Planning a trip to the White Rann of Kutch (the iconic salt plain around Dhordo) is exciting, but because the Rann lies in a sensitive border area, there are formalities you must complete before you go. Below is a practical, up-to-date guide that covers why a permit is needed, how to get one online or at checkpoints, fees and vehicle charges commonly applied in 2025, what documents to carry, whether special sites like Kalo Dungar need separate permission, and how Rann Utsav / Tent City bookings interact with permits.
Quick Snapshot
- A Rann of Kutch Permit / White Rann Permit / Rann of Kutch Entry Pass is required for most visitors because the area falls in a notified border/security zone.
- You can apply online via the official portal (Rann Permit – rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in). You can also get permits at the Bhirandiyara check post on the Bhuj → Dhordo route.
- Many Rann Utsav / Tent City packages include the White Rann permit for guests – if you book the official Tent City package, you usually do not need to queue for a permit separately.
Why A Permit Is Required
The Great/White Rann area is near the international border, and parts of it are notified as a restricted/security area. For safety and security, district administration/BSF/police require visitors to carry an entry permit that allows them to be tracked and screened. This applies to tourists and vehicles entering the salt flats and some nearby high-security viewpoints (e.g., Kalo Dungar).
Where To Get A Rann Of Kutch Permit (Online And On-site)
1) Online — How to Get the Rann of Kutch Permit Online
- Official online portal: rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in (look for the traveller/request permit page). Apply, upload required documents (ID, photo), choose a date/time slot, pay fees (if applicable), and download/print or keep a digital copy to show at checkpoints. Using the portal avoids long queues at the checkpoint.
2) On-site — Bhirandiyara Check Post / Permit Office
- If you arrive without an online permit, the common on-route permit counter is at Bhirandiyara check post (sometimes spelled Bhirandiyari/Bhirandiyara), roughly 20–50 km before Dhordo depending on your route. You present originals + photocopies of ID, fill the form, and are issued a permit. Expect queues in peak season.
3) DSP / Bhuj Police Counter
- Historically a DSP office/tourist permit office in Bhuj has handled permits for special cases – useful if you need multi-day or vehicle permits in advance. Check the online portal first for the most current process.
Typical Fees (Rann of Kutch Permit Fees 2025)
Fees vary by year and sometimes by vehicle type. As of recent official/traveler reports in 2024–2025, commonly quoted charges are:
- Per adult visitor: INR 100 (above 12 years)
- Children upto 5 years: Free
- Children (6years – 12 years): INR 50
- Vehicle / permit price for car / bike / two-wheeler: Free
Permit Types & Validity
- Single-day visitor permit (most common) – valid for the date and time slot specified.
- Vehicle permits – if you enter with your own car/bike, the permit can include/cover the vehicle; some operators issue separate vehicle stickers.
- Multi-day or package permits – if you’re staying in Hodka/Dhordo/Tent City and booked a package, your operator often arranges multi-day permits for included excursions. Always confirm with your host.
Documents Required For the Rann of Kutch Permit
Typical documents requested (online or at Bhirandiyara):
- Valid photo ID: Aadhaar card / Passport / Voter ID / Driving licence (original + photocopy).
- Recent passport-style photograph (digital upload for online or physical for on-site).
- Vehicle RC & driving licence (if bringing your vehicle).
- Booking voucher (if staying at Tent City / White Rann Resort/resort in Dhordo) – this helps when getting multi-day permits.
- For non-Indian nationals: passport and visa copy.
Permit Office Timing Rann of Kutch
- Local traveler reports indicate the permit counters open in the morning and close in early evening (e.g., last permit historically issued around 5–6 PM). However, exact hours may vary seasonally – peak Rann Utsav season sees longer counter hours and additional staff. To avoid disappointment, get permits online in advance or arrive early at the Bhirandiyara counter.
Checkpoints and who checks the permit
- Expect permit verification by police/BSF at Bhirandiyara and again at an army / BSF checkpoint closer to the salt flats. Keep your permit and ID handy at checkpoints; sometimes vehicle/visitor entry is controlled in time slots.
Is Rann of Kutch Permit Required for Kalo Dungar?
- Yes. Kalo Dungar (Kala Dungar/Black Hill) is within the notified security area and usually covered by the same entry permit system – many people obtain a combined permit that allows visiting Kalo Dungar and Dhordo (White Rann). If in doubt, request both locations when applying online or tell the permit counter at Bhirandiyara.
Practical Tips And A Checklist Before You Go
- Book the permit online to skip queues; download/print the e-permit.
- Carry original ID + photocopies for everyone in the vehicle. Keep digital copies on your phone too.
- Vehicle documents (RC, driving licence, insurance) if you’re using your car/bike.
- If staying in Tent City/Package: confirm the permit is included and note transfer timings — packages usually provide coach pickup from Bhuj.
- Check permit office hours and aim to reach early (permits often stop being issued before sunset).
- Respect rules on the Rann: avoid littering, do not damage the fragile salt crust, follow directions of BSF/police, and follow photography restrictions at military viewpoints (Kalo Dungar has photography constraints).
Summing Up
The Rann of Kutch Permit/White Rann Permit/Rann of Kutch Entry Pass is a mandatory, usually straightforward requirement because the salt flats lie in a border/security zone. The safest and fastest approach is to book your permit online at rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in, carry original ID and vehicle documents, and — if you book a Rann Utsav/Tent City package – confirm that the package includes the permit and transfers. Check the official permit portal for the exact current fee schedule and the permit office timing before you travel.
