Things to Do in Kutch

The Great Rann of Kutch, is a large area of salt marshland, is located in the District of Kutch, in the western state of India, Gujarat. The vast expanse is situated in the Thar Desert and is formed of salt marshes. Sunsets at the Great Rann of Kutch are a treat to the eyes after exploring the region.

Located 100 km away from Bhuj, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest periodical saline wetlands in the world, also known as the "Flamingo City". Some of the other species here include the Indian porcupine, spiny-tailed lizard, black-necked storks, wild ass and the Indian cormorant.

Situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, Mandvi Beach is a pristine and tranquil seashore which is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. In addition to being a laidback beach location, Mandvi Beach is popular for its camping and water sports facilities.

It is one of the largest remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization which was one of the most developed civilization roughly 4500 years ago. Many remains such as earthen pots, beads, jewellery and other materials were excavated as well. The town of Dholavira had an exceptional water conservation system.

Best Time: October to March

1 Dholavira Attractions

Hamirsar Lake is the heart of Bhuj town and located in the western end of Kutch, Gujarat. Bhuj is known for hot and dry summers. This lake is considered an oasis between saline and arid Kutch. The kings built the lake to fulfil the domestic needs of people of Bhuj in ancient times.

The oldest museum of Gujarat, the Kutch Museum boasts of its collection of the extinct Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tribal artifacts are also a part of the museum along with many other kinds of objects on display exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork.

Popularly known locally as the Lala Prajan Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary primary aim is to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. It is located in Jakhau village in Naliya Taluka, Gujarat. Among many other different varieties of wildlife that can be found within the reserve, there are three different kinds of Bustards themselves in the sanctuary.

The Aaina Mahal palace, or 'Hall of Mirrors' was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. The responsibility of engineering, architecture and embellishment was entitled to Ram Singh Malam. He was asked by the king to create this palace of dreams for him, and thus the Aina Mahal came into existence.

Kutch is famous for its Great Rann of Kutch, an enormous white salt desert that lies within the boundaries of Thar desert, also a place known for its artistic handicrafts. Most of the small villages in the Kutch district are engaged in the craft business, preparing some of the finest artifacts that they put on sale during the Rann Utsav.

Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in Little Rann of Kutch. The sanctuary is best known for the endangered species of the Indian wild ass like Khur as well as the Asiatic wild ass species, Oranger. Other kinds of mammals, reptiles, amphibians are also found in this area.

Located on the outskirts of the ethnic town of Bhuj, Prag Mahal is one of the architectural wonders in India. Built-in the 19th century, it is established next to the popular Aina Mahal and lies in the heart of the city making it easily accessible. The grand palace boasts of Gothic-style windows and Corinthian pillars around it.

Built of red sandstone, The Vijay Vilas Palace, an epitome of Rajputani architecture is located in Mandvi, Gujarat. Set among luscious orchids and a beach; this palace served as the summer getaway for the Maharaja of Bhuj. The Vijay Vilas Palace in the modern day caters to tourists as a heritage home; with rooms starting at INR 6,500, tourists can enjoy a luxury stay at this royal abode.

Timings : 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed on Thursday)

Entry Fees : INR 20 for Indian citizens (Camera charges vary)

Popular Activity near the Palace :  Camel Safari

Marking the highest point of Kutch (462 m), Kalo Dungar is located north of the village of Khavda, Gujarat. Also known as The Black Hill, the area is famous for its panoramic view of the Rann of Kutch. Kalo Dungar is home to a 400-year-old temple devoted to Lord Dattatreya. The magnetic hills of Kalo Dungar mark for the perfect optical illusion, where vehicles seem to defy gravity and roll uphill.

Celebrating the varied ethnic flavour of Gujarat through crafts, music, dance and people. An initiative by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, the Rann Utsav is packed with leisure, delicious food and adventure spread over 5 Lakh sq metres with more than 350 luxurious tents. It is 100+ full-filled days of Kutch.

Mata no Madh is a temple dedicated to Maa Ashapura and is located 138 kilometres from the city of Bhuj in Gujarat. Mata no Madh is an ancient temple dedicated to the Kuldevi of Jadeja and is situated to the west of Kakkadbhit. The original 1200-year-old temple was demolished twice due to earthquakes.

Known For : Jesal Toral Samadhi

Anjar is a town and municipality in Kutch District, Gujarat. With 1,400 years of history, it is known as the oldest town in Kutch. There are many ancient temples & shrines in Anjar including the Madhavrai Temple, Mohanrai Temple and Amba Mata's Shrine, the most famous of them all being the Jesal Toral Samadhi. 

Best Time: November to February

1 Anjar Attractions

A local delicacy in the area is Bajra na Rotla which is usually accompanied by, like almost every other meal in the district, a refreshing glassful of Lassi, Chaas or Buttermilk. Along with the famous Gujarati Thali ,the other Gujarati savouries that one cannot miss include Chakri, Dhokla, Papad, Kachumbar, Khakra, Fafda, Sev, Khandvi, Khaman and Gevar.