If adventure, history and serenity had a perfect meeting point, it would be here in the Rann Gudroo.
Pyaro Shavani, a 47 -year -old local activist and tourist promoter, meets Gadroo Rann as the back of his hand. It has spent seven nights in this vast desert with salt unknowns, two in November and another five between December and January. And he is not alone.
“I met two foreign tourists, one from Birmingham, England and the other of Germany, who spent his entire visit in the Rann,” Shavani shared. “They traveled in camels, soaking in the raw beauty of the landscape and taking photos.”
In recent months, Thar has been attracting not only national visitors but also a growing number of international travelers, eager to witness their splendor.
Unlike other parts of Thar, the RANN remains relatively tempered, thanks to its land loaded with salt and the water that flows from the other side of the border in Gujrat, India. This unique ecosystem becomes a shelter for migratory birds in winter. “For tourists, it’s a paradise,” he said. “You can see birds of each tone that rise in the sky, and when the night falls, Rann’s wood is the perfect bonfire configuration.”
During the last two decades, Thar has been a key tourist access point in Sindh, especially during the months of the monsoon from July to September. Winter, however, was not a high season for tourists: it belonged to migratory birds. Each year, thousands of birds escape the hard cold of their native lands, seeking refuge in the landscapes rich in Thar water for three months before flying back home.
But this year, something changed.
“Suddenly we saw an increase in tourists who visited Thar during the winter, not only from different cities in Pakistan but even abroad,” Shavani observed. “Most of them go directly to Kutch’s ran, near the Indian border.”
This marsh is approximately 20-25 km east of the city of Nagarparkar and only 7-8 km south of the Veera Wah village. Accessibility is not a problem: cars and motorcycles can easily reach the ran, so it is an increasingly popular stop for adventurers.
Several villages splashed the landscape around the ran, but those perched on their edge: Kharsar, Gidro, Peethpur, Uth Kapario and PaBasar) offer the closest vision of the local way of life. Although this site is part of Kutch’s largest rann, the locals refer to him as ‘The Rann de Gadroo’, named for the historic people of Gadroo that is close.
“These visitors throw tents under the sky illuminated by the stars, riding camel carriages at night, gathering around the fires, while the moving melodies of local singers fill the air,” Shavani said.
He added that social networks are playing their role in this transformation. As tourists share impressive images of their online adventures, other travelers from their respective countries are forced to explore this landscape. Local photographers are also capturing magic: sunrise and sunsets melt in the horizon, floods of migratory birds and camels sliding through salt floors. These images serve as an irresistible invitation, which makes the RANN a mandatory visit winter.
The locals bring life to Rann
Dileep Kumar Parmar, a 30 -year -old photographer and cameraman from Nagarparkar, has played his role in putting Gadroo’s ran on the tourist map. During the last decade, he has been documenting the beauty of Tharparkar through his page, Karoonjhar Photography, on social networks. Now, he has taken his passion one step further by launching the tourism of Karoonjhar, focusing on promoting winter tourism in the Rann.
“We actually started Rann winter tourism last year,” said Parmar. “But at that time, we did not upload photos or videos on social networks because it was a new initiative, and we were still learning the strings. This year, as of November, we began camping in Gadroo Rann every weekend. “
As soon as the first camp photo lot came to social networks, the answer was overwhelming.
“Tourists began communicating with us, eager to visit the Rann of Gadroo. For the first week of November, we arrive at visitors, and now we organize weekend tents camps exclusively for tourists, ”he says.
Parmar and his team offer a full camp experience: complete with dinner, barbecue and traditional Thari breakfast, including Basra Rotiyogurt, tortilla and tea. They also ensure adequate hygiene facilities, which offer portable products, bath tents and fresh water to wash and drink.
“Every week, we gain a beautiful amount of this,” he revealed, throwing light on how this growing trend not only attracts visitors but also benefits the local economy.
The charm of this place is elevated by the villagers who play a crucial role in the tourist experience. Local communities, including the Koli tribe, welcome tourists, who offer camel and bull carriages to take them more deeply in the rann or closer to the waters. This group performs their dance and cultural songs, with its iconic “Rasoro“Becoming in the air. Local singers also give as serenade tourists with melodious popular songs in the comfort of their tents.
For photographers, cameramen and adventure enthusiasts, Gudroo Ran is a dream come true. The endless white extension and vibrant culture create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experience.
The growing buzz around Gadroo Rann tourism has drawn the attention of the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiques of Sindh, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah.
“We will encourage tourism in Gudroo Rann improving the facilities and the development of new resorts,” he confirmed, adding that “although it already attracts visitors from all over the country, we also want to attract international tourists.” This will create economic opportunities for local communities, which will allow them to benefit directly from tourism. “
“Given the natural beauty and cultural meaning of the site, we plan to collaborate with the local government and the administration of the district to launch initiatives that drive tourism. Initially, our approach will be to guarantee essential services such as food, accommodation and safety for visitors, ”he said.
Abid Ali Khaskhali, a 20 -year -old from Jam Khan Jo Wandio, a town only 7 km west of Gudroo Rann, is among the many stores captivated by this natural wonder.
Sharing his passion for photography, he said: “Three years ago, I filmed the ran shining with water from the other side of the border in Gujrat. That video went viral on social networks. This year, our Rann has become a sensation, attracting tourists from all over the country and even abroad. Now, I visit daily, capturing impressive sunsets, sunrises and starry nights. “
However, he asked tourists to respect this impeccable land. “Please do not walk: avoid leaving plastic bags, bottles or waste. The Rann has no pollution, and we must keep it that way. I urge the Government to install large garbage cubes and build bathrooms for visitors, ”he urged.
Shahnawaz Baloch, a 34 -year -old Hyderabad teacher, recently visited Gudroo Rann with friends and was hypnotized by her beauty. “Kutch’s ran is one of my favorite places. Recently we explore Pabsaro Point, which is an impressively quiet area, perfect for the stars at night. The locals are friendly, friendly and welcoming. Seeing migratory birds rose on Rann’s waters was a surreal experience, ”he said.
Beyond its impressive landscapes, the region is based on history. Tourists can explore the ancient Jain temples along the way, deepening the rich archaeological heritage of the area. It is a safe retirement where religious harmony thrives, since many locals belong to the Hindu community.
It is safe to say that if adventure, history and serenity had a perfect meeting point, it would be here in the Gudroo Rann.
From its historical sites to its warm and cozy people, Rann is a wonder that hopes to be explored. So pack your suitcases, bring your camera and let this surreal landscape be fed!
