What is interesting is the way it is promoted. Mr. Modi, Mr. Bachchan, nice visuals, crisp editing – all make you feel like you are watching truly Malaysia, really Australia or sincerely Zambia ads. When I told people that we are going to see the Rann Utsav in Kutch, people saw me with awe usually reserved for those who have shaken hands with Mamata Banerjee. When I returned a lot of people wanted to know how it was and how they have been wanting to do it for sooo looong.
It’s not that the ads are misleading or the place not worth a visit. But what one can’t disagree is that good marketing has made a not so great event a must see tourist destination.
First things first, the Rann is absolutely beautiful. Pure white stretch of sand desert stretches out until it meets the horizon. On a clear day one cannot be sure where the Rann ends and the clouds begin. Photographs would give the impression that one is standing on a vast flat stretch of snow – or rather snow covered sea. If only you have to travel 16 hours from Mumbai to see the Rann, it is worth it. Cause its unique and perhaps the largest salt desert in the world. However, once you are done with it, it’s better to pack your bags and return. There is nothing else around.
What the place lacks is somewhat made up by good hospitality and excellent stay arrangements. Smiling reception (so unlike government run places), cheery volunteers that carry your bags and give as much bottled water as you want (without waiting for tips). Great tents and even better bathrooms – big, spacious with warm water.
Food needs a look. Also its timings. There are not many options, even if you wanted to pay. No non-veg and alcohol makes it further non-touristy. Cultural dance remind you of programs on Doordarshan – they go on and on irrespective of viewer’s interest. Exhibits reminded of typical Indian museums – without proper lighting or description. Crash course on Dandiya or workshops on Gujarati cuisine may have been more engaging.
The site seeing of Indo Pak border made me feel like a cast in Jurassic Park. We were on a bus that we could not get out off. We were looking at a tall wall which was fenced. On the other side stood Pakistan. Could not spot any Pakistani humans or animals. After fifteen minutes as our silly questions died down along with the spirited answers of the soldier, we turned around and drove another 4 hours to come back to our base.
Why did we choose Indo-Pak site seeing when the other option was Mandvi beach + Narayan Sarovar Tour? Cause we Indians are emotional people, especially about cartoons, Sachin, Saas Bahu, FDI in Retail and Pakistan.
Tip: Don’t book Rann via a government authorised travel agent – they are quite misleading. Do it on your own. Reach in the evening see the sunset – come back in the morning for the sunrise. Rest of the time should be spent watching... well wild ass... that’s the other thing Kutch is famous for.
