What to see in Dhordo? My Visit to Gujarat Desert Festival

There are so many awesome places where you can spend your winters in India. What if I say you can spend chilly wintry days in a desert too? Unbelievable isn’t it! Well, I am just back with loads of good memories of my mesmerizing stay in Dhordo, at Rann Utsav (Desert Festival) 2021 in Rann of Kutch Gujarat.

Read in this Dhordo travel guide about my stay in Rann of Kutch in Dhordo Tent City and several Rann Utsav cultural activities.

From bright and big mannequins, rides in decorated tuk tuks to souvenir shops there are so many activities to keep the whole family entertained in . Kids will love the various adventure activities in Rann Kachchh. Couples will love to take romantic strolls through the various clusters of tents especially if they do advance booking for Rann Utsav full moon package.

If you are not sure how to plan a stay at Kutch Rann Utsav, I have you covered in this Dhordo trip guide. Check out the various packages for booking stay options and things to do in Tent City Dhordo.

Where to stay in Rann Utsav? Stay in Tent cluster in Kutch Rann Utsav – Great Rann Mahotsav

What is Rann Utsav?

If you are wondering what is special about Rann of Kutch, it is the geographical features of the place, the White Rann. Prior to 2005, the Great Rann of Kutch was passed off as lifeless stretch of land. People would be scared to venture in the desert after evening lest they get lost.

Credit goes to our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his farsightedness and vision to transform Dhordo, a backward village to smart village. This was during his stint as Chief Minister of Gujarat. (He has done something similar for Varanasi, which was in a mess in 2014 when he won the elections. Do check out my Varanasi Travel Guide.)

Rann of Kutch festival history is an interesting one.

Can you believe the first Rann Festival was held for only three days in 2006?! As the popularity soared with time, the Desert Festival duration increased from three days to one month to three months today. Kutch Rann Utsav dates aren’t fixed always, but the 100 days of Rann Festival always span through November, December and January. So you can plan to visit Rann Mahotsav for few days during these months.

Rann of Kutch Festival started with a main objective of providing employment to the local people, bring the handicraft by women on world platform and highlight the desert beauty.

Thanks to Gujarat Tourism, we were privileged to meet Miya Hussain Gul Beg Sahab, the sarpanch (the head of a Panchayat) of Dhordo village, who turned Dhordo with guidance of Modiji, then chief minister of Gujarat and other welfare authorities into a colourful festive ground. He shared stories on how मीठे (नमक) का रेगिस्तान बन चुका है मिठाई! (Salty desert has turned into sweet!)

Warm Welcome at Tent City Dhordo – Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Photos

Where to Stay in Dhordo?

Take the virtual Tent City Tour

Tent City Dhordo has 450 tents in 9 clusters spread over 1600 sqft; nearly 15,000 tonnes of materials have gone into constructing this. You can choose from different types of tents at Rann Utsav Tent city with price range of 50,000INR to 8,200INR for 1N, 2D stay depending on area, number of rooms, AC and non-AC facilities. The rooms are named Darbari Suite Rajwadi Suite Premium Tents Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages Non-AC Swiss cottages.

Reception Area – We were welcomed traditionally with drum beats and aarti (welcoming with lit lamp). At the huge reception hall there was contact less check-in, and our IDs were matched digitally.

Dining Area – This is one of the hugest dining areas I have ever seen. It is fully air conditioned; the waiters maintaining social distancing, plate warmer and UV box used to disinfect plates and cutlery. Packed food options will be given to all guests if they choose to not dine in the dining hall but I chose to have it at the hall each day.

R3 Spa – In house spa (Much needed one, especially after the long day spent in interesting activities.)

Prime Minister Modi’s Tent in Kutch

There is a special tent which is Modiji’s home when he visits Kutch. It is in PM cluster which has tents that accommodate other admin officers accompanying him. It had VIP facilities, tight security and a watch tower for keeping a watch all around. PM’s room is well furnished with rich Gujarati handicrafts, and locally made furniture.

My Tent in Rann Mahotsav

I stayed in a Deluxe AC Swiss Cottage, with a front porch, double bed, a study table, a cloth stand, a five seater sofa set, a large size mirror and a personal washroom with all good toilet fittings.

My Tent in Rann Utsav Kutch

Rann Festival Tent City Activities included in package

Plan your stay well for the interesting things to do at Rann Utsav. Some of the adventurous activities like Zip Line, Rock Climbing, ATV Riding, Skyzilla, and Rappelling can keep your hyper active kids busy throughout the day.

Play Area for toddlers – They have made good arrangement, a well enclosed place stuffed with toys for toddlers.

Sunset Point in White Rann of Kutch – NEVER miss this. It is included in Rann Utsav tent city package.

Shopping for souvenirs at Tent City Handicraft Market – The Craft bazaar within the tent city has beautiful arts, crafts, and many handmade things made by local people.

