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Plan your White Rann trip: season dates, full-moon windows, permits and the best places to visit in Kutch
Rann Utsav 2026-27 — the winter festival and Tent City at Dhordo on the edge of the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat — is listed to run from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027. The season is operated by Evoke Experiences in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism, and it remains one of India's best-known destination festivals for culture, crafts, food and the surreal landscape of the White Rann.
This guide covers the dates, the best nights to visit, how to get there and how to plan a complete Kutch itinerary.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 |
| Venue | Tent City, Dhordo, Kutch district, Gujarat |
| Gateway city | Bhuj (about 80 km from Dhordo) |
| Operator | Evoke Experiences with Gujarat Tourism |
| Best for | White Rann landscapes, full-moon nights, folk culture, crafts |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 nights at the Tent City |
| Additional site | Tent accommodation near Dholavira |
Some travel sites quote 28 February 2027 as the end date; the official season listing gives 7 March 2027. Confirm on the official Rann Utsav website before booking.
The Great Rann of Kutch is a vast seasonal salt marsh. After the monsoon waters recede, the ground dries into a brilliant white crust of salt that stretches to the horizon — the White Rann (Safed Rann). Rann Utsav was created to showcase this landscape together with the living traditions of Kutch: its music, embroidery, cuisine and community life.
The Tent City is a temporary winter settlement built at Dhordo each season, offering a base for exploring the Rann and the region around it.
The White Rann is spectacular at sunrise and sunset, but it is most famous under a full moon, when the salt flats glow silver-white. The full-moon windows for the 2026-27 season are:
| Month | Full-moon window |
|---|---|
| November 2026 | 23–25 November |
| December 2026 | 22–24 December |
| January 2027 | 21–23 January |
| February 2027 | 19–21 February |
These are the highest-demand dates, along with Diwali week (8–14 November 2026) and the Christmas–New Year period, so book well ahead.
Tip for stargazers: The dark-moon dates — around 9 November, 8 December 2026, 7 January and 6 February 2027 — offer the best night skies for stargazing over the desert.
The Tent City offers several categories of tents, from standard tents to premium and luxury options, generally sold as packages that include meals, cultural programmes and some excursions. Prices vary by tent type and date, with full-moon and holiday dates costing more. A 2–3 night stay is a practical starting point to see the Rann and join the organised activities.
If you prefer a budget option, there are homestays and resorts around Dhordo and in Bhuj, though staying at the Tent City saves travel time to the Rann.
| Mode | Route |
|---|---|
| Air | Fly to Bhuj Airport, then drive about 80 km to Dhordo. Some travellers fly to Ahmedabad and continue by road or rail. |
| Rail | Bhuj railway station has connections from Ahmedabad, Mumbai and other cities. |
| Road | Bhuj is linked to Ahmedabad by highway (roughly 330 km); taxis and buses run from Bhuj to Dhordo. |
Some Tent City packages include transfers from Bhuj.
Visitors entering the White Rann area at Dhordo need an entry permit. Gujarat Tourism links to the official Rann of Kutch online permit portal, where permits can be obtained in advance; they are also available on the way. Carry a valid photo ID.
The highest point in Kutch, offering panoramic views across the Great Rann. It is also known for a temple of Dattatreya.
One of the most important sites of the Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilisation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. Its water-management system and city planning make it a must-see for history lovers. This season also offers tented stays near Dholavira, creating a wider Kutch tourism circuit.
Buying directly from artisans supports the local economy.
Visit Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal, the bustling bazaars and Smritivan, the memorial and museum dedicated to the victims of the 2001 Gujarat earthquake.
A coastal town famous for its beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace and its centuries-old tradition of building wooden ships (dhows).
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bhuj, transfer to the Tent City, sunset on the White Rann, cultural evening |
| Day 2 | Sunrise on the Rann, Kalo Dungar, craft villages of Hodka and Bhirandiyara, full-moon walk if dates align |
| Day 3 | Bhuj sightseeing (Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Smritivan), Bhujodi village, depart |
Add a day for Dholavira or Mandvi if you have time.
The official listing gives 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at Dhordo, Kutch.
23–25 November, 22–24 December, 21–23 January and 19–21 February.
About 80 km by road.
Yes. An entry permit is required and can be obtained through the official online permit portal.
Two to three nights at the Tent City is a good start; add extra days for Dholavira, Bhuj and Mandvi.
Rann Utsav 2026-27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at Dhordo. Time your trip with a full moon for the White Rann at its most magical, secure your permit, and leave extra days to explore Dholavira, Bhuj and the craft villages of Kutch.
