Kutch (Kachchh) Tourism And Travel Guide

Kutch is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Gujarat. It becomes a central point of visit for many visitors especially during the Rann Mahotsav where millions of people visit Kutch to experience the elegance, colors, tradition, and cultural essence of typical Gujarat. Kutch is the largest district in Gujarat with an area spreading over 45000 square km and a population of over 2 million. The city has its own cultural importance which leaves its visitors speechless during their visit. To know more about tourism in Kutch, read the travel guide below.

In spite of being one of the most visited places in Gujarat, Kutch doesn’t have a dedicated airport or a railway station of its own. Let us quickly walk you through the options available to reach the city of the white sand.

By Rail:

As said above, Kutch doesn’t have a dedicated railway station in the city because the majority of the land is covered with white sand and salt desert. However, Bhuj is the closest railway station that can help you reach this city. You can then book a private cab from Bhuj to Kutch. Several trains can drop you directly to Bhuj from Mumbai, Delhi, and other major cities of Gujarat.

By Air:

Again, the city doesn’t have an airport. The closest airport is in Bhuj which is just about a distance of 59 km from Kutch. There are direct flights available from Mumbai and other cities at regular intervals. Once you get down at the Bhuj airport, a private cab can be booked to reach the city of Kutch.

By Road:

Kutch is well connected with the road network. The roads are good and can help you reach quickly from nearby cities. Visitors generally prefer driving to Kutch as it gives them enough flexibility with timings and convenience. Private and government managed buses are also available which can be booked online.

Getting Around:

You can either take city buses to get around the region locally or an auto-rickshaw can be hired easily to get to some key tourist spots. The best way to get around the city is through a private cab. With a minimum charge of INR 800 for a day, you can easily spend the entire day at amazing places in Kutch without worrying about transportation.

The state of Gujarat is predominantly a hot region and experiences some of the extreme climatic conditions. Kutch is a district in Gujarat and is no different from other regions of Gujarat. It experiences all three major seasons and the weather conditions differ from season to season.

Summer (May to June):

Summer is the toughest time for visitors and local people as the temperature in its extreme conditions sores up to 48°C. Therefore, this is not recommended time for visiting Kutch.

Monsoon (July - October):

The south-west monsoon brings relief to the region, and as it progresses, brings the temperature down to an average max of 32°C from 48°C. By the end of September and the start of October, it becomes quite pleasant and a lot of visitors start to show up during this time.

Winter (November - February):

Winter is the best time to visit Kutch as the climate becomes the most pleasant. The Rann Mohatsav takes the central point of attraction during this time and the number of visitors increases exponentially between November and January. The temperature can sometimes drop down to 2°C, however the days are very pleasant and give you enough opportunity to visit some exciting places very comfortably.

Witness the Phenomenal Rann Mahotsav:

Being part of the magical Rann Mahotsav is the best thing that you do here. Kutch is most famous for this festival, which is celebrated between November and January. It is the most popular tourist attraction of all. The desert sparkles during the full moon night when the light bounces off the surface offer a spectacular view. Don’t miss the camel safari and camping in tents during your trip.

Be At the Highest Peak — Kala Dungar:

Kalo Dungar, also known as the Black Hill, is the highest point of Kutch. It offers a jaw-dropping view of the entire region, especially the Rann and the border of India and Pakistan. Hiking here is recommended only for professionals and experts as it can get dangerous with a novice. Another key attraction here is the Dattatreya temple, a three-headed incarnation of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva considered to be as old as 400 years.

Explore the Indian Ass Sanctuary:

Exploring the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary can be an exciting experience for many visitors. Placed in the Little Rann of Kutch, this sanctuary is one of its kind as it is different from most of the wildlife sanctuaries in India. This reserve is basically a desert with withered grassland, just about perfect for feeding about 2100 animals residing here. It is the only home for the Indian Wild Ass, most commonly knows as Ghudkar or Khur. This sanctuary is also a dwelling place for 32 species of mammal and a significant breeding site for birds. 

Admire the Royal Vijay Villas Palace:

The Royal Palace of Vijay Villas was a summer palace of Jadejas in earlier times. It has become a key tourist spot and very popular amongst visitors. You can take a ramble down the private beach near royal residence or simply admire the magnificence of this palace. 

Spend a Day’s Picnic at the Topansar Lake:

Situated at the core of Mandvi city, Topansar Lake is one of the top tourist spots in Kutch. The lake area is prevalent among the locals and visitors as a picnic spot and is also a paradise for bird watchers because of several migratory birds are spotted during the winter season. Don’t forget to click some cool pictures of black-headed & few brown-headed gulls.

Explore Dholavira:

Dholavira, more famously known as Kotada Timba, is one of the historical sites in Kutch. The remains of Harappan civilization have been discovered by the Archeological Department of India. Remainders of all the conditions of the Harappan period (2900 BC to 1500 BC) have been unearthed here. And so Dholavira has become popular amongst history students and travellers who love traversing unique destinations in India. 

Kutch maintains a very rich culture and the locals are skilled in creating some crafty, rare products which can be purchased from the local market. When you are in Gujarat, there is absolutely no shortage of delicious things that you can have. There are a variety of options to choose from when you are hungry. The traditional Gujaratis delicacies such as the staple food Rotlas made of Bajri consumed with buttermilk along with the famous Gujarati Khichhdi can be tried from numerous local restaurants.