There is no dearth of things to do in Kutch. Situated in the western part of Gujarat, Kutch boasts ancient history, mesmerizing landscapes, and a vibrant culture. From traces of first civilizations and ancient caves to white salt flats and the buzzing Rann Utsav, Kutch has a lot to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Kutch.
Experience the Great Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is a vast salt marshland which turns into a white desert during the winter. A sight to behold, the Rann of Kutch offers many activities as well, making it a must-visit destination in India.
The desert is most popular for the Rann Utsav, a 4-month winter festival that celebrates the culture of Kutch and Gujarat through different events, activities, music, dances, and displays. Apart from that, there are many other things you can enjoy here. Camp in a luxurious tent in the white desert, enjoy camel rides and ATV rides, or go on a cycle tour. Experience a sunset or a sunrise, a breathtaking sight like no other. The Great Rann of Kutch is also an amazing place for stargazing. You can ask your hotel to book a session for you and witness the magnificent Milky Way at night.
Explore the wildlife
The Little Rann of Kutch has a rich wildlife. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is home to the Indian ass, as well as other wildlife like chinkara, foxes, jackals, wolves, nilgai, reptiles, and birds.
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is renowned for the conservation of the Indian Bustard, an endangered species and the heaviest flying bird in India. Apart from the bustard, you can also spot jungle cats, nilgai, flamingos, common cranes, herons, egrets, and more animals and birds on a safari through the sanctuary.
Some other places to witness the diverse flora and fauna include Marine National Park, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Topansar Lake, Narayan Sarovar, and Chhari Dhandh Sanctuary.
Visit the archaeological and heritage sites
For history enthusiasts, Dholavira near Kutch is the second largest site of Harappan civilization in the world. The site, dating back to 2900 BC, includes remnants of the water conservation system and urban planning and architecture of the time. The Dholavira Museum near the site also displays many artefacts discovered during the excavations.
The ancient Siyot Caves date back to the first century AD, with paintings and carvings depicting the folklore and historical events of India during the time.
Kutch also has a few majestic forts. The Lakhpat Fort has a mighty fort wall spread over 7 kilometers! Kanthkoth Fort is one of the oldest forts in Kutch, built before the 8th century. The magnificent architecture and beauty of the Roha Fort isn’t the only reason it is popular among tourists. If you love a bit of thrill, the fort is rumored to be haunted!
Check out the palaces and museums
The Palace of Mirrors, Aina Mahal, is one of the most beautiful attractions in Kutch. Known as the Madan Singhji Museum, the palace is studded with mirrors, marble work, and Venetian glass. The palace reflects sunlight, creating mesmerizing patterns. Right next to the Aina Mahal is the Prag Mahal, built in the 19th century and a part of many Bollywood movies. The Vijay Vilas Palace is also a popular tourist attraction, with dome ceilings, stunning architecture, and a private beach.
The oldest museum in Gujarat, Kutch Museum showcases collections of Kutchi scripts, art and crafts, metalwork, and tribal artefacts. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum was built in honor of the victims of the 2001 earthquake, an interactive place with different models and installations. Some other museums you can visit are the Khamir Craft Resource Centre, Dholavira Museum, and Living and Learning Design Centre Museum.
Experience the festivals
Try to plan a trip in Kutch around a festival to truly immerse yourself in the culture of the region. The most popular festival in Kutch is undoubtedly the Rann Utsav, a four-month long festival taking place in winter. Rann Utsav is a celebration of Kutchi culture, art, crafts, and beauty.
During Makar Sankranti, taking place in January, thousands of kites fill the skies as people engage in friendly kite competitions. The festival of Navratri spans nine days, dedicated to Goddess Durga and celebrated with folk dances and music.
Some other festivals and events in Kutch are Kutch Utsav, Banni Festival, and Mata no Madh.
Read also: Best time to visit Kutch
Go shopping
You will find a lot of things to take back home as souvenirs. The city of Bhuj near Kutch sells local handicrafts like Kutchi embroidered shawls, bags, and footwear. You can also buy bandhani and ajrakh prints, sarees, and dupattas, wallets, hand-carved wooden items, mud pots, and brass and copper products.
Stay in a bhunga
A bhunga is a traditional circular mud hut with a thatched roof, designed to withstand intense heat, strong winds, and earthquakes. The huts keep you warm in winters and cool in summers – you can experience it yourself! There are many bhunga-style stays in and around Kutch, offering you an authentic experience with vibrant rooms, local art like pottery and weaving, and delicious Kutchi cuisine.
Climb the highest point in Kutch
Kalo Dungar, translating to “Black Hill”, is the highest point in Kutch, situated at a height of 462 meters above sea level . It offers panoramic views of the white Rann of Kutch and sometimes even the Indo-Pak border. The hill also includes the 400 year old Dattatreya Temple, visited by devotees around the region. It is believed that Lord Dattatreya was a saint who once encountered a pack of hungry jackals and sacrificed a part of his body for their dinner.
Visit the temples
Visit the temples of Kutch to experience spirituality. The Ma Ashapura Temple is dedicated to Ashapura Mata, a revered deity in Kutch. The temple is visited by devotees throughout the year, but it is especially crowded during Ashwin Navratri.
The Bhadreshwar Jain Temple is one of the oldest temples here and has stunning architecture in all-white marble, said to be 1200 years old. Swaminarayan Temple and Dattatreya Temple are two other beautiful temples you should visit.
Discover the local art and craft
Bhujodi is known as the weaver village of Kutch, with many handlooms producing tie and dye fabrics, bandhani, and block-printed textiles from scratch. The 3000 year old art of Ajrakh block printing originated in the Ajrakhpur Village near Kutch. The 16-step process uses natural dyes like indigo, henna, or mud to create designs on the fabric.
The art of making copper bells was started by the Luhar family in Nirona village to create cow bells but has now extended to various musical instruments and chimes. The town is also known for Rogan art, a cloth printing technique involving thickened and colored castor oil. It is practised only by the Khatri family in India, while the Vardhas practise lacquered wood art. You can actually watch a live demonstration of all these artists at work in Kutch.
See also: A Cultural Vacation in Kutch
Visit Mandvi beach
Kutch may be known for its desert, but it has a beach as well! Mandvi Beach is located in the town of Mandvi, also home to the Vijay Vilas Palace. The beach is not crowded with tourists, making it a good place to relax and unwind, or enjoy a camel or horse ride. You can also rent a water scooter and surf the seas.
Taste Kutchi cuisine
Kutchi cuisine is simple but hearty, making it a must-try if you are in the region. The flavorful food is mostly vegetarian, made using seasonal produce and to suit the dry desert climate. Some of the dishes you must try here are the Kutchi Dabeli, bajra roti and garlic chutney, khichdi-kadhi, and undhiyu. You should also try sweets like ghoogra and ghevar, and drinks like buttermilk, jaljeera, and thandai.
So, what will you be doing first in Kutch? Let us know! At India Someday, we curate personalized trips to India for you based on your requirements and likes. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
