Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary
The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, also known as the Little Rann of Kutch (LRK) Wildlife Sanctuary, is the only place on earth where the Indian Wild Ass, locally known as the Khur, can still be found in the wild. Established in 1972, this sanctuary covers an area of nearly 5,000 square kilometers, maki ng it one of the largest wildlife reserves in India. The landscape is a unique combination of saline mudflats (the Rann) and grassy plateaus known as Bets. These Bets serve as the primary habitat for the Wild Ass and other wildlife during the monsoon when the rest of the Rann is flooded. The Khur is a magnificent creature, known for its incredible speed and stamina, capable of running at over 50 km/h for long distances. Apart from the Wild Ass, the sanctuary is home to a variety of other animals, including the Chinkara, Desert Fox, Nilgai, and the Blackbuck. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, especially during the winter months when thousands of migratory birds, including Greater Flamingos, Pelicans, and Cranes, descend upon the seasonal wetlands. The sanctuary's ecology is fragile and unique, being a mix of desert and sea influences. The salt-pan workers, known as Agariyas, also live within the periphery of the sanctuary, producing a significant portion of India's salt. This coexistence of wildlife and traditional industry is a fascinating aspect of the Little Rann. The vast, flat landscape creates stunning mirages during the hot afternoons, adding to the mystical feel of the place. Safari tours are the primary way to explore the sanctuary, usually conducted in open-top jeeps that can navigate the treacherous mudflats. The sanctuary is not just a place for wildlife enthusiasts but also for those interested in geology and photography, as the cracked earth of the dry Rann provides a dramatic backdrop. Conservation efforts here are crucial, as the Wild Ass is listed as a 'Near Threatened' species. Visiting the sanctuary offers a rare chance to see these untamable animals in their natural, harsh, yet beautiful environment.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife, NatureEntry Fees:
Permit Fees: For Indian Tourists, it is 250 INR per person on weekdays and 280 INR on weekends. For Foreigners, it is 1,200 INR and 1,500 INR respectively.
Safari Vehicle: Hiring a private jeep for a safari costs between 2,000 INR to 3,500...Permit Fees: For Indian Tourists, it is 250 INR per person on weekdays and 280 INR on weekends. For Foreigners, it is 1,200 INR and 1,500 INR respectively.
Safari Vehicle: Hiring a private jeep for a safari costs between 2,000 INR to 3,500 INR depending on the duration and route.Timing:
Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The morning safari from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM offers the best wildlife sightings before the sun gets too hot. ...Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Ideal Visit Time: The morning safari from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM offers the best wildlife sightings before the sun gets too hot.Special Events:
World Wildlife Day: Celebrated on March 3rd with special awareness programs and guided tours organized by the Gujarat Forest Department.
Migratory Bird Festival: During the peak of winter in January, local groups organize bird-counting even...World Wildlife Day: Celebrated on March 3rd with special awareness programs and guided tours organized by the Gujarat Forest Department.
Migratory Bird Festival: During the peak of winter in January, local groups organize bird-counting events and educational workshops for students.Best Photo Spots:
The Cracked Earth: The geometric patterns of the dried mud provide an incredible texture for close-up and wide-angle shots.
Running Wild Ass: Capturing a herd of Khur in full gallop across the salt flats is a prize for any wildlife photogra...The Cracked Earth: The geometric patterns of the dried mud provide an incredible texture for close-up and wide-angle shots.
Running Wild Ass: Capturing a herd of Khur in full gallop across the salt flats is a prize for any wildlife photographer.
Flamingo Colonies: Use a long telephoto lens at the water's edge to capture the "pink wave" of flamingos during the sunrise.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Jeep Safari: The most popular activity is taking a 4x4 safari into the Rann to spot herds of Wild Ass grazing on the Bets.
Sunset at the Rann: Watch the sun set over the perfectly flat horizon, where the sky and earth seem to merge into a single orange glow.
Photography: The cracked earth of the Rann provides a world-class backdrop for landscape and minimalist photography.
Visit the Agariya Communities: Learn about the traditional salt-harvesting process that has been practiced for centuries in the Little Rann.
Birding at Bajana Creek: Head to the southern edges of the sanctuary to see massive flocks of migratory waterfowl and raptors.
