Stretching across the westernmost reaches of Gujarat, Kutch or Kachchh, is India’s largest district. Home to some of Harappan civilisation’s most expansive sites, Kutch offers stunning vistas of salt pans till as far as the eyes can see, sunny beaches, off-the-beaten-track adventures, traditional handicrafts, adventure sports, and Rann Utsav, a globally popular festival held annually in the Great Rann of Kutch, welcoming thousands of visitors through four months (November 11, 2024, to March 15, 2025). From musical performances and traditional dances to stargazing and immersive experiences that take you to the little villages on the outskirts of the salt marshes, this vibrant celebration of Kutch’s rich culture will mesmerise you into coming back. If you have been planning a trip to this scintillating salty wonderland, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in Kutch.
For a more immersive experience, check out our story on the best offbeat places to visit in Gujarat.
How to reach Kutch
By air: Bhuj Airport is approximately 70 km away.
By train: Bhuj Railway Station is approximately 68 km away.
By road: Bhuj is well-connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhuj via road.
The best time to visit Kutch
Winter is the best time to visit Kutch for pleasant weather, mild temperatures, and the Rann of Kutch Festival in November. The average temperature in Kutch during winter remains between 10°C to 28°C.
Book your flight from New Delhi to Bhuj
Book your flight from Mumbai to Bhuj
Things to do in Kutch
Spot exotic wildlife
Kutch is a great place for spotting exotic wildlife up, close, and personal. Apart from the Wild Ass Sanctuary, paying a visit to the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary ensures that you will get to see plenty. Narayan Sarovar is well known for its sacred lake, desert thorn and scrub forests, and a wide variety of animals and birds, including pelicans and flamingos. There are a few nature walks you could embark upon which lets you feast your eyes on a variety of birds and animals.
Entry fee for Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary: INR 100 (HKD 9)
Timings: 7 am to 6 pm
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Spot underwater life at Marine National Park
Located in the Gulf of Kutch, Marine National Park was set up to protect the area’s two major ecosystems, mangroves and corals. The park includes 42 islands on the Jamnagar coast, most surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, with over 40 species of sea sponges, 40 species of hard coral, and 10 species and soft coral. It is a great spot to witness exotic marine creatures, from endangered sea turtles to whale sharks to jellyfish and sea anemones. Remember that the park can only be visited during low tide, and a prior permit to visit is required from the Forest Department.
Fascinated by underwater life? Read our story on India’s best beaches for exquisite coral reefs.
Entry fee: INR 40 for Indians, and INR 650 (HKD 59) for foreigners
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Embark on a trek to Dhinodhar Hills
One of the most popular treks in Gujarat, a trip to Dhinodhar Hills is sure to be just the thing for adventure enthusiasts. From offering stunning views of the plains, Dhinodhar Hills is also home to the centuries-old Dhoramnath Shrine. With over 300 steps to reach the top, it is not a trip for the faint-hearted.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Explore Siyot Caves
Sometimes referred to as the Kateshwar Buddhist Caves, Siyot Caves are a group of five rock-cut caves believed to belong to the first century AD. Historians have found traces and suggestions of a Shiva temple, Brahmi inscriptions, and clay seals engraved with Buddha images. A centuries-old stepwell near the caves is an added attraction. For a more immersive experience, hire a local guide to take you around and explain the significance of the myriad carvings and paintings.
Entry fee: NA
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Go sightseeing across Kutch
There are several places to visit within Kutch, from the magical Aina Mahal and the intricate carvings of Vijaya Vilas Palace to the Hamirsar Lake, the opulent Prag Mahal and Kandla Port. Plan a day for sightseeing alone, and you will be amazed by what the city offers.
Places to visit in Kutch
Rann of Kutch
A salt marsh in Gujarat, Rann of Kutch is famed for its striking white salt desert. Spanning the border of India and Pakistan, it is also known as one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Promising to take your breath away with its blinding white facade, the Great Rann of Kutch is divided into The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch. While visiting The Great Rann of Kutch requires a paid permit, you can visit The Little Rann of Kutch without such permits (tickets, however, are required).
Entry fee/online permit: INR 50 (HKD 4) for children under 12 years, and INR 100 (HKD 9) for those over 12.
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Kalo Dungar
Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) is the highest point here and one of the most popular tourist places in Kutch. It offers some of the most stunning views of the salt pans of Kutch, famed for changing colours as the sun sets. The hill is also home to a popular 400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, where a khichdi prasad with jaggery is served to jackals every evening. The offering honours the legend of Lord Dattatreya feeding hungry jackals with his continuously regenerating body.
Entry fee: NA
Timings: Open 24 hours
Topansar Lake
One of the oldest lakes in Gujarat, Topansar Lake is a tranquil spot to get away from the crowds and enjoy a few relaxing hours. During winter, the lake is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, ducks, swans, and seagulls, among others. The lake, filled to the brim during monsoon, is a popular place for locals and tourists alike.
Entry fee: NA
Timings: Open 24 hours
Little Rann Of Kutch — Wild Ass Sanctuary
While the sanctuary is home to the Indian Wild Ass (an endangered species), it is also a slice of heaven for birding enthusiasts. One of the most popular places to visit in Kutch, it is home to over 30 species of mammals, 30 species of reptiles, four species of amphibians, and more than 70,000 resident birds. The Little Rann Of Kutch — Wild Ass Sanctuary, covering more than 4,954 sq km, offers jeep safaris for exploring the sanctuary and spotting wildlife.
