Are you planning to visit and stay in the Rann Utsav Tent City?
If yes, then you have come to the right place!
As someone who has traveled to the Great Rann of Kutch multiple times, I am the right person to share all these details with you.
Since Rann of Kutch was on my bucket list, I first ticked it off my list in 2017. But since then, I have visited Rann Utsav 4 times now and each experience is unique and close to my heart.
I have stayed in Tent City for 2 years and experienced different kinds of Rann Utsav Tent City packages and itineraries in the past couple of years.
As a result, I can share all the details on how to reach the tent city, the best time to visit, rann of tent city prices, and more.
Are you looking for information on how to book Rann Utsav Tent City Packages? Then, keep reading this detailed Rann Utsav Tent City Guide!
Rann Utsav Tent City Complete Guide 2024: Types of Tents, Cost, and More
About Rann Utsav
Rann Utsav is a 3 month-long festival that celebrates the local traditions and customs of Kutch and Gujarat.
The festival is located near the White Rann of Kutch which was earlier thought to be just an empty land.
However, the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) introduced the ‘White Rann Experience’ in 2005 to show its beauty to the world.
What started as a three-day festival has grown into a 100-day celebration in Dhordo, a village near the Rann of Kutch.
But the thing I find the most fascinating about this festival is that a completely new tent city is set up every year here, complete with temporary structures.
Rann Utsav is a big tourism event in India that celebrates nature’s beauty in the White Desert and the rich culture of Kutch. The idea of this festival was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Now, you will find people from all over the world visiting this local festival to witness the grandeur of the White Rann and indulge in the local Kutch lifestyle.
About Tent City, Dhordo
As the name suggests, the Tent City at Dhordo is a huge expanse of makeshift tents.
Every year, the Tent City is built from scratch for the Rann Utsav and people from all over the world come to stay here and enjoy the activities and facilities provided.
The Tent City resembles a city and is spread over 5 lakh square meters.
Did you know there are over 450 tents available here in different categories? How cool, right?
That’s not all, they have all kinds of entertainment available here including Garba Dance, traditional music, and more.
You will also receive a warm welcome as you enter the gates of the Tent City and find people playing dhol and dancing around you.
My Experience at the Tent City
When I first visited Tent City, Dhordo in 2022, the coolest and probably the most skeptical thing for me was how they took your luggage and dropped it directly at your tent.
There are no locks so I was a bit worried about the safety of my gadgets but soon realized there was nothing to worry about.
There are 9 clusters with 50 tents each inside the Tent City and each cluster has a manager with a couple of guards to make sure nothing goes amiss.
Moreover, they have cameras everywhere to keep an eye on each tent so, the chances of thievery are close to none.
I entered my premium tent and was pleasantly surprised to see a room-like area with a four-poster bed, a working table and chair, a sofa set, a center table, a full-length mirror, and more.
Even the bathroom was amazingly clean and had proper flooring with hot water available at all times.
Trust me, this luxury stay was different from any other stays I have had the opportunity to experience so far. But enough about me, let’s get on with the details of the tent city so that you can plan your trip here!
Types of Tents Available at Tent City
When choosing accommodation, do remember that the cost of your package will depend directly on the type of tent you choose.
The more luxurious the tent you choose, the higher the package price. So, choose wisely.
Darbari Suite
One of the most luxurious tents that you can choose at the Tent City is the Darbari Suite.
It is spread over 1600 square feet and features two bedrooms with king-sized beds. You also get a private dining area, a royal sofa set, and a mini-bar to make use of.
That’s not all, you also have a bathtub in the bathroom along with luxury toiletries to make use of.
Most importantly, you get express check-in and exclusive transfers for your trip.
However, it is also the most expensive tent in the Tent City so, be prepared to spend to take advantage of the facilities here.
