2024 Retreat news coming soon!!
Mindful Exploration Yoga and culture retreat
2024 news coming soon
Rann Utsav of "Kutch" Region is cradled in the largest salt marsh of the world, ‘
• Shared accommodation (twin room) breakfast and dinner
• Single accommodation breakfast and dinner
Located at the far Western edge of Gujarat, Kutch is not part of the usual tourist trail. Whilst many traipse through Rajasthan for a view of the desert, fewer venture to the other side of the Thar desert to explore this spectacular region. This makes it the perfect place to really feel how our ancestors must have felt when there was nothing before them but oceans of elusive sand.
Kutch is a place of wonders! Mountains, dessert, beaches, broken down palaces and many many cross cultural temples and mosques. The cottage industry of block printing, vegetable dying and handloom ajrakh all originate from this small town. This is a retreat offering sensory delight
Whats included
• Daily yin or yang asana practices
• Led and silent meditations
• Access to the Festival site
• Excursions to sacred sites
• Shopping experiences
• Trip to local artisans
Accommodation
• 2 nights White Desert Festival Rann of Kutch - Rann Visamo or similar
• 2 Nights Bhuj City - Times Square Club or similar
• 2 Mandavi Beach - Serena Hotel
• Breakfast and dinner x 5 days
Lunch included in the desert
• Airport Transfer from Bhuj to Guest House and drop off
This festival of Kutch celebrates the colour of the region, providing an arena for the arts and crafts of Gujurat to be displayed and purchased. It's possible to spend hours just walking through the stalls looking at the detailed embroidery on bed linen and brightly coloured leather work that had been intricately carved into decorations.
Beyond the festival we will visit local artisans who practice traditional Indian arts including rabari emroidery, rogan art and the distinctive mirror work that Kutch is known for.
Air from Mumbai to Bhuj.
Day 1 (Jan) – Drive to the white dessert and stay at a beautiful locally created eco centre. Over these 3 days we will visit the White Rann of Kutch, have yoga practices and immerse in the local community arts and activities.
Day 3 (Jan) – We drive down to Bhuj, the big city of Kutch region and stay in an amazing property. Over these 3 days we will immerse in fabric printing workshops, visit cottage industries and indulge in amazing kutchi food. From the Aina Mahal to the local markets, 3 days might not be enough for this town!
Day 5 (Jan) – We make our way to the beautiful coast where trading first begun between West coast of India and East Africa. We will spend 2 nights an a beautiful beach resort and visit the old stone town. The resemblance and cross culture between Mandavi, Zanzibar and Lamu cannot be missed!
Gujarat is a DRY STATE – No alcohol.
All meals included will be vegetarian and vegan friendly. Lunch is not included in Bhuj and Mandavi to be able to explore local places.
Kutch is not a frequently visited spot by tourists, in Gujarat you will always find love and warm welcomes. The Eco Village in Hudko is a community created space and as a part of Karuna Ethos to promote sustainable lifestyle, all our accommodation profit goes back into keeping the local arts alive.
Of course we will have daily yoga, meditation and movement too!
DEPARTURE
Day 7 (Jan) – We leave for Bhuj international Airport and make our way back to Mumbai.
You can read a bit about kutch here: https://www.gujarattourism.com/hub/8
FORWARD OPTIONS
Even though the planned retreat ends here, Leyla and Payal plan to spend 2 days in Mumbai! You are all welcome to come see Mumbai with us and we can advise on further travel!