The Kutch Full Moon Escape (7th to 12th February, 2017) Small Group Tour

After our arrival in Bhuj, we head to the Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as ‘Bhuj Mandir’. The Temple was ravaged and damaged during the massive 2001 Gujarat earthquake but from its debris, followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday built a brand new temple that stands bathed in pure white marble and gold that is stunning with intricate carvings of Ramayana and Mahabharata that never cease to amaze you no matter how many times you look at it. Then we head back to the hotel and check in at Bhuj, and have a delicious Gujarati dinner there.
                                      

                                                    Bhunga at the White Rann Resort
                                                         Picture credits- ABC Tours & Travels

The next day we leave for Dhordo to discover the unending White Rann of Kutch and its perils. After driving for two hours we check in to the Bhungas, then spend the day discovering the resort and it’s adventures like Camel Cart rides, Segway, Parasailing (if weather permits) interspersed with large vegetarian meals and snacks along the day. We set out late in the afternoon to visit the Kalo Dhungar and Gandhi Nu Gham. Kalo Dhungar or Black Hills is the highest point in Kutch that has the panoramic view that feels like the Great Rann and the sky have merged together. At Kalo Dhungar is the 400-year-old Dattatreya temple (Lord Dattatreya is an incarnation of the Hindu holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself.

    

Full Moon White Rann 

Picture credits- ABC Tours & Travels

The third day after breakfast we visit the villages of Khavda and Ludiya which are famous for intricate handicrafts, pottery and embroidery work, then we head back to Rann for Lunch. The rest of the day is spent relaxing and watching the famed White Rann Sunset. After 7pm we will indulge in the Rann Utsav performances, handicrafts and other activities while we soak in the magnificent moonlight view of this stunning area hugging the Indo Pak border.

Saying goodbye to one of the bucket list experiences of one’s lifetime, we head back to Bhuj. En-route we visit Mandvi beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace (where the Royalty of Kutch still live). Once we reach Bhuj and check in to our hotel, we continue unravelling Bhuj and visit Prag Mahal, Aaina Mahal and Kutch Museum (if time permits)

                                                                              Mandvi Beach
                     Picture credits- http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/12/339

The fifth day we leave early for Dholavira, the second largest Harappan sites in the Indian sub-continent and remains of the Indus valley civilization. Our guide will take us on a journey back into the history on our adventure. After lunch, we leave early evening back to Bhuj in time for dinner.

                                                   Dholavira Archaeological Site
                    Picture credits- http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/12/339

We Leave back home on the sixth day with a heavy heart, but enriched with stories of another era and treasures along with memories from one of the world’s largest deserts across two countries.

Please email us on cheindia5000@gmail.com for itinerary and pricing for this trip or call us on +919845077065(Seema S Jaising) if you are interested. Bookings open until 15 Jan, 2017 unless spots fill up!

The writer is the owner of a travel experience company (Che Travel)

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