Are you passionate about wildlife? Then the Little Rann of Kutch Safari is something that you simply cannot afford to miss, when in Gujarat, India. We experienced the thrill of the Little Rann of Kutch Safari and found the experience unique, and unlike any other of our wildlife experiences.

There are two factors that make the Little Rann of Kutch experience different from anything that you may have experienced. One is the terrain; you travel in a jeep across the salt marshes of the Little Rann that lies barren, bereft of any vegetation for miles together. The second factor is that you are not after wild animals like tigers or lions or gorillas, but hope to sight wild asses!

Little Rann of Kutch Safari – In Search of Wild Asses

If you are wondering, what is the big deal about wild asses, then think again. The Little Rann of Kutch is the last refuge of the Indian Wildass, also referred to as Khur or Ghudkhur. Just like the Asiatic Lion, the Indian Wildass too has found sanctuary in the state of Gujarat and this is the only place in the world where you get to see this species.

The Indian Wildass was listed as near threatened by the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the sixties, the population had dwindled to below the 1,00o mark. The good news is that the Indian Wild Ass has been rescued from the brink of extinction through the sustained efforts of all stakeholders. The latest census put the population of the Indian Wild Ass to around 6.000.

The Wild Ass is part of the Horse family and possesses a rare beauty and grace. It is tall, about a metre high at the shoulders and possesses a shiny coat of white and chestnut. The Wild Ass is also very agile and fast, as we saw on our Little Rann of Kutch Safar.

This underlines the importance of the Little Rann of Kutch and its star inhabitant, the Indian Wild Ass. So if you want to see the Indian Wild Ass galloping in its natural habitat, you must embark on a Little Rann of Kutch Safari.

About Little Rann of Kutch Gujarat | Little Rann of Kutch Sanctuary

The Rann of Kutch, Great Rann of Kutch, Little Rann of Kutch, if you are confused about these terms and what they actually refer to, fret not, we will demystify and clarify these terms here.

Rann of Kutch is a vast expanse of salt marshes with an area of about 26,000 square kilometres, that lie between the borders of two countries, India and Pakistan. The Rann of Kutch is located majorly in the state of Gujarat in the district of Kutch. Some parts of the salt marshes extend into the neighbouring country of Pakistan. The Rann of Kutch comprises the Little Rann of Kutch and the Great Rann of Kutch.

Great Rann of Kutch is the largest mass of the Rann of Kutch and spans from east to west. It is bounded by the Thar Desert towards the north and the hills of Kutch towards the south. The delta formed by the Indus river lies towards the west in what is Southern Pakistan.

Little Rann of Kutch is a part of the Rann of Kutch and covers a massive area of about 4,950 square kilometres. It has a unique landscape that comprises salt flats, marshes, lakes, and desert grasslands. The Wild Ass Sanctuary which is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India lies within the Little Rann of Kutch and is probably one of its kind in the world.

Experiencing The Desert Safari At Little Rann Of Kutch

It was still dark as we braced against the chill December wind and huddled into our jeeps at the Rann Riders where we had checked in the previous night. The jeeps were taking us on what promised to be a thrilling desert safari in pursuit of the Indian Wild Ass and more.

We drove on in pitch darkness and passed a village that lay on the fringes of the salt desert. The first light was just beginning to drive away from the darkness when we left civilization far behind and drove towards the open desert. The landscape that greeted us was, to say the least, surreal.

The ground below the wheels of the jeep was cracked and dry. It stretched in all directions, as far as the eye could see. The cracks in the ground had created a quaint lattice design that had a geometric perfection engineered by nature.

The brown, cracked earth seemed to stretch towards the horizon on all sides, completely bare, but for a few thorny shrubs here and there. There was however a strange beauty to the wilderness that surrounded us on all sides. As we drove on and on, we wondered at the survival skills and resilience of the animals and birds that survived in such harsh terrain.

