It’s unbelievable they create this tent city for 100 days and dismantle it every year.
The program (Rann Utsav) was conceptualized by then Chief Minister Sri Narendra Modi and organized from 2008 every year by Gujarat government to provide livelihood through tourism after the Bhuj earthquake in 2001 destroying everything in this dry land.
(Left) Ahmedabad Airport Terminal 2. (Right) Kandla Airport
This week, as a group we friends come to Bhuj, Gujarat for the Rann Utsav. From Chennai we flew to Ahmedabad, then to Kandla Airport, from there we drove for about two-and-half hours to reach the tent-city resort.
On the way, we stopped at New Anjar, Kutch, a small town for tasty Dhokla at Vijay Bhajiawala selling Vadapav, Mirchipav, Samosapav and Khaman Dhokla
The resort, which is a temporary setup erected and dismantled everywhere, is in a deserted dry land. Around the resort you see white everywhere, these are salt that has dried after the seawater that had come inland earlier in the year and had no way to return due to a change in the topography following an earthquake in the 19th century.
Rann turns into a lake in monsoon
You get to choose from a variety of tent rooms – regular, air-conditioned and luxury suite. We had stayed at the air-conditioned tents, which was super comfortable and an indoor bathroom in an adjacent connected smaller tent. The price of Rs.15,000 (USD 210) per night was a good deal considering the comforts provided, 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and the caravan tour of the white rann.
Neatly laid out tents – morning and evening view
Premium AC twin bed tent with attached bathroom
View of the dining hall and the reception
My morning ride – Cycle Rickshaw in display
Haat (market) selling locally made textile and handicraft items
The white salt everywhere looks like snow, trying a piece they were too salty than the regular salt at our kitchen
The new ruler of the white desert
Live music performance created a tranquil feeling
From the tents, we were driven by a bus and then transported to the white desert in camel caravans
Trying my hand in driving a camel, who turned to instruct me
Before and after the sunset the place was beautiful, with the sun on one side and moon on the other side
Live music performance in the open-air theatre
Comments