Stay in an Eco-Resort: Experience the local hospitality by s...Jeep Safari: The most popular activity is taking a 4x4 safari into the Rann to spot herds of Wild Ass grazing on the Bets.
Sunset at the Rann: Watch the sun set over the perfectly flat horizon, where the sky and earth seem to merge into a single orange glow.
Photography: The cracked earth of the Rann provides a world-class backdrop for landscape and minimalist photography.
Visit the Agariya Communities: Learn about the traditional salt-harvesting process that has been practiced for centuries in the Little Rann.
Birding at Bajana Creek: Head to the southern edges of the sanctuary to see massive flocks of migratory waterfowl and raptors.
Stay in an Eco-Resort: Experience the local hospitality by staying in resorts built using traditional mud and thatch techniques in Dasada or Bajana.
Night Drive: Some private operators offer night drives on the outskirts to spot nocturnal animals like the Desert Cat and Hyena.
Information
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Why Famous:
The Endangered Khur: It is globally famous as the final sanctuary for the Equus hemionus khur. The population has grown from a few hundred to over 4,000 thanks to strict protection.
Bird Watching Destination: The area is famous for being o...The Endangered Khur: It is globally famous as the final sanctuary for the Equus hemionus khur. The population has grown from a few hundred to over 4,000 thanks to strict protection.
Bird Watching Destination: The area is famous for being one of the few places in India where Flamingos breed in the wild, specifically at the "Flamingo City" located deeper within the Rann. -
Architecture:
Natural Landscape Features: While not a man-made structure, the "architecture" of the sanctuary is defined by the Bets. These are raised islands of land that stay above water level during monsoons.
Dimensions: The largest island, Pung Bet,...Natural Landscape Features: While not a man-made structure, the "architecture" of the sanctuary is defined by the Bets. These are raised islands of land that stay above water level during monsoons.
Dimensions: The largest island, Pung Bet, covers about 30 square kilometers. There are over 70 such islands across the sanctuary.
Watchtowers: The Forest Department has constructed simple stone and RCC watchtowers at strategic points. These towers are approximately 30 feet high with a viewing platform of 100 square feet, allowing rangers and tourists to monitor wildlife movement across the vast, flat plains. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Ahmedabad Airport is the nearest major airport, about 110 KMS from the entry points of Bajana or Dasada.
By Train: Viramgam Railway Station or Dhrangadhra Station are the closest railheads, well-connected to major cities.By Air: Ahmedabad Airport is the nearest major airport, about 110 KMS from the entry points of Bajana or Dasada.
By Train: Viramgam Railway Station or Dhrangadhra Station are the closest railheads, well-connected to major cities.
By Road: The sanctuary is easily accessible via the Ahmedabad-Rajkot Highway. State buses and private cabs are readily available.
By Local Transport: Within the sanctuary, only authorized 4x4 safari vehicles are allowed to enter the core wildlife zones. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Months: November to February is ideal as the weather is cool and the migratory birds are present in large numbers.
Post-Monsoon: October is great for seeing the lush green Bets and the initial arrival of wildlife.
Read MoreWinter Months: November to February is ideal as the weather is cool and the migratory birds are present in large numbers.
Post-Monsoon: October is great for seeing the lush green Bets and the initial arrival of wildlife.
Summer: Generally avoided due to temperatures reaching 45°C.Near Tourist Places:
1. Modhera Sun Temple (65 KMS), 2. Rani ki Vav (90 KMS), 3. Viramgam Lake (45 KMS), 4. Bajana Creek (10 KMS), 5. Dhrangadhra Palace (35 KMS), 6. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (80 KMS), 7. Ahmedabad (110 KMS), 8. Patan (90 KMS), 9. Becharaji Temple (50 KMS), 10. Wadhwan (40 KMS).Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense glare of the white Rann. Stay inside your vehicle during safaris.
Packing: Carry high-quality binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera. Wear neutral-color...Health and Safety: Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense glare of the white Rann. Stay inside your vehicle during safaris.
Packing: Carry high-quality binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera. Wear neutral-colored clothing like khaki or olive green to blend in.
Accommodation: Stay in Dasada, Zainabad, or Bajana where several eco-lodges offer safari packages and local meals.
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