RANN UTSAV 2023 DATES: 1st November 2022 to 20th February 2023
…so, I am back from my Rann Utsav trip and I still can’t take everything that I experienced there out of my head. If you have been following me on my social media, especially Instagram & facebook, you must have seen the real-time stories that I was posting all along. Mine was a 3 nights 4 days package of Tent City Rann Utsav and here are the details.
Rann Utsav Tent City Itinerary 3 Nights 4 Days:
Day 1: Reach the tent city, check-in / Go to the White Rann for Sunset / Come back to the tent city for dinner & cultural activities
Day 2: Trip to Mandavi (Shyamji Krishna Varma Memoria + Vijay Villas Palace + Beach visit) / Back to tent city by night
Day 3: Sunrise at the White Rann / Trip to Kala Dungar and Gandhi Nu Gam / back to tent city for other activities
Day 4: Check-out / Bhuj sight seeing
My Experience of Rann Utsav & Trip Details:
This was my first time in Gujrat. Yes, I have explored almost all states in India except Gujrat. I love the Gujrati culture and know a bit about it (thanks to Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chashma and What’s Your Rashee). We landed in Ahmedabad and drove all the way to Dhordo, the place where Tent City is located. Dhordo is about 2 hours drive from Bhuj. It took us around 9 hours to reach the rann utsav. We took 3 stops in between though, for snacks etc (Day wise vlogs, coming up soon).
The first impression of the tent city was Jaw dropping. The entrance was MASSIVE and as we walked through the reception area, other clusters and reached my tent, I kept on wondering how do they do it. Everything was just tents in different shapes, sizes and designs. They had chandeliers and ACs fixed on it and what not. I really want to salute to reach and every single person who has contributed in making Rann Utsav happen. Kudos!
Mine was a premium tent and hence, it was an AC tent with full functional washroom and all the required amenities. See, how beautiful my tent was!
After having our high-tea, we went to witness the magnificent White Rann (the salt desert) for the sunset. It was a bit crowded there people from all across the world come to the Rann Utsav, but yes it was very beautiful too.
Then we came to the tent city for dinner and walked around. The place looks amazing beautiful at night, because of the lights and decor. (you must see my reels for this).
Next day, after having our breakfast, we left for mandavi. It took around 3-4 hours for us to reach there. In between, we stopped to meet the Shabbari tribe of Gujrat, the real nomads/banjaras. They were kind enough to talk to us and get some photos clicked.
In Mandavi, we visit the Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial first. The place looks really beautiful. I felt that weird urge to own a place like that as well.
Then we went to have our lunch at the Vijay Vilas Palace private beach restaurant (watch the vlog for details). After enjoying our lunch with a beach view, we explored the nooks and corners of the Palace. Vijay Villas Palace was the summer palace of Jadeja Maharao of Kutch and the premises is huge with beach on one side and lush green jungle on the other side.
After that, we visit the private beach of the palace and soaked into serenity of the place while enjoying the sunset.
Then we drove back to our tent city for more activities and dinner.
Day 3 was the best as I got to witness the most beautiful sunrise at the White Rann. Yes, IT LOOKS SURREAL. I still cannot forget those 10 minutes can sun came out of the horizon and looked like an orange glowing dot making the salt field shine like crystals.
Then I came to have my breakfast and decide to explore the tent city itself. The place is huge with 600+ tents where 400+ tents are operational for guests. I got a chance to see the tents where PMs, CMs and other VIPs stay. There is skyzilla for adventure activities and a shopping zone to buy handicrafts. There is also a recreation zone where you can play games, go for a spa massage and all. The place is so huge that either you go from place to another in golf carts or get a bicycle.
After exploring the tent city, we left for Kala Dungar, which is the highest point of Kutch and then went to Gandhi Nu Gam. Gandhi Nu Gam is a small village where local tribes live. They are famous for their wooden carvings and handicrafts. You can buy handicrafts at amazing price from here!
After this we came back to the tent city to indulge in some more activities.
You must be wondering what exactly are these in-house cultural activities. Well, these are the cultural performance, group garba, puppet show, stand-up comedy and my most favourite Star-Gazing! Would you believe if I tell you, I saw another galaxy from here? To mind-blowing to be true na? But it is the truth!
There is also a beautiful art gallery for those love art!
I also got a chance to try so many gujrati dishes such as thepla, fafda, khakhra, ghaatiya, papaya cheen, ullo and more.
Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha
We heard this a lot in the tvc starring Mr. Bachchan. Before going here, I used to wonder why exactly this tagline? I mean what’s so special. But when I visit the rann utsav, my perception changed. I actually believe agar Kutch nahi dekha to kuch nahi dekha!
These 3-4 days is an amazing way to experience the beautiful Gujrati culture and witness the natural phenomena of Salt Desert. Nature is great and sometimes you see things that leave you awestruck. The great Rann of Kutch is one such place and I highly recommend it to you.
Also, try and visit during the full moon or new moon nights!
Important Points to Take a Note:
- There are non-ac, ac & premium tents staring from 5000rs + taxes
- All tents have full-functional washrooms
- You can book the package directly from the official Rann Utsav website
- Prices are higher on no moon and full moon nights as compared to normal
- Evenings are colder, pack accordingly
- Nearest Airport, Bus station and Railway station is Bhuj. Pick and drop service available from the tent city
Watch the Rann Utsav Short Film here and don’t forget to subscribe!
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Also read:
8 Beautiful Places to Visit in Kutch, Gujrat
9 Travel Essentials During Covid-19 You Must Have in Your Bag
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