Location
The Rann of Kutch is 93 km from Ahmedabad in the state of Gujrat. It lies
at the end of the Luni River, which drains the Aravalli Hills .
Climate
Average summer temperatures hover around 44°C but can reach a high of
50°C. The minimum winter temperature drops to below freezing point.
About the Little Rann of Kutch
The Rann of Kutch is described as "a desolate area of unrelieved,
sun-baked saline clay desert, shimmering with the images of a perpetual
mirage". The Rann of Kutch was established in 1972 as a wild life
sanctuary. The seasonal salt marsh provides refuge to the last population of
the endangered Asiatic wild ass (Equus hermionus) and supports one of the
world's largest breeding colonies of the greater and lesser Flamingos
(Phoenicopterus ruber ).
The Little Rann of Kutch is the habitat of the endangered Asiatic wild ass
and the Howara Bastard. This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in
India spanning to an area of 4950 sq ft in length.
Flora
A geographically unique landform, the demography of the Little Rann of
Kutch comprises of saline desert plains, grassland, scrubs, lakes and
marshes. The wilderness offering are exciting with cross-desert safaris and
superb wildlife viewing opportunities amidst colourful villages along the
edge of the desert.
In the Little Rann of Kutch, the vegetation is classified into Salvadora
scrub and tropical Euphorbia scrub. The vegetation consists of grasses and
dry thorny scrub such as Apluda aristata, and Pennisetum. Seedpods from the
Prosopis provide year-round food for the wild asses.
Wildlife
Fauna
The sanctuary is well known for its herd of handsome chest nut brown
Asiatic wild ass, which is the last surviving group of the Indian wild horse
family. The sanctuary also supports a thriving population of gazelle, blue
bull, wolf, Indian foxes, Jungle cats and chinkaras etc.
Birds
The Little Rann of Kutch is a bird watcher's paradise in winter. Houbara
bastard, sandgrouse, desert chat, desert wheat ear, nine species of larks,
quails, gray francolin etc are seen in the saline desert wilderness. Eagles,
vultures, harriers and falcons can be seen hunting in the Rann. The marshes
in the Rann, and nearby lakes like Nawa Talao and Vanod Saran, attract huge
flocks of water birds. Flamingoes, pelicans, cranes, storks, ducks etc can
be seen in large numbers.
Accommodations
The Goverment guest houses are available in Dhrangadra. Besides the Rann
rider's camp in Dasada and Desert courser's camp at Zainabad.
Rann Riders is a cottage camp at Dasada near the Little Rann of Kutch
wildlife sanctuary, offering eight cottages resembling traditional village
huts, with comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms featuring hot showers and
western toilets, bonfire and multi cuisine meals.
How to Reach
By Air - Nearest airport is in Bhuj and Kandla.
Ahmedabad International airport is 93kms from the sanctuary. Drive to Dasada
from the airport and then to the sanctuary.
By Rail - The Little Rann of Kutch is 65kms from
Wankener. Other nearest railway station are Gandhidham and Bhuj.
By Road - It can be reached via Dasada village, 93kms
from Ahmedabad city. Buses are easily available.
