A huge, flat expanse spreading over 16,000-17,000 sq km at an average altitude of about 15 m above mean sea level, interrupted occasionally by small uplands that are locally called bets (islands). The Rann owes its origin to a marine transgression and is a tectonically unstable area. Ecologically, it is one of the largest seasonal saline wetlands in the world, holding water just 0.5 to 1.5 m deep. After October-November every year, the water begins to dry, transforming the area into a vast, saline desert. The wetland attracts a large number of waterfowl species like Flamingo, Pelican, Great Crested Grebe, Black Stork, Brahminy Duck, Common Pochard, Tuffed Pochard, White Eyed Pochard, Gulls, Terns, Stints, Plovers and others. The mixture of saline flats and non-saline bets – uninhabited by humans – provide an ideal habitat for many wild creatures including the Wild Ass, Desert Fox, Desert Cat (Civet), Porcupine, Saw-Scaled Viper, Krait, Cobra and several species of lizards. Due to the presence of geologically diverse rocks, many bets also feature rich fossils, including prehistoric dinosaurs and trees. A large part of the Rann falls under the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary.

Designed in local style, and exquisitely decorated with mirror work, textiles and native crafts, community-owned Shaam-e-Sarhad (Sunset over the Border) in the desert village of Hodka, is an ideal location from which to discover the captivating Kutch (Kachchh), the famous salt marshes of Gujarat, in north western India.

Villages in this area are called jheels - places where potable water is available. The Hodka jheel is believed to have been first inhabited around 300 years ago. The name Hodka is derived from the Gujarati word hodi, meaning boat. The village is believed to have been set up by the Halepotra clan, the ancestors of which are believed to have left Saudi Arabia with their cattle in search for greener pastures. Located at the heart of the Banni area, Hodka features the best of Banni craft, architecture and lifestyle. The area is famous for its leather craft and the finest embroidery styles practiced by the women. When men are away grazing their cattle, women put in almost 19 hours of work as they alternate between accessing water, cooking, tending to the family, making the cattle feed and deftly creating the most wondrous pieces of embroidery and art, both for domestic and market use. The Muslim Halepotra and Hindu Meghwals each have their own distinctive styles. The motifs include scorpions, parrots, and women churning milk. The Meghwal men practice leather craft. The traditionally embroidered bridal mojadis (footwear) of the bride and the bridegroom, made in leather, are typical of the Meghwal community. Hand fans, mirror frames, wall pieces, and belts are also crafted in leather.

Location Map

Food & Drink

Only vegetarian food is served. In the morning, you can choose between an Indian and a Continental breakfast. For lunch we serve a Gujarati buffet, with a range of vegetables (cooked and fresh), pulses, Indian breads, and local sweets. Bottled mineral water and non-alcoholic drinks are available, together with tea, coffee and buttermilk. Alcohol is not served, in compliance with the State law. We can also arrange that you share a traditional thali (platter) meal with the community, which includes rotis (bread) made of bajro (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum) or wheat served with pulses and meat along with rice, buttermilk, and milk-based sweets for dessert.

Facilities

Open parking, front desk (from 6am to 11pm), phone service for local phone calls, wake up service, room service (from 6am to 11pm), laundry, restaurant (7:30am-9:30 / 12pm-3pm / 7:30pm-10:30pm).

Activities

Exploring the villages and windswept lands of northern Kachchh is a thrilling experience.

Visits around the Hodka village are organised regularly, accompanied by local bhomiyas (interpreters / guides) who acquaint you with the people's way of living, crafts and traditions.

Handicraft workshops, where you can learn a range of techniques directly from the artisans, can also be organized upon request.

Further afield there is a rich and varied choice of activities:

• A visit to several artisan communities where you marvel at the beauty of embroideries, leather works, lacquer works.

• A camel safari or jeep safari through the edge of the Black Hill and the Great Rann of Kachchh to see several wild animals like the wild ass (rare), flamingos, pelicans, blue bulls, foxes, and the evasive leopard

• Bird watching excursions to the wetlands of Chhari Dhand

• A visit to the Than Monastery

• A dip in the beaches of Mandvi

• A day trip to Dholavira, India's largest archaeological site belonging to the renowned Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilisation.

Every trip can be customised to individual interests and is designed to create a unique and unforgettable experience for the crafts expert, naturalist, birdwatcher, or the simply curious.

Back at the resort the experience continues with traditional dinners, folk music performances, bonfire nights and star-gazing activities.

ROOM VIEW