Incredible Bhuj – Rann of Kutch
- Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Flight Included : Yes
- Breakfast
Overview
Experience the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and natural wonders of Kutch with our 5-day Incredible Bhuj – Rann of Kutch package. Begin your journey in the historic desert town of Bhuj, known for its medieval charm, centuries-old palaces, temples, bustling bazaars, and the scenic Hamirsar Lake.
Discover the artistic heritage of Kutch at Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi, where local artisans showcase traditional crafts such as Ajrakh block printing, Bandhani tie-dye, weaving, and intricate embroidery. Visit the renowned Shrujan Campus and Hiralakshmi Crafts Park, both dedicated to preserving and promoting the region’s timeless handcraft traditions.
Venture into the Banni Villages to experience the rural lifestyle and meet master artisans of Nirona, famed for the rare Rogan art, copper bell-making, and colorful wood lacquering. Explore the Meghwal community’s beautifully decorated mud Bhungas in Bhirandiyara and Ludia, and witness the unique hand-painted pottery of Khavda, crafted using locally sourced clay. The journey to the iconic White Rann of Kutch will leave you spellbound as you witness the vast salt desert that glistens under the sunlight and moonlight, offering one of the most surreal landscapes in the world.
Enjoy a day excursion to the coastal town of Mandvi, home to the magnificent Vijay Vilas Palace, its pristine private beach, and the traditional wooden shipbuilding yards that showcase centuries-old craftsmanship.
Conclude your journey with a cultural exploration of Bhuj’s landmarks, including the historic Kutch Museum, the red-stone Chattardi Cenotaphs, the imposing Prag Mahal, and the elegant Aaina Mahal, renowned for its Venetian glasswork and hall of mirrors.
Detailed Itinerary
Overview:
Arrive Bhuj and transfer to your hotel. The historic city of Bhuj derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is a typical example of a desert town located between two geographical features - Bhujiyo Dungar on the east & Hamirsar Lake on the west. Bhuj, the major town of Kutch, is an old city established in 1510. With its surrounding walls, the atmospheric bazaar area, crenelated gateways, old palaces and striking temples, the town still retains a medieval character. Every Nov/Feb it hosts the annual Rann Utsav festival.
Activities:
12:30 PM Onwards - Welcome and check-in | 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM - Enjoy delicious lunch at the respective Dining Area. | 02:30 PM to 04:00 PM - Indulge yourself in the exciting range of activities we offer in-house. | 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM - High Tea | 05:00 PM to 05:30 PM - Visit to The White Rann to witness the grandeur of the sunset. The mode of transfer will be through bus/ camel cart/ both. | 07:00 PM to 07:30 PM - Return transfer to Rann Utsav – The Tent City, Dhordo | 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Enjoy scrumptious dinner at the respective Dining Area. | 09:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Enjoy the Culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities at the Cultural Activity Area
Overview:
After breakfast visit the Banni Villages. Visit Ajrakhpur and Bhujodi.
The artisans of Ajrakhpur specialize in Ajrakh – a Block Printed cotton cloth used traditionally by local herdsmen with natural dies. Its geometrical and nonfigurative motifs often mirror those appearing in Islamic – influenced Indian architecture.
Later stop at Bhujodi – a village skilled in traditional Bandhani (tie & dye), block printing and weaving. Here you can view live demonstrations and buy anything from shawls to blankets from the artisans directly. Bhujodi is also a centre for Piltoom weaving, Mewada Embroidery & Wood Carving. Nearby is the Hiralakshmi Crafts Park – a nonprofit undertaking by the Ashapura Group of Companies that works with artisans throughout Kutch to show their skills and retail their crafts.
Not far from Bhujodi is Shrujan, a non-profit working to complement rural women's income through the enhancement and marketing of their embroidery products. Shrujan has a store, design centre, manufacturing unit and an impressive collection of embroideries on site. One can also tour the campus which utilizes traditional and environmentally sensitive architecture. Types of Embroideries: Aahir Embroidery, Soof Embroidery, Chakan Embroidery, Jat Fakira Embroidery, Jat Garasiya Embroidery, Kambiro & Khudi Embroidery, Katri Embroidery, Kharek Embroidery, Mukko Embroidery, Neran Embroidery, Pakko Embroidery, Rabari Embroidery.
Activities:
06:00 AM to 06:30 AM - Morning Tea | 06:30 AM to 07:30 AM - Experience a rejuvenating yoga session in our dedicated Activity Area. | 07:30 AM to 09:00 AM - Breakfast at respective Dining Area | 09:00 AM onwards - Depart for Dholavira which is approx. 105 kms, which will take 2 hrs. to reach there. | 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM - Experience Road to Heaven | 12:30 PM to 01:30 PM - A visit to the Archaeology Museum at Dholavira. | 01:30 PM to 03:30 PM - Enjoy delicious Lunch at the respective Dining Area. | 03:30 PM to 04:00 PM - Tea/Coffee | 04:00 PM to 06:00 PM - Visit to Archaeology Excavation Site | 06:00 PM onwards - Return transfer to Rann Utsav – The Tent City, Dhordo | 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Enjoy scrumptious Dinner at the respective Dining Area.
