Kutch is a heavenly and mesmerising destination in Gujarat, best known for hosting the Rann Festival from November to February. As the largest district of India, Kutch boasts fantastic landscapes, mind-blowing cultural traits, and awe-inspiring history. Besides, the glistening beaches and the famous Dholaveera which is one of the five largest Harappan sites intrigue vacationers from far and wide. So, let’s explore this haven of fantastic destinations and glance at the most alluring places to visit in Kutch.
24 Best Places to Visit in Kutch
With so many places to explore in the vibrant land of Kutch on your next visit, knowing beforehand where you should head to will help you better. Check out this list for the best places to visit in Kutch.
1. Great Rann Of Kutch
With the Thar Desert on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, Rann of Kutch is a spellbinding marvel of sand and salt. It is the most popular attraction of all tourist places in Kutch. The desert sparkles on full moon nights and offers a spectacular view. A lot of tourists and culture enthusiasts flock here during the time of the Rann Festival. In fact, winter is a good time to visit Kutch for more than one reason. This one of the best places to visit in Kutch Gujarat is also the habitat of Siberian flamingos in winter.
Don’t miss: Rann Mahotsav, camel safari, and camping in tents
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Must Read: Rann Utsav: All You Need To Know About The Desert Fest
2. Kalo Dungar
Kalo Dungar is the highest point of Kutch and offers a jaw-dropping view of the entire region, especially the Rann and the Indo-Pak border. The highland is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Kutch in monsoon and can be accessed by buses or jeeps from Khavda. Hiking here is only recommended for professionals and experts.
Don’t miss: The 400-year-old temple of Dattatreya- a three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
3. Topansar Lake
Located at the heart of Mandvi city, the Topansar Lake is one of the mesmerising tourist places in Kutch. The lake area is popular among the locals as a picnic spot and also for rejuvenating walks and jogs. It is also a bird watcher’s paradise as numerous migratory birds are seen during winter. Add this place to your Kutch places to visit.
Don’t miss: Spotting of black-headed & few brown-headed gulls
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: Open 24/7
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4. Kandla Port
Best known for its rich history among Kutch tourist places, Kandla Port is one of the major ports on the west coast. It is located by the Gulf of Kutch and is commercially active in trading petroleum, chemicals, iron, steel, salt, textiles, and food grains. One of the best tourist places in Kutch.
Don’t miss: Operation of commercial vessels and charming view of the Gulf
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
5. Mandvi Beach
Mandvi is one of the most popular beach destinations of Kutch and offers awesome views of the sea and the shoreline. The beach is clean and tranquil, perfect for a weekend getaway. Check out this famous beach as it is one of the most rated Kutch places to visit.
Don’t miss: Camel and horse rides on the shore and a visit to the Vijay Vilas Palace located by the beach
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
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6. Kutch Museum
This is the oldest museum of Gujarat, founded by Maharao Khengarji in 1877. It is one of the good places to visit in Kutch for history buffs. Here you can have a look at the precious collections of Kshatrapa inscriptions, artefacts of tribal culture, Kutchi scripts, and diverse folk arts and crafts like embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculptures, and precious metalwork.
Don’t miss: Gallery of Coins, especially Kori- Kutch’s local currency of historical days
Entry fee: INR 200
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
7. Dholavira
Dholavira, also known as Kotada Timba is one of the historical sites of the Kutch area, where relics of the Harappan civilization have been found by the Archeological Survey of India. In fact, remnants of all the phases of the Harappan timeline (2900 BC to 1500 BC) have been found here. And thus Dholavira is a favourite amongst history buffs and students, and also among travellers who love exploring offbeat destinations within India.
Don’t miss: Remnants and excavations of water storage and conservation system, urban architecture and exhumed relics
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
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8. Siyot Caves
Siyot Caves are ancient caves that date back to the first century AD. The paintings and folklore of the cave carvings and sculptures depict historical events like the Chinese migration to India. They are the key attractions of the cave and pull history enthusiasts from all over the world to this little-known place in Kutch.
