Top Six Sightseeing Spots for a Memorable Rann Utsav

When the Rann Utsav is in full swing, tourists never fall short of things to do and places to be. Sights, sounds, and smells entice, mesmerize and drown every tourist in unforgettable delight. Partaking in the activities is a sure-shot way to immerse yourself in the festivities. But you have a streak of adventure, a thirst for more and an insatiable wanderlust. So you would journey beyond festival grounds to explore awe-inspiring tourist wonders .

Great Rann of Kutch

It is the heart of the Rann Utsav, the tourist gathering place for celebrations. And an ideal starting point to begin exploring. The vast, white expanse of the salt marsh continues to stretch beyond what the eye can see. Water bodies and shrub forests, home to pink flamingoes and wild asses, mark the landscape. You'll find tribal settlements living in cylindrical mud huts called Bhungas. They are artisans of embroidery, tie-and-dye fabrics, leatherwork, bell metal craft and pottery. The sole surviving family preserves the traditional art form of the Rogan painting. 200 kilometres eastward lies the Little Rann of Kutch. This incredible expanse harbours the 4953-square-kilometre Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Khur, or the Indian wild ass, share their habitat with blue bulls, blackbucks and chinkaras.

Kalo Dungar

The Black Hill is the highest elevated point in Kutch, 548 m in height and 46 km from the Rann. It offers a stunning bird's eye view of the entire region, including the Great Rann of Kutch and the Indo-Pak line. Atop the Kalo Dungar lies the 400-year-old sanctuary of Dattatreya. He is the three-headed manifestation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Dattatreya fed his body to jackals, but his flesh grew back, and his body recovered. Jackals now receive food from the temple priest twice a day after worship.

Kandla Port

It's a window into India's maritime heritage. And informative exhibits, museums and guided tours are means of exploring the port. Tourists can become privy to the port's history, evolution and significance. They can witness its maritime infrastructure and bustling activities. The Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) offers tourists insights into India's international trade.

Mandvi Beach

This golden-brown stretch of sand is fascinating. A beautiful sunset point, the beach is wonderfully peasant in the evenings. Food stalls serve mouthwatering dishes, so you can snack while enjoying the sea view. And adventurous as you are, you would likely try out the thrilling water sports and go horseback riding. And you'd want to explore the windmills and the region's rich history.

Siyot Caves

If you're a history buff, these five ancient rock-cut caves near Siyot village are a must-visit. They're dated as far back as the 1st Century A.D. The main cave is an east-facing sanctum and an ambulatory. It could have been a Shiva temple and then used by Buddhist monks, as suggested by the seals and remnants of Bhrami inscriptions. The other caves are empty spaces. According to legend, Chinese travellers in the 7th century reported the Siyot Caves among the 80 monastic sites at the mouth of the Indus River. The locals believe that dacoits of the past hid their loot in these caves. it has been a site for many archaeological findings, including clay seals with engraved Buddha images in various mudras and Brahmi and Devnagari inscriptions, copper rings, Gadhaiya coins, terracotta Nandi with bell and chain, different types of earthen wares like Surahi.

Aina Mahal

The 'Palace of Mirrors' is a long-standing testament to Europe's influence on Indian culture. Constructed in 1752 for Maharao Lakhpatji, the architect Ram Singh Malam, a sailor from Dwarka, learnt the European arts on his travels and used his knowledge to build the palace. An earthquake destroyed the top storey of the palace, but the lower floor is open to tourists and houses an intricate 15.6m scroll showcasing a Kutch state procession.

The Rann Utsav presents an enchanting tapestry of experiences that leave a memorable mark on every traveller. From the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch to the cultural delights of Kandla Port, Mandvi Beach, Siyot Caves, and the Aina Mahal, the region offers diverse attractions to explore. As the festivities wind down, the Tent City emerges as a vibrant hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the authentic ambience of Kutchi culture, enjoy traditional performances, and indulge in local cuisine. It serves as the perfect base for an unforgettable Rann Utsav experience. Embark on this journey of wonder and discovery, and let the Rann Utsav weave its magic, leaving you with memories for a lifetime.