The Great Rann of Kutch is the world's largest salt desert spreading across India and Pakistan and is a remarkable journey to be undertaken during the majestic Rann Utsav that happens in December, each year. Measuring over 16,000 square kilometers, the vastness of the Salt Desert is worth setting on the road for.
This December, we are on our wheels exploring the old town of Bhuj, traditional handicrafts of Kutch in Gujarat, the vast Salt Desert and treating ourselves with stays in Heritage Houses and indulging into delicious local Kutchi cuisine.
Dates
18th to 20th December (Ex. Bhuj)
17th to 21st December (Ex. Mumbai)
Itinerary
17th December - Journey Commences
Leave for Kutch (via Trains or your selected mode on transport)
18th December - Arrivals across the Salt Desert
Meet at Bhuj Railway Station by 8:30am and after some breakfast and refreshments, drive down to our Campsite in Hodka close to the Rann. Once we drop our bags at the campsite, we'll hop on our wheels to explore Central and North Kutch. Thaan Monastery and getting lost into the traditional Rogan Art at Nirona Village are at the top of our lists.
After a day of exploration, we'll leave for Dhordo to witness the magical sunsets in the White Rann, indulge into some cultural programmes of the Rann Utsav, have traditional Kutchi Dinner and return for our stay at the Campsite for the night.
19th December - Beaches, Ships and White Sands
After breakfast, bid adieu to the campsite and march towards the highest point in Kutch, Kala Dungar. Cross the much acclaimed Tropic of Cancer, Bhrandiyari and Khavda regions on the way. After lunch, set out on the road for south Kutch - Mandvi town and bazaar, ship building yard, ship model making workshop, Shyamji Krushna Verma memorial, Vijay Vilas Palace and the beautiful Mandvi Beach for sunset. By late evening, we'll be setting our abode in the Heritage House of Devpur.
20th December - Winning hearts with Handicrafts
Being the last day into the vastness of Bhuj, we'll check-out after breakfast and visit Bhuj - Kutch museum, Pragmahal, Aina Mahal, Bhuj bazaar and Bhuj haat, Bhujodi weaving village, Hira Laxmi Memorial Craft Park and indulge into some great handicrafts shopping. After Dinner, we'll catch a return train for Mumbai.
[For those opting for other transport mode can choose to stay back at little longer and continue their journey or say farewell to the place along with us and head to their destinations. Mapping Journeys will provide all assistance regarding extra stay and transport, if required.]
21st December - Farewells
Reach Mumbai
Cost
Ex. Mumbai: Rs. 9500 + Train Fare (3AC Sleeper)
Ex. Bhuj - Rs. 9500
Booking Amount: Rs. 5000
Balance Payment: Rs. 4,500 (On or before 15th November 2014)
Inclusions
One night stay in Camp Site at the Great Rann of Kutch
One night stay at Heritage House in Devpur
All Traditional Meals at the Camp Site
Cultural Program and Rann Safari
Breakfast and Dinner on 19th & 20th December
All permits and tolls
Non - AC Transport on all the days
Airport / Railway Pickup (By 8:30am on 18th Dec)
Exclusions
Meals during train travel
Lunches on the way on 19th & 20th December
Personal Expenses (Shopping, Expenses made at Rann Utsav etc.)
Insurance of any kind
Medical and Evacuation Charges
Anything not included under "inclusions"
Lunches on the way on 19th & 20th December
Personal Expenses (Shopping, Expenses made at Rann Utsav etc.)
Insurance of any kind
Medical and Evacuation Charges
Anything not included under "inclusions"
Payment Options
Bank Account DetailsBank Name: HDFC Bank
Account ID: 05821000058058
Account Type: Savings Account
Account Name: Sneha Phalle
Branch: Thakur Village, Kandivali (East)
IFSC Code: HDFC0000582
Payment can be done via Net Banking (NEFT), Cash or Cheque.
For other payment options, queries and registration, please contact:
+91 9867693107 | +91 9867697306
Getting to Bhuj
Via Air: Bhuj has an airport with daily flights from M umbai and Ahmedabad. Buses, Taxis and Private Vehicles ply everyday from Ahmedabad to Bhuj.
Via Rail: Our troop would be travelling via trains from Mumbai to Bhuj. We are providing an option of train travel along with our troop. [Favorable and Budget Travel]
Via Road: Take NH8 out of Mumbai to Vadodara, and get on to the Vadodara-Ahmedabad Expressway. From there, take SH 7/NH 947 towards Viramgam, and continue on the road to Bhuj via Dhrangadhra, Halvad, and Bhachau. The six-lane highway makes for a great drive.
[We'll assist you in all possible ways to get to Bhuj!]
Cancellation Policy
For Cancellation, If you inform us,
More than 45 days prior to departure: 30% of the total event costs would be deducted.
More than 45 days prior to departure: 30% of the total event costs would be deducted.
Between 45 to 31 days prior to departure: 50% of the total event costs would be deducted.
Between 30 to 16 days prior to departure: 70% of the total event costs would be deducted.
No refund would be provided from 15 days before the event.