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Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary is a desolate area in western Gujarat, a refuge for the endangered Asiatic wild ass and one of the few places where the ass survives in the wild.

A member of the horse family, the wild ass is tall, more than a metre tall at the shoulder, chestnut brown and white in colour, agile and exceptionally fast. The park is also home to chinkara, blackbuck, nilgai, wild boar, Indian wolf, jackals, hyena, fox, jungle cat and numerous smaller mammals.

Birds found here include steppe, imperial, and short-toed eagles, Houbara bustard, flamingos, pelicans, storks and cranes. You can expect to see large flocks of larks and other dry-land birds such as sand grouse, coursers, plovers, chats, warblers, babblers and shrikes. The best birding is in the winter months from October to March, when quantities of waterfowl gather. This is the time when demoiselle and common cranes, and lesser flamingoes are seen in incredibly large numbers. The wetlands also attract large numbers of waterfowl. During the monsoon when the park is closed, the salt pans flood, and at other times of the year a thin, hard surface layer hides treacherous quicksand.

Covering a staggering 4,950 square kilometres, Little Rann of Kutch it is one of India’s largest reserves, with a diverse landscape – an impressive mixture of arid, and treacherous, salt flats, desert grassland, scrubland, lakes and marshes. 

Surrounding areas worth a visit include: Lake Nawa Talao, the village lake of Dasada, the wetlands near Patdi Fort, Viramgam Lake and Surendranagar reservoirs – all of which offer great winter birding opportunities with regular sightings of rose-coloured starling, green pigeon and lesser florican. Slightly further afield is Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and famed Sun Temple of Modhera. 

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary lies 44 kilometres from Dasada and Little Rann of Kutch National Park. This 105 square kilometre sanctuary comprises a large lake and its surroundings, and is renowned as one of the finest birding sites in West India. As well as the extensive variety of birds seen in large flocks at the lake, and their predators such as marsh harrier and fishing eagle, you can also see numerous passerines in the neighbouring bushes, grasslands and fields. Sarus cranes are also frequently sighted.

The 11th century Sun Temple at Modhera is one of the finest shrines in West India. It was constructed by the Solanki Rajput kings, using the donations of devotees who practiced the ancient tradition of sun worship. The magnificent temple features amazingly detailed carved arches and pillars that rival the temples of Konark and Khajuraho. Although the temple is not as large as some others, it is nevertheless extremely beautiful, and well worth a visit.

Little Rann of Kutch is located around 100 kilometres north of Ahmedabad on an ancient trading route.

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Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Asiatic wild ass, blackbuck, Indian gazelle, jungle cat, nilgai
  • Where: Gujarat State, India

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

North-west India’s Rare Mammals

Many of India’s most-sought mammals inhabit the country’s north-west. The region is home to rusty-spotted cat, desert wildcat, leopard, desert and Indian foxes, striped hyena and Indian wolf, plus herbivores including blackbuck and Asiatic wild ass. This exceptional tour goes in search of them all. Find out more about North-west India’s Rare Mammals

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,995
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • N
    • D

Small Cats of North-west India

India is the world’s finest country for cats. Many of its most-sought small cats inhabit the dry grassland and semi-desert of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This innovative trip goes in search of caracal, desert wildcat, jungle cat, rusty-spotted cat, leopard and a host of other mammals. Find out more about Small Cats of North-west India

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £4,895
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • M
    • O
    • N
    • D

Wilds of Gujarat

A fascinating introduction to some of north-west India’s lesser known wildlife in Mahatma Gandhi’s home state, Gujarat. Enjoy safaris to see Asiatic lion, endemic blackbuck and nilgai, together with a visit to the remote grasslands, lakes and marshes of Little Rann of Kutch, home to the endangered Asiatic wild ass. Find out more about Wilds of Gujarat

  • Price (inc. flights): 11 days from £3,245
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • O
    • N
    • D
Suggested accommodation is shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Rann Riders

The family-run Rann Riders is situated close to one of India’s largest reserves, the Little Rann of Kutch, which is a sanctuary for the endangered Asiatic wild ass. Consisting of 22 cottages set amidst wetlands and agricultural fields, the eco-lodge and its surrounds are a birdwatcher’s paradise. Find Out More about Rann Riders