Rann Utsav 2025: When to Go, Where to Stay & What to Do

Every winter, the endless white salt desert of Kutch transforms into a cultural wonderland for Rann Utsav, Gujarat’s signature festival of art, music, dance, food, and adventure. For four months, the barren landscape comes alive with tents, lights, folk performances, and travelers from around the world.

If you’re planning a trip to the Rann Utsav 2025–26 season (23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026), here’s your ultimate guide on the best time to go, where to stay, and what to do.

Best Time To Visit Rann Utsav 2025

The festival runs for over 100 days, but your experience depends a lot on timing.

• November to February → The most pleasant months. Days are mild (20–28°C), nights are cold (as low as 5–8°C). Perfect for sightseeing and cultural nights.
  
• Full Moon Nights → A bucket-list experience. The white salt flats glow under moonlight – surreal, romantic, and unforgettable. Check full-moon dates before booking.
  
• Festive Weeks → Diwali (October-end), Christmas, and New Year bring extra performances and fireworks. They’re popular but crowded, book well in advance.
  
• Avoid April–September → The desert is scorching in summer and inaccessible during the monsoon.

Pro Tip: Plan around a full moon in November, December, or January for the perfect balance of weather and experience.

Where to Stay at Rann Utsav

1. Rann Utsav Tent City (Dhordo)

The heart of the festival, offering a range of tent accommodations:

• Super Premium Tent
  
  • Size: 473 sq. ft.
    
  • Amenities: King-size bed, AC, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom
    
  • Price (Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar): INR 9,900 (1N), INR 19,000 (2N), INR 27,500 (3N)
    
  • Price (Dec, Jan, Full Moon): INR 13,900 (1N), INR 27,500 (2N), INR 41,250 (3N)

• Premium Tent
  
  • Size: 473 sq. ft.
    
  • Amenities: King-size bed, AC, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom
    
  • Price (Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar): INR 8,900 (1N), INR 17,000 (2N), INR 25,000 (3N)
    
  • Price (Dec, Jan, Full Moon): INR 12,900 (1N), INR 25,800 (2N), INR 38,700 (3N)

• Deluxe AC Swiss Cottage
  
  • Size: 387 sq. ft.
    
  • Amenities: Twin beds, AC, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom
    
  • Price (Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar): INR 7,900 (1N), INR 15,500 (2N), INR 22,000 (3N)
    
  • Price (Dec, Jan, Full Moon): INR 11,900 (1N), INR 23,800 (2N), INR 35,700 (3N)

• Non-AC Swiss Cottage
  
  • Size: 387 sq. ft.
    
  • Amenities: Twin beds, fan, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom
    
  • Price (Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar): INR 5,900 (1N), INR 11,500 (2N), INR 16,000 (3N)
    
  • Price (Dec, Jan, Full Moon): INR 9,900 (1N), INR 19,800 (2N), INR 29,700 (3N)

Booking Website: rannutsavtentcity.in

2. Hotels in Bhuj

For those preferring city accommodations:

• Hotel Prince
  
  • Address: Opp. Bus Station, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat
    
  • Price Range: INR 2,000–INR 3,500 per night

• Regenta Resort Bhuj
  
  • Address: Near Bhuj Airport, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat
    
  • Price Range: INR 4,000–INR 6,000 per night

• The Fern Residency
  
  • Address: Near Railway Station, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat
    
  • Price Range: INR 5,000–INR 7,000 per night

Note: These hotels are approximately 80 km from Dhordo and may have early check-ins and late check-outs to accommodate Rann Utsav activities.

Pro Tip: If it’s your first Rann Utsav, try Tent City. If you’re returning, explore boutique stays for a quieter vibe.

How to Reach Rann Utsav

• By Air → Fly into Bhuj Airport (BHJ) (80–90 km from Dhordo). Daily flights from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and Delhi.
  
• By Train → Bhuj Railway Station connects with major cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
  
• By Road → Ahmedabad to Bhuj is ~7 hours (400 km). From Bhuj, Dhordo is a 2-hour drive.
  
• Transfers → Tent City packages usually include AC coach transfers from Bhuj airport/station.

Carry ID Proof — Parts of Kutch are close to the Pakistan border, so checkpoints are common.

Things to Do at Rann Utsav

Rann Utsav is a mix of culture, adventure, and sightseeing. Here are the highlights:

1. Walk on the White Rann

• Sunset and full-moon nights are magical. The desert changes colors – golden at dusk, silver under the moon.

2. Cultural Performances

• Every evening features folk dance, music, and puppet shows.
• Witness Garba, Siddi Dhamal, and Kutchi sufi songs under the stars.

3. Shop Local Crafts

• Buy authentic Bandhani, Ajrakh, Kutchi embroidery, leatherwork, and Rogan painting.
  
• Bhujodi (weaver’s village) is a must-visit.

4. Adventure Sports

• ATV rides, camel safaris, paramotoring, zipline, and stargazing sessions.
  
• For thrill-seekers, paramotoring over the Rann is unforgettable.

5. Explore Nearby Attractions

• Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) — The highest point in Kutch with panoramic Rann views.
  
• Mandvi Beach & Vijay Vilas Palace — Relax by the sea after desert adventures.
  
• Dholavira — UNESCO World Heritage Harappan site, 5 hours from Bhuj.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bhuj → Transfer to Tent City → Evening walk at White Rann + cultural show.
Day 2: Sunrise over Rann → Adventure activities → Craft village tour → Full-moon desert walk.
Day 3: Visit Kalo Dungar or Mandvi → Return to Bhuj for onward travel.

Travel Tips for Rann Utsav

• Pack Warm Layers — Nights are cold even inside heated tents.
  
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses — The white salt reflects sunlight strongly.
  
• Book Early — Especially for full-moon nights and Christmas/New Year packages.
  
• Cash + Cards — Many stalls accept UPI, but artisans may prefer cash.
  
• Respect Local Culture — Ask before taking photos of villagers.

Summing Up

The Rann Utsav 2025 (23 Oct 2025 – 4 Mar 2026) is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of Gujarat’s culture, craft, and community in one of the most unique landscapes in India. Stay at least 2–3 nights, time your visit for a full moon, and balance your trip between cultural shows, craft trails, and desert adventures.

It’s not just a holiday — it’s an experience that stays with you long after the desert sands fade.