Bhuj airport is the nearest airport to Kutch, 80 km away.
You May Also Like To Read: Historical Places In Gujarat
Now that you know what to see in Kutch in December, plan a trip to Kutch and gather the best of experiences and memories. This is an offbeat location in itself. If there is a real zeal inside you to explore every nook and corner of India, then Kutch should top your list.
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Cover Image Credit: Pixabay
Frequently Asked Questions About Kutch In December
What is Great Rann of Kutch?
Great Rann of Kutch is a salt swamp located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujarat.
What is the speciality of Great Rann of Kutch?
With the Thar Desert on one side and Arabian Sea on the other, Great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt desert in the world.
How to reach Great Rann of Kutch?
Take a train up to Bhuj which is 102 km from Great Rann of Kutch. One can take private cabs from Bhuj to reach the destination.
What is the best season to visit Great Rann of Kutch?
Winter i.e. October to February is the best season to visit Great Rann of Kutch. The temperature ranges between 12-25 degrees offering most comfortable climate to travel and explore.
When does Rann Mahotsav take place?
Rann Mahotsav starts every year in October and continues till February.
What are the major attractions in Kutch in December?
Bhuj, Mandvi, Dholavira, Kalo Dunga, Little Rann, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Sanctuary, Kandla, Aina Mahal and Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary are some of the major tourist attractions in Kutch.
What is Little Rann of Kutch?
Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marshland and a part of Great Rann of Kutch.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
