Dhordo: A Best Tourism Village in Gujarat, India

 

Travel Plan to Dhordo, Gujarat, India

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Dhordo is during the winter months (November to February) when the Rann Utsav is held. The weather is pleasant during this time, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.

How to Get There:

Dhordo is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat by road and rail. The nearest airport is the Bhuj Airport (BHJ), which is about 85 km from Dhordo. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Dhordo.

Accommodation:

During the Rann Utsav, there are a variety of accommodation options available in Dhordo, including tent cities, luxury resorts, and homestays. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak season.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Rann Utsav: The Rann Utsav is a four-month-long festival that celebrates the unique culture and heritage of the Kutch region. The festival features a variety of attractions, including cultural performances, folk dances, handicrafts stalls, and food stalls.
• Visit the White Rann: The White Rann is a vast expanse of white salt desert that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhordo. Visitors can take camel rides, jeep safaris, and birdwatching tours of the White Rann.
• Visit the Kutch Museum: The Kutch Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Kutch region. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, including textiles, handicrafts, and sculptures.
• Visit the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary: The Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary that is home to a variety of migratory birds. Visitors can take boat safaris of the sanctuary to see the birds.
• Visit the Kutchh Donkey Sanctuary: The Kutchh Donkey Sanctuary is a sanctuary for donkeys that have been rescued from forced labor. Visitors can take tours of the sanctuary and learn about the importance of protecting donkeys.

 Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Dhordo and check into your accommodation.
• Visit the Rann Utsav and enjoy the cultural performances and food stalls.
• Take a camel ride into the White Rann and watch the sunset.
• Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Rann Utsav tent city.

Day 2:

• Visit the Kutch Museum and learn about the history and culture of the Kutch region.
• Take a jeep safari of the White Rann and visit the Hodka Village to see the traditional handicrafts of the Kutch people.
• Have dinner at one of the many homestays in Dhordo.

Day 3:

• Visit the Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary and take a boat safari to see the migratory birds.
• Visit the Kutchh Donkey Sanctuary and learn about the importance of protecting donkeys.
• Do some shopping for souvenirs at the Rann Utsav handicraft stalls.
• Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Rann Utsav tent city.

Day 4:

• Depart from Dhordo.

Getting the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by UN:

In order to get the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by UN, Dhordo needs to continue to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve its cultural heritage. The village needs to make sure that its tourism activities are beneficial to the local community and that they do not harm the environment.

Here are some specific things that Dhordo can do to maintain its status as a ‘Best Tourism Village’:

• Continue to promote cultural tourism and showcase the unique culture and heritage of the Kutch region.
• Support sustainable tourism practices, such as using renewable energy and reducing waste.
• Encourage tourists to visit during the off-season to help reduce the environmental impact of tourism.
• Work with the local community to ensure that tourism benefits everyone.

By taking these steps, Dhordo can continue to be a model for sustainable tourism and an inspiration to other villages around the world.