Sightseeing Places to Visit in Kutch

Sometimes called as India’s Wild West, the Kutch region of the Indian state of Gujarat is a desert landscape that is mostly barren that is more than 40,000 square kilometres. Being one of the biggest districts in the country, Kutch has many points of interests which enamour you right till the end of your trip.

Kutch is known for the Great Rann of Kutch which is a picturesque region that forms an important part of Kutch sightseeing tour. It forms the majority region of Kutch and is situated in the far north sharing borders with Pakistan. Kutch is home to people from various ethnicities which are migrants from Pakistan, Iran, and Rajasthan’s Marwar region. The scenic white landscape of the region is a sight for sore eyes where you get immaculate views of the salt desert. I decided to visit Kutch to explore its numerous points of interest, especially the Great Rann of Kutch. I tailored my trip in a way that I got to attend the vibrant Rann Utsav which I was keen on attending for a long time now.

Kutch narrates tales of an era gone by and has some really scenic sights to its credit. If you wish to explore the Great Rann of Kutch, then you can easily go for one of the Kutch packages. When you opt for such a tour package, you are able to explore the place worry-free as your trip itinerary is taken care of.

Here is my list of tourist places in Kutch that I would wholeheartedly recommend: -

1. The Great Rann of Kutch

The Great Rann of Kutch is a massive salt marshland area located in the Thar Desert. The large expanse is made of salt marshes and makes for a breathtaking view altogether. Attracting travellers from around the globe, the Great Rann of Kutch is one of the best places to visit in Kutch. I was instantly hooked upon seeing the vast area as the sun rays danced on it. Renowned for its natural beauty, the Great Rann of Kutch is one of the biggest salt deserts on this planet and one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. The Rann of Kutch is bifurcated into the Little Rann of Kutch and the Great Rann of Kutch. These areas contain huge deposits of salt which give rise to the phenomenon called ‘mirage’.

Being a massive flooded grassland area in the country, the Rann of Kutch is flanked by both the desert and the Arabian Sea. The beguiling location of the Rann of Kutch made me stay at the place as long as I could. The serenity and charm of the place provided me with the much-needed escape I was looking for. I visited the area during the night when the white landscape looked absolutely spectacular with the alluring backdrop of the full moon! It was a moment of bliss.

2. Rann Utsav

The best time to visit the Great Rann of Kutch is at the time of Rann Utsav. During this annual festival, visitors stay close to the beautiful white desert. It offers a mirror into the arts and crafts of the vibrant state of Gujarat which are put on display during the festival. I visited the Great Rann of Kutch during this festival and got to waltz through the fascinating stalls here. I even got to spot Indian wild asses and flamingos at the location of the festival. My Rann Utsav trip was an eventful one and I would personally recommend visiting this region around the time of the festival to see the Rann of Kutch turn into a full-blown cultural celebration. 

3. Bhuj

Bhuj is an ancient township located in Kutch that forms an important part of Kutch sightseeing. I explored the different old 18-century buildings that dot the township. I also explored the temples, serene lakes, beautiful parks, and walked town the numerous alleyways to explore the township like a true local.

4. Kalo Dungar

Kalo Dungar is famously called the ‘Black Hill’. Being 462 metres high, the point is one of the most beautiful places to see in Kutch. When I reached the top of the hill, the panoramic view really left me spellbound. I could also easily spot Rann of Kutch in the distance as I gawked in wonderment at the scenic view.

5. Mandvi Beach

One of the best places to see in Kutch, Mandvi Beach offers the perfect way to relax and unwind. Presenting an ideal set-up for solitude, the beach offered me a quiet time with nature as I sat and watched the serene waters. Being a popular place for water sports facilities and camping, the beach is a great place to take a stroll or go bird watching. The beach itself is rather unexplored and offers magical views at the time of sunset – a perfect lens into the mesmerizing beauty of Kutch.

6. Dholavira

A striking excavation of Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira takes you knee-deep in history. One can visit the place to listen to the tales of over seven stages of civilization. I really wanted to visit the place that once was the most developed civilizations some 4500 years ago, and I am glad I was able to. It is one of the best tourist places in Kutch and one of the most significant archaeological sites to visit in the country.

7. Kutch Museum

I decided to pay a visit to the Kutch Museum during my Kutch tour. It is one of the oldest museums in Gujarat and one of the best places to visit in Kutch. It showcases a collection of ancient coins and extinct Kutchi script. I was intrigued by the tribal artefacts showcased at the museum.  The other objects of the museums that I found really fascinating were the paintings, musical instruments, and the interesting metalwork.

8. Aina Mahal

My last stop was a visit to the Aina Mahal which one of the most important places to visit in Kutch. The striking carved doorways, elaborate balconies and window boxes are the features of the Mahal that I came to adore. The interiors of the palace are equally beguiling. The building has a hall of mirrors, a darbar hall, and suites which belong to the royal family. An important part of Aina Mahal is the museum inside it. I saw many beautiful paintings, royal possessions, and photographs in the museum. I also really liked the Kutch embroidery samples here.

You can figure it by now that there are several points of interests in Kutch which will keep you hooked right till the end. After I had explored Kutch and had some time left, I decided to visit some noteworthy places near Kutch and explored the neighbouring cities and towns of Gujarat. I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to Kutch and would put it down as one of the most striking destinations I have visited to date.