The GROK. Avoid camel rides. I find it unethical.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOther stay options:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nBudget:<\/strong> There are many cheaper small hotels<\/strong> nearby. We checked some and the rooms were available for walk ins. (February). These are run by locals. Ask around and someone will guide you to one such bhunga nearby.<\/p>\nLuxury:<\/strong> Luxury tents by Gujarat Tourism is pretty expensive.<\/strong> Go for it only if you have deep pockets. The location is within the Rann Utsav Campus.<\/p>\nWhen to visit:<\/strong><\/p>\nThe locals on the way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFull moon night between December to February is good. February is ideal<\/strong> because the air is crisp and there are not much tourists. Avoid Christmas and New Year.<\/p>\nRann Utsav:<\/strong><\/p>\nEntry is free. There is lot you can do here. We went on the Valentine\u2019s day and still there were not many people. We sat on Charpais (Cot) and had memorable night as a wonderful music band belted one Bollywood song after another. In fact, the concert was one of the highlights<\/strong> of the Rann Utsav. The band played soulful Bollywood numbers to a small attentive audience who got much involved.<\/p>\nThe musical night at Rann Utsav was one of the best part of our experience.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWe also saw local dances and cultural shows. It is also a great place for stargazing. Choose a dark moon if you are interested in stargazing. It\u2019s free in Rann Utsav. In fact, everything is free in Rann Utsav<\/strong> except the food and shopping of course!<\/p>\nWant this touristy picture? Come to Rann! (Pic: Vipul Sinha)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCab:<\/strong> I hired a cab from Bhuj to Dhordo and back for Rs. 3500 for 2 days.<\/strong> The ride included a visit to Indo-Pak border, Kalu Dunger, Rann Of Kutch, Rann Utsav and a dam on the way.<\/p>\nTip:<\/strong> Ask your cabbie to stop at the \u2018Tropic of Cancer<\/strong> is passing from here\u2019 sign board.<\/p>\nDistances :<\/strong> Mumbai to Bhuj distance \u2013 864 kms.<\/p>\nNew Delhi to Bhuj distance \u2013 1139 kms.<\/p>\nA local at his home. Notice the elegant Pathani Suit and footwear!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nQUICK FACTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nThe total area of the Greater Rann Of Kutch and Little Rann Of Kutch is a whooping 30,000 square kms.<\/strong><\/li>\nGreater Rann of Kutch is not to be confused with Little Rann of Kutch which is famous for endangered Wild ass<\/strong> and lacks a salt desert.<\/li>\nThanks to tropic of cancer passing through the region, it\u2019s one of the hottest and driest regions<\/strong> in India. (Max. Temp soar upto 50 degrees)<\/li>\nA mysterious \u2018ghost light\u2019<\/strong> known locally as \u2018Chir Batti\u2019 is reported in the region. On dark nights, villagers have reported seeing a ball of fire (which changes its color) in motion.<\/li>\nBollywood films such as D Day, Ram Leela, Lagaan, The Good Road, Refugee<\/strong> etc are shot here.<\/li>\nRann of Kutch was once a part of Arabian Sea.<\/strong><\/li>\nAt the 400 year old Dattatreya temples, the desert jackals, common in the area is fed temple Prasad everyday at 11 a.m. There\u2019s free \u2018langar\u2019 for humans<\/strong> Donation advised.<\/li>\nThe region attracts large numbers of migratory birds<\/strong>, most notably, the flamingos who rest and nest here.<\/li>\nThe ruins of Dholavira<\/strong>, once a part of great Indus Valley civilisation, is not very far.<\/li>\nRann Utsav, is a 3 month<\/strong> (November to February) festival which celebrates the culture of Kutch in all its glory. Expect great local music, dance, food and stargazing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe locals at a Chai (Tea) shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA quick itinerary: The cheaper way<\/strong><\/p>\nDay 1<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\nMake sure you catch a train (sleeper class saves money) which drops you at Bhuj early morning. Book a cab (not much of public transport there) for 2 days outside railway station. Head straight to Kalu Dunger. Enjoy the views of Rann, India Pakistan border and ocean from the highest point in Kutch. Nearby is a 400-year-old Dattatreya temple, eat the free community meal called \u2018langar\u2019 (It would be great if you can donate some money to a counter nearby, we did!) Watch the jackal feeding ceremony held every day at 11 a.m.<\/li>\n Next head to Indira Bridge for the kick of standing on the India Pakistan border.<\/li>\n Check in at the hotel. Rest and head to Rann Of Kutch in evening. Stay here till full moon appears. Enjoy the night at the Rann Utsav (Entry free) next to the hotel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDay 2<\/strong>:<\/p>\nLeave Rann and explore Bhuj. There is lot to do in Bhuj viz. ancient monuments, shopping, tasteful food etc. Expect a busy day. \u00a0It is a must to plan a day for Bhuj. This small town is full of interesting things to do. The scars of a massive earthquake are still there. Yet, most of the ancient monuments are in good condition. See a 19th<\/sup> century Pragmahal Palace,\u00a0 Aaina Mahal,\u00a0 Bhujiyo Hill, Chhatardi, Hamirsar lake, Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Bhujodi village<\/p>\nThese local kids were excited to see us!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n———————————————————————————————————————<\/p>\n
