Rann Utsav - The Tent City, Kutch.

The background

People make new year resolutions, I've never made any and won't do so yet. But like every year will count my blessings. 2017 has been challenging for me and the family but we feel blessed that all ended up fine. We have emerged stronger in spirit and as a family. It was filled with stressful situations and many injuries. Started off with my knee, an ACL tear in September followed by husband meeting with a minor accident onboard; that he didn’t even share with me. Got to know only when he reached home in November. We were recuperating, me avoiding the surgery and husband getting better. Came December and we were set for a planned holiday just then my dear husband fell during a football match and twisted his other knee. All plans came to a standstill as I didn’t want to make him go through any stress or strain. He needed rest but he being a true shippy, the diehard sailor that he is, was ready to embark on the planned vacation. 
I had cancelled the holiday at the Rann festival, the tent city in Bhuj, Gujarat, India. Made last minutes arrangements again and paid a bomb for the expenses, the flight tickets as well as the hotel booking had gone up many folds. Time is important, who knows it better than the sailor and his better half. We did take a short vacation and it turned out to be a good idea, we came back rejuvenated and happy. 

Kutch nahi dekha tou kuchh neahi dekha 

Kutch, located in the state of Gujarat, is blessed with one of the most ecologically and culturally abundant landforms. The profusion of nature’s beauty, culture and tradition, superfluity of colors and celebrations, cornucopia of joy and beauty, all together reflect the magnificence of the kaleidoscopic Kutch. Particularly, the spectacular sight of the boundless white desert under the moonlight beautifully showcases this stunning creation of nature to us all. One of the biggest salt deserts in the world, the great Rann of Kutch is known the world over for it's natural splendor.  Magnificent is the word that one could simply use and glorify the natural beauty of this region. It is also blessed with  distinctive folk dances, music, arts and crafts. The affluent handicraft like textiles, exquisite embroidery, Bandhani style of work, traditional ornaments and mirror work are some of the specialties of Kutch,  The people are gracious and nature is truly blessed! 

We had heard about the Rann Utsav that is organised at the tent city from November to February each year. We wanted to experience it. Husband wanted to drive down but I wasn't keen on that because of his knee injury. So we decided to fly instead.

The Tent City

Rann Utsav’s tent city is perched on arid, barren and cracked land.  Creating an entire tent city in a  place like that is extremely commendable. The arrangements made by the Gujarat Tourism Board are truly praiseworthy. Impeccable planning and execution must have gone in to develop a complex sprawling over an area of about 500,000 Sq. Mts. More than 350 tents with several blocks for entertainment, dining and cultural as  well as fun activities are set up.

We booked the 2N3D package at the Rann Utsav. Took early morning flight to Bhuj from Mumbai. There are only 2 flights to Bhuj, Jet Airways and Air India. Last minute ones specially during the peak season can be really expensive. We had to buy the tickets at the airport so you can imagine!

We were at the Bhuj airport at 7.25 am, there was a pick up waiting for us. Now onwards the Rann Utsav team would take care of us till we were back here for our flight back home. As you can see from the itinerary that all your time is planned well by the organisers. If you don't want to follow the itinerary but just relax, you can do that too. They have enough within the tent city to keep you not only occupied and engaged but also absolutely loving your time there!

You can ride on the battery operated carts moving around the tent city, ATV bikes can be tried on, do some reading at the library, use the spa, shop at the handcraft shops or the market right behind the White Rann or simply meditate inside your well appointed tents. Children's play area has many activities that they can enjoy such as the tandem cycle,  archery, trikke, Segway, paint ball, rifle shooting etc 

Our Itinerary- 2N3D package

Day 1

Transfers from Bhuj to Tent City Dhordo 

08:15 AM - From Airport Bhuj

Distance from Bhuj to Tent City Dhordo is approx 85 Kms, which takes approx 1 hr 45 mins. Complimentary Refreshment enroute Dhordo in bus.

Arrival at Tent city from Bhuj

12:30 Onwards	Welcome & Check - In
12:30PM to 02:30 PM	Lunch at respective Dining Area
02:30 PM to 04:00 PM	Enjoy in-house activities.
04:00 PM to 05:00 PM	Evening Tea/Coffee
05:00 PM to 05:30 PM	Transfer to White Rann to witness the Grandeur of Sunset.
	Mode of transfer can be through Camel Cart / Bus on first come first serve basis. Guest will have to return by the same mode of transfer.

07:00 PM to 07:30 PM	Return Transfers to Tent City Dhordo
07:30 PM to 10:00 PM	Dinner at respective Dining Area
08:30 PM to 10:30 PM	Enjoy the culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities.

Day 2

06:00 AM to 06:30 AM	Morning tea
06:30 AM to 07:30 AM	Transfer to White Rann to witness the grandeur of Sunrise.
07:30 AM to 10:00 AM	Breakfast at respective Dining Area
09:30 AM to 08:00 PM	Optional Chargeable Tour (This can be booked along with package). Mandvi Kutch Mandvi is an important beach famous among travelers for peace and solitude. Mandvi has beautiful white sand, serene locales and enchanting sunset views. Dist. from Tent City is approx. 140 kms one way, which takes approx. 2.5 hr
	Indo-Pak Border
	Get the feel of how our BSF Jawans guard the border. Dist. From tent city is approx. 160 kms. With a travel time around 3 hrs.
	Guests opting for optional tour will miss complimentary tour to Gandhi Nu Gaam & Kala Dungar as scheduled below.
10:00 AM to 12:30 PM	Enjoy in-house activities.
12:30PM to 02:30 PM	Lunch at respective Dining Area
02:30 PM to 7:30 PM	Complimentary Tour to Kala Dungar [Black Hill] Kala Dungar is the highest point in Kutch. On the route visit to Handicraft Village “Gandhi Nu Gaam” Tea/Coffee shall be provided at Kala Dungar Complimentary Refreshment in bus.
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM	Dinner at Respective Dining Area
8:30 PM to 10:30 PM	Enjoy the Culture of Kutch along with entertaining activities.