Market in Rann of Kutch Tent City Dhordo – Plan the Best Trip to Rann Utsav

Dhordo Cultural Activities – Each cluster has a centre stage, in addition there is another stage where cultural events are conducted at night. Reputed and talented artists showcase their talents here.

One that I would like to mention is about Rajendra Bhai Rawal, a dancer from Bapu Nagar in Gujarat. His energetic dance performance by continuously swirling left us mesmerized. Rajendra Bhai Raval has performed in more than 25 countries and has a record of non-stop 90 hours performance!
He displayed the rare art of Bhavai Dance, in which with a series of constant movements on stage, he created figures like a rabbit, pigeon on the tunes of folk music of Gujarat.

Traditional Dance performance, Dhammal, by artists of the Siddi tribe in Gujarat of African origin is worth watching.

Star Gazing in White Rann Kutch – I indulged in some star gazing activity through mobile app. After I located the constellations with app I tried outlining the stars with nakedeye.

Besides these there are many props which make wonderful insta worthy pictures.

Rann Mahotsav Tent City in Dhordo Kutch – Desert Festival of India Guide

Dhordo Sightseeing – Gujarat Desert Festival

Below are a list of tourist places in Dhordo worth visiting. You can combine them to your itinerary of Kutch tour.

Kala Dungar – the highest point in Kutch. It is 462m in height and at a distance of 90km from Bhuj. You can see the salt flats at a distance. Get to the top by vehicle, on camel back or by walk, then a series of steps take you to the photoshoot point.

Vijay Vilas Palace – This beautiful Palace has been featured in multiple Bollywood films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Commando and more. The palace has ten airconditioned tented rooms with attached baths, multi-cuisine restaurant, easy access to a private beach and a lot more.

Gandhi Nu Gaam – a village built from scratch after its destruction in 2001 earthquake. We got to see colourfully painted Bhungas and variety of handicrafts on sale.

Nirona Village – 71 km southwards you can see the making of Rogan Art, the art of Copper Bell making and Lacquer art.

Bhujodi Village – one of the oldest and biggest artisan villages in Bhuj, another place where you can shop to your heart’s content.

Mandvi Beach – a very beautiful place to visit, it has attractions like horse riding, camel riding, paragliding, and more.

Kutch Museum – the oldest museum of Gujarat which was founded in 1877, it has good collection of Kutchi craft, cultural statues, old coins, antiques and historical weapons.

Swaminarayan Temple is constructed with pure high quality marble, it is an architectural wonder. This is one of the six places where Lord Shree Swaminarayan constructed the temple Himself.

Bhujodi shawls from Bhuj Gujarat

Eco friendly Tents in Dhordo Village

The Tent City of Dhordo has adopted many eco friendly measures to manage the enormous amount of waste that is generated. Food waste, plastics and sewage recycling is done in an efficient manner.

The tents are made of strong frames and thick plastics on basic concrete structure.  These tents are dismantled and stored in godowns to prevent exposure to torturous hot climate during rest of the year.

They use electric vehicles for the transfer of visitors and baggage, thus preventing air pollution.

Suggestion – May be they can take a step further to avoid plastic water bottles in room and provide some kind of centralized drinking water point at the entrance of each cluster of tents. This will boost the sustainable and responsible tourism steps that they are taking.

Thanks to courteous Staff of Tent City in Rann Mahotsav for a comfortable stay. Pic 1. Morning tea served at room Pic 2. Keeping the Tent city clean

Important Facts and Protocols at Tent City Dhordo

• Alcohol is not (ethically and legally) available in Tent City Gujarat.
• Smoking is prohibited inside tent city.
• Their entire staffs are 100% vaccinated.
• All COVID protocols are maintained.

White Rann of Kutch – Visit with Gujarat Tourism and Incredible India

How was the Kutch Rann Utsav tour?

Ever since I am back from the Kutch Festival, friends and acquaintances have been asking me about my stay in Tent City of Dhordo and the experience I had. So here is a brief Q & A session where in I have tried to clear your doubts. If you wish to know more, please leave a comment below.

Is it worth visiting Rann Mahotsav?

YES. Else it will be hard for you to believe that once a barren desert, today offers the best of all worlds – the unexpected charm of salt flats, barefoot on beach moments, the serenity of hill station, colorful rustic lifestyle and more!

How long should I plan my trip to Dhordo?

One day trip to Rann Festival would be too short, two days should be moderately okay and three days and more would a great luxury trip to Rann of Kachchh festival.

How do I reach the tent city of Dhordo?

Distance from Bhuj IAF airport is 79.5 km, Bhuj Railway station is 79.1 km, Bhuj bus stand is 82.2 km. You can arrange your own private vehicle or tie up with Rann Utsav booking office and get a pick up.

We reached Tent City of Dhordo from Ahmedabad by bus that took us nine hours approximately. Ahmedabad is well connected to other cities of India very well.

Is it safe for solo women travellers?