Spotting Migratory Birds In Kutch | Birding At Little Rann Of Kutch Sanctuary

As we drove on, we could see mirages that deceived the eye, but eventually, there was a dramatic change in the landscape. We stopped on the edge of a lake. The approach to the lake is surrounded by wet and sticky earth. As we got nearer to the water, our feet sank into the marshy soil. Hundreds of birds roosted on the waters of the lake, known as Nava Talav.

It is really amazing to note that the desolate and arid salt marshes of the Rann of Kutch are a biodiversity hotspot and home to many species of local and migratory waterbirds. The birds that can be spotted in the seasonal lakes of the Little Rann of Kutch include Flamingoes, Cranes, Pelicans, Ducks, etc.

The clear waters of the lake reflected the colourful and delicate bodies of a fleet of flamingoes, which took flight gracefully, sensing our approach. The flight of the flamingoes coincided with the rising of the sun, and it was a beautiful sight. Some other birds stood in a group on the surface of the water, but we could not go nearer as our feet were sinking into the marshy soil.

We retreated, dragging our muddy boots to firmer land, satisfied with whatever photos that we could take with the equipment that we had. However, the beauty of the birds and their reflections in the water contrasting with the starkly bare land was captured for eternity in our hearts and minds. After spending some time in what was literally the middle of nowhere, we made our way to our next stop at the Little Rann of Kutch Safari.

Little Rann Of Kutch Salt Pans | Salt Farming

The vast area of the Little Rann of Kuch is dotted with patches that transform into white salt pans during the season. Salt farming or Salt panning is the main source of income for the local inhabitants for a major part of the year.

We stopped at one such location which was a salt farm, it was a water body from which salt would be harvested. The reflection of the early morning sun gleamed in the waters which in course of time metamorphosed into salt that would ultimately reach our homes.

The local family who lived nearby were kind enough to offer us black tea, which we gladly accepted. Sipping the tea and relishing its flavour in the midst of the wilderness of the Little Rann of Kutch was an altogether different experience.

Sighting The Indian Wild Ass (Khur)

Fortified with cups of steaming hot, black tea, we resumed our Little Rann of Kutch jeep safari. We sped away into the arms of the wide expanse of the barren desert that seemed to stretch to infinity, all around us. We were now excited to see the Wild Asses, the reason for which we were there. We drove on and on, the sun slowly but steadily rose up in the sky, and suddenly our jeep came to a standstill.

There they were, a herd of wild asses, about 8-10 0f them, walking sedately, their shining white coats speckled with chestnut-coloured skin perfectly camouflaging them against the brown of the earth. The herd had split into two groups.

The lead group was a few metres away from the stragglers that included what looked like a foal. They instinctively realized our presence, even though our jeeps were parked at a distance. The stragglers immediately broke into a gallop to join the lead group, and away they galloped, their sinuous grace, that was sheer poetry in motion.

We stood still, our gaze transfixed towards the direction where these beautiful creatures disappeared behind a cloud of dust. As always these wild and free creatures, and their inherent beauty, made us think of the Maker, who has created this beautiful world and the lovely creatures that inhabit it.

It was time to head back with the sun steadily rising towards its pinnacle. But what a day it had been, a day well spent in the expansive arms of nature at the Little Rann of Kuchh. It was a safari that would remain entrenched in our minds for a long, long time.

Watch Video of Little Rann of Kutch Safari

Watch the video of our experience of the Little Rann of Kutch here.

How To Get To Little Rann Of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Little Rann of Kutch is located near the village of Dasada in Western Gujarat, India
• Distance from Ahmedabad to Little Rann Of Kutch is about 167 kilometres
• Distance from Bhuj to Little Rann Of Kutch is about 330 kilometres

Little Rann Of Kutch Map

Getting To Little Rann of Kutch By Air

The nearest airport to the Little Rann of Kachh is the Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport in Ahmedabad, located at a distance of about 174 kilometres. You can fly to Ahmedabad from almost any city in India and then travel by road to the Little Rann of Kutch.

