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- Timing & Entry Fees
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Little Rann Of Kutch
About Little Rann Of Kutch
The Little Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh which is part of the Rann of Kutch in Kutch district, Gujarat. The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian wild ass.
Covering an area of 4954 Km2, Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat State, India, is one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in this Rann which harbours the last population of Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur). It is a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains.
Some places in the world are known for lush greenery, others for steep cliffs and snowy glaciers and others still for refreshing water lapping against hot beaches. But of all the landscapes in the world, harsh deserts are perhaps the one that fewest people have experienced. Believing it to be not as pleasant as other landscapes, many people miss out on the tremendous beauty found in deserts. Precisely because there are very few people, visiting deserts like the Little Rann of Kutch which gives a traveler the chance to ponder a world before there were so many of us around.
Only after hours blanketed by the deep silences that fall on the salt flats in the middle of the day, when the only sound is the wind scraping along the sand, can you appreciate the sounds that emerge in the evening, the birds singing, insects chirping and the scuffle of small animals rustling in the brush. Only after looking out at the unending flats do you appreciate the greenery and rich wildlife that congregates on the beyts or islands that rise up out of the Rann. And only after getting to know the desert do you begin to understand a secret, that the beauty of life lies hidden in even the most seemingly desolate of places Read More
Covering an area of 4954 Km2, Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat State, India, is one of the most remarkable and unique landscapes of its kind in the entire world. Wild Ass Sanctuary is located in this Rann which harbours the last population of Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur). It is a vast desiccated, unbroken bare surface of dark silt, encrusted with salts which transforms into a spectacular coastal wetland after the rains.
Some places in the world are known for lush greenery, others for steep cliffs and snowy glaciers and others still for refreshing water lapping against hot beaches. But of all the landscapes in the world, harsh deserts are perhaps the one that fewest people have experienced. Believing it to be not as pleasant as other landscapes, many people miss out on the tremendous beauty found in deserts. Precisely because there are very few people, visiting deserts like the Little Rann of Kutch which gives a traveler the chance to ponder a world before there were so many of us around.
Only after hours blanketed by the deep silences that fall on the salt flats in the middle of the day, when the only sound is the wind scraping along the sand, can you appreciate the sounds that emerge in the evening, the birds singing, insects chirping and the scuffle of small animals rustling in the brush. Only after looking out at the unending flats do you appreciate the greenery and rich wildlife that congregates on the beyts or islands that rise up out of the Rann. And only after getting to know the desert do you begin to understand a secret, that the beauty of life lies hidden in even the most seemingly desolate of places Read More
History
The Little Rann of Kutch is home to the Indian wild ass. To conserve this species, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary (IWAS) was created in 1973 and covers nearly five thousand square km.
In 2008, to project Kutch as an international nature destination, the Government of Gujarat designated the area as the Kutch Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) program. Biosphere reserves aim to promote sustainable development in the surrounding area, which is reserved for conservation and research.
In 2008, to project Kutch as an international nature destination, the Government of Gujarat designated the area as the Kutch Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) program. Biosphere reserves aim to promote sustainable development in the surrounding area, which is reserved for conservation and research.
Forest And Vegetation
The reserve's vegetation is mainly xerophytic as groundwater is scarce. The 74 elevated plateaus (also called islands or bets) have around 253 flowering species.
The vast cover of saline mudflats in the Sanctuary has no vegetation, except on the fringes and bets. Vegetation is largely xerophytic with the ground cover predominated by ephemerals. Their active growth is triggered by the advent of monsoon rains. Although the islands and fringes both have been colonized by Prosopis juliflora, the islands have a richer floral diversity than that of the fringes.
253 flowering plant species have been listed, out of which the number of species of trees was 18, shrubs-23, climbers-twiners-18, herbs-157 and grasses-37.
Bets and fringe area of extensive marine saline flats of the Little Rann of Kutch mainly support a variety of indigenous plants like Suaeda spp., Salvadora persica, Capparis decidua, Capparis deciduas, Calotropis procera, Tamarix sp., Aeluropus lagopoides, Cressa cretica, Sporobolus spp., Prosopis Cineraria, etc. The dominant families representing more than 10 species are Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae and Poaceae. Herbaceous taxa are predominant over shrubs and trees. 107 species of algae are present in the water bodies of the area. Read More
The vast cover of saline mudflats in the Sanctuary has no vegetation, except on the fringes and bets. Vegetation is largely xerophytic with the ground cover predominated by ephemerals. Their active growth is triggered by the advent of monsoon rains. Although the islands and fringes both have been colonized by Prosopis juliflora, the islands have a richer floral diversity than that of the fringes.
