About Kutch

State : Gujrat
Kutch is an erstwhile princely state of India. It is the largest district of the state of Gujarat and the second largest district in India covering an area of 45,612 sq kms. The land is virtually 'an island' resembling a tortoise "Katchua or Kachbo", surrounded by seawater. Kutch was also known as the kutchdweep or Kutchbet." The Great Rann of Kutch" which dominates a major portion of the district. The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little Rann of Kutch respectively-uninhabitable deserts which during the monsoon season (June to October) is often completely submerged by floods.

Kutch History
Kutch was formerly an independent state, founded in 1270. It was ruled by the Hindu Jadeja dynasty. In 1815, Kutch became a British protectorate, and ultimately a princely state whose local ruler acknowledged British sovereignty in return for local autonomy. After Indian independence in 1947, Kutch became a state of India, and in 1956 was merged into Bombay state, which in 1960 was split to form the state of Gujarat. The earliest earthquake recorded in Kutch dates back to June 16, 1819. After the 1947 partition, Sindh province and the port of Karachi ended up in Pakistan, and the Indian Government constructed a modern port at Kandla in Kutch to serve as the main port for western India in lieu of Karachi. It became an Indian state in 1950. On November 1, 1956, Kutch became part of Bombay state, which in 1960 was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The epicenter of 2001 Gujarat Earthquake was in this state. It was the most severe earthquake (out of more than 90 earthquakes) to hit Kutch in 185 years.


Fairs & Festivals
Kutch Desert Festival
Surrounded by the sea and desert on all sides, the Kutch district is one of India’s most vibrant regions. With palaces, forts, colourful villages, enchanting townships, beaches, bird rich marshes, rural lifestyles and beautiful handicrafts, it is a potential paradise for the tourist. In an attempt to promote Kutch as a destination, TCGL offers the Rann utsav, a desert festival, generally co-inciding with Shivratri, when there are celebrations at several Shiv temples of the region. The festival is based on a series of package tours to different places of tourist interest in Kutch.

Plenty of colourful dancing, music concerts, Sindhi bhajan performances, Langa desert music, folk arts and craft demonstrations, ballads and other ethnic shows are some of the many highlights of this festival. Stalls sell embroideries, jewellery, wood carvings and other regional handicrafts


How To Reach
Air : Nearest airport is at Bhuj.

Road : Well connected to all major cities.