White Desert Of Kutch — Attraction in Gujarat

Visit to the White Rann, Kachchh We visited White Rann on January 14, 2025. One has to come to Dhordo (white raan) via Bhuj. This place has been developed for the last 12 years and is growing every year. Accommodation in tents are available at many places close by, but prior booking is advisable. A visit to the specific Rann area is in three parts. First one should reach the main area by own vehicle where parking is available. A large shopping complex is available with many activities for kids. To go further one needs a permit - available on-line as well as off-line. From here one has to get into a shuttle bus which will take you too a few kms deep in the Rann area. From here one can get a camle cart or horse cart to go further a km or two. Of course one can walk down too. The Rann is basically a vast plain area as long as one can see. The initial part is normal brown with shrubs. The White part is crystalline salt left behind by evaporation of sea water which reaches to this area during the highest high tide on December 21 - 23. There is no vegetation in the area. Rann means desert in Gujarati. Basically the Great Rann and the Little Rann of Kachchh are the highest salt producing areas but this Dhorado area has been developed as a tourist area as a novelty and tourists throng the area as the Government of Gujarat celebrates (Ranotsav) Rann festival from December 1 to 28 February every year. Thousands of tourists visit this area every day. The famous Kalo dungar and newly constructed Road to Haven are the other tourist attractions nearby. When we visited there was an unbelievably large crowd. Between 5 to 7 PM there may be close to one lakh people. Though there were occasionally traffic snarls due to few people with davil may care attitude. BSF jawans were alert everywhere. Cudos to the state transport department for arranging a large fleet of buses for shuttle service. Overall an informative and enjoyable experience.

Now a line for tourist behaviour - we visited the area again the next day early in the morning, we were aghast to notice a large amount of plastic waste left behind. I strongly urge the authorities to ban plastic in the area by not allowing any bags in the area or charging tall of rs 50 per bag or any suitable measure. This is my experience over and above information...

First day we reached the spot at 7pm and the following day at 545 am. It was an unforgettable experience enjoying and absorbing the prestine beauty of this white desert.🏜🏝🍚 It was so serene, jaw dropping whiteness and a treat for the eyes. 😊🥰 We soaked ourselves in the beauty as the sun rose slowly in all its grandeur, flaunting its bright colors. As we were watching, the blaring red sun slowly transitioned to yellow sun, as it fully positioned itself in the horizon. ☀️🌞🌤🌅🌄🌥 We were busy clicking pictures and walked around until our legs were tiring. As I clicked the pics, I just wanted freeze those precious moments into tangible memories. Needless to mention that there is no lens as precise and clear as our own eyes. 👁Not even my Canon camera. 😀📸📷🎥📹 I thanked God for his magnificent handwork.🙏❤ The wait before the rise and the changing hues of the horizon, were simply magical and mesmerizing, an experience for a lifetime. The vast expanse is adorned with salt giving this place a snow covered appearance. We were the early birds to reach the spot first, to see the sunrise both through natural and artificial lenses, as it gradually unfolded, The terrain is totally flat, something like another FLAT Antartica, atleast by the appearance. 😀😉😜 First day as we reached at 7pm, we got to see the Rann utsov which usually concludes at 8:30pm. The audience were immersed in the traditional folk songs. 🎤🎶 We were lucky to enjoy the panoramic view of the landscape, both at night and in the early morning. Second day, we reached the spot at 5:45am and were the first to enter, once the the BSF officer approved our entry on checking the permit. Keep yourself warm with good winter clothing as it is freezing cold during winters, especially early morning and late nights.🧥❄️ Wear strong shoes if you would like to take a stroll of the vast expanse as some areas are damp and your footwear might get stuck in the mud.👟👞👢 Else you can just stick to the firm pathways or trails, that are not so difficult to spot.👣👣 Never forget to take your permit and camera.🎟🎫 we took the permit online the previous...

Rann of Kutch – A Magical White Wonderland ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Visiting the Rann of Kutch in December 2025 was truly one of the most memorable travel experiences ever! 🏜️✨

From the moment we arrived, we were mesmerized by the vast expanse of the white salt desert – it felt like walking on the moon, but brighter and more peaceful. 🌕🤍

Getting There:

🚍 Only authorized buses are allowed beyond a certain point. After that, you either: 🐫 Hop on a traditional camel cart (fun and rustic!) 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ Or enjoy a walk across the surreal landscape

Important Tip:

🪪 You must have a government permit to enter the White Rann area. ✔️ Check with your travel provider in advance. ⏳ If not pre-arranged, be prepared for long queues at the permit counter – especially during peak season.

Experience Highlights:

🌅 Sunset was absolutely breathtaking – the sky turned into shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the white salt. A moment to cherish forever! 📸 Local vendors offer beautiful Kutchi costumes for rent – perfect for vibrant, cultural photos.

☀️ Sunrise is even more magical – peaceful, quiet, and soul-soothing. With far fewer people than in the evening, it feels like your own private moment with nature.

Good to Know:

🧴 Carry plenty of water and snacks, especially if you're going early morning or staying late. 🍽️ Unfortunately, there are limited food options in the desert area.

🚫 No proper toilet facilities – we were told to use open fields, which was quite disappointing.

🚱 Also, no drinking water available onsite – so come prepared!

Despite these challenges, the Rann’s ethereal beauty, cultural charm, and once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere make it worth the trip. 🌟

Pro Tip:

If possible, stay overnight nearby – catching both sunset and sunrise truly completes the experience!

Rann of Kutch – a glowing jewel of India’s natural wonders. Highly...