10 Interesting places to visit near Bhuj <\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0Circuit 1:<\/strong><\/p>\nTravellers can go from Bhuj to Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad, they can drive down to Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary and Little Rann Of Kutch, in that order. <\/em><\/p>\n\nAhmedabad<\/strong> Participate in a heritage walk in the ancient gated colonies in old city called \u2018pols\u2019. Explore the grand Jami Masjid, go on a food trail in this culturally rich city. Distance – 334 kms from Bhuj<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nLittle Rann Of Kutch :<\/strong> Its shares the name with Rann of Kutch but the geography of LROK is much different from White Rann Of Kutch. Not many go to the underrated wild ass sanctuary. Dasada is the nearest town. It is 276 kms away from Bhuj.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nNal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary:<\/strong> During winter, this place turns into a birder\u2019s paradise. Lakhs of migratory and local birds congregate here. Time stands still as you watch them return home as the sun sets in comforting silence. Nearest town is Sanand. Sanand is 21 kilometres from Ahmedabad and 309 kms away from Bhuj.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nLothal<\/strong> : Nourish your eyes and grey cells by visiting the well preserved ruins of Indus valley civilisation. It is just 85 kms from Ahmedabad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWild Ass sanctuary in Little Rann Of Kutch is only one of its kind.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCircuit 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/strong>Visitors can club Junagarh and Sasan Gir (in that order) which are both close from Bhuj.<\/em><\/p>\n\nJunagarh:<\/strong> Did you know Junagarh hides a secret? A Taj Mahal lookalike, that is! Mahabat Maqbara is an outstanding piece of architecture, much similar to the Taj. A discerning traveller will enjoy the gems such as Jamia masjid, Adi Kadi vav, Buddhist caves, mausoleums, tombs in Junagarh has it. Who would have thought! It is an easy 336 kms away from Bhuj. \n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nSasan Gir:<\/strong> Visit this national park which is the last refuge of the endangered Asiatic lion. Wildlife enthusiasts will love it. It is just 78 kms from Junagarh and 400 kms from Bhuj)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nNal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is a heaven for birdwatchers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOther excursions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\nMandavi Beach<\/strong> The beaches of Mandvi are known for the windmills that dot the shore. It is 60 kms from Bhuj. One can reach here via taxis and buses. \n<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nDholavira:<\/strong> History lovers\u2019 paradise, it is an important site and was once one of the main cities of the great Indus Valley Civilisation. A smooth, almost empty and scenic road from Bhuj will take you there. Expect salt desert on either sides of road. It is 218 kms from Bhuj.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nLakhpat:<\/strong> The walls of a 18th<\/sup> century fort surrounds this city. History buffs, rejoice! It is 135 kms from Bhuj<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\nPorbandar:<\/strong> Kirti mandir, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi\u2019s is the main attraction. Not far away are sanctuaries and beaches. It is 377 kms from Bhuj<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWe met a ‘Chakadi’ owner as we drove to GROK. The man and this ‘chakadi’ was featured in a Gujrati film called ‘Ring Road’. How could I not pose here. (Pic: Vipul Sinha)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHOW TO REACH RANN OF KUTCH<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Nearest railway station:<\/strong> Bhuj.<\/p>\nFrom Mumbai <\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n M<\/u>umbai to Bhuj: <\/strong><\/p>\n 19131 Kutch Express:\u00a0 All days (16 hrs)<\/p>\n
22903 Bhuj AC Super fast: Wed, Fri, Sun (13 hrs)<\/p>\n
Bhuj to Mumbai<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n 19132 Kutch Express:\u00a0 All days (16 hrs)<\/p>\n
22904 BDTS AC S F Express: Mon, Thu, Sat (13:50 hrs)<\/p>\nBaby bottom smooth road to GROK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nFrom Delhi<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Delhi to Bhuj<\/strong><\/p>\n14311 Ala Hazrat Express: (26 hrs)<\/p>\n
From Bhuj<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n