253 flowering plant species have been listed, out of which the number of species of trees was 18, shrubs-23, climbers-twiners-18, herbs-157 and grasses-37.
Bets and fringe area of extensive marine saline flats of the Little Rann of Kutch mainly support a variety of indigenous plants like Suaeda spp., Salvadora persica, Capparis decidua, Capparis deciduas, Calotropis procera, Tamarix sp., Aeluropus lagopoides, Cressa cretica, Sporobolus spp., Prosopis Cineraria, etc. The dominant families representing more than 10 species are Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Cyperaceae and Poaceae. Herbaceous taxa are predominant over shrubs and trees. 107 species of algae are present in the water bodies of the area. Read More
Wildlife
The Sanctuary is habitat to about 93 species of invertebrates, including 25 species of zooplanktons, 1 species of annelid, 4 crustaceans, 24 insects, 12 molluscs and 27 spiders. Totally 4 species of amphibians (frogs and toads) and 29 species of reptiles (2 species of turtles, 14 species of lizards, 12 snakes etc) occur. The mixing of tidal water from the Gulf of Kutch with the freshwater discharged from the rivers takes place in the Little Rann of Kutch, making it an important spawning ground for prawns.
Metapenaeus kutchensis is the most dominant and important prawn in the area. The sanctuary provides an important feeding, breeding and roosting habitat for a large number of birds due to its strategic location on bird migration route and its connection with the dynamic Gulf of Kutch. According to an estimate about 70,000-75,000 birds nests in an area spread over 250 acres. Nine mammalian orders with 33 species-subspecies have been reported from the Little Rann of Kutch, including the world’s last population of the khur sub-species of the wild ass.
The sanctuary is also home to many species of migratory birds, such as the sarus crane, ducks, the Dalmatian pelican, and flamingoes, as well as land birds like the sandgrouse, the francolin and the Indian bustard. It is also home to various mammals such as the Indian wolf, desert fox and nilgai. Read More
Metapenaeus kutchensis is the most dominant and important prawn in the area. The sanctuary provides an important feeding, breeding and roosting habitat for a large number of birds due to its strategic location on bird migration route and its connection with the dynamic Gulf of Kutch. According to an estimate about 70,000-75,000 birds nests in an area spread over 250 acres. Nine mammalian orders with 33 species-subspecies have been reported from the Little Rann of Kutch, including the world’s last population of the khur sub-species of the wild ass.
The sanctuary is also home to many species of migratory birds, such as the sarus crane, ducks, the Dalmatian pelican, and flamingoes, as well as land birds like the sandgrouse, the francolin and the Indian bustard. It is also home to various mammals such as the Indian wolf, desert fox and nilgai. Read More
By Flight:
1st Leg
DEL
Delhi
1h 20min
AHM
Ahmedabad
- Around 30 flights are flying daily from Delhi to Ahmedabad. Out of which 19 are direct and 11 are connecting flights on this route.
- You will board your Delhi to Ahmedabad flight from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and deboard it at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.
- IndiGo has the maximum flights with approximately 14 flights while IndiGo has 8, GoAir has 8, Vistara has 3, Spicejet has 1 and AirAsia India has 1 flights between Delhi and Ahmedabad.
- The lowest airfare of Delhi to Ahmedabad flight is Rs 2148 and the average airfare is Rs 2645 depending on the airline, timings and availability.
2nd Leg
AHM
Ahmedabad
5h
RAN
Rann of Kutch
- You have multiple options to reach Rann of Kutch from Ahmedabad Airport - bus, taxi, car
- From the airport, one can hire local cabs to reach Rann of Kutch. Taxis are readily available from the airport.
- There are regular local and private buses plying between Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch. It takes 5hrs to reach Rann of Kutch by bus.
- Alternatively, you can also rent a self-drive car or hire a cab, which you can use for your trip around Rann of Kutch and nearby places.
Total travel time : 6h 20min
By Train:
1st Leg
DEL
Delhi
17h 40min
AMD
Ahmedabad
- There are around 16 trains runs from Delhi to Ahmedabad on a weekly basis.
- The first train from Delhi to Ahmedabad is Varanasi Jn Ahmedabad Jn EXPRESS (19408) departs at 06.40 and train runs on Su.
- The last train from Delhi to Ahmedabad is Haridwar Jn Ahmedabad Jn YOGA EXPRESS (19032) departs at 22.30 and train runs daily.
- The fastest train from Delhi to Ahmedabad is New Delhi Ahmedabad Jn SJ RAJDHANI (12958) departs at 19.55 and train runs daily.
