What began as a three-day festival was followed by a hundred-day celebration at Dold, in which residents created an entirely new tent city chock full of makeshift infrastructure that was built and rebuilt each year. Gradually grew to Kutch Rann Utsav, one of India’s most anticipated tourism events, celebrating the natural wonders of the White Desert and Kutch’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

It’s a carnival of music, dance, and the natural beauty of nature, with the luxury of a tent city and more. Visiting on a full moon day must be every traveler’s dream. Kutch Rann Utsav is the shimmering landscape that makes up the exquisite moments of this festival and feels heavenly during the festive hours. 

It’s a family destination where fun moments are explored and saved on camera for a lifetime. The official dates for Rann utsav 2024 have been announced from 11 November 2024 to 15 March 2025.

What you need to know about the Rann of Kutch Utsav at Dhordo

You can experience Golf carts, rides, camel cart tours, paramotor conveyances, meditation, yoga, relishing Gujarati culture, and much more to do during your time at the Rann of Kutch festival. You can find more information on the Rann Utsav packages listed below.

Rann Utsav through History

The festival celebrates Kutch’s unique landscape, including sparkling salt flats and wetlands teeming with exotic wildlife each winter. Celebrate the wide range of arts and crafts developed over the centuries in Kutch, thanks to its tribal diversity and cross-border cultural fusion.

At the Kutch Rann utsav, you’ll be greeted by the bright colors of Kutch embroidery, sleep in a lippan-covered Bunga, listen to Kutch folk songs, and stare at the shimmering white salt for miles without a break. Gujarat Tourism Authority started this festival in 2005 as its three-day initiative. 

It has grown into a four-month event every year from November until February. It celebrates the serenity and resilience of people who have always stood up like the phoenix, despite years of rainless weather and devastating earthquakes. The celebration was like a festival where the locals put food and souvenir stalls on the market. Tourists visited the White Desert, ate local food, and bought local art. 

Recently, two state-accredited partners, The Tent City and White Rann Resort have taken the celebration to the next level by creating a massive gated resort. These are traditional accommodations with a touch of luxury, offering regular cultural programs, adventure activities, in-house craft bazaars, and curated Kutch itineraries. 

So, if you are planning to make your dream of travelling luxuriously during this time and staying at the Rann Utsav 2024, below is a compilation of very important information for you!

Activities to Try at the Rann of Kutch Festival

Gujarat’s famous tourism festivals have a lot to offer, from staying in tents to many fun activities such as:

1. ATV Rides

The sound of the wind is a once-in-a-lifetime experience on a popular 4×4 bike tour through the dunes and white desert.

2. Playing Pool

One of the greatest things you can do here is play pool and get applause from your friends who compare you to famous pool players. The game will give you moments of ecstasy and help you relax and have fun.

3. Archery

Take a guided trekking tour where your guide will take you to Karohi Danger hill. If you run out of energy, you can also visit the Dattatreya Temple at the top. The monks serve those who reach the top a free meal. 

4. Bungee Run Basketball

Bungee-run basketball is one of the favorite games for kids at the Kutch Festival. A person is tied with a rope, jumps in the air, and shoots baskets. It is an overwhelming experience—a must for your kids to do and watch.

5. Paragliding

One of the great activities going on here. You can sail across the expanses of the White Desert and watch the glorious festival from above. You will enjoy this activity as it is also very adventurous and one of the most fun activities here.

Rann of Kutch Holiday Package

If you are looking for a package deal, Rann Mahotsav Tent City and White Rann Resort are recommended. Both locations charge more but include many free cultural events, adventure activities, and day trips to nearby destinations.

Here are just a few of the packages offered by the two most famous properties, the White Run Resort and Tent City, which can have a high Rann utsav 2022 package price, hence reasonable options are also mentioned in it.

The Tent City vs. White Run Resort

Note: Both of these resorts have an official website where you must check for latest updates and price fluctuations if any, to be sure and avoid any mishaps.

Tent City offers 3 packages (1N/2D, 2N/3D, 3N/4D) and White Run Resort offers 2 packages (1N/2D and 2N/3D).

White Run Resort offers tent and Bunga accommodation, while Tent City only offers tent accommodation. Most of the other things included in the package (meals, adventure rides, cultural activities, craft village) are similar. Tent City also has a spa and gym, but not at White Run Resort.