Approximate cost for 4 persons: INR 55,000 (1N,2D), INR 99,000 (2N,3D), INR 1,40,000 (3N,4D), INR 1,80,000 (4N,5D)
Rajwadi Suite
Another great option for a luxury tent that you will find in the Tent City is the Rajwadi Suite.
This suite is spread over 900 square feet and features a master bedroom with a king-sized bed.
It also includes a private dining area, a mini bar, a dressing room, and luxury toiletries. You get express check-in and exclusive transfers with this suite as well.
Approximate cost for 2 persons: INR 30,000 (1N,2D), INR 55,000 (2N,3D), INR 75,000 (3N,4D), 92,000 (4N,5D)
Premium Tents
One of the most booked tents in the Tent City is the Premium Tents (also the one in which I stayed in).
These tents are spread over 473 square feet and include a king-sized bed, a private bathroom, and a front porch with a seating area.
The cost of these tents depends on the package you choose and your travel dates. You can find more information about the cost in the below section.
Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, then Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages is a good choice for you.
It is spread over 387 square feet and is similar to the Premium Tents except that it doesn’t have a front porch.
Enjoy a comfortable twin bed here along with the basic amenities that are offered in all the other tents.
Non-AC Swiss Cottages
Finally, we have the Non-AC Swiss Cottages that are similar to the Deluxe AC Swiss Cottages.
The only difference is that there is no air conditioning. Plus, it is cheaper as well.
Although it can get a bit hot during the day, if you manage your time well, you won’t even realize the need for the A.C.
Food at Tent City
In terms of food, I love the variety offered at the Tent City.
You have a plethora of Gujarati and North Indian dishes available in the dining room for breakfast, lunch, hi-tea, and dinner. So, you get to enjoy an unlimited buffet throughout the day.
Just make sure to show your food coupon for every meal as they keep a strict record of it. Another thing to keep in mind is that since Gujarat is a vegetarian state, you will find only vegetarian dishes at Tent City.
The food itself is quite delicious and there are two dining halls for you to choose to dine at. One dining hall is near the Reception Area while the other hall is near J block.
Do stick to the meal timings as they don’t extend the meal times or provide you with alternatives to compensate for the missed meals.
Shopping in Tent City
For shoppers, Tent City is a paradise as you have plenty of shopping stalls and stores inside the Tent City.
Plus, you can also head out to the Rann Utsav area and buy clothes, handicrafts, and more from the stalls there as well. I have previously asked rates both inside and outside Tent City.
You would find it better to bargain outside the Tent City and buy local products from the Rann Utsav festivities area.
Inside the Tent City, the prices are generally hiked, and less room for bargaining.
Although, you might find a few unique finds here that are not available outside since artisans and craftsmen from all over Kutch come here to sell their products.
Another good place that I found for shopping was Nirona Village. Here, you can get amazing and authentic vegetable dye products at quite good pricing.
Trust me, whether it is accessories or Kutchi clothing, you can find it all at the Rann Utsav.
How to Travel Around Tent City
Inside the tent city, you have several transportation options to choose from:
Walking: The tent city is designed to be pedestrian-friendly, and walking is a convenient way to explore the area, especially within the tent city’s vicinity.
Shuttle Service: The Rann Utsav tent city often provides shuttle services for guests to move around the different parts of the camp. These shuttles can take you to the dining areas, entertainment venues, and other facilities within the tent city.
Bicycle Rentals: You can also rent bicycles for free to travel inside Tent City. They also offer bicycle tours to explore outside the Tent City with a guide to help you through the way.
AutoRickshaws and Rickshaws: There are electric rickshaws and autorickshaws available inside the tent city to take you from your tent area to the dining hall, cultural performance section, and so on.
Golf Carts – You will also find golf carts available here for shuttling the guests throughout the Tent City.
Train – Finally, there is also a cute train here that you can use to travel around Tent City and cover more activities and games.
Rann Utsav Tent City Packages
They offer packages that range from 1 Night to 4 Nights. Depending on the duration of your trip, you can select a package.
