Rann Utsav and Dholavira Tour

Ramblersindia offers an exhilarating leisure tour of the breathtaking Great Rann of Kutch. This three-day tour is meticulously designed to provide participants with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating attractions of this remarkable region.

The journey begins in the ancient city of Dholavira, known for its archaeological significance as one of the prominent sites of the Harappan Civilization. Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the remnants of this ancient city, exploring its sophisticated water conservation systems, intricate urban planning, and the well-preserved ruins that tell stories of a bygone era. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its historical importance adds an educational dimension to the tour.

From Dholavira, the tour progresses to the mesmerizing expanse of the Rann of Kutch, a vast salt desert that transforms into a surreal landscape during the day and night. Participants will witness the stunning beauty of the white salt flats, which stretch endlessly, creating a unique visual experience that is unlike any other. The sunset over the Rann is a highlight, as the sky is painted with hues of orange and purple, providing a perfect backdrop for memorable photographs.

The final destination of the tour is the idyllic Mandvi Beach, a serene coastal retreat that offers a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the Rann. Here, visitors can unwind on the golden sands, take leisurely walks along the shoreline, or indulge in water sports. The beach is also home to the historic Vijay Vilas Palace, a stunning royal residence that reflects the architectural grandeur of the bygone era. Exploring the palace and its lush gardens offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of the region.

Throughout the tour, participants will have the chance to savor the local cuisine, which is rich in flavors and reflects the cultural diversity of Gujarat. Traditional dishes, made from locally sourced ingredients, will be served, providing a culinary adventure that complements the visual and experiential journey.

Highlights of the Tour:

• Dholavira Archaeological Site: Explore the ancient Harappan ruins and delve into India's historical treasures.

• Rann of Kutch: Experience the ethereal beauty of the world's largest salt desert and enjoy camel safaris and cultural events.

• Mandvi Beach: Relax on the golden sands, explore historical landmarks, and indulge in beachside activities.

• Vijay Vilas Palace: A stunning royal residence reflecting Indo-European architecture.

• Cultural Experiences: Attend traditional dance and music performances, witness local crafts, and savour authentic Kutchi cuisine.

Itinerary:

Day 0: Mumbai to Ahmedabad

• Travel: Mumbai to Ahmedabad by Adi Double Decker 12931 Express/ / Any other Alternative train where tickets are subject to availability

• Reporting Time: 10:00 PM at Ahmedabad Railway Station.

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

Day 1: Dholavira Exploration

• Sunrise Point: Halt at the sunrise point in the desert for 1 hour.

• Morning Activities: Freshen up, Breakfast, and Briefing - 1 hour.

• Chhippar Point Hike: Visit Chhippar Point for a 3 KM Easy Hike.

• Travel to Homestay/Resort: Journey 30KM to reach Homestay/Resort. Check-in for 15 min.

• Lunch Break: 1 hour.

• Afternoon: Rest time or explore the village.

• Guided Tour: Visit Dholavira, a Harappan City (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Explore Dholavira Sunset Point.

• Dinner Break: 1 hour.

• Evening: Campfire and rest for the night at the Homestay.

Day 2: Rann Utsav Experience

• Wake-up Call: 7:00 AM.

• Morning Activities: Freshen up and Breakfast - 1 hour.

• Travel: Journey by AC Vehicle to Rann Utsav, a scenic ride through desert roads.

• Check-in: Arrive and check in near Rann Utsav.

• Lunch Break: 1 hour.

• Evening: Visit Rann Utsav, experience Sunset at the White Desert, and explore Rann Utsav Market.

• Night Stay: Return to Stay at Kutchhi Bhunga or Hut. Dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3: Bhuj & Mandvi Exploration

• Wake-up Call: 7:00 AM.

• Morning Activities: Freshen up and Breakfast - 1 hour.

• Travel to Bhuj: Journey for 2 hours.

• Visit Bhujodi Handicraft and Vande Matram Memorial - 2 hours.

• Travel to Mandvi: 2-hour journey.

• Vijay Vilas Palace: Explore Vijay Vilas Palace for 1 ½ hours.

• Mandvi Beach: Visit Mandvi White Sand Beach for a beautiful sunset.

• Overnight Travel: Travel back to Ahmedabad - 8 hours.

Day 4: Return Journey

• Early Morning: Arrival at Ahmedabad.

• Travel: Ahmedabad to Mumbai by GUJARAT SF EXP (22954) / Any other Alternative train where tickets are subject to availability (For Mumbai Participants).

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change based on local conditions and unforeseen circumstances. Participants are advised to adhere to the provided schedule and instructions for a smooth and enjoyable tour experience.

Price:

₹9490 from Ahmedabad

₹11490 from Mumbai by 3AC/AC CC Train

₹3000 extra for a private room for a couple.

₹2100 extra for triple sharing accommodation shared between 3 pax.

₹1000 extra during Christmas Week Special Date/Festival dates (Price already included)

Inclusive of

• 2 Nights stay in Homestay/ Bhunga/ Cottages on Quadruple sharing basis. (Extra for triple/ couple sharing basis)

• AC Luxury seater Travel from Ahmedabad.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on Day 1; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on Day 2; Breakfast on Day 3.

• Rann permit, Local Guide, our expertise.

Excluded

• Vijay Vilas and Vande Matram memorial entry fee.

•  Local transportation or ride such as jeep/ camel cart/Camel ride at Rann white desert

• Snacks/ food break during Travel, packaged water bottles.

