To a novice, just the mention of Rann of Kutch means rugged and cracked land with salt plains and colorful tribes around. The Little Rann of Kutch extends northeast from the Gulf of Kutch over 5,100 sq km in size, which is more than 12 times the size of Ranthambore National Park (400 sq km).
Once an extension of the Arabian Sea, the Rann ("salt marsh") has been closed off by centuries of silting. During Alexander's time it was a navigable lake, but is now an extensive mudflat, inundated during the monsoons, salty and cracked otherwise. Settlement is limited to low, isolated hills. Many Bollywood films have been shot in these harsh terrains where the only obstruction between our eyes and beautiful horizon are specks of Asiatic Wild Ass.
Here are 3 reasons to promote Little Rann of Kutch-
- Wildlife:- Often found in herds of 15 to 20, Wild Ass are found in little Rann of Kutch and in no other park anywhere.
- Birds: About 380 species of birds have been recorded in and around the little Rann Sanctuary. Bird waterchers have been more than 140 species of birds in a single day here. The are is known for Pelicans, Gazelle, Blue Bull, Wolf, Indian Foxes, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Hare, Chinkaras, Houbara bastard, Sandgrouse, Desert Chat, Desert Wheat Ear, Larks, Quails, Gray francolin, Nawa Talao, Vanod Saran, Flamingoes, Cranes, Storks, and Ducks. The wetlands here are paradise for wetland birds.
- Textile : Kutch is also home to numerous tribal groups, whose attire often adds a dash of color to the otherwise dull desert monotones. Every textile tour that covers Bhuj and its villages, also features nomads of KUTCH. The journey into the surrounding villages here offers an insight into a variety of cultures & handicrafts. Kharapat and Vaidyara Rabaris are known for their exquisite embroidery with stitches interspersed with small mirrors.
There are many small villages & talukas around the little Kutch. Three villages - Dasada, Zainabad and Dhrangadhra have basic accommodation in Rann Riders, Desert Coursers and Eco Tour Camp (also known as Devjibhai’s Kooba) respectively.
The bestseller Wildlife itinerary in Gujarat covers three of India’s rarest mammals- Asiatic Lions, Indian Blackbuck and the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass. These are found in Gir, Velavadar Reserve and Kutch respectively.
- Arrive Ahmedabad from Del/ Bom/ Udr/ Dungarpur (it can be a post Rajasthan tour)
- 2 nights in Dasada, Kutch @ Rann Riders
- 1 night in Jamnagar or Rajkot for transit
- 3 nights in Gir @ Taj or Lion Safari Camp.
- 2 nights in Velavadar @ blackbuck sanctuary
- Back to Ahmedabad or Bhavnagar.
Two nights in Great Rann of Kutch can also be added for more serious animal lovers. One can stay after Dasada and before Jamnagar for 2 nights in Great Rann @ Cedo.
The other popular itinerary is “India’s Big Five”. These are lions, tigers, elephants, Rhino and leopard. Covering all 5 takes a long time but its worthwhile nevertheless. Here is how one can traverse the itinerary from west to east and see best parks-
- Arrive Mumbai & Diu
- 3 nights at Sasangir for Asiatic Lion (Bonus- Leopard, Hyena, jackal, Jungle Cat).
- Back to Mumbai & Nagpur
- 3 nights at Kanha for Tiger
- 2 nights at Kanah for Tigers & Leopards
- Back to Nagpur and flight to Guwahati via Kolkatta
- 3 nights in Kaziranga for one-horned Rhino and Elephant.
- To Kolkatta for a night and out.
Let us together make an effort to promote this treasure trove of little Rann. Some of the prominent tribes that have made this region their home are the Rabaris, The Bharwads, The Kolis and the Bajanias. The region also plays host each year to many nomadic tribes like the Jat with their large herds of camels. On the periphery of the sanctuary lives a community of 15 families of nomadic Mirs. Their dress is Rajasthani, their homes are temporary and they make artistic bangles.
Distance chart-
| Ahmedabad |
100 km |
| Bhuj |
260 km |
| Modhera Temple |
50 km (midway between Ahmedabad and Kutch) |
| Mount Abu |
190 km |
| Patan |
70 km (famous for step wells) |