With each package, you have the option of selecting a room type and the prices vary based on that.
Below you can find the details of the various packages available here.
1 Night and 2 Days Package
If you are looking for a basic Rann Utsav package, then this is it.
In this package, you will start the trip from Bhuj from where you will be picked up and transferred to the Tent City.
After check-in and lunch, you will be taken to the White Rann for sunset which is quite magical. Sunset at White Rann is available in all packages so, you don’t have to worry about missing it.
Later, you return for dinner and enjoy cultural performances at night.
On day 2, you begin with a yoga session and then check out from Tent City. You are also given a complimentary Bhuj tour today that includes the Smritivan Earthquake Museum before being dropped at the Bhuj Airport or Railway Station.
This is the most basic Rann Utsav Tent City package that you can book but I feel it is too short a time to spend here.
So, if you have time, then I would suggest you go for a 2-night or a 3-night package instead.
2 Night and 3 Days Package
For those who wish to spend a longer time in Rann, this package is perfect.
The first day is similar to the basic package. You check in to the Tent City and witness sunset at White Rann followed by dinner.
On day 2, you head to White Rann at 6:30 AM to watch the magical sunrise. After that, you are free to try in-house activities and games or shop for souvenirs.
After lunch, you head for the Kalo Dungar and Gandhi Nu Gam sightseeing. Shop for Kutchi handcrafts at Gandhi Nu Gam followed by the sunset at Kalo Dungar hill. Enjoy dinner at the Tent City and retire for the night.
Day 3 is similar to the Day 2 of 1 Night 2 Days package. You check out and enjoy complimentary sightseeing of Bhuj before you reach the Bhuj Railway Station or Airport.
If you are looking for a short weekend trip, then this is a good package to consider.
3 Nights and 4 Days Package
Are you looking to visit Mandvi as well?
If yes, then opt for the 3 Nights and 4 Days Package. In this package, your day 1 remains the same as the previous packages.
On day 2, indulge in an early morning yoga session and have breakfast after which you are taken for the Mandvi Tour.
In Mandvi, you visit the Mandvi Beach, Shyamji Krishna Varma Memorial (one of the popular freedom fighters of this region), and the Vijay Vilas Palace.
Enjoy lunch here and then chill at the beach before heading back to the Tent City where you can watch cultural performances at night.
Day 3 is similar to the Day 2 of 2 Nights 3 Days Package. You witness the sunrise in White Rann and then explore Gandhi Nu Gam and Kalo Dungar after lunch.
Finally, leave the Tent City on day 4 while enjoying a complimentary tour of the Bhuj city.
4 Nights 5 Days Package
My favorite is the 4 Night 5 Days Package (I have done it on my own but this is a good recent addition to the Rann Utsav packages).
In this package, days 1 and 2 are the same as the 3 Nights and 4 Days package.
However, on day 3 of this package, you visit the UNESCO Heritage Site – Dholavira. Reach the site and visit the Archaeology Museum after which you have lunch before heading to the Archaeological Excavation Site.
In the evening, head back to the Tent City and enjoy cultural performances at night after having dinner.
On Day 4, you continue with the Sunrise at White Rann followed by Kalo Dungar and Gandhi Nu Gam tour after lunch.
The final day is the departure day with a complimentary Bhuj tour.
Honestly, this is the best package and experience you could ask for if you are looking for a week-long vacation in Kutch.
Best Time to Visit Tent City
Well, an interesting thing to know about the Rann Utsav Tent City is that it is built temporarily every year.
Yes, you heard me right!
The Tent City is built for the duration of the Rann Utsav which is generally from October to February end or mid-March.
This is why this is the only time when you should plan a trip to the Great Rann of Kutch if you want to experience the white desert and the Tent City. That being said, I do find some months are better to enjoy the Rann Utsav than the others.
Note: Currently, Rann Utsav’s dates have been extended to 27th March 2024 so, you can plan and book your Tent City package till this date.
