Great Rann of Kutch and Dholavira Tour

Ramblersindia is thrilled to present an extraordinary leisure tour to the Great Rann of Kutch, a mesmerizing region known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This meticulously curated three-day tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing a variety of attractions that highlight the unique beauty and history of this remarkable area. The journey will commence at the ancient site of Dholavira, which is renowned for its archaeological significance and is one of the prominent sites of the Harappan Civilization. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the remnants of an advanced urban settlement, complete with intricate water conservation systems and impressive architecture.

As we continue our adventure, we will make our way to the breathtaking expanse of the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert that transforms into a surreal landscape, especially during the full moon nights. This region is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural hub, where you can witness the vibrant traditions of the local communities, including their colorful handicrafts and folk performances

Our journey will then lead us to the serene Mandvi Beach, where you can unwind and soak in the sun on the pristine sands. This beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunsets, providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection after a day filled with exploration. Whether you choose to take a leisurely stroll along the shore, indulge in some local cuisine at beachside shacks, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves, Mandvi Beach offers a delightful escape.

To ensure that you make the most of this exciting event, we have prepared a detailed itinerary that outlines each day's activities, including timings and highlights. This will allow you to plan your experience and fully immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of the Great Rann of Kutch. Join us for this remarkable journey, where adventure, discovery, and relaxation await at every turn.

Highlights:

🗿 Dholavira Archaeological Site   Step into history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site—explore ancient Harappan ruins and marvel at India’s early urban ingenuity.

🏜️ Rann of Kutch   Witness the surreal beauty of the world’s largest salt desert. Enjoy camel safaris, folk performances, and the magic of the White Rann.

🌄Sunset at Bhanjdo Hill, Dholavira   As the sun dips behind the salt plains, Bhanjdo Hill transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson.

🏖️ Mandvi Beach   Unwind on white sands, try beachside activities, and soak in the charm of this historic coastal town.

🏰 Vijay Vilas Palace   A majestic Indo-European palace set amidst orchards and dunes—perfect for heritage lovers and photo enthusiasts.

🎨 Cultural Experiences   Discover vibrant Kutchi crafts & Relish authentic local cuisine.

🔥 Campfire, Music & Garba Nights   Dance under the stars with music, Garba beats, and warm campfire vibes.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Mumbai to Ahmedabad

• Travel: Journey from Mumbai to Ahmedabad via Adi Double Decker 12931 Express or an alternative train, depending on ticket availability (for mumbai participants).

• Reporting Time: 10:30 PM at Ahmedabad Railway Station (For Ahmedabad Participants).

• Travel to Dholavira: Board an AC Pushback Seater Bus for an 8-hour trip to Dholavira.

Day 1: Dholavira Exploration

• Stop at the sunrise point in the desert for 1 hour.

• Continue the journey to the hotel/resort.

• Freshen up and have breakfast for 1 hour.

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Harappan City.

• Check-in and room assignment will be according to hotel/resort policy and room availability.

• Lunch Break: 1 hour.

• Visit the wood fossil park.

• Experience the sunset near Bhanjdo Hill at the beautiful Sunset Point.

• Return to the accommodation.

• Dinner Break: 1 hour.

• Enjoy a campfire and rest for the night at the Homestay.

Day 2: Road to Heaven & Rannutsav Experience

• Wake-up Call: 7:00 AM.

• Freshen up and have breakfast for 1 hour.

• Take a scenic ride through the desert route and salt marshland.

• Stop at Road to Heaven for 30 minutes.

• Arrive and check in at the accommodation near Rannutsav in the afternoon.

• Lunch Break: 1 hour.

• Visit RannUtsav, enjoy the sunset at the White Desert, and explore the Rannutsav Market.

• Explore handicrafts and arts at the Rannutsav Market.

• Dinner, campfire, and rest for the night at the Homestay.

Day 3: Bhuj & Mandvi Exploration

• Wake-up Call: 7:00 AM.

• Freshen up and have breakfast for 1 hour.

• Travel to Bhuj: 2-hour journey.

• Visit Bhujodi Handicraft and Vande Matram Memorial in Bhuj.

• Travel to Mandvi: 2-hour journey.

• Visit the Adiyogi Mahadev statue in Bhuj.

• Explore the magnificent Vijay Vilas Palace for 1 ½ hours.

• Visit Mandvi White Sand Beach to enjoy a stunning sunset.

• Overnight Travel: Return to Ahmedabad - 8-hour journey.

Day 4: Return Journey

• Early Morning: Arrival in Ahmedabad.

• The trip concludes here for those booked from Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad.

• For Mumbai Passengers: Travel from Ahmedabad to Mumbai via GUJARAT SF EXP (22954) or AC Double Decker Express (12932).

