Kutch derives its name from katchua or kachbo, meaning a tortoise and is surrounded by sea watertch is the largest district of Gujarat wherein as many as 18 varied tribes live harmoniously, inspite of their distinct language.Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India. With the vast expanses of white salt desert in the Rann of Kutch area, this is an amazing experience to witness. One would be able to see just stretches of pure white land as far as the eyesight goes.The Rann Of Kutch is home to a wide array of flora and fauna. Migratory birds deem it an abode during diverse weather conditions. The Rann is also famous for the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the Little Rann of Kutch, where the last of three species of Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus khur or khar) still exists.
Kutch also hosts a three-month long annual festival called Rann Utsav which attracts thousands of people to the beautiful White Desert.the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning. It produce some of India’s finest textiles glittering with exquisite embroidery and mirror work. The district is also famous for the ecologically important Banni grasslands, which with its seasonal marshy wetlands form the outer belt of the Rann of Kutch. The Mandvi Beach is another attraction that is a must-visit for every traveler.
How to reach:-
By Air:- The nearest airport to Kutch is in the city of Bhuj, which is around 80 km from the Rann desert.
By Train :- The railway station in Bhuj is the best way to reach Kutch via train. The railway station is well connected to several areas within Gujarat and some beyond as well.
By Bus:- Buses are a good way to get to Kutch.It is well connected by bus services. Tourists can take buses to reach here comfortably.The city has government and privately run buses plying the region aplenty. The journey is quite comfortable and there are a variety of options to choose from such as A/C, non-A/C, deluxe, Volvo and sleeper buses.
Things to do:-
Camel Safari in Rann of Kutch, Kutch Festival, shopping in kutch,A trip to a typical Saurashtra village and an insight into the art of hand loom weaving and dyeing Units, Bird watcher can see rarest kind of birds.
Places to visit:-
Greater Rann of kutch [The White Desert]:- Rann of Kutch , a large area of salt marshes is located in Gujarat , India . It is divided into : Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch .The name “Rann” has come from the Hindi word ran meaning “desert.
Bhadreshwar Jain Temple:- Kutch is home to a number of Jain temples. The Bhadreshwar temple, one of the most ancient temples situated in Bhadrawati, is an extremely popular temples in this region.
Mandvi Beach, Bhuj:- The Mandvi beach is one of the most serene beaches on the Northwestern shore. Its the perfect destination to come and relax
Kandla Port:- Kandla Port, a national port, is one of the eleven most important ports of India. This port is situated on Kandla stream
Aaina Mahal, Bhuj:- The Aina Mahal palace, or ‘Hall of Mirrors’ was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century and is very beautiful.It also houses a handicraft museum where the crafts from various parts of Kutch is put. The Aina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake.You’ll see traditional Kutchi architecture in this structure. Created by Ram Singh Malam.
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary:- Situated in the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is the only place on earth where Indian wild asses still roam free,spreading over a massive 4954 square kilometer.
Dholavira:- It is one of the largest remarkable excavations sites in the Indian sub-continent, Dholavira is located in the Khadir Bet Island in Kutch district of Gujarat. Also known as ‘Kotada timba’.
- Many more spots are Jesal Toral Samadhi ,Bhuj Museum ,Bird Sanctury ,Lakhpat fort town ,Hajipir ,Vijay Vilas Palace ‘Mata na Madh ,Rudramata Dam, (12 kms from Bhuj on the way to Khavda),Kalo Dungar at Khavda
Best time to visit:-
Kutch in Summer (April-June):- summer season at the place comes with the month of April and lasts till the month of June. The hot and humid climate of the place makes travellers stay away.The temperatures during the day are unbearable with some relief during the night. Kutch, however, witnesses high temperatures almost throughout the year.
Kutch in Monsoon (June-September):- At this place monsoon comes within the month of June end and remains till the month of September. Kutch comes alive during the monsoons when the beauty of the place is enhanced. This period attracts a lot of visitors to Kutch.
Kutch in Winter (November-February):- The best time to visit Kutch is during its pleasant winter season. The winter begins in October and ends in February. While temperatures can fall as low as 2 degree Celsius, the weather is usually extremely pleasing and more moderate, ranging between 12 and 25 degree Celsius.