Download - Gujarat Biodiversity Board - GSBB

Dhordo - a tourist site of white desert
Dhordo is the last village in the west of Banni at the edge
of the white desert which attract a large number of tourists
in January. The government has also started tourist festival -
Ranotsav during the winter. Just a few kilometer from Dhordo,
there is the spectacular White Desert situated in the Great
Rann. Dhordo is about 80 km from Bhuj. The White Desert is a
result of accumulated salt - during the rains it comes under sea
water marginally diluted by the rain water, but during winters
as the water evaporates, the salt accumulates over the muds to
turn it into the spectacular White Desert. To get the very best
of this visual experience, one should be there on a full moon
night - the entire area glitters with the reflection of moon light.
Salt industries also have their eyes on this salt rich area.
True wilderness still prevails in a part of Kachchh, including
the Rann. The Rann is one of a few areas in the country
where ecological integrity is intact till now but the pace of
developments during the recent years have had some impact.
Like other natural areas, anthropogenic activities started
increasing in this area also. Protecting the wilderness character
of this wonderful and unique landscape is a challenge to all of
us.
Modern tents at Dhordo during Ranotsav