• 1) AC Double Decker - 12932: Departs at 05:50 AM from Ahmedabad.

  • Arrives at 01:00 PM in Mumbai.

• 2) Gujarat Superfast AC - 22954: Departs at 07:00 AM from Ahmedabad.

  • Arrives at 04:00 PM in Mumbai.

  
  

Pricing 💰

From Ahmedabad: ₹8500

From Mumbai: ₹10000 (3AC / AC Chair Car)

From Delhi: ₹11500 (3AC Train)

Room Upgrades: ₹3000 for private double sharing (2 pax), ₹500 per pax for triple sharing

Prices will increase for the below dates by an additional ₹1000 during the full moon, festival dates, and Christmas week, which will be reflected in the pricing: December: 2 (full moon) | Christmas week : 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 | January: 1 (Full Moon), 24 (Republic day)

What’s Included ✅

🏕️ Stay:   2 Nights in Bhunga / Cottage / Tent on Quadruple sharing basis (Triple/Double sharing available—check pricing)

🚌 Travel:   AC Luxury Pushback Seater Bus from Ahmedabad

🍽️ Meals:   Day 1: Breakfast, Veg Lunch, Veg Dinner; Day 2: Breakfast, Veg Lunch, Veg Dinner; Day 3: Breakfast

🎫 Extras:   Rann Permit, Local Guide, Tour Leader expertise

What’s Not Included ❌

🚫 Entry fees for Vijay Vilas Palace & Vande Mataram Memorial

🚫 Local rides (Jeep, Camel Cart, Camel Ride at White Rann)

🚫 Snacks, packaged water during travel

🚫 Paid activities not listed

🚫 Tatkal or premium train ticket charges

🚫 Anything not mentioned in inclusions

👶 Kids Pricing

• Children below 3 years: Complimentary (no separate seat or bed provided)

• Children aged 3–10 years: 70% of the total package cost (includes seat, meals, and shared accommodation)

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat

• Visit the event website and book your seat by completing the registration process.

• Note: The booking will be auto cancelled within 1 hour if manual payment is selected and payment not made. Please refer to the instructions when manual payment is selected.

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form

• After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.

• Fill up the form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created in the evening on the day of the event departure.

• All registered participants will be added to the group.

• This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.

🧳 Travel Checklist

👕 What to Wear

• Sandals/Slippers: Comfortable footwear for easy movement

• Comfortable Clothes: Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for desert weather

🎒 What to Pack (Backpack/Duffle Bag)

• Water Bottles: Minimum 2 reusable bottles (avoid plastic waste)

• Food Items: Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks

• Windcheater/Blanket: For warmth during travel and overnight stays

• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses: Sun protection essentials

• Toiletry Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hygiene items

• Sunscreen Lotion: Protect your skin from sun exposure

• Spare Clothes: At least 3 sets, including innerwear and socks

• Winter Wear: Fleece, woolen shawl, sweaters, or warm jackets

• Towel: Quick-drying travel towel

• Hand Sanitizer: Small bottle for hygiene

• Personal Medicines: Prescribed medications or health essentials

• Identity Proof: Valid government-issued ID for verification

💡 Additional Tips

• Pack light, but don’t skip essentials

• Check the weather forecast before packing

• Keep your bag organized for easy access

• Charge all electronic devices before departure

• Share your travel plans with someone you trust

Event Disclaimer:

• Mandatory Disclaimer Form: Accurate information is required in the online disclaimer form. Any inaccuracies will necessitate refilling without exceptions.

• ID Card Requirement: Participants must bring an ID card for safety reasons.

• Punctuality: Be on time to respect the schedule and other participants; avoid causing delays.

• Parental Consent for Under 18: Participants under 18 must have parental consent to join.

• Itinerary Modifications/Cancellations: Participants will be notified in advance of any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen events.

• Weather and Organizer Authority: We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unexpected weather changes. Team Ramblers India, the Tour leader, or the local guide cannot be held responsible if entry is restricted by local authorities.

• Expense Responsibility: Participants are responsible for expenses not included in the event fees. If additional expenses arise due to location changes, participants must cover these costs as notified by our team.

• Misconduct and Prohibited Activities: Misconduct will not be tolerated. Alcohol consumption, smoking, or any intoxication is strictly prohibited.

• We occasionally adjust locations or experiences in the itinerary to provide a unique experience for each group, considering group preferences, weather, and crowd conditions. We encourage embracing these authentic experiences.

• Due to limited accommodations and multiple groups during peak season, parts of the itinerary may be adjusted to best suit our interests.

• Strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles is required; do not litter plastic.

• Accommodation: Basic accommodation is typically provided in resorts, cottages, or bhungas, with rooms shared by four people of the same gender. Basic washrooms are available at all locations. Private rooms for couples are subject to availability and incur additional charges.

