The pandemic has lasted longer than expected. It has brought to halt all our plans and social life. Some people are going for vacations but it a big risk. But being at home for an entire year is also very difficult. It has affected our mental and physical health.

Now, we have only memories of the past trips. Here I would like to share the experience of my last trip before the lock down started. It was in December, 2019 to Gujarat.

We planned visiting The Rann of Kutch. The land of white desert. It is annual Rann Utsav from November to February. 

We left from Delhi in evening by air and reached Ahmadabad in the evening. The airport is extremely beautiful and maintained. We had to board the train to Bhuj at night so we left for the Railway station. We had dinner at a restaurant at the station and waited for our train. It was an overnight journey and we reached Bhuj early in the morning. 

Our car was waiting for us to take us to the our destination. We stayed at a tent city near the Rann of Kutch. There were around 20 rooms made of tents with attach bathrooms. There was a common area for folk music performance at night and a dining room. The staff consisted of very helpful boys who were quick and polite. 

Day 1: We reached the tent city at around 12 noon. We were taken to our spacious room where we freshened up and relaxed. Lunch was served which was filling and delicious. After that we visited the Bazaar which is set up every year during this time of the year. The craftsmen and artisans sell their creations at reasonable prices. The shops included paintings, earings, bedsheets, purses, clothes, shoes and food. After spending an hour, we headed back to the tent and rested as it is very hot during the day in the desert. In the evening we started to visit Rann. The car took us and we purchased our ticket. From the point, you can go walking or on camel cart. Cars are not allowed beyond the ticket counter. We walked with white desert on both sides and the breathtaking view of the sunset. The orange shine was spreading on the white sand which made the view even more worth watching. 

As we reached to the end, we sat and enjoyed the beauty of nature. The border was 100 kms  Beyond the desert in the Arabian sea. The area which is now white is basically salt from the ocean. After the earthquake in Bhuj in the year 2001 , the ocean water moved back leaving its salt in this area making it the white land. As it got dark, we are asked to leave. We preferred  a camel cart ride this time. We reached our tent and enjoyed the view and the folk music.

In the night, which was the next day to full moon, so the place for visitors at night too. We went and got mesmerized by the beauty of moon light falling on the white sand. That is one view to experience once in lifetime for sure. It looks like heaven on earth. 

Day 2: On second day, we visited Kalo Dungar- the black hill. There was a magnetic hill too. It is famous for Dattatreya temple which overlooks the Arabian sea. The breathtaking view of the sea and the wind blowing gives a refreshing feel. The picturesque location is worth a visit. 

In the evening, we visited the crafts bazaar and did a lot of shopping. The gifts were unique and loved by all. Then we headed to the tent and enjoyed the folk dances.

Day 3: We checked out from the tent after breakfast and headed to Ashapura temple on our way to Mandvi. The temple is very popular. Mandvi is the beach. We reached Mandvi in the evning and spent time at the beach. The view was amazing and sunset made it all the more memorable. 

Day 4: From Mandvi, we headed to Vijay Vilas Palace. It is the location where many Bollywood movies were shot. It has a ticket and we needed to pay extra fr the camera to be used. The shoes are taken off at the entry of the palace. It shows big halls, and rooms full of splendid furniture which could be seen only from outside. The first floor has no rooms. It is where we could see all the lush green area around the palace. It has its own photographers too who click and give pictures right there. It was a nice experience overall. 

Then after lunch, our trip ended we boarded a bus to the airport. It was an overnight journey in the volvo sleeper. 

We reached the airport in the morning. It was a comfortable journey. 

This trip was the most memorable for me till date due to the warmth of people of Gujarat. Their hospitality and gestures are freindly and helpful. 

As it was written there “ Kutch nahi dekha toh kuch nahi dekha” It applies truly and perfectly. 

Highly recommended for nature lovers and food lovers to visit this place.