This year, celebrate New Year at Rann of Kutch, which offers a celestial experience bound to leave an indelible imprint in your hearts and minds for years to come. A rich tapestry of cultural heritage combined with the sublime magnificence of the unending white sandy salt desert mesmerizes and enthrals the senses of those willing to surrender to this place’s rugged and sparse beauty. The annually held Rann Utsav invites you to join in and be part of the colourful fabric of local culture, customs and traditions as you become one of them and immerse yourself in celebrating your New Year like never before.
10 Things To Do On New Year At Rann of Kutch
If you are ready to embark on an offbeat voyage that will turn your new year into one extraordinary event, then do not miss the following top 10 activities and experiences awaiting you this New Year at Rann of Kutch
1. Date With The Moon
The infinite stretch of the White Rann looks magical and captivating on a full moon night. Bathed under the radiance of the full moon, the ethereal beauty of the white sand desert is a sight to behold, and no number of words or photographs can ever do justice to it. To truly appreciate this magnificent site’s aura, you must experience this charmed event in person. To make your New Year at Rann of Kutch more special, spend the entire night on the magnificent white sand desert enjoying a camel safari or being enchanted with the spellbinding view.
Ideal for: Couples, Families
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2. Dhordo or Hodka – A Glimpse Of The Rural Life
During the Rann Utsav, the tent city with over 400 tents is created near the village of Dordo. You can choose between AC and non-AC tents and all the amenities required to experience a comfortable stay is available within these tents. Dhordo is also home to a large number of migratory birds and therefore bird watchers will surely delight in catching the sight of some rare species. From Hodka Village, you can take an excursion trip to Chaari Dhand, the wetlands inhabiting a diverse array of birds, both resident and migratory. Endangered species, such as the Dalmatian Pelican and Black Necked Stork, can be found here.
For your Rann of Kutch New Year party, check the availability and book one of these tents. For an insight into the locals’ lives and culture, visit Hodka Village, which is particularly known for its rich tapestry of arts and crafts.
Things to buy: You can buy handicrafts at a lower price in the local market. For the gifting purposes or to take back home as a souvenir, you can purchase:
- Copper bells
- Lacquer
- Rogan Art
- Embroidered garments with mirror-work
Ideal for: Shopping, village tours, bird watching, camel safari
How to reach: The nearest airport and railway station is at Bhuj, where you can hire a private cab or travel by bus.
3. Rann Utsav – Shop To Your Heart’s Content
The Rann Utsav fair has lots to offer shopping enthusiasts. From nearby villages, local artisans display and merchandise their work at the fair, and shoppers will be spoilt for choice. From exclusive handcrafted articles, silverware, and ornaments to intricate Kutch embroidery, you will be tempted to buy a little of everything. These skilled artisans belong to the nearby villages of Khavda, Gandhi-Nu Gam, Ajrakhpur, Nirona, and Bhirandiyra.
Jura Village is a good place to visit for the vibrantly displayed copper bells, which are crafted there. Traditional Ajrakh block printing originated in Ajrakhpur Village, where yards of fabric are created from natural dyes made from pomegranate, mud, ink, and turmeric. The printing blocks are carved by hand with great precision and skill. Take home these stylish handcrafted souvenirs to keep your memories of your New Year at Rann of Kutch alive for years.
Tip: To see the artisans create such authentic handicrafts, you can even attend workshops conducted in the villages.
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4. Rann Utsav – A Foodie’s Paradise
This special festival of Rann Utsav, which is on from October to February, is not only known for its cultural performances and shopping options but is also a paradise for food lovers. Since tourists are thronging in large numbers to this magnificent festival, you will find an array of delicacies being prepared and served at this festival. Two expansive dining halls serve authentic Kutchi cuisine. The New Year party at Rann of Kutch is incomplete without gorging on all the fabulous delicacies at Rann Utsav.
5. A Cultural Fest On New Year At Rann of Kutch
Dancing in the desert to the tunes of the folk songs played by the locals is an experience to be savoured and enjoyed for years to come. Make your Rann of Kutch New Year party 2023 memorable by becoming a part of this colourful cultural fest where the sounds of the desert intertwine with the tunes emanating from the traditional Indian musical instruments. With the bonfire burning and soulful music being played by folk artists, you can truly immerse yourself in the moment and enjoy your New Year celebration at Rann of Kutch in the most spectacular manner.
