I love wonders of nature … Who doesn’t? Deserts have a different charm, give a feel of nothingness or calmness. There is a place on earth where the Desert is Milky White … Yes, it is white. A vast area of White land ..no snow, no plant, no shrub, no bird ……just white land and horizon… It is – The Great Rann.
Standing in the desert it feels like it was formed when GOD was in the mood for writing a poem.
A spectacle of nature .. can only be seen 4 months in a year – Rann of Kutch .. is in the western part of India … in the State of Gujrat. It is the largest Salt Desert in the world.
During the monsoon months, the Rann of Kutch is submerged in sea water. As the sea water finally begins to recede in October, it leaves this spectacle of salt everywhere. The marshy desert is only about 49 feet above sea level.
It is a paradise for nature enthusiasts like me in 4 months from November to Feb.
The government of Gujarat holds a four-month long festival known as ‘The Rann Utsav’ every year starting from November end to February. You can witness the culture and amazing hospitality of Kutch at this time.
Tented accommodation is available only during these 4 months, as rest of 8 months, there is nothing in this vast marshy salt land. The accommodation at Rann is expensive during season time and hence it is advisable to pre-book if one wishes to visit the white desert during the Utsav.
Last year, 2 operators had tented accommodation available. I stayed at “White Rann Resort” which provided food from Courtyard Marriot and was 40% cheaper than the other operator of Rann Utsav.
The best things to do at Rann – A visit to Kalo dungar – the Highest point in Kutch from where you can witness a beautiful sunset.
The sight of salt desert getting formed with half of the water dried and half still marshy is indeed beautiful.
At the Rann Utsav, one can enjoy the delicacies of Gujarati food as well as witness the local culture.
My itinerary was for 3 nights. Two Nights at Rann of Kutch and one night at Mandvi which is 76 km away from Rann Utsav Sight.
At Mandvi, I stayed at “Serena Beach Resort” which was a very pleasant stay with very comfortable accommodation as well as the private beach. The resort has been very artistically decorated and is placed in very nice location. One can spend the whole Day at the resort without getting bored.
The route from Mandvi is very beautiful with long stretches of the road having patches of salt on either side.
Best Time to Visit :
I visited the Rann in December season, but I feel the best season will be February as the whole salty land will be completely dried up and one can walk a little more comfortably.
Places to Stay: My recommendation is Serena Beach Resort in Mandvi and White Rann Resort in The Great Rann. Both are great in terms of Hospitality and Accommodation.
So pack your bags …and witness this wonder.
ChrisAmanSood 
Chris, excellent photography. Love it.
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Thnx
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