DELHI

HOTEL REVIEW
Shaam-e-Sarhad Village Resort,
Hodka, Gujarat
If you want to explore the Rann of Kutch region, you are
best advised to stay in Hodka village. At the Shaam-e-
Sarhad (Sunset at the Border) Village Resort, located in the
middle of a quiet desert country.
Owned and managed by the local residents of Hodka, it is
a charming place where you can actually get a feel of much
of what is authentically traditional in the region. Designed
in local mud architectural style, and exquisitely handcrafted
with mirror work, textiles and other local crafts,
the resort is the perfect gateway to the rich and diverse
heritage of the region.
The experience of staying in Kachchhi mud huts, called
bhungas, with mud walls, mud floor, a mud bed and a
sloping thatch roof is tough to match. Bhungas are circular
in design, with lounge chairs in private open spaces.
There are options of tents too. Rooms are all en-suite,
comfortable, clean and simple.
Sit by a bonfire at night, with the sky in full starry glow,
and listen to Kachchhi folk music rendered in reedy voices
- and your soul will feel it has been touched by magic. The
hospitality by locals comes from their hearts; the hosts are
ever smiling and welcoming. Meals include a Kachchhi
buffet dinner of bajara ni roti with ghee and gud, followed
by Khichdi-kadhi besides other dishes. Gujarati cuisine is
also served for lunch and dinner. Breakfast in Indian or
Continental. Only vegetarian food is served, and Gujarat
enforces a policy of alcohol prohibition.
Hodka serves a great base for exploring the villages and
windswept lands of northern Kachchh. Local bhomiyas
(guides) will take you around the Hodka artists village,
introduce you to residents and acquaint you with their
way of living, crafts and traditions. Their crafts include
embroideries, leather works, lacquer work , weaving
and block printing. You can also sign up for workshops in
embroidery and leather work.
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