Every winter, Gujarat’s barren salt desert transforms into a kaleidoscope of color, music, and culture. This transformation is called the Rann Utsav, India’s most spectacular desert festival. But where exactly is this wonder held? The answer lies in Dhordo village, a tiny settlement on the edge of the White Rann of Kutch.
This guide covers the Rann Utsav location, the Dhordo village map, travel routes, distances, permits, and all essential details for planning your visit.
Rann Utsav Location: The White Rann of Kutch
The Rann Utsav Tent City is set up every year near Dhordo village in Kutch district, Gujarat – about 85 km from Bhuj and right beside the White Rann of Kutch, the world’s largest salt desert.
- Coordinates: Approx. 23.79° N, 69.51° E
- Elevation: 7–8 meters above sea level
- Region: Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, India
This is the Dhordo Rann Utsav’s exact location, where the vast white salt plains stretch endlessly, creating the festival’s surreal backdrop.
About Dhordo Village, Kutch
Once an offbeat border settlement, Dhordo village Kutch is now globally known as the “Gateway to the White Rann.”
- Dhordo village famous for: Kutchi embroidery, mirror work, camel rides, and cultural homestays.
- Recognized as one of India’s Best Tourism Villages under the Ministry of Tourism’s rural tourism initiative.
- During the festival, it hosts the grand Rann Utsav Tent City, spread over thousands of square meters with luxury tents, craft bazaars, and cultural arenas.
Rann Utsav Tent City: The Heart of the Festival
The Rann Utsav Tent City location lies just outside Dhordo, designed as a temporary desert city that comes alive between October/November and February/March each year.
- 2025–26 season: Expected from October 23, 2025, to March 4, 2026 (official dates to be confirmed).
- Visitors can book stays ranging from deluxe tents to premium cottages.
- The site offers cultural performances, camel safaris, adventure sports, and guided trips to nearby attractions like Kalo Dungar and India Bridge.
For accommodation, make your Rann Utsav Tent City booking directly through the official Gujarat Tourism or Rann Utsav websites.
How to Reach Rann Utsav (Dhordo Village Travel Guide)
a. Nearest Airport to Rann Utsav
- Bhuj Airport (BHJ): The closest airport, around 80–85 km from Dhordo, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
- Ahmedabad Airport (SVPIA): The nearest international airport, around 395-415 km from Dhordo. Travelers can fly to Bhuj or continue by road/train.
b. By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhuj Railway Station.
- Well connected to Ahmedabad and major Indian cities by express trains.
- From Bhuj, you can book a cab or join your Tent City transfer service to Dhordo (≈1.5–2 hrs).
c. By Road
| Route | Distance | Approx. Time | Notes |
| Bhuj to Rann Utsav distance | 80–85 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Smooth road via Bhirandiyara Check Post |
| Ahmedabad to Rann Utsav distance | 395–415 km | 6–8 hrs | Drive via Bhachau → Bhuj → Khavda → Dhordo |
Pro Tip: The Bhuj to Dhordo travel route is scenic and well-marked. You’ll pass local villages and salt fields – great for photography stops.
d. Rann Utsav Transportation Guide
- Private taxis or shared cabs are easily available from Bhuj.
- GSRTC and private operators run seasonal buses to the festival grounds.
- Many Tent City packages include pick-up and drop-off from Bhuj Airport or Railway Station.
Dhordo Village Map and Directions
You can navigate easily using Google Maps:
- Search: “Dhordo Tent City, Kutch” or paste coordinates (23.79°N, 69.51°E).
- From Bhuj, follow the route via Bhirandiyara → Khavda → Dhordo Check Post → Tent City Entrance.
- A valid permit is checked at Bhirandiyara.
(Tip: Download your map offline – mobile networks may be patchy near the Rann.)
How to Get the Rann Utsav Permit
Since Dhordo lies close to the Indo-Pak border, visitors must obtain a Rann Utsav permit to enter the White Rann area.
- Online portal: rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in
- Documents needed: Government ID proof and vehicle details (if driving).
- Fee: Nominal per person and per vehicle.
- Validity: For one day (renewable if staying longer).
If you book through the Rann Utsav Tent City, the permit is often handled for you.
Best Time to Visit Rann Utsav
The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are pleasant and the salt plains are dry and white.
- Full Moon nights are the most magical – the salt desert glows silver under moonlight.
- Avoid peak afternoons; visit early morning or evening for comfort and photography.
Nearby Attractions
Enhance your trip with short detours:
- Kalo Dungar (Black Hill): Highest point in Kutch with panoramic Rann views.
- India Bridge: The last civilian point before the Indo-Pak border.
- Bhuj: For Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, and local handicrafts.
- Mandvi Beach & Vijay Vilas Palace: Perfect for a coastal extension.
Practical Travel Tips
- Pack: Warm layers for night, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
- Food: The Tent City serves authentic Kutchi and Gujarati cuisine.
- Alcohol: Gujarat is a dry state – liquor is prohibited.
- Health: Carry basic medicines; first aid and medical support are available on-site.
- Cash/Network: Limited ATMs; digital payments may need connectivity.
Summing Up
The Rann Utsav is held every winter at Dhordo village, on the shimmering edge of the White Rann of Kutch. With Bhuj just 85 km away and Ahmedabad around 400 km, the journey is as scenic as the destination itself. Whether you’re drawn by folk music, desert sunsets, or starlit nights, Dhordo – the “Gateway to the Rann” – offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
