Rann Visamo

Set in Hodka, a short drive from the White Rann, Gujarat’s magnificent salt flats, Rann Visamo gives you a taste of life in a remote desert village. The nine simple bhungas and cottages, built by villagers using traditional mud and thatching techniques, are decorated with mud carving and mirrorwork, and brightened up with vibrant paintings of camels and flowers, colourful bedspreads and frescoed domed ceilings. In an open-sided dining room, under a patchwork-covered roof, classic Kutchi thali is served by polite staff who don’t speak much English. There’s also an Aladdin’s Cave of a shop where you can buy hand-embroidered wall hangings, bedspreads, scarves, bags and leather goods, crafted by the men and women of Hodka. The low-key atmosphere and abundance of space makes it well suited to families. But being a ‘village stay’, amenities are basic so don’t expect five stars. The rooms have fans and electric sockets but there’s no air-conditioning, wi-fi or running hot water (a bucket is delivered to your bhunga each morning). But that’s all part of the experience.