Rann Utsav Experience in Kutch Gujarat: A Comprehensive Review

Traveling to Rann Utsav in Kutch, Gujarat, can be an exhilarating experience, but it also came with its fair share of challenges. This article provides a detailed account of the experience, including both the positive and negative aspects.

A Near Disaster

To start off, I must share a near-disastrous incident I encountered during my trip. We experienced an accident while riding camels, which resulted from the negligence of the camel rider. Since the saddle was loosely tied, we fell off and faced numerous injuries. We were left unconscious on the road, bleeding profusely, and had multiple fractures. Our valuables, which included all our passport, cash, and other important items, were stolen by the camel rider, leaving us completely helpless in a remote area.

Despite these traumatic events, I managed to regain consciousness by some miracle and contacted the driver who was stationed at the tent city. He promptly came to our aid and transported us to Bhuj, which was about 80 kilometers away. From there, we were airlifted to Delhi and are still battling the physical and emotional aftermath of the incident. We strongly appeal to the Gujarat government to take immediate action to help us recover our lost valuables and to ensure better safety measures are in place for future events.

After reporting the incident to the Khavda police station, we were left in shock and disbelief at the lack of first aid and medical facilities available during such large gatherings. We found it deeply concerning that the government organized such a significant festival without ensuring comprehensive healthcare facilities for visitors.

Accommodation and Services

The online itineraries for the event are available here. We chose to opt for a deluxe AC tent which cost us a hefty Rs 30,000 for two nights and three days during the full moon period in November 2022. The 2-night stay was a convenient choice, especially since we experienced the intense heat of the sun during the day and the relative coolness of the nights.

Day-to-Day Experience

Check-In

We arrived at the Bhuj railway station around 10 AM. We were picked up by AC 2x2 seater buses provided by the tent city, complete with food packets, biscuits, juice, muffins, and chocolate. The Airtel network was available, ensuring we had communication services. The check-in process was smooth, with a comfortable reception area and friendly staff to answer any queries. E-rickshaws and golf carts were available to transport us around the camp, and our baggage was dropped straight to our tents. Food coupons, valid for all meals, were issued to us upon arrival.

The Tents

The deluxe AC category tents offered a decent amount of space, with two single beds and a quality bathroom. However, the metal furniture was uncomfortable, and the toiletries provided were sufficient, including towels, soaps, and a comb.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner were served in a buffet fashion in the dining hall, which was a large hall with ample seating. The only inconvenience was that we had to wait for morning tea which was served in our tents at 6 AM. Despite this, the food options were satisfactory. However, note that the morning tea was initially only served in the dining hall, which was disappointing.

In-House Activities

The in-house activities were less than impressive. The art exhibition was merely a small area with about 20-30 paintings for sale. The yoga/spa area, while present, required payment. The games area had a broken pool table and paid video games, with only a chess and carrom board available. For kids, there was a toddler section and an adventure zone, but the adventure activities were pricey and often inadequate. Moreover, the cycle rentals were in poor condition, with chains coming out, brakes not functioning, and deflated or punctured tires.

Sunset and Full Moon

Both the sunset and full moon experiences were taken to the white rann through AC buses. The ground was large without a single tree, with white salt deposits mixed with sand and marshy areas. The full moon captured sparkling white salt only in photos, not in reality.

Cultural Activity Area

The cultural activity area included a few folk performances and live singing and dancing. The only telescope for star gazing was too crowded even with five people at a time, and the puppet show kiosk was a mere five-minute show. While there was a magnetic point, it was the one and only one, located in Ladakh.

Kala Dungar

At Kala Dungar, we watched the sunset. On the way, we stopped at Gandhi nu Dham, a small set of houses where local people were dressed in beautiful traditional wear and selling indigenous creations. You should not miss the magnetic point, as it is the only other magnetic point, apart from the one in Ladakh.

Check-Out

The check-out process was highly unorganized. We were asked to report at 9:30 AM but were not allowed to leave until 10:30 or 11:00 AM. We felt this wasted an entire morning. Surprisingly, no souvenir was provided as parting gifts, and the food packets were not even handed over to us.

Sightseeing After Check-Out

Due to the poorly organized check-out process, we only stayed for a short time at the sightseeing spots. Hiralaxmi Park was particularly worth visiting, where you can purchase quality and better-priced products.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I would suggest a 2-night stay over 3-night option as it was too long, and 1-night stay was too short. The experience would be recommended if you are interested in staying in tents, experiencing the white rann, and perhaps taking your family, including kids and older parents.