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Amidst this expansive and barren salt desert lies the beautiful, small village of Dhordo, is one of the best places to visit in Gujrat. Dhordo was awarded as the "Best Tourism Village" by the UNWTO in 2023.
After the devastating earthquake that struck Kutch in 2001, most of the villages in the area were destroyed. However, through the combined efforts of the Gujarat government and local authorities, these villages were not only revitalised but the region was also transformed into a hub for tourism.
Dhordo in Gujrat, along with the nearby salt desert, becomes home to the Tent City during the world-renowned Rann Utsav. This festival, which runs from November to February, attracts millions of tourists from around the world, who come to witness this natural marvel with their own eyes.
India is often referr...
During the day, the salt plains resemble a vast white blanket of snow, while at night, under the light of the moon, the landscape shines brilliantly. Even more spectacularly, in the absence of the moon, visitors to the Great Rann of Kutch can witness the Milky Way galaxy with the naked eye.
During Rann Utsav, Dhordo offers luxurious hospitality, numerous facilities, and plenty of adventure activities. The village has also gained fame for its arts and craftsmanship, with its handicrafts being exported worldwide.
For its remarkable transformation and the grandeur of the Rann Utsav, Dhordo was recognized as the Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO. The Rann Utsav is also known as 'white desert festival' in Gujrat.
The India-Pakistan border is only 50 kilometres away from Dhordo. There are also many similarities between this region and Pakistan’s Sindh province. Since...
Dhordo is regarded as the gateway to the 'Great Rann of Kutch,' located in Gujarat's largest district, Kutch. Bhuj, the main city of Kutch, serves as a key hub for transportation to Dhordo, the Rann Utsav, the "Road to Heaven," and Dholavira.
By Air: Bhuj Airport, approximately 80 kilometres from Dhordo, is the nearest airport. You can book a direct or connecting flight to Bhuj from your nearest airport. Private taxis are available at Bhuj Airport to take you to Dhordo or the Tent City.
By Train: Bhuj has a dedicated railway station. If you don't find a direct train to Bhuj, look for connections from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, or Vadodara in Gujarat. Shared taxis and buses to Dhordo and the Rann Utsav Tent City are easily available from Bhuj.
By Private Vehicle: Dhordo is well-connected by road to Bhuj and Dholavira. You can drive your own vehicle and enjoy the scenic views of the salt desert along the way.
By Public Transport: Bhuj offers direct buses and shared taxis to Dhordo. Reaching Bhuj first ensures a smooth and comfortable journey onward.
Additional Routes: You can also travel via Mandvi. Private buses are available from major cities like Ahmedabad to Mandvi, offering an alternative route to explore the region.
Tip: Renting a motorcycle from Bhuj adds an adventurous touch to your trip, especially while exploring the stretch from East Kutch to West Kutch. Riding on the 'Road to Heaven' will be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Rann of Kachchh: The entire salt marsh (Great Rann of Kutch) spreads across a vast area of approximately 7,500 square kilometres (2,900 square miles). It encompasses both the white, salt desert known as the White Rann and a larger area of hard, salt crust known as the Black Rann.
These salt plains present a very different form of nature where there is no trace of life. Dhordo serves as the official entry point and tourist hub for the White Rann, but Hodko offers a more rustic and authentic experience of the same.
Dholavira: When it comes to exploring the vast salt desert in the Kutch region, Dholavira is the destination. Whether you want to experience the tent city beyond the lake or the sunset from the end of the desert, Dholavira is the address.
Located around 90 km from Dhordo Rann Utsav, the Dholavira shows the mesmerising colours of nature. One must visit Dholavira to experience tent cities, world heritage sites, camel rides, folk artists, a fossil park, the Karni Mata temple, a full moon viewpoint, and more.
Kalo Dungar: the unique rock formations and rugged terrain created by wind and water erosion. With a height of 462m above sea level, the place provides feelings like standing on the edge of the earth. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Great Rann of Kutch.
Moreover, it's one of the best locations in Kutch to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets over the vast white expanse of the Rann. The Dattatreya temple at the summit is an additional attraction for tourists visiting Kalo Dungar.
Kadiyo Dhro: Known as the mini grand canyon of Kutch, the combination of water and crisscrossed rocks is a unique example of art displayed by nature. The place is perfect for photoshoots, camping, or stargazing in the serene desert environment. Reaching Kardiyo Dhro may require private transportation like a taxi or your vehicle due to its remote location.
