Rann of Kutch

About the Location

The Rann of Kutch is an awe-inspiring expanse of cracked earth, situated inland from the sea, that promises to leave you breathless. The vast nothingness stretches for miles, creating a surreal and stunning landscape, punctuated by small oases of water bodies and shrub forests that serve as habitats for pink flamingoes and wild asses. Scattered tribal hamlets, featuring cylindrical mud bhungas (huts), are hubs for traditional Kutchi crafts such as embroidery, tie and dye, leatherwork, pottery, bell metal craft, and the renowned Rogan painting, practiced by the last surviving expert family. Approximately 200 km east of the Rann lies the Little Rann of Kutch, home to the 4,953-square-kilometer Wild Ass Sanctuary. This sanctuary houses the only remaining population of the chestnut-colored Indian wild ass (khur), along with blue bulls, blackbucks, and chinkaras.

Brief History

The Rann of Kutch was once a sprawling shallow of the Arabian Sea until continuous geological shifts severed its connection with the sea. Over time, the region transformed into a seasonal marshy salt desert. During the monsoon season, the marsh fills with water, extending the wetland from the Gulf of Kutch in the west to the Gulf of Cambay in the east. In the summer, the water evaporates, leaving behind a crunchy bed of white, salty land.