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6. Kala Dungar – A view like none other
Kala Dungar is the highest point in Kutch, and from Sunset Point, you can marvel at the stunning views of the white desert. Besides the view, when in Kala Dungar, you can also visit Dattatreya Temple, where you can watch the temple priest feeding the jackals daily. For your New Year in Rann of Kutch, don’t miss out on enjoying unique experiences in Kala Dungar and the surrounding areas.
Ideal for: families, couples, solo travelers
7. Flamingo City – Watch them dance gracefully
Whether you are a bird watcher or not, you will surely enjoy watching the graceful elegance of the pink flamingos parading around in the low-lying stretch between the lagoon and desert in Rann of Kutch. Among the various things to do on New Year at Rann of Kutch, watching the flamingos in such large numbers is truly a delight.
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8. Adventure Activities for your New Year at Rann of Kutch
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you will not want your New Year celebration in Rann of Kutch to end without trying out various exhilarating adventure activities. From getting a bird’s eye view of the white desert, from the hot air balloon to enjoying a camel safari or bike ride on an ATV over the sand dunes, there are many options. Star gazing is yet another adventurous as well as romantic activity you can indulge in on a clear night with the sky sparkling with thousands of tiny diamonds. Paramotoring is yet another adventure activity, allowing you to enjoy aerial views of the Rann of Kutch.
Ideal for: Adventure enthusiasts, couples, solo travellers, large groups
Activities: Desert safari, star gazing, camel ride, rifle shooting and archery. Aerial adventure sports can be enjoyed at Skyzilla.
9. Take A Stroll At The Mandvi Beach
Your New Year party at Rann of Kutch will be incomplete without strolling on the beautiful Mandvi Beach on New Year’s Eve. You can also enjoy a camel ride or simply revel in the magnificent views of the beach in the evenings or early morning.
Adventure Activities: Bike riding, boat ride, camel ride
Ideal for: families, couples, groups of friends
Camel ride cost: If you decide to go on a camel ride, it will cost you as low as Rs.20.
How to reach Mandvi?
From Bhuj to Mandvi, a bus or jeep ride can cost around Rs.40 to 50.
Auto/Tempo ride from Mandvi to Mandvi Beach cost around Rs.10.
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10. Witness A Magnificent Sunset – A photographer’s delight
To make your New Year at Rann of Kutch a truly memorable event, watch the fabulous spectacle of the sun setting behind the salt dunes of the desert. This is one of the most endearing moments you will surely want to capture and relive every time you look at the photograph. It is a sight to behold and must not be missed at any cost.
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We hope this list enticed you enough to book a trip to Gujarat and enjoy your New Year holiday in the desert! With so many exciting things to do and choose from, a New Year at Rann of Kutch is the best place to bring in 2025 with family and friends!
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Place Of Rann Of Kutch
What is the best time to visit Rann of Kutch?
The best time to visit Rann of Kutch is during the winter months between October and February.
Is Rann Utsav worth visiting?
Rann Ustav is definitely worth visiting at least once to discover a once-in-a-lifetime experience of cultural delights, panoramic vistas and adventure.
How far is Rann Utsav from Bhuj?
If one is driving from Bhuj to Rann Utsav then the distance is only 1km and it takes few minutes to reach.
Is Rann of Kutch worth visiting in December?
The festival of Rann Utsav has made Rann of Kutch a popular destination during the winter months. Summers are undoubtedly extremely hot, and it is best to avoid visiting as the temperatures can go up to 49 degrees.
What is special about Rann of Kutch?
The Rann of Kutch is mainly known for its white salty desert sand situated in the Thar desert in the Kutch district. The salt marsh is considered to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
What happens in Rann Utsav?
During Rann Utsav, you can book special Rann Utsav packages that include a blend of sightseeing tours, cultural events and shopping for authentic Kutch handicrafts.
What is famous in Kutch?
Kutch is famous for its white salt desert especially during the winter months when Rann Utsav takes place. Other than the never-ending white fields of salt, Kutch is also known for its artistic handicrafts.
Is it safe to visit Rann of Kutch?
Although it is close to the border around 100km away, it is safe to travel to Rann of Kutch. The situation at the border will not affect travellers visiting Kutch.
How do I travel to Rann of Kutch?
Nearest airport and railway station can be found in the city of Bhuj. From there, one can hire a cab to reach Kutch.
How many days is enough to spend in Rann of Kutch?
Spending a minimum of two to three nights is perfect to explore the various facets of this magnificent place.
Do you require permit to visit Rann of Kutch?
Due to its proximity to the international border, you would need a permit to Rann of Kutch, which is regarded as a sensitive area. You can get the permit at Bhirandiyara Village checkpoint situated 55km from Bhuj.
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A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.
