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Touring Soulmates, Tamia (2026)

11/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 22, Day 8

A detour into the artistic soul of Kutch 🎨✨

We checked out of our stay in Dhordo and started towards Bhuj, with a little detour planned to Nirona — a craft village famous for its traditional Rogan art, handmade metal bells and lacquer work.

Our first stop was Bhirandiyara, famous for its delicious mava (condensed milk). We loved it so much that we got some packed for the road! 😋

After a 1.5-hour drive, we reached Nirona, parked at the village entrance and followed Google Maps into the village to find Mr. Munaf Khatri, a Rogan artist who kindly welcomed us and gave us a fascinating demonstration.

Rogan art is a rare traditional art where intricate patterns are painted freehand on fabric using a special castor-oil-based paint and a metal stylus. The craft has been kept alive by artisan families who have passed the technique down through generations.

We even tried our hands at it — and quickly realised that creating those delicate patterns freehand requires some serious skill! 😄

Walking deeper into the village, we discovered the traditional Kutch bell-making craft. The artisans demonstrated how beautiful bells are made from scrap metal, without welding — purely through traditional techniques and skill. 🔔

Then, with the help of a local child, we found the lacquer artisans, who showed us how wooden kitchenware is beautifully transformed using traditional lacquer techniques. 🌈

We were initially a little sceptical about exploring the village on our own, but everyone we met was so warm and welcoming. We ended up spending nearly two hours discovering these incredible crafts and bought a few souvenirs — a small way of supporting the artisans and taking a piece of Nirona home with us. ❤️

With an evening planned in Bhuj, it was time to hit the road again.

08/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 21, Day 8

We woke up early to catch a sunrise—not from the famous White Rann, but from Kalo Dungar, the highest point in Kutch. About an hour and fifteen minutes from our resort, the journey began at 6:30 AM. Yet, despite the hour, it was still pitch dark—the westernmost region of India was only just beginning to wake up.

As we drove through the darkness, the sky slowly came alive with vibrant shades of orange, pink and purple, making the drive itself part of the experience. 🌄

Somewhere along the way, we encountered something we had only heard about before—a magnetic point, where our car seemed to roll uphill when put in neutral! Scientifically, it is believed to be an optical illusion, but watching the car seemingly defy gravity was certainly fun to experience. 🚗✨

The road then turned into a winding uphill drive towards Kalo Dungar, and just as we climbed higher, the sun began appearing on the horizon.

Kalo Dungar is better known for its sunsets, but arriving early had its own charm. We were the first ones there, with the entire viewpoint almost completely to ourselves.

From the highest point of Kutch, watching the vast salt plains stretch endlessly into the distance and seemingly merge with the sky was incredibly peaceful. The silence, the morning light and the sheer expanse of the landscape made it a truly soothing experience. 🤍

By the time we drove back to our resort, it was already breakfast buffet time. After a hearty breakfast, we packed up, got ready and set off for the next leg of our journey—towards Bhuj. 🚗

03/08/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 20, Day 7

As the sun dipped below the endless white expanse of the White Rann of Kutch, we made our way to our resort, Gateway to Rann, in Dhordo. The evening came alive with a vibrant cultural program featuring soulful Kutchi folk music, energetic traditional dances, and an exciting fire show that beautifully showcased the region’s rich heritage.

After enjoying a delicious, homely dinner, we weren’t quite ready to end the day. A leisurely walk took us to the lively Rann Utsav market, where stalls were adorned with exquisite local handicrafts, colourful textiles, intricate embroidery, and souvenirs crafted by talented local artisans. The festive atmosphere, music, and warm hospitality made for the perfect ending to an unforgettable day in Kutch.

With hearts full of memories and excitement for the adventures ahead, we finally called it a night

30/07/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 19, Day 7

After a rough two-and-a-half-hour drive back from Lakhpat, we reached the White Rann of Dhordo just in time for sunset. As expected, the vast salt desert was buzzing with tourists, all eager to witness one of Kutch’s most iconic sights.

This time, private vehicles weren’t allowed beyond the parking area near the Tent City. From there, shuttle buses ferried visitors to the White Rann watchtower.

The sunset was nothing short of magical. As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, it painted the endless salt flats in stunning shades of gold, orange, and pink. Although the views were breathtaking, we did miss seeing the famous dazzling white desert. Due to unusually heavy rainfall this year, the salt hadn’t crystallized fully, so the landscape lacked the brilliant white blanket that the Rann is known for.

After soaking in the serene beauty of the sunset, we made our way to the nearby adventure zone. There, I decided to take on a motorized paragliding ride. Soaring above the Rann with panoramic views of the vast landscape was an exhilarating experience and the perfect dose of adventure to end the evening.

As darkness settled over the desert, we headed back to our stay in Dhordo, carrying with us memories of a spectacular sunset and an unforgettable adventure.

26/07/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 18, Day 7

After seeking blessings at Gurudwara Sri Pehli Patshahi, where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed during his spiritual journey towards Mecca, we spent some time exploring the quiet, forgotten town of Lakhpat.

Our first stop was the Tomb of Gaus Mohammad, a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The mausoleum is admired for its exquisitely carved sandstone jalis and intricate floral and geometric stonework, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of the Kutch region.