Getting To Little Rann of Kutch By Rail

The nearest railway station is Dhrangadhra in Surendranagar District. The Railway station is about 70 kilometres from Dasada and about 124 kilometres from the Little Rann of Kutch. Trains to and from Mumbai, Howrah, Bangalore, Bhuj, Pune, and other cities are available from Dhrangadhra railway station.

Getting To Little Rann of Kutch By Road

Little Rann of Kutch is well connected by road to major places in Gujarat. You can drive down easily from Ahmedabad to the Little Rann of Kutch or use the services of Public transport.

f you are planning to travel to Little Rann of Kutch, you can book your flight tickets right here through TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and fly to Ahmedabad. If you are thinking of a  road trip from Ahmedabad, do check out the rental car and bus options.

You can book hotels for any destination right here through any of the below options: TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Little Rann Of Kutch Resorts | Little Rann Of Kutch Hotels

There are few hotels near Little Rann Of Kutch. Our Little Rann Of Kutch Stay was very comfortable. We stayed at the Rann Riders, which is a beautiful resort, right on the edge of the Wild Ass Sanctuary. The resort is seamlessly integrated with its surroundings and makes for a pleasant stay.

They also organize the Little Rann of Kutch Safari and can take care of your Little Rann Of Kutch Safari Booking. They offer excellent service. You can book your stay at the Rann Riders or any other hotel of your choice right here.

You can book Hotels in Little Rann Of Kutch or any destination right here through any of the options below: TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Tips For Visiting Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary – Little Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat

If you are thinking of what to know before you go to the Rann Of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary, here are some important tips and information that will stand you in good stead.

• Start your safari early morning as this increases your chances of sighting and you also get to enjoy the sunrise and spot birds
• As it nears afternoon, it gets quite hot with the sun blazing, hence an early morning safari is recommended
• Pay attention to your footwear, especially if you are going to walk in the marshy land
• Protect yourself from the cold and the sun, make sure to pack some woollens, caps, shades, and sun-protection cream

FAQ About LRK Wildlife Sanctuary

Here is a list of questions and answers that will help you plan your trip to LRK and Rann safari better. These questions cover a gamut of topics ranging from LRK wildlife, migratory birds in Kutch, Little Rann Of Kutch salt, and much more.

Is Rann of Kutch a wildlife sanctuary?
No Rann of Kutch is not a wildlife sanctuary, the Little Rann of Kutch is home to one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India.

What is the Speciality of Little Rann of Kutch?
The Little Rann Of Kutch is home to the Indian Wild Ass.

Which animal is found only in Little Rann of Kutch of India?
The Indian Wild Ass is also known as Khur or Ghudkhur.

Which bird migrate to Little Rann of Kutch?
Flamingoes migrate to the Little Rann of Kuch for breeding.

What are the things to do in the Little Rann of Kutch?
Little Rann Of Kutch Wildlife Location In India, Asia, is known for its Wild Ass Sanctuary, where the Asiatic Wild Ass can be found. The other thing to see are the salt flats of Little Rann Of Kutch where the Salt Farmers work for their livelihood, making salt. Flamingoes and other migratory birds are another attraction of Little Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat Tourism.

How To Visit Little Rann Of Kutch?
Ahmedabad To Rann Of Kutch distance is about 167 kilometres, and you can easily access Little Rann of Kutch by road from here.

What are the Little Rann Of Kutch Safari entry fees?
If you are staying at a resort nearby, you need to contact the hotel for arranging your safari.

If you love nature and wildlife, then there is no greater joy than watching animals in the wild. Sighting the Indian wild ass in the desolate and arid salt desert of the Little Rann of Kutch is definitely one of our most cherished wildlife experiences. We hope you liked reading our Little Rann of Kutch blog post, and are rearing to head off to the Wild Ass sanctuary to experience for yourself the wild beauty of the Rann.

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Our visit to Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat was part of a familiarization trip organized by India Tourism Mumbai – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Gujarat Tourism under the #DekhoApnaDesh initiative. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own.
#LittleRannofKutch #WildAss #WildAssSanctuary #Gujarat #GujaratTourism

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