It was time for us to leave Gandhidham and move towards the Bhuj area to reach the beautiful Rann of Kutch. Gujarat is known for this wonderful spot. As someone who is always chasing unique adventures right here in India, I finally ticked off a big one from my bucket list — a visit to the Rann of Kutch during the vibrant Rann Utsav festival.

Living in Ahmedabad, it’s just a day’s drive away, but stepping into that vast white salt desert felt like entering another world. If you are planning a trip, let me take you through my journey — from the road-trip vibes to the cultural highs.
Spoiler: it’s magical, especially under the full moon, but even a sunset visit like mine was epic.

The journey began from Ahmedabad, passing Bhuj and then heading to the salt plains. I set off early, cruising about 400 km northwest through Gujarat’s highways. The drive took around 7 to 8 hours, with stops for chai and some roadside dhokla — classic Gujju style. The scenery slowly changed from green fields to arid scrub, and then to nothing but endless white.

The Great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, covering over 7,500 square kilometres. I timed my visit for mid-February 2026, right in the middle of the Rann Utsav, which runs from late October to early March.
Pro tip: Book your permit online in advance — it is required to enter the restricted border area near Dhordo.

First Impressions: Standing in the Heart of the White Rann

As soon as I arrived at the White Rann near Dhordo, the sheer vastness hit me. It looked like an infinite canvas of cracked white salt under a gradient sky — orange hues fading to blue as the sun dipped low.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

I stood there feeling tiny amid the expanse, with a gentle breeze carrying the salty air. In the distance, groups of tourists wandered like specks, capturing the sunset. I couldn’t resist snapping a solo shot, grinning ear to ear in my pink tee, with the horizon stretching forever behind me.

It’s moments like these that make you pause and appreciate nature’s raw beauty. If you are into photography, golden hour here is unbelievable — no filters needed.

Posing for the Iconic Dhordo Sign

No trip to Dhordo is complete without a photo-op at the massive DHORDO KUTCH sign — it’s like the festival’s welcome mat. Painted in rainbow colours, it stands proudly overlooking the desert, with the Rann as its backdrop.

I joined a few fellow travellers for a quick pose. The vibe was lively, with families and friends laughing and clicking away. Dhordo itself is a charming village turned festival hub, recognised for its cultural heritage. During the Utsav, it buzzes with handicraft stalls selling intricate Kutchi embroidery and mirror-work souvenirs.

Night Falls: The Glowing Spectacle

As dusk turned to night, the real magic unfolded. I headed to one of the festival’s highlight installations — a towering stack of illuminated cubes projecting vibrant images of landscapes and art.

Bathed in red and orange lights, it looked like a futuristic pyramid rising from the dark desert floor. People gathered around, some on scooters and others just strolling, with the cool night air adding to the ambience.

The Rann Utsav turns the desert into a carnival at night — think laser shows, bonfires, and stargazing without light pollution. I spent hours soaking it in, munching on local snacks like Kutchi dabeli from food stalls.

Cultural Immersion: Rann Utsav Performance

The cherry on top was catching a live folk music performance at one of the stages. Under the banner of Rann Utsav, a group of musicians in traditional attire played soulful tunes on instruments like the sarangi and dholak.

The backdrop was a beautifully designed stage with Gujarati motifs, and the crowd swayed along. Kutch’s culture truly shines here — folk dancers, artisan demonstrations, and even camel rides.

It’s not just a festival; it’s a celebration of Gujarat’s heritage, drawing visitors from across the globe. If you go, don’t miss the full-moon nights — the white salt glows like snow under the moonlight.

Reflection and Travel Tips

The trip was a reminder of how diverse Gujarat is — from bustling Ahmedabad to the serene Rann.

I stayed at a nearby tent resort — the entire place is a tent city. Since it was the end of the season, I got a room for ₹1500, which was a steal.

Travel tips:

• Carry sunscreen
• Carry water
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the salt flats

All in all, it was a vibrant and wonderful experience for me, my driver, and my friend Vidhani on this journey.