Overview:
Today after breakfast proceed for day excursion to Banni villages. (North Bhuj)
Amidst the Desert land of infinite dimensions, are suspended, quaint little villages. These are the last villages on the India-Pakistan border. Here you will come across MasterCraft people’s exposing their traditional art, turning our masterpieces every day. Their ornaments, clothes, utensils, everything they use - will make you feel as if you have stepped into lifestyle museum, leaving you spellbound.
Nirona: The village of multiple talents! The village of Nirona is the only place in the world where the tradition of Rogan art is still practiced (a method of producing dyes from natural resources and castor oil and creating intricate and long-lasting designs on silk and cotton). Rogan art is a rare craft that is not well known even in India. Because of its rare qualities, it is practiced by only one family in India, and they reside in Nirona village in Gujarat. They would be happy to teach you a trick or two in the intricate Rogan painting.
Nirona also offers the chance to see artisans making copper bells. The Luhars in Nirona have been preserving the craft of copper bells for over seven generations. The art form originally comes from Sindh and some sister villages in Pakistan too make similar bells but with carvings on the surface.
Another family in Nirona is practicing wood lacquering. Raw lacquer in various colours is passed with great skill on the wooden object of focus in beautiful waves. The work they do is mainly focused on household items like jewellery boxes and kitchen utensils and is known to last more than 30-35 years. If the lacquer starts to lose its sheen, just apply some oil on it.
Visit the Bhirandiyara – is a favorite Tea stop for locals and visitors alike on the road to Khavda. The village boasts of a delicious sweet – fresh Maavo. This milk-based sweet is best when eaten hot. Most of the roadside stalls sell Maavo. The local Meghwal Community has exquisite embroideries and skillfully decorated, colorful Mud Bhungas.
Ludia Village is comprised of several hamlets belonging to the Meghwal & Samma Communities. The latter community, primarily herdsmen, is more conservative when it comes to tourists. Gandhi nu Gam, populated by the Meghwal community, features beautifully Painted Bhungas. The Kanjari (Blouses) of the women and the Bhunga decoration of this village are especially colorful.
Khavda' pottery is an art form of Khavda, North Kutch. While the men do all the throwing in terracotta, the women handle all the surface decoration which in this northern Kutch village of Ludia is primarily in the form of painting.
The potter gets mud from a specific acre (A lake) area near the village. It is called 'Rann ka mitti'. This soft clay is shaped into a pot on a potter’s wheel and left to dry in shade, then Kumbhar women use red, black, and white clay-based paints to decorate each piece of pottery with distinct community-specific designs. After a while, it is cleaned and put in the sun to dry and then baked in a furnace, powered by simple and locally available fuels of dry wood and cow dung. The vessels are coated with a thin wash of geru (red color).
The pots of Khavda get their red colour from Geru, a type of soil (ocher/ umber), and the black and white dots and stripes are also made with natural material. Finished pieces lie aside, ready for drying. The terracotta pots of Khavda are distinct from the ones we may see elsewhere, because of their painting and form which is a result of repeated cleaning at every stage of the process of their making.
White Rann: the spectacular sight of boundless white desert is the stunning creation of nature, unique to this world.
Overnight at a hotel.
Activities:
06:00 AM to 06:30 AM - Morning Tea | 06:30 AM to 07:30 AM - Experience a rejuvenating yoga session in our dedicated Activity Area. | 06:30 AM to 07:30 AM - Visit to the White Rann to witness the grandeur of the sunrise | 07:30 AM to 10:00 AM - Breakfast at respective Dining Area | 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM - Indulge yourself in the exciting range of activities we offer in-house. | 12:30 PM to 02:30 PM - Enjoy delicious Lunch at the respective Dining Area. | 03:00 PM to 07:30 PM - Complimentary tour to Kala Dungar (Black Hill) – The highest point of Kutch. On the route, visit to the handicraft village “Gandhi nu Gam”. En route to Kala Dungar, Tea/Coffee and complimentary refreshments will be served. | 07:30 PM to 10:00 PM - Enjoy scrumptious Dinner at the respective Dining Area. | 09:00 PM to 10:30 PM - Enjoy the Culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities at Cultural Activity Area.
Overview:
After breakfast proceed for day excursion to Mandvi.
Mandvi is located on the banks of the Rukmavati River, barely one km from the Arabian Sea at the Gulf of Kutch. The town has a very pleasant climate throughout the year, and it was a summer retreat of the Kutch Maharaos. The centre of attraction at Mandvi is the Vijay Vilas Palace, a royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on sides, the windows with colored glass, carved stone Jaalis, domed bastions at the corners, extended porch, and other exquisitely stone carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. It owns a private beach, maintained in an eco-friendly manner to preserve its pristine beauty. It is an example of the traditional skill of craftsmen of the early 20th century.
