Kutch Gujrat
The largest region in India, Kutch (Kachchh), is located in the west of the state of Gujarat. The history of Kutch (Kachchh) dates back thousands of years and includes the Harrapan civilization that flourished along the Indus River (3500-1500 BC). Over the centuries, many cultures have settled in Kutch (Kachchh) from places like Sind (now Pakistan), Persia (now Iran), Marwar (Rajasthan) and Gujarat. The area has grass, good water, and attracted farmers, shepherds, and shepherds. Today, Kutch is well known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse villages and fine arts.
The land area of Kutch covers 45,612 square feet. km and its coastline extends more than 300 km along the Arabian Sea. Almost 50% of the land of Kutch is the Great Rann (salt desert) of Kutch (Kachchh). Once the estuary of the Indus Sea, it is now plain and low, or the best territory of “nothing”. To the east is the Little Rann of Kutch, now the sanctuary of India’s last wild donkey. Over 950 small villages are found on the banks of the Rann and in the lush lands near Bhuj, Nakhatrana and Mandvi. The current population of Kutch (Kachchh) is 1.2 million, many of whom are cattle and buffalo herders, goat and sheep herders, and camel herders. Others work in the city or in the new factories of Kutch.
Top Things To Do in Kutch
Tourism of Dholavira
Known as a famous mining site during the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira was one of the first urban centers around 4500 years ago. It is a Harappan site that flourished between 2650 and 1450 BCE. Now an archaeological site in Khadirbet of Kutch Gujarat, this town is also known as Kotada Timba. Not only does the place have outstanding architecture, but also the Harappan style of life. Divided into three large architectural complexes, the city also has a large open-air stadium.
Kutch Bustard Temple
Locally known as Lala Prajan Sanctuary, the main objective of the Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is to conserve India’s largest animal. It is located in Jakhau village in Naliya Taluka, Gujarat. Among the many other species of wild animals that can be found in the sanctuary, there are three species of wild animals that are unique to the sanctuary. The sanctuary covers an area of more than 2 km² but is still home to some beautiful species including Harriers, Common Cranes, Black Partridges, Sable Grouse, Black and Gray Francolin, Spotted and Indian Sandgrouse, quail, larks, shrikes , Learners, plovers, imperial eagles, flamingos, herons, egrets, sandpipers, etc. Other animals come here is a wolf, Camal, Camena, forena, blue, and the yellow tail and serenity.
Grand Rann de Kutch
Large Rann de Kutch is a large area of salt, located in the KTCT area, and western state of India, and Gujarat. A large planet on the desert and filled with a large amount of salt. The sun of Grand Rann is a party for the eye when you detect the area. The region is divided into two parts, the Greater Rann of Kutch and the Lesser Rann of Kutch and includes a salt marsh in the desert.
These deposits are known to create ghosts, and many pilgrims have shared stories of visions that seem real. The region has become so famous for its natural beauty that it has been featured in many movies in India, for example – Refugee, Magadheera, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, Sarainodu, etc. He has also been named in several books, including the Booker Prize-Winning Novel, The Midnight Children, by Salman Rushdie.
The name, Great Rann of Kutch, is derived from the word “Rann” which means desert in Hindi and the region where it is located. It is considered as one of the largest salt flats in the whole world.
Experience sunset/sunset at White Rann
If there is only one thing you want to do in Kutch, go watch the sunrise or sunset at the White Rann. I did the west trip and some of my friends went on the east trip. They both look like magic.
White Rann or Safed Rann is a salt desert that starts from Kutch, Gujarat and extends to Sindh, Pakistan. During the rainy season, a pawle full of the brush and salt. After the rain, the rain cannot be returned (because of gravity) and gradually start pressing, thus leave the salt behind. The result is a beautiful white desert that stretches as far as the eye can see. And watching the sun set over the great white is just magical!
December – January is the best time to visit White Rann. If you want to take your experience to the next level, take a tour on a full moon night. It is beyond magic!
Be captivated by the sights of Kalo Dungar
If you thought the Rann of Kutch was all about flat, white deserts, you’d be wrong. Because here in the middle of the Rann is a mountain range, the highest of which is Kalo Dungar.
Kalo Dungar literally translates to Black Hill. There is an interesting story as to why it was named so. In ancient times, when people of Sindh went to Kutch, they could find only dry land. It is either the white salt desert or the swampy plains of the Rann. After walking for several days, they could see the mountain range of Kalo Dungar. These mountains look black from a distance and that’s how the name got.
From the top of Kalo Dungar, you will have a breathtaking view of the White Rann that stretches from Gujarat to Sindh. On a clear day, you can also see the border of Pakistan.
Some stations can also organize you to visit the Indian-Pakistani border in Nada Bet, Gujarat. Here you will find something similar to what you see at Wagah Border in Punjab.
The best way to reach Kalo Dungar is by private transport. The resort also has Kalo Dungar tours which are mostly by car. The bus will drop you off at the parking lot 500m down the hill. From here you can take a jeep (INR 30 one way), ride a camel (INR 100 one way) or walk to the top. Keep in mind that even if you take a jeep (which I did) you’ll have to climb a steep 50 steps to get to the top of the view.