Don’t miss: Sanctum and ambulatory depicting Buddhist linkages
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
9. Bhadreshwar Jain Temple
Bhadreshwar Jain Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Bhadravati and undeniably one of the most awesome places to see in Bhuj and Kutch. The building is presently refurbished and fully renovated to a new complex. The chief temple is extraordinarily stunning- made of all-white marble. Also, it boasts marvellous architecture with engraved pillars showcasing fine artwork. Circling the central temple, there are 52 smaller monuments and tombs and two-century-old mosques.
Don’t miss: Parshwanath idol- as old as 500 BC
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The temple is closed on Sunday.
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10. Aina Mahal
Aina Mahal or Palace of Mirrors is one of the spectacular attractions of Kutch. Known as the Madan Singhji Museum, the palace comprises various types of mirror work with a combination of Venetian glass, marbles, mirrors connected by sprinkled jewellery, and reflective lighting. The entire artwork is a reflection of Indian and European patterns of design. Besides, the palace showcases various antiques like pictures, mechanical toys, and sculptures.
Don’t miss: Pleasure Pool, Dutch Clock, and English and French globes
Entry fee: INR 10 per person for Indians | INR 100 per person for foreign nationals
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Thursday.
11. Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kutch (the Little Rann). Sprawling over 4954 sq km, the sanctuary is the habitat of the Indian Ass, locally called ghudkhar or khur, and other animals like Chinkara, hedgehog, fox, desert cats, jackal, jungle cats, wolf, and blue bulls. Here, you can also find numerous species of birds, reptiles, and crocodiles, making it one of the most popular places in Kutch tourism places. This is one of the best tourist places in Kutch.
Don’t miss: Spotting of Wild Ass and birds like Bustard and falcons and exploring the salt pan (largest in the country)
Entry fee: INR 250 per person for Indians & INR 280 for foreign nationals (Weekdays) | INR 1200 per person for Indians & INR 1500 for foreign nationals (Weekends)
Opening hours: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm around the year except during monsoon.
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12. Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Lala-Parijan Sanctuary or the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful Kutch tourist places known for the conservation and preservation of India’s heaviest flying bird- Bustards. They are among the most endangered species and are locally called Ghorad. The sprawling area features diverse vegetation, semi-arid grasslands and swamps, and one can spot various types of other birds and animals here. It is one of the best places to visit in and around Rann of Kutch.
Don’t miss: Take the safari to spot chinkaras, jungle cats, Nilgai, harriers, common cranes, black partridges, sand grouses, black and grey francolin, spotted Indian sandgrouse, quails, larks, shrikes, coursers, plovers, Stoliczka’s bush chat, white-naped tit, flamingos, herons, egrets, sandpipers
Entry fee: None, but safaris and guided tours are chargeable
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
13. Marine National Park
Marine National Park is the first marine reserve of India, located on the southern coast of Kutch in Jamnagar district. The marine park features saline grasslands, swampy tracts, and marshy shores, along with rocky outcrops, estuaries, and mud beds.
Don’t miss: Spot marine organisms like darter and black-necked Ibis, phalaropes, gulls, kingfishers, osprey, avocets, terns gangetic dolphins, painted stork, giant crabs, beluga whales and giant leatherback turtles
Entry fee: INR 150 per person
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The national park stays closed on Sunday.
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14. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is another one of the popular places to visit in Rann of Kutch region for wildlife lovers. Spread over 2797.7 sq miles, this biosphere reserve has rare as well as almost extinct wild animals like chinkara, jackals, wild boar, porcupine, desert fox, and spiny-tailed lizards.
Don’t miss: Flamingo city for feeding the bird
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
15. Narayan Sarovar
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Narayan Sarovar is again one of the popular places to visit in and around Kutch. It comprises water reservoirs, mangrove forests, and two ephemeral streams – Kapurasi and Kali that flow through the sanctuary. Numerous fauna and almost 252 kinds of floral species can be seen here, including gorad, babul, kerdo, among others.
