Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kya Dekha

This catchphrase is so true. My trip to Kutch was unlike none other. Usually, we would go for a two-day trip and rush back to Bombay. However, this one was different, long 7 days (including travel time) and much more fun. We were 5 adults and 2 kids and comfortably fit in a Tavera car; cars are only available with drivers so, the self drive was not an option.
Day 1- We reached Gandhimam, sightseeing Anjar- visited Jesal Toral Samdhi and shopping at the local market. We stayed at a relative’s home so cannot recommend about accommodation.
Day 2- We did the “Moti Panchthithi” on this day. We visit Bhadhreswar, Shiv Mastu (recently made 3 storeyed temple depicting the Samosaran)also ate lunch here , Vaki (massive temple must visit; different stories depicted around the temple but no info given about it; my parents were with us who knew most of the stories so it was helpful), Ahimsa Dham (animal hospital and shelter home),
Moti Panchthithi starts- 1. Dedhia 2. Sandhan 3. Suthari 4. Kothara (evening dinner at bhojansala here was superb),5. Jhakhav, 6. Naliya 7. Tera (we stayed a the newly renovated sanatorium here and heavily recommend to stay here). Moti Panchthithi includes 7 thirths/temples and not just the usual 5 as the name implies. Usually people go back to the village they started from but we did not to save on travel time and also next day we had to go to Rann.
All the temples are magnificent and with beautiful architecture. I heavily recommend this long day trip for people visiting Kutch. You must start by at least 7:30 am depending on how far you are from these destination.
Day 3- En route to Rann of Kutch with a few pit stops before that.
1. Narayan Sarovar (there is a lake and a Devi’s temple adjoining it)
2. Koteshwar Mahadev Shiv temple ( lovely view from the top of the temple; you can see the Pakistan border from here; situated close to Indian Military base) However, this is not the place where you can go close to the border; you need a permit for that and we did not do it.
3. Mata nu Madh- We reached at 1:15 and the temple is shut from 1pm-3pm so plan accordingly
4. Haji Pir- the Darga of a Holy Muslim priest
5. Rann of Kutch- It is the beautiful White Desert just as the name suggests; it reminded me of Salt Lake City, UT ; just before we enter the city there is a long stretch of white salt. (pics are uploaded on my Fb account). The main site is about 3 kms away from the entrance. First, as you enter, you need to take the permit, then drive for about 2km where the cars are parked. Then again walk about 1 km; there are camel and horse cart rides available. We did not stay in the tents; but if you do you get a special bus ride from the Rann Utsav Resort; there are light shows and other activities you can enjoy if you stay there.
You must try to see either the sunrise or the sunset here; it’s magnificent. We saw the sunset. There are some chat type stalls at the parking lot but no restaurants around for dinner; we ate dinner at famous Prince Hotel in Bhuj. We went to Bidada – Haria Santorium and stayed there for 3 days as its kind of a centre point for things to do around.
Day 4- We did our mataji darshan, 72 jinalay, went to my mom and my maternal gaam (Punadi and Faradi respectively) and later went to Bhuj. Saw the Aina Mahal and did local shopping.Since it was 25th there is the Kutch museum which was shut and also missed doing the famous Swami Narayan Temple opposite Kutch musuem. Ate yummy pav bhaji at the Mahalaxmi Hotel, Bidada. Both Jain and non-Jain options were good but spicy so mention non or less spicy.
Day 5- We relaxed after the three days of hectic non-stop travel. We visited a farmhouse in Bidada, kids enjoyed a lot. In the evening we went to Koday (my gaam) and Madai. We visited the Vijay Villa; it closes at 5pm so plan accordingly. Then beach time was super fun time for kids. Again, shopped in Madai.
Day 6- Last day of the trip. Went to see the famous glass temple of Doan, few villages on the way for mataji darshan and then Godhara to see Ambe Dham; it’s a MUST visit place both kids and adults will enjoy. It will take atleast 1 hour or more to see the entire place; very well maintained. We reached Gandhidham at 8 pm and ate at Green Park restaurant. Then went to famous Khavda to buy sata and pakwaan. The shop is open till 10 pm and close to the station.
End of our wonderful trip. We missed but you can visit is the SPM Santorium and Farms in Punadi is rated a top destination to visit and stay in Kutch.
Few tips – If you planning to eat at any Dharamsala you must call in advance and inform, even on the same day is ok but inform so they can prepare accordingly. Everything is expensive in Kutch you can bargain but people usually don’t budge. Top places to stay would be 72 Jinalay, Bidada, Tera- there may be other better or equivalent places but these are what I know of. My experience with Kutch travel is minimal so check your travel plans with people who go every year.