Rann Utsav: A Celebration Like No Other
Sure, White Sands Bay was a tropical paradise, but the Rann Utsav was calling, whispering tales of moonlit white magic. And who am I to resist a dream brought to life by Evoke Experiences? This isn’t just any festival, it’s a full-blown desert fantasy, a tent city wonderland where luxury and adventure tango under the stars. So, pack your wanderlust and your budget (they’ve got options for everyone!), ’cause from November to March, Kutch is lit…literally, with traditional dances and all!
The clock ticked 2 hours, but between Mandvi and Bhuj, the road was a smorgasbord of roadside dhabas and chai stalls tempting me with every whiff of spices. Bhuj was just a pitstop to swap rides, and 45 minutes later, voila! I arrived at the Rann Utsav, the desert wonderland. But forget the dusty plains, my arrival was anything but mundane. Traditional dancers, resplendent in colours, swirled me into their joyous whirl, their synchronised steps echoing the drumbeat. Meanwhile, two daredevils in colourful costumes, perched precariously 20 feet high, watched over the revelry. Talk about a grand entrance, huh? I couldn’t contain my excitement as this desert adventure was just getting started!
Table of Contents
Rajwadi Suite at Rann Utsav
My Rajwadi Suite awaited, and thanks to express check-in, I was whisked away like desert royalty in a golf cart in no time. But hold on to your turbans, because Rann Utsav doesn’t do ordinary carts. Vintage trains, camels, fancy wheels – they’ve got it all! Cruising at this leisurely pace, I soaked in every detail, the beauty of the Rann unfolding like a hand-painted scroll. In the hierarchy of Rann Utsav, the VIP zone plays it cool, nestled a bit further away from the bustling activity hub. Unlike the flashy super-premium tents that practically high-five the action, this zone whispers exclusivity. It’s where you go when you fancy some peace and quiet amidst the festival frenzy. It’s your own slice of serenity, complete with VIP dining, away from the madding crowd; a retreat for those who like their fun served with a side of privacy.
At the crème de la crème of Rann Utsav – the VIP zone, you’ll find the Rajwadi and Darbari Suites (complete with their own jacuzzis), because why not add a splash of extravagance to your desert adventure? Starting at INR 30K a night, these digs are the second most premium option, with the PM tents taking the crown (reserved for the big shots). As for my Rajwadi Suite, R8, it was the epitome of a regal retreat. Spanning a princely 900 sq.ft., it boasted a master bedroom with a poster bed, a dressing room fit for royalty, a private dining area (because even your meals deserve VIP treatment), and a plush royal sofa set for lounging in style.
Oh, and let’s not forget the AC and heater for climate control, a flat-screen TV for entertainment, a non-alcoholic Mini Bar to keep things classy, a tea/coffee maker for those royal brews, luxury toiletries because only the best will do, and exclusive transfers because why not, when you can ride in style?
At the royal feast at the VIP dining area, every bite feels like a coronation of flavour. From the rustic charm of bajre na rotla to the exquisite delight of Undhiyo, every dish is a love letter to Gujarati cuisine. And let’s not forget the Kale chana Nu saak and other local specialities that’ll have you reaching for seconds faster than you can say “delicious.” But the real showstopper? The desserts. Oh, sweet mercy, the desserts! Each one is a tantalizing temptation that’ll leave you yearning for just one more bite.
Forget Netflix and Chill, Rann Utsav’s got thrills!
At Rann Utsav, boredom takes a vacation! Prepare for a whirlwind of in-house adventures that’ll make your head spin faster than a dervish on caffeine. Dive into a kaleidoscope of colours at the market, where haggling for handcrafted trinkets becomes an art form.
Local treasures await – from jewellery that screams “bling” to mirror-work skirts, that’ll make your wardrobe weep with envy. And let’s not forget the pottery and copper bells, because who doesn’t need a little artisanal flair in their life?
But wait, there’s more! Strap in for adrenaline-pumping escapades at the activity area, where you can unleash your inner desert warrior with pulse-racing ATV rides, soar like a bird with paramotoring, and paintball that’ll leave you feeling like a technicolour Rambo. Feeling fancy? Take a spin on the skyzilla, try your hand at archery, or roll out on a segway like you own the place. Don’t worry, skyzilla’s just a bouncy castle, not a mythical beast.
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the cultural programs swoop in like the icing on a desert-themed cake, introducing you to the rhythms and beats of the region. And when the sun dips below the horizon, Rann Utsav flips the switch to “night mode,” transforming into a nocturnal wonderland. Immerse yourself in nightly shows that showcase the vibrant tapestry of Kutch’s traditions, and let the rhythmic beats of dhol drums and graceful dancers transport you to another world.
With stages that boast more talent than a talent show and food stalls that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha, this is where the real magic happens after dark. Warning: The drool factor is high. Rann Utsav doesn’t just shine, it sparkles like a disco ball on overdrive!
