Virtually an island that resembles the shape of a tortoise, Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India holding onto its grandeur nature from the past. Kutch is probably one of the most beautiful, yet surreal places in India with the vast expanses of the white salt desert. The place comes to life during the winters when the Rann Festival is held during December-February everywhere in which there are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions, and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.
Kutch is also among the largest district of India with a terribly low population density. Also, Kutch lies on the India-Pakistan border and you can see parts of Pakistan from Kutch. Kutch is also famous for crafts and embroidery works, Flamingo Sanctuary and Wild Ass Sanctuary. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch. The beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don't miss to see the ancient town of Dholavira.
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Places To Visit :
1 . Rann Of Kutch :
The Great Rann of Kutch, is a large area of salt marshland, is located in the District of Kutch, in the western state of India, Gujarat. The vast expanse is situated in the Thar Desert and is formed of salt marshes. Sunsets at the Great Rann of Kutch are a treat to the eyes after exploring the region.
The region is divided into two parts, the Great Rann of Kutch and Little Rann of Kutch, and comprises massive deposits of salt in the desert. These deposits are known for producing a mirage, and many pilgrims have shared stories about witnessing optical illusions that seem as good as real.
2 . Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary :
Located 100 km away from Bhuj, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest periodical saline wetlands in the world. Colloquially known as the "Flamingo City" this is the largest wildlife sanctuary with a vast expanse of about 7505.22 sq. km.
Situated in proximity to the submerged 5000-year-old Harappan civilization of Dholavira, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary also cites various fossils.
3 . Dholavira :
It is one of the largest remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization which was one of the most developed civilizations roughly 4500 years ago.
Witness the history yourself! A visit to the site tells the story of the 7 stages of the civilization and it is considered to be one of the grandest cities of its time. It is one of the 5 largest Harappan sites and the most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. This place was occupied from around 2650 BCE to 1450 BCE with a brief abandonment period.
4 . Kutch Museum :
5 . Kutch Bustard Sanctuary :
Popularly known locally as the Lala Prajan Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary's primary aim is to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. It is located in Jakhau village in Naliya Taluka, Gujarat. Among many other different varieties of wildlife that can be found within the reserve, there are three different kinds of Bustards themselves in the sanctuary.
The sanctuary covers an area of just over 2 sq. km, but still houses some of the excellent species including harriers, common cranes, black partridges, sand grouses, Black and Gray Francolin, Spotted and Indian Sandgrouse, quails, larks, shrikes, coursers, plover, Imperial Eagle, flamingos, herons, egrets, sandpipers, etc. Some other wild animals which are present here are wolf, caracal, desert cat, jackal, striped hyena, fox, mongoose, blue bull, chinkara, spiny-tailed lizard, and various types of snakes.
6 . Mandvi Beach :