Don’t miss: Carry the camera to spot and click chinkara and cheetah
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
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16. Lakhpat Fort
The famous Lakhpat town in Gujarat has a huge remarkable fort wall guarding it and these are of the majestic Lakhpat Fort that attracts several visitors. While one may simply visit this town for all the famous tales associated with it, others like to witness this giant structure firsthand. Built-in the 18th century, the 7 km fort walls speak for themselves when it comes to the grandeur of this last village on the Indian border.
Don’t miss: Historical facts
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
17. Roha Fort
A spectacular archaeological site since the British rule, the Roha Fort has several rumours and legends attached to it. Some say this place is haunted while others just like to visit this place and admire the beauty of the marvellous architectural designs that this place stands for. This fort was constructed for the residential purposes of Chavda Vansh of the community of Rajputs and portrays all royal feel to date.
Don’t miss: Ancient history and haunted stories
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
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18. Prag Mahal
One of the most serene mahals in Gujarat is Prag Mahal. While a splendid view of the city of Bhuj awaits you from the top of this palace, many believe it to be the best place amongst the old constructions of this city. Built in the 18th century, this place is often listed on group tours for tourists coming from different parts of the world to visit Gujarat.
Don’t miss: City views
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 5:45 pm (Closed on Thursday)
19. Vijay Villas Palace
Earlier a summer palace of Jadejas, the Vijay Vilas palace has become a very popular tourist destination. You can take a stroll down the private beach near this palace or admire the beautiful work of architecture of the dome-shaped ceilings of this palace. It is one of the hidden places to visit in Kutch. Walking through the large hallways of this grand palace will make you feel like a royal too!
Don’t miss: Carry the camera
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
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20. Kanthkot Fort
This charming fort is situated on a secluded steep hill and is considered to be one of the oldest forts in Kutch and might as well be the oldest in the country too. Constructed even before the 8th century, this place has witnessed many great events and changing kingdoms over a period of time. The main rulers include Jadeja’s who were still ruling this place till the time of independence.
Don’t miss: The quaint architecture and historical facts
Entry fee: NA
Opening hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
21. Chhatedi
If history intrigues you, then Chhatedi is heaven for you. Touted as one of the best places to visit in Bhuj, Chhatedi is renowned for its remarkable architecture. The 400-year-old structure is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The place got its name from the roofs of these buildings that are umbrella-shaped and is one of the romantic places to visit in Kutch. So, to make the most of your Kutch vacation, stop by this marvel and click some breathtaking pictures in your cameras.
Don’t miss: Click pictures of the awe-inspiring natural views
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
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22. Ma Ashapura Temple
Ashapura Mata is touted as one of the prime and most revered deities of Kutch. The temple was established under the rule of the Jadeja dynasty. Inside the temple, you can find a 6-foot-high red-painted stone statue of Ashapura Mata. The temple is in flux throughout the year, especially during the ‘Ashwin’ Navratri. So, if a pilgrim site is what you want to add to your itinerary, pay a visit to Ma Ashapura Temple.
Don’t miss: Visit temple during Navratri
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: 5:00 am to 1:00 am
23. Dhinodhar Hills
Located 75 km away from Bhuj, Dhinodhar Hills boasts a height of 380 metres. This breathtaking location is known for its scenic views, wetlands, and trekking trails, that captivate vacationers from far and wide. So if you are seeking some solace while visiting Kutch, head towards the majestic Dhinodhar Hills. Moreover, for memorable trekking experiences, this place makes a perfect base. Trekking at Dhinodhar Hills is one of the exciting things to do in Kutch.
Don’t miss: Click pictures of the awe-inspiring natural views
Entry fee: None
Opening hours: NA
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24. Bhujodi Vande Mataram Memorial Park
One of the best tourist places in Kachchh, Bhujodi Vande Mataram Memorial Park is India’s first 4-D Memorial. Here, you can relive the soul-stirring journey of Indian Independence in a life-like 4-D technology. Spread over 12 acres, the park features a Parliament Building, Yellow Fort, India Gate, and more. It also houses Hiralaxmi Craft Park which is a non-profit initiative by the Ashapura Foundation. The park allows local artisans from Kutch-Bhuj to showcase their craftsmanship.
