Magnificent Gujarat !

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat (India)

The Little Rann of Kutch : Infinite Horizons !

Tucked away in the heart of Gujarat, The Little Rann of Kutch is a unique and mesmerizing landscape, renowned for its distinctive ecology and rich avian life. This vast salt marsh spans over 5,000 square kms and stands as one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered Indian Wild Ass, but it's not just about the charismatic wildlife � the avian diversity is equally captivating.

 The habitat is characterized by its vast salt flats, cracked earth, and seasonal wetlands. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for numerous bird species, providing them with nesting sites, feeding grounds, and safe havens. The salty expanses contrast with shallow wetlands, attracting both migratory and resident bird populations. During the winter months, the marshes become a temporary home for a myriad of migratory birds such as flamingos, pelicans, cranes, waterfowls and ducks. The Rann's open landscapes also host raptors like the Peregrine falcon (the fastest bird on earth touching speeds of close to 400 km/hr in their hunting stoop), Short-eared Owl, White-eyed Buzzard, Long legged buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Harriers.

 Jamnagar, located in the western part of Gujarat, along the coast of the Gulf of Kutch in the Saurashtra region is known for its marine habitats and bird sanctuaries, is a prime birding destination in India. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is a famous birding hotspot in Jamnagar. Known for its unique mix of salt marshes and freshwater wetlands, attract a variety of birds including a huge number of migratory species as well such as flamingoes, pelicans, cranes, gulls, terns and numerous scrubland birds. Marine National Park is another key destination for birders offering coastal and mangrove birding. The salt pans and surrounding wetlands around Jamnagar are also productive birding areas especially in winter.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, a short 60 km drive from Ahmedabad, is one of India’s largest wetland bird sanctuaries. Interspersed with shallow freshwater and marshy ecosystem, the place becomes a heaven for migratory birds during winter. Nal Sarovar is renowned for its large congregation of flamingoes, pelicans, cranes, ducks and other wetland birds such as crakes, shrikes, herons, storks, etc.