Places to Visit in Kutch, Tourist Places & Top Attractions

Famously known as the ‘White Desert of India’; Kutch Island is a popular tourist destination in the Western region of India. Located in the state of Gujarat, the Kutch desert Island is a picturesque island of white salt. With a rich history behind it and a robust tourism and hospitality industry, your trip to Kutch could be one of the most surreal experiences of your life. Here is a compilation of activities you can do and places to visit in kutch.

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Here is how you can reach Kutch:

By air: To reach Kutch by air, you must take a flight to Bhuj airport, the nearest airport to Kutch. The Bhuj airport is connected to several domestic flights. You can take a bus or cab to cover the 82 km between Bhuj and Kutch.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Kutch is the Bhuj railway station. It is a very economical mode of travel to Kutch as most trains that connect the station to the rest of the country are very budget-friendly. From here, you can take frequent buses to Kutch from Bhuj.

By road: The best way to travel to Kutch is via road. You can take several ac/non-ac state buses that cover the distance between Kutch and Ahmedabad daily. Thus, you can easily cover the 400 km distance in about 8 hours of journey.

Best time to visit Kutch

The high temperatures of the desert can be avoided if you visit Kutch during the winter months of November to February. Not only that, but you can also experience the great Rann festival held annually in the Kutch Desert during these months.

10 best places to visit in Kutch and things to do

Visit Great Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is one of India’s most dream-like tourist destinations. It is a large area filled with salt marshes that looks like a white sand desert. You can find various camping activities here during the Rann festival held here annually and indulge in festival activities.

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Explore Kutch Museum

The Kutch Museum is a place for people to learn about the rich cultural background and historical importance of the Kutch region. It holds artefacts and other items of value that have been preserved over centuries that can provide a more insightful look at the area and its heritage. The timings for the museum are 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and the museum remains closed on Wednesdays and Public Holidays. The Entry Fee is Rs 5 and you can also take your personal camera for Rs 100.

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Visit Mandvi Beach

Mandvi beach is a quaint beach that is a favourite for tourists that visit Kutch. You can spend a relaxing winter morning onshore and explore the various cultural activities that are rampant on the beach during festivals.

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Visit Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

If you want to discover more about the flora and fauna of the desert region of western India, a visit to the Kutch desert is a must. Here you can spend your time exploring the various animals and their habitat in the seasonal saline wetland areas. The timings for the Sanctuary are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entry fee on weekdays for Indian visitors is Rs 250, and for foreign visitors is Rs 1200. On Weekends, the entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs 280, and for foreign visitors, it is Rs 1500. The fee for carrying a personal Still Camera for Indian visitors is Rs 50, and for foreign visitors, it is Rs 350.

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Explore Dholavira

Dholivira is an archaeologist’s paradise. Remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization can be found at Dholavira, which is the largest excavation centre of the civilisation dating back about 4500 years. Curious minds that are into history and society can marvel at the ruins of a civilisation lost to time here. Located 280 KM from Kutch, you can reach Dholavira by road through a bus or by taxi. You can visit Dholavira from Monday to Sunday between 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

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Visit Aaina Mahal

Built during the 18th century, the Aaina Mahal or the palace of mirrors is a fascinating piece of architecture to visit. The palace is surrounded by mirrors which makes it look very beautiful. You can spend your day walking through the palace and experience its beauty. The timings for Aaina Mahal are from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The entry fee for Aaina Mahal is Rs 10, and for photography it is Rs 30.

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Visit Kutch Bustard Sanctuary

The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is one of the biggest in the state. It is home to the endangered Bustard birds that are conserved in the sanctuary. Locally referred to as Lala Prajan Sanctuary, you can find more than just the Indian Bustard Birds. You can visit the sanctuary from 6 AM – 6 PM any day of the week.

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Go shopping at the City Market

You can shop your heart out at City Market in Kutch for some traditional handicrafts and organically produced spices. You can also eat delicious traditional street food and engage with the locals to learn more about the culture of the region.

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Sightseeing at Kandla port

You can learn about the trade of the state at Kandla port which is one of the country’s biggest ports. The state trades in locally produced artefacts and spices to the rest of the world from the seaports. You can spend your time exploring the markets and shopping here.

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Visit Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary

The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary is one of India’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. It is home to many animals in the region, and you can spend your time with family here exploring the wilderness on a safari. The timings for the Sanctuary are from 7 AM to 6:30 PM. The Entry Fee for Indian nationals is Rs 280 and Rs 1500 for foreign nationals.