2nd Leg
AMD
Ahmedabad
4h 45min
RAN
Rann of Kutch
- You have multiple options to reach Rann of Kutch from Ahmedabad Railway Station - bus, taxi, car
- From the railway station, one can hire local cabs to reach Rann of Kutch. Taxis are readily available from the railway station.
- There are regular local and private buses plying between Ahmedabad and Rann of Kutch. It takes around 4-5hrs to reach Rann of Kutch by bus.
- Alternatively, you can also rent a self-drive car or hire a cab, which you can use for your trip around Rann of Kutch and nearby places.
Total travel time : 22h 25min
By Road:
Direct
DEL
Delhi
18h 30min
RAN
Rann of Kutch
- The driving distance between Delhi to Rann of Kutch is approximately 1035km via NH48.
- You could follow the following route by road: Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer-Sirohi-Mehsana-Ahmedabad-Rann of Kutch.
- Alternatively, you can travel by bus. However there are no direct buses from Delhi to Rann of Kutch.
- You will need to change buses between Delhi-Jaipur, Jaipur-Ahmedabad, Ahmedabad-Rann of Kutch. Buses ply regularly between these cities.
Total travel time : 18h 30min
Current Weather:
Seasonal Temperature Variation & Best Months to Visit:
Monthly Temperature Graph:
Seasonal Temperature Variation:
- Summers (April-June) are scorching hot, with summer temperatures averaging and peaking at 49.5 °C
- During the monsoon season from June to September, the Saurashtra and Kutch region had observed normal rain
- Winters in Nov-Feb temperatures reduce dramatically and can go below 0 °C.
Best Months To Visit:
- The best time to visit Little Rann of Kutch is during the winter (November to February).
- During winters, the days are pleasant and the temperature drops to single digits (Celsius).
- Monsoons could be considered a good time to visiting Rann of Kutch Gujrat too.
Sanctuary Timing
0700-1900
- Morning Safari: 0730-1200
- Evening Safari: 1600-1830
- Camel Safari: 1700-1900
Entry Fees
- Indian Adult - Rs.600
- Foreign Adult - Rs.1200
- 25% premium on ticket charge for weekend
- Jeep Safari: Vehicle cost+Entry Fee
- Jeep Safari: Rs.2000-Rs.3000 (6 people+guide+driver)
- Camel Safari: Rs.7100 per couple
- Horseback Safari: Rs.2500 per person
Indian wild ass
- The Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), also called the Ghudkhur, Khur or Indian onager in the local Gujarati language, is a subspecies of the onager native to Southern Asia.
- The Indian wild ass, as with most other Asian wild ass subspecies, is quite different from the African wild ass species. The coat is usually sandy, but varies from reddish grey, fawn, to pale chestnut.
- It is currently listed as Near Threatened by IUCN. The Indian wild ass population has been increasing in numbers and extending its range from Little Rann of Kutch.
Sarus Crane
- The sarus crane (Antigone antigone) is a large nonmigratory crane found in parts of the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia and is the tallest of the flying birds, standing at a height up to 1.8 m.
- It is easily distinguished from other cranes in the region by its overall grey colour and the contrasting red head and upper neck. They forage on marshes and shallow wetlands for roots, tubers and insects.
- Like other cranes, they form long-lasting pair bonds and maintain territories. In India, they are considered symbols of marital fidelity, believed to mate for life and pine the loss of their mates, even to the point of starving to death.
Indian Wolf
- The Indian wolf is a subspecies of grey wolf that ranges from Southwest Asia to the Indian Subcontinent.
- It is intermediate in size between the Tibetan and Arabian wolf, and lacks the former's luxuriant winter coat due to it living in warmer conditions.
- The Indian grey wolf is endangered and its population is estimated at 2,000-3,000.
Indian fox
- The Bengal Fox, also known as the Indian Fox, is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is a relatively small fox with an elongated muzzle, long, pointed ears, and a bushy tail about 50 to 60% of the length of the head and body.
- The fox feeds on rodents, reptiles, crabs, termites, insects, small birds, and fruits.
Topansar Lake
- Topansar Lake is a most notable lake in Mandvi. It lies in the heart of the port city of Mandvi, about 60 kms from Bhuj.
- Tourist come here to enjoy the peaceful environment and watch the various migratory birds.
- This beautiful lake is a popular excursion for Mandvi residents, who flock in the early hours of morning to enjoy the cool breeze and to watch migratory birds.
- There are benches around the lake to sit and enjoy the view and the breeze. There are also a lots of road side eataries along the lake.