• Any Paid Activities/ Rides.

• Anything not mentioned above

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat

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

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 tour 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 and breathable clothing suitable for the weather.

What to Bring (In Your Backpack/Duffle Bag):

• Water Bottles: Minimum 2 reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. Avoid buying packaged bottles to reduce plastic waste.

• Food Items: Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks for quick energy during the journey.

• Windcheater/Blanket: Essential for staying warm, especially during travel and Stay.

• Cap/Hat/Sunglasses: To protect yourself from the sun.

• Toiletry Kit: Includes toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and other personal hygiene items.

• Sunscreen Lotion: To protect your skin from sun exposure.

• Three Spare Sets of Clothes: Including innerwear and socks.

• Winter Wear: carry fleece/ Wollen shawl/ sweaters or warm jackets.

• Towel: Quick-drying towels are convenient for travel.

• Hand Sanitizer: Keep a small bottle for hand hygiene.

• Personal Medicines: If you have any prescription medications or specific health needs.

• Identity Proof: Carry a valid government ID card for verification purposes.

Additional Tips:

• Pack light but ensure you have all the essentials.

• Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

• Keep your backpack organized for easy access to items.

• Ensure your electronic devices are charged before the journey.

• Inform someone you trust about your travel plans and itinerary.

Participation Disclaimer:

• Mandatory Disclaimer Form: Accurate details in the online disclaimer form are mandatory. Inaccurate details will require refilling; no exceptions will be made.

• ID Card Requirement: Participant must bring an ID card for safety purposes.

• Punctuality: Respect the schedule and other participants' time; avoid causing delays.

• Parental Consent for Under 18: Participant under 18 years old must have parental consent to participate.

• Itinerary Modifications/Cancellations: Participant will be informed in advance about any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

•  Participants should carry extra cash during the tour for rides and entry to attractions.

• New Rules/Prohibitions: Ramblers India and tour leaders are not responsible if the visited places have new rules or are prohibited due to natural calamities.

• It is recommended to carry a Winter wear as the places visited will be very cold after the sunset during the trip, especially when traveling by AC Vehicle.

• Train Travel:  Train travel arrangements are subject to ticket availability. Alternate trains may be booked, and departure times may vary. Tatkal tickets in the mentioned class are not guaranteed. Extra charges apply if tickets are upgraded.

• Accommodation:  Private couple sharing rooms are subject to availability and will incur additional charges.

• Weather and Organizer Authority: We have the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unexpected weather changes. Team Ramblersindia or the Tour leader or the local guide at the site may not be held responsible if the entry is closed by local authorities or governing bodies.

• Expense Responsibility: Participant is responsible for expenses not mentioned in the included section. If extra expense occurs when the location is changed, then every participant had to pay the extra expense incurred that will be notified by our team.

• Misconduct and Prohibited Activities: Misconduct will not be tolerated. Strictly no alcohol consumption, smoking, or any kind of intoxication.

• Personal Hygiene: Avoid using deodorant or perfume on the event day. Strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles; do not litter plastic.

• Facility Information: A basic washroom is available at all stay facilities.

• Group Coordination and Cooperation: Participant should coordinate, maintain discipline, and work together as a team. Appreciate cooperative behavior with fellow participants. The trip will be aligned with participants from multiple organizations and hosted by one or 2 trip leaders.

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

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

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

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

• Payment and Registration: Participant is responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways:  We utilize third-party payment gateways to simplify the registration process. The convenience fee, along with the main event fee, is included and will be displayed at checkout. This fee is to be borne by the customer.

• Manual Payment Option: Participant has the option to make a manual payment for their ticket. This might involve transferring funds via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) referencing a provided transaction ID or reference. The manual payment option is valid for only one hour from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. This means participants have a limited window to complete the payment process. If the participant fails to make the payment within the specified time frame, the order will be automatically marked as cancelled.

• Transaction Confirmation: Participant paying through UPI/NEFT to our current account (where the convenience fee is nil) must provide the transaction reference via email/WhatsApp for confirmation.

• Service Availment:  No concessions or discounts will be provided if participant choose not to avail of specific services offered during the event.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, carry forward of the amount is not available. Refunds will be provided as per the refund policy at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same medium the payment has been made.

• Processing Time: Refund will be issued only on the Event Date or Next Business Day. Refunds may take between 3 to 10 working days to be processed. If the amount hasn't been refunded within this period, the paid recipient needs to check with the payment gateway support for assistance.

• UPI and Current Account Payments: Refunds will be Issued on the Event Date or Next Business Day, it will be processed within 2 days and transferred to the UPI ID if paid through UPI or transferred to our current account. We will be requesting either the UPI ID or Bank Account Details to process the refund.

• Refund can't be issued to the Payment wallet or Phone number; Only UPI ID is valid.

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

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refund exclude the convenience fee. This is applicable for those who paid through third-party channels or payment gateways, which includes an extra convenience fee. For instance, if the event price is 1000 and the convenience fee is 5%, making the total paid amount 1050, during the refund, only the event fee of 1000 will be considered, excluding the convenience fee.

• Refund Percentages: 50% refund for cancellation three days or more before the event. 40% refund for cancellation two days before the event. 30% refund for cancellation one day before the event. 20% refund on the day of the event. No refund for a no-show.

• Event Cancellation:  Full event fee will be refunded if the event is cancelled, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, or cab) will not be refunded.