Great Rann of Kutch

Totalling an area of around 7500 square kilometres, The Great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. A geographical phenomenon, its outer edges are vast expanses of dried mud and white-salt deserts in the dry season; submerged in a torrent of sea and river water, during the monsoon. It is this salt water, that leaves much of the low-lying marshes completely barren, with only a few grassy ‘islands’ providing food for the region’s wildlife and much of India’s flamingo population. Despite this seemingly hostile terrain, it is home to a number of nomadic tribes, and a flourishing textile industry, famed for its idiosyncratic geometric shapes, bright colours, and intricate mirror work. The best time to travel is between November to February, when The Rann Festival takes place.