Entry fee: Starts from INR 250 (HKD 22)
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Mandvi Beach
A picturesque stretch of golden sands, Mandvi Beach is located south of Bhuj, in Kutch. One of the most popular places to visit in Kutch, it offers numerous water activities, such as jet skiing and boat rides. Nearby windmills make for a picturesque background for your selfies, while shaded seating areas offer the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a picnic or a stunning sunset. Check out our story on some of the most picturesque sunsets in the world.
Entry fee: NA
Timings: Open 24 hours
Kutch Museum
The oldest museum in Gujarat, founded in 1877, used to be known as Fergusson Museum. Home to a diverse range of artefacts and collections, from Kshatrapa inscriptions and seals from the Indus Valley Civilisation to stone tablets and paintings, the Kutch Museum also offers a greater insight into tribal culture, folk art and craft, precious metalwork, sculptures, and musical instruments.
Love museums? Here’s our story on some of the quirkiest museums in India.
Entry fee: INR 60 (HKD 5)
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Dholavira
An archaeological site in Kutch, Dholavira is one of the five largest Harappan civilisation sites, dating back over 4,500 years. Located on the banks of River Luni, the ruins of Dholavira are all that remains of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Comprising a fortified city and a cemetery, Dholavira is divided into three main areas: the Citadel, the Middle Town, and the Lower Town. The intricate architecture, some of which can still be seen, makes the place a must-visit for history buffs.
Entry fee: INR 5 (HKD 0.46)
Timings: Open 24 hours
Cafes and restaurants in Kutch
Kutch is home to plenty of eateries offering traditional Gujarati cuisine. Some restaurants and cafes offer Pan-Indian and global cuisines, from Italian to Oriental. Some of the best restaurants in Kutch include Green Rock and Hotel Prince for Gujarati fare, Sankalp Restaurant for Asian cuisine, Mango Bite for Oriental cuisine, and Flavors and US Pizza for fast food and snacks. Some must-try local dishes include Dhokla, Khandvi, Daabeli, Lehsuni Parantha, Thepla, and Gundar Pak.
Hotels in Kutch
There are several high-end hotels and resorts in Kutch, alongside more humble homestays. Lavish tented accommodations and camps are another option you can try when here. Some of the best hotels in Kutch include Evoke Dolavira, Serena Beach Resort, Beetle Smortotels, and The Fern Royal Farm Resorts.
Book your stay at Evoke Dholavira via Agoda.com
Book your stay at Serena Beach Resort via Booking.com
Shopping in Kutch
Shopping in Kutch is a marvellous experience for shopping connoisseurs, offering traditional apparel, chunky silver jewellery, and luxurious fabrics. Apart from purchasing Bandhani fabrics in every imaginable colour combination and fabric, move on to Ajrakh block print fabrics and apparel. Other things to buy in Kutch include intricately embroidered curtains and wall hangings, woollen shawls, colourful jewellery, handwoven sarees, and cute little copper bells. You could also get lac bangles made-to-order here.
A must-visit spot for shopping in Kutch is Hodka Village, where you will find handmade crafts, leather items, embroidered fabrics, dainty copper bells and other home decor.
Insider tips to follow while visiting Kutch
- Visiting Rann of Kutch on a full moon night means you will get to enjoy stunning views.
- Save a few days to visit places near Kutch for a fully immersive experience.
- You could make Bhuj your base for a couple of days and embark on day trips from there before staying in Kutch.
- Hire a local guide to take you across the desert and nearby villages.
- Pack light, loose-flowing apparel for your trip, along with a couple of heavy/light woollens based on the season.
- Always wear sunscreen and keep yourself hydrated.
- Make your booking months in advance since Kutch gets pretty packed during the tourist season.
(Featured image credit: Nagarjun Kandukuru from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Related: Mosques To Markets And More: Best Places To Visit In Ahmedabad
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Asiatic wild asses, wolves, hyenas, chinkara, porcupines, and wild boars are the most common wildlife attractions to see in Kutch.
Depending upon the season, make sure to take light and flowy clothing for summer days and light woollens for summer nights. For winters take heavy woollens for the nights and light jackets and sweatshirts for the days.
Yes, a special permit is required to visit the Great Rann of Kutch, although small Rann and Dholavira can be visited without a permit.
The Rann Utsav Takes place in the winter every year, from mid-November to mid-March. The dates change every year. Rann Utsav 2024 will take place from November 11, 2024, to March 15, 2025.
Visit the local artisan villages to get your share of cultural experiences in Kutch.
Yes, there are a few wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves in Kutch, such as Narayan Sarovar, Little Rann Of Kutch — Wild Ass Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary and
Hiking, camel-riding, ATV riding, paramotoring, and ziplining are a few adventure activities you can enjoy when in Kutch.
By air: Bhuj Airport is approximately 70 km away. By train: Bhuj Railway Station is approximately 68 km away. By road: Bhuj is well-connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Bhuj via road.
Palardhuna Waterfalls is located close to Kutch and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Dholavira, an excavated Harappan site, is one of the most historical sites to see in Kutch. Siyot Caves and Aina Mahal are a couple of other such places to visit when here.
Kalo Dungar is the highest point in Kutch and offers panoramic views of the entire desert. It is also home to a 400-year-old temple.
The Rann Utsav is one of the best festivals to attend in Gujarat, and it takes place in Kutch every winter.
Yes, Kutch is safe for tourists.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
