Don't miss the Rann Utsav in Gujarat from Dec 11

Party animals from Delhi and Mumbai can take heart. The Rann Utsav is going to happen from December 11 to 14, 2008 in Gujarat. The festival is being sold as a package by Gujarat Tourism and it starts on December 11, at the Hamirsar Lake with the start of the Kutch carnival. From thereon, you can move to other places in the conducted package. The night will be spent at Dhordo, the mesmerizing tented-village with world class hospitality facilities.

Day next begins with a trip to Kaladungar, Guru Dattatreya temple, Hodko village and Gandhi-Nu-Gam. Spend the evening on the white Rann under a full moon. Go for the Rann Safari on waltzing on a camel's back. This would be followed by ethnic shows and an exquisite dinner.

To book your place in this extravaganza, contact the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, A/6, State Emporia Building., Baba Kharak Singh Marg, in Delhi or call them at 011-23744015 or better still email to somanspathy@yahoo.com. For Mumbaikars it will be Tourism Corporation of Gujarat, Khaitan Bhavan, 1st Floor, J.Tata Road, opposite Ritz Hotel, Churchgate or call them at 022-22024925. Finally, you can drop an email to pancholi_rmtcgl@yahoo.co.in, tcglmumbai@mtnl.net.in Worldwide the details can be accessed from www.gujarattourism.com

Coming back to the package, the third day offers a chance to take it easy or to undertake optional tours to the island of Dholavira, which houses Harappan ruins; Kera and Tundavad and the Narayan Sarovar. Other options include the Indo-Pak Ludiya, Chhari-Dhandh and Dhinodha. Finally, on the last day, you top it off with a sumptuous breakfast and depart for the city of Bhuj with wonderful memories.

Tundavad village is home to artisans who specialise in world famous Kutchi embroidery and a wide array of handicrafts.
Narayan Sarovar is regarded as a holy lake and the temple of Koteshwar houses a 1,000 shivlings. For the sun-kissed tourist, peaceful Mandvi beach is the ideal location.

The minister for tourism, Gujarat, Jaynarayan Vyas couldn't help admiring the holiday package. He described it as: "not only a journey to learn about the progress of Kutch, but also a chance to witness the vibrant culture and the rich heritage of Kutch." In fact, the Utsav has earlier attracted people from all over and of all classes such as common holiday goers, businessmen, bureaucrats and politicians. Mr Vyas went on record saying: "people come here to be close to nature and revel in the unique environment."

To top it all getting there is quite simple. By air there is at least one flight from Mumbai to Bhuj. By rail, the trains from Ahmedabad (an eight-hour journey) and Mumbai (a 16-hour journey) provide a pleasant journey. Bhuj is also connected by road to all major cities of Gujarat.

Even the cost of this jamboree is not at all prohibitive with an air-conditioned tent coming at Rs 8,500 and a non-airconditioned one for Rs 7,000. Besides, this would be your chance to witness the last population of wild assess in the whole world. Other than the wild ass Gujarat houses many more wild stuff with quite a few of it in the Rann. The Rann is like a white canvas that gets its colours from the skillful strokes of nature, arts and cultural heritage. The Rann Utsav is majestic display of the singular masterpiece that is the Rann of Kutch.