November
Since it is the beginning of the Rann Utsav season, the salt desert hasn’t crystalized yet and most of the area would be marshy.
However, if you plan a visit to Rann Utsav in late November, the salt desert would be firmer and better to visit.
Plus, fewer tourists are visiting in November so, you will be able to book a Tent City package for a cheaper price. Also, you won’t have to fight with others for the salt view.
In my opinion, November end is the best time to visit Rann Utsav.
December – January
By this time, the salt desert would be firmer but it is also the peak time to visit the Great Rann of Kutch and the Rann Utsav.
Due to the school holidays for the kids in India and several major holidays such as Christmas, New Year, etc., more tourists end up visiting Rann Utsav and booking the Tent City packages.
As a result, the salt marsh is more brown due to the influx of tourists and you have to walk far to enjoy the white expanse of the Great Rann.
Moreover, you will see tourists at every spot which can make it difficult to enjoy the sunrise and sunset here.
February
Since this is the end of the Rann Utsav season, the crowd has reduced considerably by now.
You will have a clear view of sunrise and sunset in the Rann and will be able to enjoy yourself more.
However, the temperature increases so, it will be hotter compared to the October – January months.
Also, you will have to walk a little inside the salt desert to experience the white expanse as the area closer to the road would be marshy due to the tourists that visited earlier.
But if you want a quiet environment and a lower Rann Utsav Tent City price, then this is an ideal time to visit.
Full Moon Dates
Although the Rann sparkles on a full moon night, the Tent City package cost for full moon dates is more expensive than the normal dates.
However, since this is a bucket list experience, I would suggest that if you can afford to pay more, then book Full moon dates for Rann Utsav.
How to Reach Tent City in Dhordo
Since Rann Utsav is held a bit away from the major cities of Kutch, the only possible way to reach here is by first reaching Bhuj.
How to Reach Bhuj
Air
Bhuj Airport is around 6 km from the city center and is the best place to reach directly if you can get flights here.
You can get direct flights to Bhuj from Ahmedabad and Mumbai and indirect flights from several major cities such as Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and so on.
From the airport, you can use the complimentary shuttle service to the Rann Utsav Tent City or book a private taxi for transfer outside of the shuttle timings.
Rail
Personally, I love train journeys and would always recommend those.
However, there are only 10 trains that pass through Bhuj Railway Station so, it might not be the most convenient way to reach.
Most of the trains connect Bhuj to other cities in Gujarat and Maharashtra. There are 1-2 trains only that connect Bhuj to cities in other states including Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and so on.
So, if you can find a train to Bhuj from your location, then do opt for it.
From the railway station, you can get the shuttle service to the Tent City arranged by the Rann Utsav team. If you arrive outside the shuttle service timing, then you will need to book a private taxi to reach.
Road
You can also drive your car or take a taxi to reach the Tent City.
However, since the Rann Utsav packages include your transportation to the attractions nearby, it doesn’t make sense to bring your car or taxi unless you want a more secluded trip to Rann of Kutch.
If you are traveling from cities such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, etc., you can take a bus to reach Bhuj as well.
There is a 27-hour bus from Delhi too but the journey is a bit long and expensive. So, I wouldn’t recommend it.
Bhuj to Tent City
The distance between Bhuj and Rann Utsav – the Tent City, Dhordo is approximately 85 km. So, it will take you around 1.5 hours to reach.
One of the best things about Rann Utsav Tent City booking is that they provide you with transportation from and to the Bhuj Railway/bus stand and airport.
So, all you have to worry about is reaching Bhuj on time.
Please note that the transfers have fixed departure times so, plan accordingly.
Transfers from Bhuj to the Tent City, Dhordo on fixed timings. You won’t get complimentary transfers for timings apart from this and will have to pay for a private transfer if you need to.