Gujarat, the westernmost state of India, is reputed to be safe for solo travellers. Rann of Kutch has a record near zero crime rate. At tent city in Rann Utsav I stayed alone in the tent allotted to me. Except the sound of wind in the silence of night I heard nothing! I spent two comfortable nights in the tent.

Gujarat’s Kutch Rann Utsav Festival Guide

How is the food in Dhordo tent city?

This is a genuine query as the crowd is huge; one tends to think the quality of food may slip. But that is not true. I had breakfast, lunch and dinners here, each time the quality and variety of food was exemplary.

You may not get a proper laid out Gujarati Thali but the buffet spread a good range of Gujarati food items and also popular international cuisines like Chinese and Pasta. Non-veg food is not available, Jain food option available. All meals and high-tea is included in their package.

When is the best time to go Rann of Kutch?

The weather in Dhordo is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing during months of Oct, Nov, Dec and Jan. It is cold yet pleasant during Rann Utsav. Rann of Kutch temperature ranges from 31°max to 12° min with nil rainfall.

What to wear at Rann Mahotsav?

Wear colourful dresses like Vibrant Anarkali Kurtas, long multi colored shrugs, Long Fluid Skirts, striking colored and mirrored dupattas, stoles. The colourful attires look awesome against the white stretches of salt pans and look good in pictures.

Top 10+ FAQS on KUTCH RANN UTSAV 2022-2023 for You:

Does Rann Utsav charge an entrance fee?

Rann of Kutch festival entry fees are Rs 100 per adult and Rs 50 per child.

I am from Bhuj; how do I get to Rann of Kutch?

How to travel there – Distance of Ahmedabad from Bhuj by road is approximately 335 km. It takes 7 hours to drive. The Rann of Kutch is approximately 85 km from Bhuj.
It is 85 km from Bhuj to the Rann of Kutch by train. There is a small but busy airport at Bhuj, Rudra Mata, which connects Mumbai with Bhuj.

For Rann Utsav, how many days are enough?

4 Days. Stay for 4 days and 3 nights or 3 days and 2 nights if you want to fully enjoy the Rann of Kutch and Rann Utsav. This way, you can take time to unwind and visit different locations, but you can also return to the white desert repeatedly to capture special memories of Kutch.

The ideal month for Rann of Kutch is?

November through February. The best time to visit Kutch is in the winter. The weather in Dhordo is ideal for sightseeing during these months because the temperature ranges from 25 to 12 degrees Celsius.
Rann of Kutch Festival is also at its best during this period. Rann Utsav dates are usually from 1^st Nov to 20^th Feb. All four months – Nov, Dec, Jan and Feb are good months to visit Rann.

But to be more specific plan a full moon night visit to the white desert. There are four in this span of time, when the salt crystals reflect moonlight to look like jewels embedded on earth’s surface. Yet another set of dates that you can choose are during the kite festival which happens around 14^th of Jan.

Can we go to Rann Utsav without making a reservation?

People from the outside cannot enter them. If you don’t reserve lodging in Dhordo, you can’t enter the tent city’s grounds, which is where the Rann Utsav is held. Despite that you can still visit the White Rann and explore the surrounding area, including Dhordo local markets.

What can I buy in Rann Utsav?

The grand entrance of Rann Utsav – The Tent City welcomes you into the bustling Haat, which is
home to an exquisite variety of handicrafts, clothing, and culturally significant decorative items with
live demonstrations. It is a wonderful shopping destination in Dhordo. Bring a piece of the vibrant Kutchi culture home and display it so that you can smile every time you see it.

Which city is most nearby Rann of Kutch?

The Rann desert is about 80 km from Bhuj, the city with the closest airport to Kutch. The Bhuj airport has good connections to major cities across India.

How do I organize a trip to the Rann of Kutch from Ahmedabad?

Plans for the Tour –
Day 01 – 360 km/7 hours: Ahmedabad to Bhuj
Day 02 – Rann Utsav
Day 03- Rann Utsav
Day 04 – Rann Utsav, Mata No Madh, Lakhpat, Narayan Sarovar, Koteshwar, and Nakhatrana are some places that you can visit in Dhordo
Day 05 – (100 km; 2 h) Nakhatrana to Mandvi
Day 06 – (300 km / 6 hours) Mandvi to Little Rann of Kutch
Day 07 – Ahmedabad – Little Rann of Kutch (100 km, 2 h)

How do I get from Ahmedabad to Dhordo for Kutch Rann Utsav?

Travel to Bhuj by bus, book a taxi to take you to Dhordo, Rann Utsav. From Ahmedabad to Bhuj, buses depart once every hour. It takes almost 8 hours to travel to Bhuj. An individual bus ticket costs between INR 550 and 800. If you are planning to travel in Gujarat, do check this – 4 Days Itinerary of Gujarat through 3 UNESCO Sites.

For Kutch Rann Utsav package, White Rann Tent price, white desert Kutch package, white Rann Tent price do check here: Rann Utsav Official Website.

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Rann Utsav Kutch Gujarat India