Day 3

06:00 AM to 07:00 PM	Morning Tea
07:30 AM to 09:30 AM	Breakfast at respective Dining Area
09:30 AM	Check out from Tent City
09:30 AM	Departure to Bhuj with a complimentary sight-seeing on the way.

* Complimentary sight-seeing places of interest in Bhuj

• Sri Swami Narayan Temple  
• Kutch Museum
• Bhujodi (Handicraft village & Craft Park)

The package costed us more than regular as we had to amend the arrival and departure dates, something I couldn't convince the lady at the reservations desk. I will have a regret there and also regret that the travel agent couldn't get me good deals on the air fare and his inability to get suitable refund on the booked tickets. This trip has been one of the most expensive ones that we have undertaken. But no regrets it was worth it! I am thankful to the girls handling this booking Apeksha from Smartstay.in and Shivani from Rann Utsav reservations, because of them we could get the last minute booking. The only reason I am highlighting this fact is that one must certainly experience it. May be we'll do a road trip next time and be a part of the festival again. This only goes on to prove that we had a great stay at the tent city and I very strongly recommend people to experience it.

We reached the tent city,  the first impression was WOW. It looked amazingly beautiful, truly an oasis in the arid land. the reception hall was huge and had many counters for check in. I could imagine what was to unfold. The hotelier in me said that a lot of thought had gone into managing the operations. We checked in and were directed to our tent in cluster K. There are clusters from A to N and each having many tents. We were told that there were 900 guests in house. 

Things that amazed me was that in spite of being in a barren land, there was hardly any dust. Green cover was created with the carpeting in each cluster along with the sitting area, to laze around and simply absorb the mesmerizing beauty of the place.

We have stayed in tents before but this one was more spacious, with an attached bath and hot water that was really hot!  The accommodation was good for our family of four. We did require an extra bed for the night. The tent had all amenities that one could find in a 4/5 star hotel. 

We did all activities as per the package. Each was memorable be it the grandeur of sunrise or the sunset on the white Rann or the Kala Dungar. Para motoring, trikke, tandem cycling, rifle shooting, visiting the art gallery, star gazing or simply relaxing in our tent.

On the second day of our stay, on our way to the sunset point at Kala Dungar we visited  a village called Gandhi nu Gam, The local women  had many articles/ handicrafts on display and sale. Intricately embroidered bed sheets, cushion covers, bags, purses, wallets, dress materials, traditional clothing, shawls and other household items. Beaded accessories such as all kinds of jewelry,  and footwear were available for sale. It was a delight for the shoppers. They didn't want to be photographed. So one must respect that and don't click any pictures without their permission.

My take on the festival

• It has reached near to being perfect - Learnt from the staff that it was started 11 years ago as a festival lasting 3 days. From the last couple of years it is a festival that runs from November to February. Having spent more than 20 years in the industry, I know what it takes to reach  this level of service.
• 

  Service was spontaneous and from the heart. The staff were on their toes all the time to ensure that all guest needs were addressed. Timely service and prompt response to all requests was impressive indeed. Walkie-talkies were used for quick communication. There's no phone in the tents but cluster supervisor's mobile number is available so one can connect with him anytime for any requirement. Out cluster supervisor was Salman and he along with his team did a fabulous job.
• The dining halls were well maintained and service was good with attentive and courteous staff. All three meals and high tea were served here. 
• Food was vegetarian with a choice of Jain selection. Live counters were there for rotis (Indian breads), snacks such as pani puri and also for pastas. The buffet provided good variety with highlights of the local cuisine. There was something for every palate. I loved the local rustic cuisine.
• Live music during dinners was a highlight, the diners could request a song to dedicate to someone they loved. I dedicated one of my favorites to my dear husband.
• The transportation facility for the airport/ railway station or for sightseeing was comfortable and well managed, similar to the way they do in Thailand, which caters to many groups from around the globe. I was impressed.
• Early morning tea was brought to the tents at 6 am, a staff from the dining hall would bring the tea and announce it. Not really invading into the privacy but if one was awake could have the masala tea or coffee.
• The baggage was handled professionally and with minimal inconvenience to the guest. They deal with many guests arriving and checking out each day. So this service is extremely important.
• There's a market inside the tent city to meet shopping needs and some indulgences, all kinds of local handicrafts and souvenirs are available. A bigger market is just outside the tent city if one wishes to have a look at a wider range of things.
• A special photo booth is created outside the reception hall. A local elderly gentleman manning it with all kinds of props available for the guests who wish to use them and get photographed, carrying memories of their stay at the tent city.
• Doctor is available in case of any emergency.
• Entertainment area has live shows every evening from 8.30 pm to about 10.30 pm. Good opportunity to see the local folk performances, post dinner. There's no television in the tents so this is a great way to unwind with some good music and dance where musicians, dancers, comedians and puppeteers keep the audience entertained.  Kutchi folk melodies fill the air with traditional instruments such as the Narr, bhor, jhanjh and the likes. You can do some star gazing too before you retire for the night.
• Tours are organised for witnessing the sunset at the Great Rann, the white desert or the Kala Dungar, the highest point in the Kutch. One can also go to see the sunrise at the Rann. 
• Well planned, executed and managed facility, I'd give it a 5 star rating if there was any. Would recommend everyone to go experience it and also support the local population in earning their livelihoods. Tourism has a multiplier effect let the benefit reach the local craftsmen and the general population.
• Gujarat Tourism has done a good job in creating the tent city, the model can be replicated in many places across India.