We then drove to the majestic Lakhpat Fort, built in the early 19th century by Jamadar Fateh Muhammad, the powerful administrator of the Kutch State. Stretching nearly 7 km with massive stone walls and bastions, the fort once protected a thriving port town that prospered through trade along the Sindhu (Indus) River. However, the devastating 1819 Kutch earthquake altered the river’s course, cutting off Lakhpat from its lifeline. Trade vanished, prosperity faded, and the once-bustling town gradually turned into the peaceful ruins we see today.

By 3:15 PM, it was time to bid farewell to this historic town. We began the bumpy & dusty two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Dhordo, eager to catch one of Kutch’s most magical spectacles—the golden sunset over the endless white expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch. ✨

📍Lakhpat, Kutch, Gujarat

13/07/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 17, Day 7

After checking into our hotel in Dhordo, we set off for Lakhpat—a small, secluded town on the western edge of India, now home to barely a couple of thousand people. Although it was only a 90 km drive, the poor road conditions meant it took us well over two and a half hours to reach.

Our primary reason for visiting Lakhpat was the historic Gurudwara Sri Pehli Patshahi, dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It is believed that Guru Ji visited Lakhpat during the early sixteenth century, during his Second and Fourth Udasis (missionary journeys), before embarking on his sea voyage towards Mecca and the Middle East. The present Gurudwara stands at the site of the old house where Guru Ji is believed to have stayed during his visit, which has since been beautifully restored. The Gurudwara also preserves a few rare relics associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, making it an incredibly significant place for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.

It was the Granthi Ji at the Gurudwara who patiently shared the fascinating history of Lakhpat and Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s visit with us, making our experience far more meaningful than simply visiting another historical place.

It’s incredible to think that centuries ago, Lakhpat was a thriving port city, bustling with trade and prosperity. However, after the devastating 1819 Kutch earthquake, which altered the course of the Indus River, the town gradually lost its importance and eventually became the quiet, deserted town we see today.

Standing at this historic site, we couldn’t help but marvel at how far Guru Nanak Dev Ji travelled during his four Udasis, spreading his message of equality, compassion and selfless service across thousands of kilometres.

What touched us the most was being served langar at this remote Gurudwara. Knowing that the tradition of langar was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji himself made the experience even more special. Despite being so isolated and receiving very few visitors, the spirit of seva and hospitality continues to thrive here—just as it has for centuries. 🙏

06/07/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 16, Day 7

After leaving Dholavira around 8:30 in the morning, we set out on one of Kutch’s most iconic drives—the Road to Heaven. ✨

This year, heavy rainfall had transformed the landscape. Instead of the endless white salt plains stretching to the horizon, shimmering salt lakes lined both sides of the road. While we missed the usual magic of the White Rann, nature had its own surprise in store for us—beautiful flocks of flamingos gracefully dotting the waters. 🦩

As the Road to Heaven came to an end, the scenery changed yet again, giving way to vast, flat desert landscapes on either side. The 100 km journey to Dhordo took us nearly three and a half hours, with countless stops to soak in the ever-changing vistas.

After checking into our beautiful resort, Gateway to White Rann, with its charming Kutchi bhungas, we took a little time to relax before setting off on our next adventure in the land of Kutch. 🌵✨

#

02/07/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 15, Day 7

The next morning in Dholavira, we woke up before sunrise, hoping to witness the first golden rays over the White Rann. The previous day, our homestay owner had told us that due to excessive rainfall this year, the iconic white desert hadn’t fully formed in many areas. We had already noticed this on our drive to Dholavira—places that were once shimmering salt plains during our earlier visit were now covered with stagnant water, leaving us a little disappointed.

But our host came to the rescue and suggested a hidden spot where pristine white salt flats could still be found. Excited yet uncertain, we set off before dawn. The location was far from the main road and required trekking across the vast, featureless desert with no landmarks to guide us.

Determined to find it, we relied on our drone, which eventually led us to the untouched white expanse. And what awaited us there was pure magic—the sun slowly rising over the endless white desert, painting the landscape in shades of gold. We had the entire place to ourselves, making the experience feel incredibly intimate and special.

After soaking in this unforgettable moment, we returned to our homestay, enjoyed a hearty breakfast, checked out, and set off towards the mesmerising “Road to Heaven.”

28/06/2026

Gujarat Road Trip
Post 14, Day 6

By the time we finished exploring the Dholavira Archaeological Site, the sun had begun its descent towards the horizon. We then made our way to the Wood Fossil Park, located on the edge of Dholavira’s vast salt lake and known for its breathtaking sunset views.

To our surprise, we learned that the last few kilometres to the park are accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. With time running out, we quickly parked our car and hopped onto one of the local pickup trucks available for hire. After a thrilling, bumpy ride and a short trek down, we finally reached the fossil park.

The Wood Fossil Park preserves fossilized tree trunks that are believed to be around 180 million years old, dating back to the Jurassic period. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s ancient geological history along with amazing views of salt lake.

As the sky transformed into shades of orange and pink, we sat on the boulders and witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets of our trip. Afterwards, we headed to another sunset point. Although the sun had already dipped below the horizon, a steaming cup of chai and some Maggi with the lingering twilight made the moment even more special.

Later, we returned to our homestay HOLIDAY HOMESTAY DHOLAVIRA, where a warm bonfire awaited us. While we enjoyed the crackling fire under the starry sky, our traditional Gujarati dinner was being freshly prepared. We ended the day with a fulfilling homely meal and called it a night, carrying with us memories of yet another magical evening in Kutch.

Touring Soulmates

11/08/2026

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30/07/2026

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