The Kutch landscape is unexplored, unmatched and absolutely unbelievable!
This journey will take you through a motley mix of landscapes. There are the endless miles of scrubland that offer panoramic views of the blue sky meeting the dusty earth with patches of green to break the monotony; and the Rann itself, large, isolated, sparkling and beautiful. Then, there are the narrow roads that run along with villages, past women wearing backless blouses and colourful lehengas (a flared, long skirt), shepherds with weather-worn faces under their large white turbans, as well as herds of sheep, the bane of any driver’s existence. Add to this the sumptuous Kutchi cuisine, and Gujarat becomes a must-visit on every road. Join us on this unique road trip that will take you through deserts, wetlands and crystal blue beaches in a matter of days! Visit the unexplored salt marshes at White Rann and experience the freedom of driving on a 7000 sq km dried seabed in Little Rann.
Arrival Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad airport met with our representative at the arrival lounge (carrying the placard of your name) after finishing your visa and immigration formalities and collecting your baggage. After greeting and meeting at the airport, we shall proceed to the hotel. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Ahmedabad, the former state capital of Gujarat, was founded in 1411 by king Ahmad Shah I. It is one of India’s most historic cities and one can still see the gates and walls of the original fortifications. It is also one of the best places to study the blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture known as Indo-Saracenic. The city has been called ‘Manchester of the East’ due to its textile industries. Overnight stay at hotel.
Ahmedabad / Adalaj / Modhera / Little Rann of Kutch [155 kms/ 04 hrs approx.]
After breakfast drive to Little Rann of Kutch en route visit Adalaj & Modhera (Sun temple). Adalaj Stepwell or Rudabai Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of Adalaj, close to Ahmedabad city and in Gandhinagar district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was built in 1498 by Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty of Dandai Desh. It is a fine example of Indian architecture work. After a visit drive to Modhera to visit sun temple – The Sun Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the solar deity Surya located at Modhera village of Mehsana district, Gujarat, India. It is situated on the bank of the river Pushpavati. It was built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukyas dynasty. After the visit drive to Little Rann of Kutch. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Later proceed for a jeep Safari of Little Rann of Kutch and experience a beautiful sunset. One of the unique activities offered is the cross-desert safari across the Little Rann of Kutch in open vehicles. The Rann of Kutch is a geographically unique landscape that was once an arm of the Arabian Sea. As the land separated from the sea by geological forces, it became a vast, featureless plain encrusted with salt that is inundated with water during the rains. The safari across the Little Rann Visits the ‘bets’, islands on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These ‘bets’ support a variety of wildlife including the ‘Gudkhur’ (Asiatic wild ass) that is not found elsewhere. The wild ass is a handsome chestnut brown member of the Equus genus (horse family). Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds. The elegant blackbuck (Indian antelope), nilgai or blue bull (India’s largest antelope) and the graceful chinkara (Indian gazelle) are other mammals seen at the bets. The main carnivores of the Little Rann of Kutch are the endangered Indian wolf, desert fox, Indian fox, jackals, desert and jungle cats, and a few hyenas. Smaller mammals like hares, gerbils and hedgehogs, and reptiles like a spiny-tailed lizard, monitor, red and common sand boa, saw-scaled viper, cobra, dhaman (Indian rat snake), etc, could also be seen during the safaris in the Rann. Overnight stay at hotel.
Little Rann of Kutch / Dholavira [284 kms/ 07 hrs approx.]
After breakfast at the hotel drive to Dholavira. The Rann region makes for great sightings – the landscapes are unlike any you will see. At once you will see great swatches of white salt, brown sand, or just water. You will stop with a start when you will noticed what looked like a sheet of ice halfway between Rapar and Dholavira. Only these were crystals of salt stretching far into the horizon. The landscape of the Rann in Dholavira itself is very beautiful. It is white and watery with a rough path for cars going through it. After crossing Rann you will enter the island of Khadir. This is a journey inspired by so many others that we have read online and in print. It is also partly inspired by the history and geography books that we’ve read in school. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Dholavira – A slice of Harappa in Gujarat. The magnificent ruins of Dholavira throw light on Harappan culture and reveal the planning and architecture that map the rise and fall of this magnificent civilization. Located on an island surrounded by the Greater Rann of Kutch, the remains of Dholavira are an example of the marvels of hydro-engineering mastered by the ancient. Overnight stay at hotel.
Inclusions
- ✓ Hotel stay
- ✓ Sightseeing tours
Exclusions
- ✓ Personal expenses
- ✓ Entry tickets to monuments
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the available communication facilities in this region?
For people who want to use their mobile phone, every mobile networks works in most of the places in this region and some villages and places you might face bad connectivity problems.
Are there ATM’s in Vyans Valley? Can I swipe my card at homestay/hotel?
Only cash is accepted at the homestay & Hotel. The nearest ATM is located in Dharchula. Hence carry sufficient cash with you during the tour.
