About:
Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate is M.S. General Surgeon (Gold Medalist) by qualification,
with an experience of 30,000+ operations, and is based at Rajkot, Gujarat. He
is an avid reader and a passionate writer. In this blog, he shares his travel
experiences and creative reflections.
Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrBhateRajkot
🌴 Blog 02 of 03 | Day
1 at Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), Gujarat
By Dr. Bharatkumar Bhate
Visited in February 2026
This is the second blog in my 3-part LRK travel series,
based on my visit to this fabulous place in February 2026, organized by the
Association of Surgeons of Rajkot.
In this second blog, I share the experiences of Day 1 of our
two-day journey. After understanding the ecological uniqueness of LRK in the
previous blog, we now move into lived moments — the sunset over the salt
desert, a spiritually elevating visit to Varnindra Dham (Mini Poicha), and our
comfortable stay at Bhavna Resort & Farm.
SUNSET
AT LRK
The Little Rann is a place where the sun does not merely set
— it composes a silent symphony of light and shadow, inviting the wilderness
itself to pause and witness the spectacle. Sunset here is not an event measured
in minutes; it is a gradual and profound transformation.
The sunset at LRK is not just something you see — it is
something you feel, almost absorb into your being.
As the sun begins its gradual descent over the vast salt
desert, the endless white flats start reflecting light like a giant natural
mirror. The cracked earth and scattered shallow pools glow with hues of molten
gold, soft peach, amber, and eventually deep crimson. The openness of the
terrain — uninterrupted by hills, trees, or buildings — allows the sky to
dominate completely. There is no visual obstruction; only a seamless merging of
land and horizon.
The flattening of the sun into a shimmering disc as it
touches the horizon is a remarkable optical experience. It appears to melt
slowly into the earth. The intensity of light diminishes gently, the air cools
perceptibly, and a profound stillness settles across the landscape.
In that moment, conversation fades. Cameras pause. Even
children instinctively grow quiet.
You return from LRK carrying a lifetime memory.
Visit
to Varnindra Dham (Mini Poicha), Patdi – Swaminarayan Temple
After witnessing nature in its rawest form, our next halt
was a place of devotion and architectural grace — Varnindra Dham, popularly
known as Mini Poicha.
A visit to Varnindra Dham is more than a temple trip — it is
a peaceful spiritual retreat. Located in Patdi village in Dasada Taluka of
Surendranagar district, Gujarat, this magnificent temple dedicated to Lord
Swaminarayan offers a thoughtful blend of devotion, culture, and recreation.
Location & Important Distances
Varnindra Dham is conveniently located for a short spiritual
getaway from major cities:
• Ahmedabad – 93 km
• Surendranagar – 60 km
• Gandhinagar – 105 km
• Chotila – 117 km
• Rajkot – 165 km
• Bhavnagar – 207 km
Its proximity makes it an ideal weekend destination,
especially for visitors from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar seeking a spiritually
refreshing escape from urban routine.
About the Temple
Varnindra Dham is considered the second part of Nilkanthdham
Swaminarayan Temple in Poicha, which is why it is affectionately known as Mini
Poicha.
The temple was built by Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot and is
managed by Swaminarayan Gurukul Surat. It was inaugurated on 17 October 2017
(Dhanteras) by the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani.
Why the Name “Varnindra”?
Lord Swaminarayan was born as Ghanshyam Pande, later known
as Nilkanth Varni, and eventually as Sahajanand Swami.
The name “Varnindra Dham” is derived from Nilkanth Varni,
symbolizing his spiritual journey and divine identity — a reminder of
renunciation, discipline, and devotion.
Architecture & Spiritual Experience
The temple showcases traditional Hindu architecture with:
• Intricate carvings and detailed
sculptures
• Grand idols of Lord Swaminarayan and other deities
• Beautifully designed pillars and domes
• Peaceful surroundings that enhance meditation and prayer
The carvings narrate episodes from Lord Swaminarayan’s life
and teachings, making the temple not only spiritually enriching but also
artistically captivating.
We visited in the evening — and that is when the magic truly
comes alive. The temple complex was illuminated with thousands of colourful
lights, creating a mesmerizing and divine ambience. After the vast silence of
LRK, this luminous spiritual environment felt like a gentle transition from
wilderness to worship.
Attractions Inside the Temple Complex
Varnindra Dham is not limited to darshan; it offers a
comprehensive family experience. The massive campus includes:
• Bhagwat Lila Charitra
Pradarshani
• Science City
• Light & Sound Show
• Mirror House
• Fish Aquarium
• Horror House
• Train Vihar
• Art Gallery
• Boating
• Food Stalls
Thus, the complex thoughtfully integrates spirituality with
educational and recreational attractions, making it enjoyable for families,
children, and elders alike. One can easily spend a full day exploring the
temple complex.
Important Information
• Entry: Free for all visitors
• Car Parking: ₹30
• Temple Darshan Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Pradarshani Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Contact Number: 8000735000
Best Time to Visit
The most pleasant months to visit are:
• January to July
• October to December
During these months, the climate remains comfortable,
enhancing both darshan and exploration of the campus.
Final Thoughts on the Temple
Whether one seeks inner peace, architectural appreciation,
cultural exposure, or a wholesome family outing, Varnindra Dham offers a
balanced and fulfilling experience. It is a graceful confluence of devotion and
thoughtfully designed attractions — a place where faith meets serenity.
If you are planning a short spiritual excursion within
Gujarat, this Mini Poicha at Patdi certainly deserves consideration.
Stay
at Bhavna Resort & Farm
Our night halt was at Bhavna Resort & Farm, located near
Patdi village in Dasada Taluka of Surendranagar district, right at the edge of
the famous Little Rann of Kutch. Bajana — often regarded as the gateway to the
Rann — is only 2.5 km away.
This charming resort serves as a comfortable retreat after a
day of exploration. It offers a pleasant stay with amenities such as TV, AC,
WiFi, a swimming pool, ample parking space, complimentary breakfast, and more.
The resort provides family rooms in a serene natural setting
away from urban disturbance. The property is known for its traditional
hospitality, and the garden is beautifully maintained, adding to the peaceful
ambience.
It is widely appreciated for its excellent food served in a
spacious restaurant, along with polite and cooperative staff who provide prompt
service.
One can also shop for traditional clothing featuring
embroidery work, Kutchi design fabrics, and handicrafts — an added attraction
for visitors interested in local artistry.
The owner possesses in-depth knowledge of the Little Rann,
its ecosystem, more than 300 varieties of migratory birds, wild asses, and salt
farming traditions. My colleague, Dr. Rajesh Bhalodia, had thoughtfully shared
detailed information on his laptop about the birds we were going to observe the
next morning. He is an avid bird watcher, and this preparation greatly assisted
us in identifying different species during the safari.
The resort management had thoughtfully arranged six-seater
jeep vehicles for our group of 32 people, ensuring that the next morning’s
safari would be smooth and well-coordinated.
I am certain that I will visit the Little Rann of Kutch
again and stay here for a few more days to explore it at a slower and more
immersive pace.
Stay tuned for the final Blog 03 of the LRK travel series,
where I will share our early morning wildlife safari and concluding reflections
on this remarkable landscape.