Mata no Madh, Mandvi, Narayan Sarovar, Dhordo and Dholavira to be covered
Gujarat Tourism will soon start a ‘Tourist Circuit Bus’ service for a comfortable and accessible travel to different tourist destinations in Kutch as the number of tourists domestic and from overseas visiting the Kutch Rann Utsav has been on the rise constantly for the last four years. The bus service will take tourists to popular destinations like Mata no Madh, Mandvi, Narayan Sarovar, Dhordo and Dholavira in Kutch, said sources in the Gujarat Tourism department.
Around 1.81 lakh tourists visited the Rann Utsav in 2021- 22. The number swelled to 3.45 lakh in 2022-23, and jumped to 7.42 lakh in 2023-24, said department officials.
“Tourists from other states, NRIS and foreign visitors at the Rann Utsav are constantly on the rise. The figure is estimated to reach 10 lakh this year (2024-25). We have been planning to take these tourists to other places of interest in Kutch besides the Rann Utsav,” said a source in the department.
“Tourists also wish to visit places like Mandvi and Mata no Madh but lack of transportation facilities ham- per their plans. This ‘Tourist Circuit Bus’ in collaboration with GSRTC will provide a comfortable accessible ride to visitors at the Rann Utsav who wish to explore other places as well,” said the source.
Four bus routes have been finalised for places like Mata no Madh, Narayan Sarovar, Mandvi, Dhordo and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dholavira. The 2×2-seater Volvo bus would ply on these routes.
The first route is Dhordo – Mata no Madh Dhordo, second is Dhordo-Mandvi – Dhordo, third is Dhordo – Dholavira – Dhordo and the fourth route is Dhordo – Mata no Madh – Narayan Sarovar – Dhordo.
While fare for route 1 and 2 will cost Rs 700 per person plus tax, the fare for route 3 and 4 will cost Rs 800 per person plus tax, said sources.
Lakhs throng Kutch during the festival.