Visit the Ship building yard. On the banks of the Rukmavati River, just south of the bridge, you can visit the still-active shipbuilding yard. Craftsmen still assemble ships out of wood, for local or international guests, and you can feel free to watch them work. It gives us an opportunity to watch handmade ship being built which will make one truly appreciate craftsmanship. The process is long and elaborate and shoddy workmanship means risking sailors' lives.
Later drive back to Bhuj.
Overnight at hotel
Activities:
Not Applicable
Overview:
After breakfast visit the Kutch Museum, formerly known as the Fergusson Museum. The Kutch Museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat. This museum is built in the Italian style and located in picturesque surroundings on the banks of the Hamirsar Lake. The museum has a large collection of Kshatrapa inscriptions, various archaeological objects, arms, and specimens of various crafts of the Kutch region.
The Cenotaphs Complex or Chattardi was built of red stones. These tombs were ruined by the successive earthquakes since 1819.
Prag Mahal was constructed by Rao Pragmalji II who appointed a famous architect, Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins to design Prag Mahal, who had earlier designed Deccan College, Sasoon Hospital, Ohel David Synagogue. Prag Mahal took about 10 years to get built at the cost of 20 lakh rupees.
Aaina Mahal Palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji in 1750 AD. Aaina Mahal is a part of a large palace complex. It is a two Storey building with Darbar Hall, hall of mirrors, and suites for royal family. In the 18th century, the Rao Lakhpatji sent a local craftsman Ramsingh Malam to Europe to perfect his skills in glassmaking, enamelling, tile making and iron founding. After he returned, he constructed the Aaina Mahal with the hall of mirrors of Venetian glass.
Later in time transfer to Bhuj Airport / Railway Station to board flight / train for your onward journey to your next destination.
Activities:
Not Applicable
Package Inclusions
1 Night Package includes lunch, high tea and dinner on the 1st day and morning tea and breakfast on the 2nd day. The meals will be served as per the scheduled time in the respective Dining Areas and missed meals will not be refunded or extended on the 2nd day. The 2 Nights Package includes lunch, high tea and dinner on the 1st day, morning tea, breakfast, lunch, refreshment and dinner on the 2nd day and morning tea and breakfast on the 3rd day. The meals will be served as per the scheduled time in the respective Dining Areas and missed meals will not be refunded or extended on the 3rd day. Packages are fixed and cannot be interchanged. Guests who have missed visit as per the itinerary may be included on request on a chargeable basis. Accommodation in the tent is on a twin-sharing basis.Package Exclusions
Airfare / Train fare not included. Entry Fees at places of tourist Interest, if any. Monument entry fee, guide fee, camera fee, government visitor fees. Porterage, Insurance, Tips and Gratuity. Vehicle not at disposal. 5% GST.Know Before You Go
Tent check-in time is 12:30 PM, check-out at 09:30 AM. Transfers operate only on scheduled timings. Full moon nights are especially scenic—check calendar. Carry warm clothes; desert nights are cold. No alcohol allowed inside the Tent City.Terms and Conditions
Offered rates are exclusive of GST. Confirmation will be subject to availability at the time of reservation. 50% advance required before 30 days and balance before 10 days prior to travel date. Rates may differ as per the travel dates. In case of any cancellation of flight/train or any mode of transportation, the booking amount is not refundable. Pick-up and drop-off facilities are available only from Bhuj Airport or Bhuj Railway Station by AC Coach as per scheduled timings. The voucher for Rann Utsav-The Tent City must be furnished with a valid government-approved photo ID (Aadhar card for Indian nationals; passport and Visa for foreign nationals). PAN card is not accepted. In case of delayed arrival of Train/Flight, transfer to Tent City will be in the next available transfer. Late arrival at Tent City will result in missed meals or activities without entitlement for refund. Early arrival at Tent City may require waiting in lounge or clubhouse until tent availability.Confirmation and cancellation policy
25% cancellation charge if canceled before 30 days. 50% cancellation charge if canceled 15-29 days before travel. No refund if canceled within 15 days of travel. 25% cancellation charge if canceled before 30 days. 50% cancellation charge if canceled 15-29 days before travel. No refund if canceled within 15 days of travel.Payment and Refund Policy
Refund will be processed within 7-10 business days. Refunds are subject to cancellation rules applicable. 50% advance required to block the tent. Full payment must be made 10 days before travel date.Additional Information
Distance and Duration mentioned are approximate only. No refund for any unutilized service or sightseeing. Management is not responsible for loss of personal belongings. Guests are advised to safeguard their valuables. Guests carrying fragile or valuable items do so at their own risk (e.g., jewellery, electronics, artefacts). Guests must follow house rules and laws of the land. No pets allowed inside Rann Utsav-The Tent City. Any change in airfare, fuel cost, taxes, transportation may alter total package cost. Rates quoted for 2 pax traveling together. Any change in pax count will affect the cost. Rates might change if travel dates change.Price on Request
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