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What to see from the homestay, how long it takes to get there, and what the front desk would tell you over tea. Drive times are by car from the homestay.

  1. The stone facade of Prag Mahal in Bhuj

    Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal

    10 min from the homestay, 4 km

    Two palaces side by side in old Bhuj: the mirrored hall of Aina Mahal and the Italian-Gothic clock tower of Prag Mahal.

    When to go
    All year. Closed on some weekdays, so check before going.
    From the front desk
    Go in the morning, then walk to Hamirsar lake and the old bazaar for lunch.
  2. Close view of Kutchi embroidery with mirror work and beads

    Bhujodi craft village

    23 min from the homestay, 14 km

    Weaving, block printing and embroidery, a short drive from Bhuj. You can watch the artisans at work and buy from them directly.

    When to go
    All year. Mornings are best, before the workshops close for lunch.
    From the front desk
    Ask the weavers to show you a loom at work before you buy.

  3. Nirona

    55 min from the homestay, 40 km

    The village of Rogan painting, copper bells and lacquer work, on the way north towards the Rann.

    When to go
    All year.
    From the front desk
    Stop here on the way to the White Rann. Rogan workshops are small, so go before evening.
  4. The White Rann stretching to a flat horizon under a clear sky

    The White Rann

    1 h 55 min from the homestay, 87 km

    A salt desert so flat and white that the horizon disappears at noon. Go at sunrise or sunset, and on a full-moon night if you can.

    When to go
    October to March. After the monsoon the salt is under water until it dries.
    From the front desk
    Leave Bhuj by two in the afternoon for sunset. Carry sunglasses and a warm layer: the salt is blinding by day and cold after dark.
  5. Tyre tracks curving across a white salt flat

    Kalo Dungar

    2 h 10 min from the homestay, 90 km

    The highest point in Kutch. On a clear evening you can see the Rann below turning from white to blue.

    When to go
    October to March, for sunset.
    From the front desk
    Pair it with the White Rann on the same day, or leave Bhuj by one in the afternoon.

  6. Mandvi

    1 h 20 min from the homestay, 59 km

    An old port town where wooden ships are still built by hand, with a quiet beach and the Vijay Vilas Palace.

    When to go
    All year.
    From the front desk
    An easy day trip from Bhuj. Stay for the sunset on the beach.
  7. Stone steps leading to a pillared pavilion

    Dholavira

    2 h 45 min from the homestay, 131 km

    A Harappan city, about 4,500 years old, on an island in the Rann. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    When to go
    October to March. A full day trip.
    From the front desk
    Start at dawn, and take the road across the Rann (the "road to heaven") one way.

Rann Utsav

This season: 1 November to 28 February.

Rann Utsav usually runs from November to February. Dates change each year, so check with us before you plan around a festival day.

The festival brings music, crafts and the tent city to the edge of the White Rann, and rooms across Kutch fill early. If your dates fall in the season, send your enquiry sooner rather than later.

Plan your stay

White Rann permit

Every visitor to the White Rann needs a permit, issued online or at the Bhirandiyara check post on the way. Carry the same ID you used to apply.

Applying online before the day saves time at the check post.

Landmarks nearby

Well-known places around the homestay in Bhuj, handy for directions and errands.

  • Bhuj Airport

    Bhuj airport (BHJ), with flights to Mumbai.

    4 km, 8 min

  • Bhootnath Mandir

    A much-visited Shiva temple in Bhuj.

    1.1 km, 3 min

  • DMart

    Supermarket on Airport Ring Road, for groceries, toiletries and anything you forgot to pack.

    1 km, 3 min

  • Croma

    Electronics store in Seven Sky Mall, for a charger, a power bank or a memory card.

    1 km, 3 min

  • Seven Sky

    Seven Sky Mall on Airport Ring Road, a well-known Bhuj landmark and the easiest one to give a driver.

    1 km, 3 min

  • Hill Garden

    Rotary Hill Garden, a hilltop garden on Airport Ring Road, popular for an evening walk.

    2.8 km, 6 min

Getting here

  • By air

    Bhuj airport (BHJ) has flights from Mumbai, and the homestay is about 8 minutes (4 km) from the airport.

    We can pick you up from the airport. It is charged separately; ask when you enquire.

  • By train

    Bhuj railway station is connected to Ahmedabad and Mumbai, including overnight trains. The homestay is about 10 minutes (5.5 km) from the station.

    We can pick you up from the station. It is charged separately.

  • By road from Ahmedabad

    About 340 km on good roads. Six and a half to seven hours, plus stops.

    340 km, about 6 h 40 min to the homestay

The homestay on Google Maps

Places to eat nearby

Breakfast is at the homestay. For lunch and dinner out, these are places guests have liked; ask the front desk for directions.

  • Dabeli stalls, old Bhuj

    Kutchi dabeli. The snack Kutch is known for, best eaten standing at a stall near the bazaar.

    5 km, 13 min

  • Thali houses in Bhuj

    Gujarati and Kutchi thali. Unlimited thalis with rotla, kadhi and the vegetables in season. Ask the front desk which is open that day.

    5 km, 13 min

  • Tent City food court, Dhordo

    Gujarati and North Indian. Open in the Rann Utsav season, close to the White Rann entry. Good for dinner after sunset on the salt.

    82 km, 1 h 45 min