This Indian Desert Turns Into a Sky-Reflecting Mirror Every Monsoon
24 June 2025
Credits: Praveg
Did you know India has its own Salar de Uyuni? Not in Bolivia but in Gujarat.Welcome to the surreal salt desert: The Great Rann of Kutch.
Credits: Rann Utsav
The Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. Made of a thick crust of salt, left behind by ancient seas.
Credits: Travelb
Every monsoon, a thin layer of water floods this endless white desert. The salt beneath and the sky above come together. And suddenly, the ground turns into a giant mirror.
Credits: Medium
But how does this happen?The white salt beneath the water reflects sunlight. The shallow water stays still, like glass.Together, they form a natural mirror that reflects the sky perfectly.
Credits: Flickrr
The land is ultra-flat, with almost no bumps. There are no trees or buildings to break the reflection.
Credits: CNBC
Light hits the water and bounces off the salt surface. Since the water is shallow and calm, it doesn't scatter the light; it reflects it. This is the same optical principle used in mirrors!
Credits: Instagram
The mirror effect appears only during July to early September, just after the rains. Visit at sunrise or sunset when the water is still and the sky is calm.
Credits: Medium
Start from Bhuj, the nearest city with an airport. From there, travel to Dhordo or Hodka to stay near the salt flats. Go with a guide who knows when the water and sky align perfectly.
Credits: Praveg
Beyond the mirror, Rann of Kutch is alive with culture. Stay in traditional Bhungas, explore local villages, and meet artisans who’ve preserved ancient crafts. This monsoon, catch the natural mirror of India before it vanishes.