- The lake is full during monsoon season. In the lake you could find many birds like black winged stilt, painted stork, and duck species.
Kalo Dungar
- Kalo Dungar or Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch and probably the only place in Kachchh from where a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch is possible.
- Kala Dungar literally means Black Hill in Gujarati and is situated at a height of 1516 feet above sea-level.
- The most famous attraction here is the 400-year-old Datatreya temple where the main deity is considered an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
- Another attraction on the way to Kala Dungar is the magnetic field where one can stop their vehicle at a specified spot and witness the vehicle moving against the gravitational force.
- Kala Dungar gives a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch which adds to the beauty of these magnificent hills. It is a must visit destination for anyone visiting Kutch.
Siyot Caves
- The Siyot Caves, also known as the Kateshwar Budhhist Caves, are five rock-cut caves located near Siyot village in Kutch.
- Dated around the first century AD, Siyot Caves have an east facing sanctum and an ambulatory. Siyot must have been on of the 80 monastic sites that the 7th century Chinese travellers reported at the mouth of Indus River.
- The main cave has east facing sanctum, ambulatory and space divisions which suggests a Shiva temple from the first or second century. The cave was used by Buddhists later which can be concluded based on the seals found herein and the traces of Brahmi inscriptions.
- Local people believes that these caves were used by dacoits to hide things looted from people in past.
- The excavation in 1988–89 recovered clay seals engraved with Buddha images in various mudras and seals engraved with late Brahmi and Devnagari inscriptions.
- The site was repaired after 2001 Gujarat earthquake. There is a primitive stepwell located nearby.
Aina Mahal
- The Aina Mahal palace, or “Hall of Mirrors” was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century.
- Lakhpatji's master craftsman Ram Singh Malam designed the palace in the local style and decorated it in the European style with glass, mirrors and tiles.
- The building has been converted into a museum which includes a "europeanerie" collection that includes clocks, wares, mechanical toys, paintings and pictures.
- The chief architect and designer of the palace was Ram Singh Malam, who lived in Europe for 18 years and mastered several European craft and architecture skills.
- The palace was converted into a museum in 1977. It was damaged in the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and part of the building was restored and now houses the Aina Mahal Trust Museum.
Jeep Safari at Little Rann of Kutch
- Jeep Safari is one of the best methods to explore the unexplored places in the park. The Jeep safaris provide you with the unique and exciting experience.
- It is one of the best options to see a wild animal’s tendency in natural habitat and take in the nature at the National Park.
- A jeep safari 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.
- 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.
- Birdwatchers opt for the marshlands but those who want to see mammals opt for the dry desert.
Rann Utsav festival of the Rann
- Rannutsav, a unique manifestation of varied cultural ethos of the region is known for the ethnic flavor and celebrative zest.
- Rann Utsav is one of the most eagerly-awaited tourism events of India, which celebrates the marvels of nature at the White Desert and the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Kutch.
- What began as a three-day festival progressively evolved into a 100-day celebration at Dhordo, a village near Rann of Kutch where a whole new tent city has been created, replete with temporary infrastructure built and rebuilt every year.
- Semi parched Grasslands of the Banni hosts the most magnificent display of vernacular architecture as the exhibition platform for the varied range of arts and crafts of the region.
- Since its inception, the Rann Utsav booking has multiplied exponentially, attracting over 5,00,000 visitors from 20+ countries.
Bird Watching at Flamingo City
- Gujarat Flamingo city is the island and breeding ground for the migratory flamingo birds, located in the flats of the Rann of Kutch.
- Little Rann of Kutch or Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary has the largest and most popular breeding grounds for the Lesser Flamingos in India.
- These birds fly here from central Asia after each monsoon to build their nests, breeding in shifts through the winter and disappear as summer comes.
- Around 10 lakh flamingos were recorded in the year 2011 on this island according to forest officers. These flamingos are found only in the Big Rann of Kutch.
- It has become a center of attractions for many tourists and nature lovers. Tourists from all over the country come here in the annual Rann Utsav and side-by-side enjoy the beautiful view of this Flamingo City.
Heritage tour of Kutch
- A heritage tour of Kutch will allow you to discover the unknown, respledent heritage of this region.
- Discover the world’s largest salt desert, ’The Great Rann of Kutch’, explore the old towns of Bhuj and Chhari Dhand and enjoy the panoramic sunset views of the desert .
- The trip could also include a visit to Sri Swami Narayan Temple, the most sacred site in Gujarat, the exquisite Aina Mahal and water sports at Mandvi Beach.
- Bring home a piece of Kutch as you shop the markets in the Handicraft Village.