Kutch

Kutch (also spelt as Kachh, Kachchh and Kachch) is one of the most fitting tourist destinations across the world with unlimited tourism facets and holidaying opportunities. Literally soaked in unusual natural splendour and showcasing an outstanding culture, the district of Kutch in the West India state of Gujarat is a treasure trove for nature and leisure travellers, adventure, eco and wildlife tourists and those who are enthusiastic explorers of the Indian culture, history and festive celebrations (especially the Rann Utsav). Religious tourists as well as those looking for the marvellous experiences of food, shopping and centuries old traditions can have fulfilling expeditions across the district. In the company of a travel guide, one can explore other highlights like tribal life, camel safari and wonderful arts of embroidery, weaving, printing and tie-dye.

India’s largest district in terms of area and with nearly 100 rivers to its credit, Kutch enjoys an interesting geography, adorned with hill ranges, salt marshes (including the world’s largest salt desert, the Great Rann of Kutch), grasslands and wetlands and bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch. Kutch as an island takes the shape of a tortoise and it explains the Sanskrit translation of its name. The name also translates to the place which gets wet and dry alternatively. Home to the sites where the ancient Indus Valley Civilization evolved, the place also boasts of natural treasures like ports, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and bird paradises and hills and rich heritage in the form of forts, palaces, museums, temples, caves and stepwells. Note it as important tourist information that summers here are extremely hot and the winters can be moderate to extremely cold.

October to March

Stated below are some of the must visit places at Kutch:

Restaurants in Kutch are dominated by vegetarian preparations with main ingredients like bajra, wheat, milk and pulses. Typical Gujarati cuisines (including snacks and sweets) like kachori, churma ladoo, dabeli, jalebi, navratna vada, tikki and dhokli and many others are worth trying. Multi-cuisine restaurants can be easily located at top cities and towns like Bhuj and Kandla. When in Kutch, you will never be far from a tea stall.

Kutch is a heaven for the shoppers, especially those who value ethnic handicrafts. Embroidered garments and sarees depicting the fascinating art of Bandhani (tie and dye) are simply out of this world. Equally charming are the clothes designed with techniques like Ajarakh printing and weaving of wool and cotton. Copper plated cow bells, leather products, mirror work and lacquer work can easily attract the buyers. Silverware and silver jewellery items, wall hangings, Patola silk sarees and exquisite woodwork are other items worth purchasing. While Bhuj has some great markets, one can also shop at villages like Bhujodi, Hodko, Nirona and Khavda.

Kutch can be conveniently accessed by road, rail as well as by air. State transport buses regularly connect various parts of the district with the rest of Gujarat. A journey by road in a taxi can be exhilarating. Bhuj, the administrative centre of the district, has railway station as well as airport offering good services. If you don’t travel by a private vehicle or a rented cab, you can get around Kutch using local cabs, auto rickshaws, buses as well as rented two-wheelers. Remember that permit is required to explore most of the attractions of Kutch, because of the region’s proximity to the India-Pakistan border.

Many other attractions in the region are Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, Kalo Dungar Hill, Mata no Madh Temple, Kutch Museum, Chari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve, Siyot Caves, Kandla Port, Anjar Jesar-Toral Shrine, Roha Fort, Mundra Port and Prag Mahal. Adventure activities like camel safari, jeep safari and desert safari are juts not worth missing. Be here during the Rann Utsav celebrations to experience the real zest and zeal of the region. The festival hosts a number of colourful activities that lead to some timeless memories.

Rajkot: Popular for the attractions like Aaji Dam, Mahatma Gandhi’s childhood residence and school, Swaminarayan Temple, Rotary Dolls Museum, Watson Museum and Lang Library. Modhera: An extremely popular heritage site with the renowned Sun Temple as its main attraction and other highlights like Modhera Dance Festival. Patan: One of the must visit tourist places in Gujarat, Patan is famous for its Durbar Square that houses beautiful palaces and temples and interesting statues and museums. Jamnagar: Famous for its beaches, islands, bird sanctuaries, coral reefs, Marine National Park, temples and an array of exciting activities like sailing.