This year celebrate New Year at Rann of Kutch that offers 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 enthralls the senses of those willing to surrender to the rugged and sparse beauty of this place. The annually held Rann Utsav invites you to join in and be part of the colorful fabric of local culture, customs and traditions, as you become one in them and immerse yourself to celebrate your 2023 New Year like never before.
New Year Celebration At Rann of Kutch
The Rann Utsav is in full bloom around New Year’s and you can look forward to a party of a different kind. There is festivity in the air with the vibrant carnival offering enigmatic performances of music, dance and other cultural activities. A large number of cultural troupes from various parts of Gujarat perform at the festival. If the New Year’s Eve falls on full moon, then do expect to experience an evening of wonder and magic..
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 give a miss to 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 amount of words or photographs can ever do justice to it. To truly appreciate the aura surrounding this magnificent site you have to simply 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 simply being enchanted with the spellbinding view.
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Tips: If you would like to visit the white desert on a full moon day then do checkout the full moon dates and accordingly plan your trip.
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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. Even endangered species such as Dalmatian Pelican and Black Necked Stork can be found here.
For your Rann of Kutch new year party 2019, do check the availability and book one of these tents. For an insight into the way the locals live and their 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 gifting purpose or to take back home as a souvenir, you can purchase:
- Copper bells
- Lacquer
- Rogan Art
- Embroidered garments with mirror-work
- Silver and gold jewelry
- Ajrakh block printing
- Bandhani dupattas and sarees
Ideal for: Shopping, village tour, bird watching, camel safari
How to reach: The nearest airport and railway station is at Bhuj from where you can hire a private cab or travel by bus.
Suggested Read: Rann Utsav: All You Need To Know About The Desert Fest
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, 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.
For the vibrantly displayed copper bells, Jura Village is a good place to visit, where these copper bells are crafted. The traditional Ajrakh block printing originated in Ajrakhpur Village where yards of fabric are created from natural dyes made from pomegranate, mud, ink and turmeric. With great precision and skill, the printing blocks are carved by hand. Take back home these stylish handcrafted souvenirs to keep your memories of your New Year at Rann of Kutch alive for years to come.
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 that 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 throng in large numbers to this magnificent festival, you will find an array of delicacies being prepared and served at this festival. There are two expansive dining halls that serve authentic Kutchi cuisine. New year party at Rann of Kutch is incomplete without gorging on all the fabulous delicacies at Rann Utsav.
Must try: Foodies must not miss out from gorging on local delights such as bajra na rotla with buttermilk. Another must try is the different types of street food available such as kutchi dabeli, kadak chaat and lasaniya bataka.
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5. A cultural fest on New Year at Rann of Kutch
Dancing on the desert to the tunes of the folk songs played by the locals is an experience to be savored and enjoyed for years to come. Make your Rann of Kutch New Year party 2023 memorable by becoming a part of this colorful cultural fest where the sounds of the desert get intertwined with the tunes emanating from the traditional Indian musical instruments. With the bonfire burning and soulful music being played by the 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 every day. For your New Year in Rann of Kutch, don’t miss out on enjoying unique experiences in Kala Dungar and the surrounding areas.
Tip: The drive from Kala Dungar to White Rann is truly spectacular as you can see the horizon from close quarters.
Ideal for: families, couples, solo travelers
Suggested Read: 52 Intriguing Tourist Places In Ahmedabad For Your Gujarat Getaway
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 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 definitely 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 – the options are many. 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.
Tip: Quite a few adventure activities are part of the Rann Utsav package and can be enjoyed by guests staying in the tent city. For those not staying in the tent city can also enjoy activities such as paramotoring at a cost of Rs.2500.
Ideal for: Adventure enthusiasts, couples, solo travelers, large groups
Activities: Desert safari, star gazing, camel ride, rifle shooting and archery. Aerial adventure sports can be enjoyed at Skyzilla.
Suggested Read: 10 Exciting Things To Do In Saputara To Make Your Gujarat Getaway More Fun!
9. Take A Stroll At The Mandvi Beach
Your New Year party at Rann of Kutch will be incomplete without taking a stroll on the beautiful Mandvi Beach on New Year’s eve. You can also choose to enjoy 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, group 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, bus or jeep ride can cost around Rs.40 to 50.
Auto/Tempo ride from Mandvi to Mandvi Beach cost around Rs.10.
Suggested Read: International Kite Festival In Gujarat: Join The Uttarayan Celebrations This January
10. Witness A Magnificent Sunset – A photographer’s delight
To make your New Year at Rann of Kutch a truly memorable event, do watch the fabulous spectacle of the sun setting behind the salt dunes of the desert. This is one of the most endearing moments that you will surely want to capture and relive that moment every time you look at the photograph. It is a sight to behold and must not be missed at any cost.
Further Read: 20 Gujarati Dishes That Will Always Have A Sweet Spot In Your Heart!
We hope this list enticed you enough to book a trip to Rann of Kutch 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 2023 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 particularly 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 definitely not affect travelers 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.
1. Cost of permit for an adult – Rs.100
2. Cost of permit for a child – Rs.50 (Aged between 6 and 12)
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