• All visitors must follow the Guidelines set by the Rann Utsav committee.

• Train Travel: Train travel arrangements depend on ticket availability. Alternate trains may be booked, and departure times may vary. Tatkal tickets in the specified class are not guaranteed. Extra charges apply for tatkal bookings. If train tickets are unavailable from Mumbai/Delhi to Ahmedabad or vice versa, participants will be informed to arrange their travel, and the package will be adjusted from Ahmedabad to Ahmedabad with a refund for the rest.

• Group Coordination and Cooperation: Participants should coordinate, maintain discipline, and work as a team. Cooperative behavior with fellow participants is appreciated.

• It is essential for everyone to honor the local customs and follow the rules of the place they are visiting.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized, Ramblers India and its tour leaders and hired local guides are not responsible for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Eligibility & Participation: All participants must meet the required physical and mental fitness levels for the activity. By registering, participants confirm they meet these requirements and understand the risks involved.

• Withdrawal: Participants are liable for any emergency evacuation costs and legal proceedings arising from accidents or injuries during the tour. Ramblers India, along with its tour leaders and hired local guides, will not be held responsible for such incidents.

• Liability & Risk: If a participant decides to withdraw from the activity at any stage, they will be solely responsible for their travel arrangements from that point onward. Our team will not be liable for any transportation, lodging, or other expenses due to the participant’s decision to exit.

• Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for personal losses such as theft or damage to belongings. Participants are expected to take responsibility for their belongings and exercise caution to prevent such incidents.

• Payment and Registration: Participants are responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.

• Participants have thoroughly reviewed and accepted our Disclaimer and Privacy Policy. This step ensures full awareness of the terms and conditions under which our services are engaged.

• The Disclaimer outlines liability limitations and the scope of information provided, clarifying that while we strive for accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

• By registering for this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and have reviewed all relevant terms, risks, and responsibilities associated with the activity.

• Our local partner will oversee the event operations, bringing together participants from different groups based on the number of registrations to ensure cost-effective operations. All Tour Policies set by our partner will be in effect.

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways: We utilize third-party payment gateways for a smoother registration process. The total amount at checkout includes both the main event fee and a convenience fee, which is borne by the customer and displayed before finalizing the payment.

• Manual Payment Option: Participants may opt to manually transfer the payment via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). A transaction ID or reference number will be provided for this purpose. The manual payment option is available for only

  one hour

   from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. If the payment is not completed within this time frame, the order will be automatically canceled.

• The entire amount must be paid upfront; we do not accept partial payments, such as half in advance and the remainder on the event day.

• Transaction Confirmation for Manual Payments: Participants paying through UPI or NEFT (where the convenience fee is not applicable) must confirm their payment by providing the transaction reference via email or WhatsApp.

• Service Availability: No refunds, discounts, or concessions will be issued if participants choose not to use specific services provided during the event.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, the amount paid cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds will be processed according to the refund policy in place at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same payment medium used for the original transaction. Payments made via UPI will be refunded to the UPI ID, while bank transfers will be refunded to the designated bank account.

• Processing Time: Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day. Refund processing time may vary between 3 to 10 working days, depending on the payment gateway. In case of delays, the recipient should contact the payment gateway support for assistance.

• Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day and processed within 2 days.

• For UPI payments, refunds will be transferred to the UPI ID.

• For current account payments, we will request either the UPI ID or bank account details for processing.

• Refunds cannot be issued to a payment wallet or phone number—only UPI IDs are valid.

• Refund Issuance: Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless previously agreed upon with the participant. Refunds will not be processed on weekends due to team unavailability.

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refunds exclude the convenience fee. If the payment includes a convenience fee from a third-party gateway, only the event fee will be refunded. For instance, if the event price is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is 5% (making the total paid amount ₹1050), the refund will be based on ₹1000, excluding the convenience fee.

Refund Percentages for Cancellations:

• 50% refund for cancellations made 10 or more days before departure.

• 40% refund for cancellations made 7 days before departure.

• 30% refund for cancellations made 6 days before departure.

• 20% refund for cancellations made 5 days before departure till the day of departure.

• No refund will be provided for no-shows.

• Event Cancellation:

  In the event of a cancellation by the organizer, the full event fee will be refunded, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, cab, hotel) will not be refunded. If the event is forwarded to another Organization, an extra fee needs to be paid by the participant if the other organizer's fee is higher than our event fee.

• If the minimum attendance isn't reached, the event will be canceled. For events starting in the morning, the decision will be made the day before in the evening, while for those beginning at night, the decision will be made in the evening.

• If the event is canceled midway due to unforeseen circumstances, no refund will be given, and no amount will be transferred to other events.