Note: If you want to avoid booking a Rann Mahotsav package but want to stay in luxury Bunga, try Gateway to Ran Resort.

This place is cheap, but of course you have to plan your own day trips and run tours. If you want affordable accommodation, try the small hotels and homestays in Dhordo and Verandiala.

Rann Utsav Prices and Specifications

Gujarat tourism offers a stay in exquisite tents and exploring areas near Kutch and the White Desert. It is recommended that you schedule according to your available holiday budget because there might be fluctuations according to the season and tourist hike. There are now several packages to choose from for this Rann Utsav, as given below:

• 1 N 2 D package starting from Rs. 4600/- per person
• 2 N 3 D package starting from Rs. 9000/- per person
• 3 N 4 D package starting from Rs. 13500/- per person

There are various offer packages for group travel. You can plan your visit to Kutch and the areas and destinations around it based on the number of travelers, days, options, and budget.

Benefits of getting a package

Booking a package takes much of the stress out of the travel planning process. When you book your package, visit Bhuj, and we will take care of the rest. The package offered includes transportation, permits, meals, and accommodation.

In one package, you can also visit more cultural activities, festivals, and bazaars in Tent City or White Rann Resort. Purchasing a Rann utsav 2022 package makes enjoying the Rann experience easier and more convenient. However, from experience, you lose some flexibility and have to travel by bus with other tourists at a fixed time.

Alternative Destinations to Stay

In case you do not find a booking slot in the most popular places located in the Rann of Kutch due to a load of tourists, or you find the cost of stay higher than your budget, you can stay at a place near the Rann of Kutch.

1. Kalo Dungar

It is located at an altitude of 1516 feet beyond sea level in the Kutch district. Kalo Dungar can be reached by leasing a car from Bhuj because its only 75 km away. A day trip from Bhuj to Karo Danger will be enough to discover the region’s black hills. An overnight stay at Dharamshala serves staple foods such as rice, chapattis, dal, and vegetables, which can be a unique experience.

2. Bhuj

Bhuj is a great place for a break to nearby villages and the Great Run of Kutch. The Great Valley of Kutch is located about 70 km from Dhordo. If you can’t find a place to stay in the Utsav area or around it, it is highly recommended that you stay in Bhuj. Here you can also visit the Aina Mahal and the Prague Mahal. Spending some time shopping for Kutchie crafts is also a good idea.

Safety Procedures for Covid-19

The medical center provides information about the coronavirus.

1. Appropriate health measures

All locations near Utsav will be cleaned and disinfected using thermal scans of tent cities. 

2. Bhuj Center Protocol

An immunity booster is available as a welcome drink at the reception lounge. You will also receive a safety kit containing sanitizer and a mask at the reception center.

3. Guest Protocol

For the safety of visitors, all common touchpoints of the transport services will be thoroughly sanitized. With social distancing in mind, guests are asked to sit at safe distances, and private cars are not allowed inside the tent city.

4. Haat Territory Protocol

Shop owners are encouraged to maintain an appropriate distance between stores while respecting safety guidelines and sanitize all sales items and products before display. The wearing of masks and gloves by shopkeepers is also mandatory for all types of sales.

What to Pack for the Trip?

Whenever you think is the best time to visit Rann of Kutch 2022 the vast white desert is dyed in various colors. Inspired by this, you, too, can incorporate these colors into some new fashion trends.

1. Anarkalis

Experience the cultural explosion and luxury during Rann Utsav by wearing the colorful Anarkali kurta alone or over contrasting leggings.

2. Printed Shirts

The desert of Kutch becomes a vast place for long-awaited adventures, biking, and more. Get in the festive mood by wearing a super comfortable, colorful shirt.

3. Maxi Dress

Add a pop of color to the panorama of white sand with a maxi dress. As you spin around, you will feel like you are surrounded by folk music and performances.

4. Shrugs or Jackets

Don’t let the cold get you down unless you’re lying on the white sand and gazing at the stars. Grab a bright shrug or jacket that will keep you warm and comfortable all day while capturing the beauty of festive color.

5. Long Skirt or Vibrant Pants

Your Instagram page will look as colorful as someone from the Rann Festival. Wear colorful skirts and pants that look great in the city or on the white sandy beach.

FAQs

Read Also: Shree Ram Van Rajkot