Surkotada Indus Valley Civilization: Travel back to the Harappan era (2300-1700 BCE) at Surkotada, a fascinating archaeological site a mere 110 km from Dholavira's tent city. This hidden gem, nestled in Kutch, unveils a unique chapter in the Indus Valley Civilization's story, offering insights into regional development and daily life. Reaching Surkotda is a breeze, with convenient options like GSRTC buses, private taxis, or even your vehicle.
Bhuj: Glorious history isn't the only reason behind the popularity of Bhuj; it's the vibrancy that represents the real flavour of Gujarat. Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Hamirsar Lake, Kutch Museum, and Bhujia Hill are the main attractions in Bhuj that can demand an entire day of exploration.
Since Bhuj is a central location, it is advisable to incorporate either the first or the last day of your itinerary based on your train or flight schedule during the trip to Kutch.
Vande Mataram Memorial: Located near Bhujodi village, approximately 13 km northwest of Bhuj town, this monument primarily showcases the history and journey of Indian independence. It offers a unique and immersive experience through 4D audio-visual presentations, life-size statues, and recreated historical settings.
Swami Narayan Temple: Built using pure, high-quality marble, the Swaminarayan Temple in Bhuj stands as a magnificent testament to faith and architectural splendour. Swami Narayan Temple Bhuj shows a stunning blend of traditional Hindu and Jain architectural styles.
Moreover, it features seven sky-touching pinnacles, 25 minor domes, and 258 intricately carved pillars. The incredible architecture of the temple makes it a must-see location during a Kutch trip.
Narayan Sarovar: The holy lake is one of the five "Panch Sarovars," or sacred lakes, in India. The lake has spiritual importance among Hindus, so the site boasts seven ancient stone temples dedicated to various deities.
Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and Banni Grasslands are the only habitats for the cheetah in India. The ancient Koteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, lies just 4 kilometres away, dating back to the 1st century AD.
The Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, encompassing the lake, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including flamingos, cranes, pelicans, and desert foxes. Located approximately 100 km away from Bhuj, the lake is most easily accessible by private vehicle or taxi.
Other Popular Places in Kutch: Mata No Madh, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Mandvi, Handicraft Village (Gandhi nu Gam), Chhari Dhandh and Pingleshwar Beach are other popular places to visit in Kutch.
Explore the Vastness of the Salt Desert
In Kutch, the salt desert is so vast that it feels like an expanse of only a salt sea to the horizon. The land stretches far and appears as flat as if you were on another planet. This place is nothing less than a marvel on Earth. The unique colour of nature can only be experienced by coming here. The sunset here is exceptionally beautiful, as the setting sun gives you a sense of emptiness.
Live the Rural Life
The rural lifestyle in the Kutch region differs significantly from that of other parts of the country, as agriculture is not the primary source of livelihood. With mud-made houses, vibrant attire adorned with colours, local cuisine, and challenging living conditions, it offers an experiential glimpse into a distinctive way of life. Most families here are inclined towards a vegetarian diet, deeply rooted in devotion to Lord Krishna.
Taste Bhuj's Special Cuisine
The Gujarati cuisine is inherently unique and distinctly different from the cuisines of other regions in the country. Sweet flavours are highly emphasised in the meals here, where the combination of sweet and savoury creates a delightful culinary experience. Dishes like Kadhi Khichdi, Odho, Fajeto, Thepla, Ghugra, and more represent the mainstays of Gujarati cuisine, each offering a taste that should not be missed.
Enjoy Rann Utsav
The Rann Utsav is organised from November to February, as this season, nestled between warmth and rainfall, is exceptionally delightful. The regal tents, adorned camels, singing artists, the evening sun, and the lakeside are the main attractions of this festival that can be enjoyed.
Explore Range of Adventure Activities
The Road to Heaven isn't the only thing to be taken as a once-in-a-lifetime bike ride adventure in Kachchh. Visitors can also enjoy the hot air balloon riding and paramotoring available in the Rann of Kachchh Salt Lake area. Riding a camel and witnessing the vast salt desert till horizon is an amazing experience in itself.
Experience Art and Craft
Craft is a leading source of income for the residents of the Dhordo village. Textile, woodcraft, metalcraft, leathercraft, plastic handcraft, weaving, printing, pottery, and other craft items catch everyone's attention.
There are shops and minor industries based in homes or small manufacturing units that are there to explore and shop for a vast range of arts and crafts. Gandhi Nu Gam is the place where one can witness how beautifully the art pieces are handcrafted.
Tips to consider when planning trip to Dhordo, Gujarat:
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