The Rann of Kachchh: Best for desert colors and silence

The Rann of Kachchh (Kutch) is a vast, salt marsh located in the western part of India, specifically in the Kutch district of Gujarat. It is divided into two main regions: the Great Rann of Kachchh and the Little Rann of Kachchh. Here are a few interesting aspects about this region:

 Landscape and Geography

• The Rann of Kachchh is characterized by a unique landscape of salt-encrusted, barren land, creating an expansive white desert-like view during the dry season. The land becomes a vast, waterlogged region during the monsoon, with some areas covered in water, especially in the Little Rann.
• The area has a fascinating contrast of ecosystems, with dry, desolate expanses on one hand and lush wetlands during monsoon.

2. Rann Utsav (Festival)

• One of the most famous events held in the Great Rann of Kachchh is the Rann Utsav. It's a cultural festival that takes place annually, typically from November to February.
• The festival showcases Gujarat’s cultural heritage, including traditional dance performances, music, crafts, and a chance to experience the lifestyle of the indigenous communities such as the Banjara, Kutchi, and Rabari tribes.
• Tourists can also experience camping under the stars, a spectacular sight against the vast desert backdrop.

3. Wildlife

• The Little Rann of Kachchh is famous for being home to the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, which is the primary habitat of the Indian wild ass (also called Khur). This sanctuary is one of the largest of its kind in the world.
• The region is also home to various migratory birds, including flamingos, and is a haven for birdwatchers.

4. Culture and Traditions

• Kutch has a vibrant cultural heritage, and the region is known for its embroidery, block printing, and mirror work in textiles.
• The traditional crafts of the region are an integral part of the local economy, with artisans making beautiful bandhani (tie-dye) fabrics, Kutch embroidery, and Kutch metalwork.

5. Historical Significance

• The Rann of Kachchh region has witnessed many important historical events and has been a significant location in the history of Indo-Persian relations and the Rajput dynasties.
• The Indus Valley Civilization also had settlements in Kutch, and archaeological findings in the area show the historical depth of the region.

6. Tourism and Accessibility

• The Great Rann of Kachchh can be accessed from Bhuj, which is the nearest major city and well connected by rail and road.

Darjeeling, West Bengal

 

Best for tea and toy trains

The former summer capital of the British Raj, the hill station of Darjeeling is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Kanchenjunga (Khangchendzonga) – the world's third-highest mountain at 8586m (28,169ft) – looks benevolently over this town, with its silver fir forests, meandering roads, lush tea gardens and plunging valleys.

As well as seeing relics of British colonialism, you can take a camping trek to the Singalila National Park, check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (where Tenzing Norgay was once director), climb up to Tenzing Rock, shop and promenade on The Mall and sample some of India's finest brews at one of the city's many tea estates. For a more spiritual experience, find peace at the Japanese Peace Pagoda, the Ghum, Dali and Bhutia Busty Buddhist monasteries, or the Mahakal Temple on Observatory Hill (where Hindu and Buddhist deities reside together).

The pride of Darjeeling is the tiny "toy train" that travels along the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed railway runs downhill to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to connect with trains from Kolkata, but most tourists focus on the short trip by steam locomotive between Darjeeling and Ghum.

Detour: For a change of scene, there are more beautiful hill stations surrounding Darjeeling, such as Kalimpong, Kurseong, and Mirik – all accessible by shared 4WD.