Kutch, a captivating but challenging land, is located in the northwestern part of Gujarat. Surrounded by water, Kutch is like an island with the Arabian Sea to its west, the Gulf of Kutch to its south, and the Greater and Little Rann to the north and east. Its distinct tortoise-like shape hosts the expansive white salt desert in the Rann of Kutch, creating a pure and mesmerising landscape. Kutch is renowned for its incredible textiles and crafts in India. For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, there are various sanctuaries to visit, such as the Kutch Desert Sanctuary. You can also enjoy the sunsets over the stunningly beautiful beach in Mandvi. And visit the UNESCO heritage site of Dholavira. Kutch is among the top places to visit in October as this is when the colourful desert festival of Rann Utsav takes place. Here is an itinerary for a three-day visit to Kutch.
Bhuj
Bhuj, the historical capital of the princely state of Kutch for nearly four centuries, now serves as the administrative center of the Kutch District. The city seamlessly blends remnants of its ancient past with the conveniences of modern life. The iconic Bhujiya Hills, from which Bhuj derives its name, add a dramatic backdrop to the city. Encircled by its ancient walls, Bhuj proudly stands as the entrance to the vibrant and diverse region of Kutch.
Start your day in Bhuj with a visit to the Darbargadh Palace Complex, which houses the Aina Mahal and the Prag Mahal. The latter is tall and stately - with Gothic windows and Corinthian pillars, the palace stands out amid the crumbling ruins of the complex. Aina Mahal, the mirror palace, was added to the complex in the 18th century during the reign of Maharao Lakhapatji and was designed by the legendary Ramsingh. Despite being damaged during the 2001 earthquake, Aina Mahal is still very charming.
Afternoon
After enjoying a delicious lunch, make your way to the magnificent Sharad Baug Palace, the former residence of Madansingh, the last Maharao of Kutch. The palace features a fascinating museum collection, including two impressive stuffed tigers once hunted by the maharao. Following this, visit the Kutch Museum, which boasts a remarkable array of coins, paintings, arms, sculptures, and metalworks. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Bhartiya Sanskriti Darshan (Folk Arts Museum) with its outstanding collection of local textiles and artefacts.
Evening
As the sun begins to set, don't miss the opportunity to check out the chhatris on the tranquil Hamirsar Lake. These elegant umbrella-shaped dome structures stand as guardians over the regal cenotaphs nestled in the heart of the lake. Legend has it that they were meticulously crafted in the 18th century by Rao Lakhpat, showcasing intricate carvings in vibrant red sandstone. The architectural marvel of these structures is a testament to a profound Islamic influence, evident in the grandeur of the Mughal arches, the geometric patterns of the jaalis, and the use of turquoise blue adorning the roof.
Morning
Start your day early and head to Pachcham Bet, an island on the northern tip of mainland Kutch. Surrounded by the saline Rann on three sides and by the Banni or grassland in the south, Pachcham has a hilly terrain, including Karo Dungar (Black Hill), the highest peak in Kutch (462m). At the top of Karo Dungar, you'll find the 400-year-old Dattatreya temple, which offers a spectacular sunset view.
Alternatively, wildlife and nature enthusiasts can plan a trip to one of the sanctuaries in Kutch. Many wildlife sanctuaries and reserves have been set up to preserve this unique ecosystem, with the Little Rann Sanctuary being particularly notable. Covering an area of 4,953 sq km and spread over five districts - Kutch, Patan, Surendranagar, Banaskantha, and Rajkot, the Little Rann Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary in India and a Ramsar Wetlands Site. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch was established to protect the endangered Indian wild ass subspecies. Besides the wild ass, the sanctuary is also home to several species of birds. The other sanctuary in Kutch is the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, which is said to be the largest seasonal saline wetland.
Afternoon
Explore the crafts villages in Kutch which are known for vibrant embroidery, handwoven fabrics, intricate threadwork, metalwork, and mirror work. Kutch is home to 45 tribes, each with its own distinct style of dress and embroidery. You can visit Bhujodi village, located 8km from Bhuj. It is a textile hub inhabited by weavers, tie-dye artists, and block printers.
Evening
Visit the Shrujan museum in Ajrakhpur village to explore various embroidery styles under one roof. The museum features exhibits and workshops for design students and enthusiasts. Open every day except Mondays and public holidays from 10am to 6pm, admission charges apply. Photography is not allowed inside the museum, and there's an open-air cafe on the premises. Read more about it here.
Also, visit Ajrakhpur, known for its famous textile crafts practised in the Kutch region for 2,500 to 5,000 years. 'Kutch Ajrakh' artisans have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate for their exceptional artistry. This traditional work was introduced to the village by the Sind Muslims 400 years ago.
Morning
Immerse yourself in the unique beauty of the Rann (meaning salt marsh). The Rann is an extraordinary place with miles of greys, whites, and blacks created by salty mudflats and shimmering stretches of water. It is a vast seasonal marshland, transformed by the ebb and flow of seawater, leaving behind a stunning landscape of salt during the dry months. The annual Rann Utsav festival draws visitors from all over, showcasing the 10,000 miles of the white desert. Consider booking a stay at the Tent City in Dhordo for a truly immersive experience.
Afternoon
Explore the awe-inspiring ancient ruins of Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. Dholavira, also known as Kotada or Large Fort locally, spans over 100 hectares on the Khadir island's northwest corner. While journeying towards this historical site, keep an eye out for chinkara gazelles, nilgais, and vibrant flamingos in the surrounding Rann.
Evening
As the sun begins to set, don't miss the chance to visit Mandvi beach. Located at the estuary of the Rukmavati River in the Gulf of Kutch, it was established by the Jadeja dynasty of Kutch to provide a home for the skilled Kharva community, renowned for their craftsmanship in building wooden ships.
The region is best visited between November and March. The Rann Utsav in Gujarat's Kutch district is a four-month-long celebration of nature, culture, and the people of Kutch. What started as a three-day affair in 2005 by the state's Tourism Department has now become one of the country's biggest and longest-running festivals.
Bhuj serves as the main transportation hub for Kutch. It is connected by air to Mumbai and Delhi, and by train to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. While in Bhuj, you can explore the different areas to discover more about the region's embroidery. The best time to visit is between November and March.