Don’t miss: Museum, show, and several attractions of the place
Entry fee: Adults (INR 100), Children (Below 12 yrs) (INR 20), Senior Citizen (INR 20), Foreigner (INR 400)
Opening hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Further Read: 20 Things To Do In Ahmedabad For An Extraordinary Experience
With this quick list of tourist places in Kutch, you are all set to plan a trip to Gujarat’s desert land and explore the magical beauty that it mesmerizes with. From archaeological sites to scenic views, you can enjoy numerous elements of Kutch.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kutch
What is famous in Kutch?
Kutch is famous for the Great Rann of Kutch which is a vast salt marsh desert in the middle of the Thar desert. Apart from this, this place is touted as one of the most significant sites that belong to the Indus Valley Civilization. Thousands of travellers come to India to visit Kutch and its vividness. Furthermore, its picturesque hills, milky deserts, and untouched beaches make travellers completely speechless.
What should I buy from Kutch?
Some of the best things you must buy from Kutch are Rogan Art oil-based paintings, copper bells, lacquer, embroidery garments, jewellery, and other local items.
Is Rann of Kutch worth visiting?
Rann of Kutch is definitely worth visiting once in a lifetime. The endless white fields of salt marsh are a rare and breathtaking view. You can enjoy various sightseeing tours and witness the best of this place. Moreover, if you visit Kutch during Rann Utsav, you will surely be amazed by the lively ambience and numerous visitors who come from all over the world.
What is there to see in Bhuj?
Bhuj is known for its various temples and palaces that add a unique charm to its beauty. Some of the best places to visit in Bhuj are Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandvi Beach, Prag Mahal, and Koteshwar Temple
What is the best time to visit Kutch?
The best time to visit Kutch is from October to March. While planning your trip to Kutch make sure the dates fall between these months, otherwise, you might face less pleasant weather.
How far is Rann of Kutch from Ahmedabad?
Rann of Kutch is 340 km away from Ahmedabad and is well connected by road and train. You should include this in your itinerary and experience the gorgeous views.
What is the famous food of Kutch?
One of the most famous foods that you must try during your Kutch trip is Dabeli. It is a Kutchi street food that comes in umpteen variations. In sweets, you must have the royal sweet of Kutch which is Shahi Gulab made with dry fruits and pure ghee.
What is famous in Bhuj for shopping?
In Bhuj, Gujarat, you can indulge in a vibrant shopping experience at the renowned Bhujodi village, famous for its exquisite handwoven textiles and traditional crafts. Visitors flock to Bhujodi to purchase beautifully crafted items such as colourful Kutchi shawls, intricate Ajrakh prints, and authentic Bandhani (tie and dye) garments.
Which is the biggest hill in Kutch?
The highest hill in Kutch is Kalo Dungar, also known as the Black Hill. Situated near the India-Pakistan border, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Rann of Kutch, especially during sunset. Many tourists visit Kalo Dungar to witness the stunning natural beauty of the region and to enjoy the peaceful ambience atop this picturesque hill.
How many days are enough for Kutch Bhuj?
To immerse in the culture and picturesque landscapes of Kutch Bhuj, one must plan a trip for at least 4- 5 days. There are many tourist attractions that welcome visitors from far and wide such as Mandvi Beach, Narayana Sarovar, Koteshwar, Mata Na Madh, Black Hills and White Rann.
Which is the most beautiful road in Kutch?
One of the most beautiful roads in Kutch is the White Rann Road. This scenic route takes travellers through the mesmerizing white desert landscape of the Rann of Kutch. The road provides a surreal experience, especially during the Rann Utsav (the White Desert Festival) when the vast salt desert shimmers under the moonlight, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
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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.
