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The Rann Utsav 2025, scheduled to run from October 23, 2025 to March 4, 2026, will once again turn Gujarat’s Great Rann of Kutch into a vibrant desert carnival of culture, crafts, and colour. But if you’re planning a family trip, the magic doesn’t stop at the salt flats. The Kutch region is dotted with kid-friendly destinations that combine history, wildlife, art, and seaside charm, all within a short drive from Dhordo, the festival’s main site. Here are five places near the Rann of Kutch that promise to make your family vacation during Rann Utsav 2025 both educational and unforgettable. Bhuj: The Gateway To Kutch’s HeritageDistance from Dhordo: 85 km It is incredible to see this city come back to life after the devastating earthquake of 2001. The cultural heart of Kutch, Bhuj offers a mix of history and culture. You can visit the famous Aina Mahal, a stunning Bhuj palace, built in 1752 by Maharao Lakhpatji and designed by Ram Singh Malam. Though the top floor was damaged in an earthquake, the lower level remains open, and has a mirrored 18th-century interior with blue-and-white tiles, giving it its name. Mandvi Beach: Where The Desert Meets The SeaDistance from Dhordo: 150 km After the stark white landscapes of the Rann, Mandvi’s golden sands offer a refreshing change. This coastal town is ideal for kids to unwind. Think camel rides by the sea, kite flying, and beach picnics. Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, a former royal retreat which looks straight out of a period film. The palace’s rooftop view of the Arabian Sea is worth the climb. Kalo Dungar: The Magnetic Hill of KutchDistance from Dhordo: 45 km For the best views in Kutch, head to its highest point called Kala Dungar. offers breathtaking views of the Great Rann. The hill is also home to the 400-year-old Dattatreya Temple, where a special khichdi prasad made with jaggery is served to jackals every evening. Nirona Village: Where Craft Comes AliveDistance from Dhordo: 90 km Introduce your kids to the art of handmade wonders at Nirona, one of Kutch’s most creative villages. This is where you can watch the traditional Rogan art, a 400-year-old painting technique using castor oil, being practiced by the only surviving family in India that still makes it. The village is also known for lacquer work and copper bell-making, both of which are fascinating for children to witness. Dholavira Standing in the Rann of Kutch, Dholavira is one of the oldest and grandest ancient cities of the world and a UNESCO site. This is the place where one can marvel at the architectural brilliance and advanced urban planning of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The harappan city is divided into three zones - citadel, middle town and lower town. The citadel is where one will find large public buildings and a lot of open spaces. It was once the most fortified part of the city and served as the administrative centre. The middle town is the place where traders, craftsmen and prominent people lived in the city and the lower town is occupied by commoners like labourers and farmers. You can teach your kids about India's ancient civilisations and historical treasures here. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
