Little Rann of Kutch
Gujarat
Best Time to Visit
November – February
Reaching Little Rann of Kutch
Flight: New Delhi – Bhuj
Types of Safaris
Accommodation
Bird Checklist
Highlight Species
- Short-eared Owl
- Greater Hoopoe-Lark
- Lesser Flamingo
- Cream-coloured Courser
- McQueen’s Bustard or Houbara Bustard
- Crested Lark, Greater Short toed Lark
- Indian Courser
- Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin
- Greater Flamingo
- Sociable Lapwing
- Variable Wheatear
- Syke’s Lark
- Collared Pratincole
- Demoiselle Crane
- Common Crane
About Little Rann of Kutch
A vast expanse of around 5000 sq km of arid and muddy salt-flats, inland from the Gulf of Kutch lies the Little Rann of Kutch – part of a geographical landscape which over 66 million years ago was a part of the Arabian Sea.
It gets its name as it is a southern extension of the larger salt marsh which is the Greater Rann of Kutch, however the protected areas of the Little Rann of Kutch are ecological hotspots and extremely fuitful for bird watching in India.
The Little Rann of Kutch until many centuries ago had large tracts of estuarine saline water, however over time through excessive silting by its seasonal rivers caused as a result of tectonic movements, it now lies as a semi-barren and unique ecological landscape which floods briefly during the monsoons and transforms itself into a marshland in which the resident and migratory bird species revel. There are around 300 bird species recorded here, 42 species of mammals including the endemic Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) which can be found in the area of Dasada.
Explore the richness of Little Rann of Kutch
Safaris at Little Rann of Kutch
Desert Safaris
Desert Safaris is the best way to explore this enormous salty desert. It usually lasts three hours and the sections of the sanctuary visited depends on the interests of patrons. Birdwatchers opt for the marshlands but those who want to see mammals opt for the dry desert. To meet locals, the safaris head to the salt pans. The marshlands and Nava Talao (lake) are crowded with water birds. Flamingos and demoiselle cranes can usually be spotted in hundreds at some water bodies.
The Indian wild ass and white-footed fox can be sighted on vast areas of golden ground. Look out for the rare hoopoe lark, which has brown plumage that allows it to camouflage itself perfectly in the ground. Since there are no trees or shrubs to act as a buffer between the vehicles and the wildlife, it is not possible to get too close to the animals. Though visitors are allowed to drive their own vehicles into the sanctuary, this is not recommended. There are no roads or landmarks in this vast and desolate area so it is easy to get lost.
Accommodations at Little Rann of Kutch
Rann Riders
Related Birding Destinations in India
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