08:15 AMFrom Railway Station, Bhuj and Airport, Bhuj10:00 AMFrom Railway Station, Bhuj and Airport, Bhuj01:30 PMFrom Railway Station, Bhuj03:30 PMFrom Airport, Bhuj
If you arrive on your own before the check-in time, then the tent will be allotted to you based on availability.
Rann Utsav Tent City Price
As I said earlier, there are different room categories and packages available. So, depending on what room category you select and how many days you choose to stay, the Rann Utsav Tent City price differs.
Here is a quick snapshot of the price of the Tent City rooms for Rann Utsav:
As you can see, the Rann Utsav packages aren’t cheap. The cheapest option is the Non-AC Swiss Cottage for 1 night 2 days package that will cost you 5,500 INR per person + GST.
So, if you are a family of 3-4, you will end up spending around 15,000/20,000 INR + GST for a basic room and package. If you select a premium tent, you will end up paying at least 8,700 INR per person for a 1-night package.
This is why staying in Tent City isn’t cheap. But the experience is worth it if you can afford it. So plan your visit carefully.
Rann Utsav Tent City Booking Process
For Rann Utsav tent city booking, you can follow these steps:
Visit the Official Website: Go to the official website of Rann Utsav to explore the Tent City packages and options available.
Select Dates and Package: Choose your preferred dates for the Rann Utsav packages that fit your requirements (e.g., tent type, duration of stay, inclusions).
Make Reservation: After selecting the package, provide details such as the number of guests, preferred tent type, and any additional services required.
Payment: Make the payment for your reservation.
Confirmation: Once your payment is processed, you should receive a confirmation of your booking along with any additional details or instructions.
It’s advisable to book your Tent City package well in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the availability of rooms is limited.
Inclusions and Exclusions of the Rann Utsav Tent City Packages
Let’s take a look at the Inclusions and Exclusions of the Rann Utsav Tent City packages.
Personally, I find these packages to be all-inclusive and very few facilities or activities are excluded. So, you get the full experience of staying in the Tent City.
Here is a short description of the inclusions and the exclusions of the Tent City packages:
Inclusions
Round-trip transfers between Bhuj (Airport/Railway Station) and The Tent City, Dhordo, in air-conditioned coaches on a seat-in-coach (SIC) basis.
Complimentary refreshments are served during the shuttle service to The Tent City, Dhordo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Hi-Tea, and Dinner are provided according to the package.
Accommodation in tents is on a twin-sharing basis.
You will get two bottles of drinking water for a tent every day.
Morning tea is offered at the tent.
Complimentary sunrise and sunset visit to the Great Rann of Kutch.
Sightseeing tours to Kalo Dungar, Mandvi, Dholavira, Nirona Village, and more, as per the chosen package.
Complimentary transfers within the Tent City and to the Rann Utsav area.
Cultural Performance inside the Tent City every night.
Exclusions
Transport to and from Bhuj to another city – Tent City offers only a shuttle service between Bhuj and Tent City and a bus service for nearby attractions. You need to plan your transportation to Bhuj as that is not included.
Activities such as paramotoring, hot air balloon rides, camel rides, etc. are not included in the package cost and have to be paid at the site.
The cost doesn’t include GST and other taxes.
Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, and so on.
Cancelation and Refund Policy for Rann Utsav Packages
If you cancel 45 days before the scheduled arrival date, you can get a full refund.
If you cancel between 30 to 45 days before the scheduled arrival date, then you can get a 90% refund.
For a cancelation between 15 and 30 days before the scheduled arrival date, a 60% refund is possible.
If you cancel within 15 days of the scheduled arrival, then you will get no refund
One thing to note is that if you try to change guest name/names, then the booking will be canceled.
In case of any date change, ₹3000/Per Tent + 18% GST will be charged, in addition to rate difference charges if any.
I hope this guide helps you plan your stay at the Tent City and make the most of your time here. If you have any more questions about this place, you can comment below and I’ll help you out!