Key Locations:
- Nakhtarana (Kutch)
- Maddhva Beach (Kutch)
- Nalsarovar (Ahmedabad)
Typical Duration:
- 6 days
Best Time to Visit:
- November to March
Greater Rann of Kutch and Beyond
A visit to the Greater Rann of Kutch enhances the experience with its vast salt flats and desert ecosystem. The area is renowned for sightings of Gray Hypocolius, Spotted Sandgrouse, and coastal bird species such as Ruddy Turnstones, Crab Plovers, and Flamingoes, particularly around Maddhva Beach.
Add-On: Nalsarovar Excursion
Nalsarovar, a wetland near Ahmedabad, is another must-visit site during winter, offering sightings of Marbled Teal, Red-Breasted Goose, Namaqua Dove, and Sykes’ Nightjar, among others.
Typical Duration:
- 4–5 Days – Sufficient for exploring wildlife, birdwatching, and experiencing the vast salt flats.
Best Time to Visit:
- November to March – Ideal for birdwatching and wildlife safaris as migratory species arrive and the climate is pleasant.
Little Rann of Kutch
The Little Rann of Kutch (LRK), located close to Ahmedabad, serves as an extension of the iconic Rann of Kutch. This unique landscape of salty marshlands and desert-like terrain is a haven for bird enthusiasts, especially during the winter months when it becomes home to a plethora of migratory bird species.
The area is dotted with water bodies, formed as offshoots of canals, which attract large congregations of pelicans, storks, geese, and flamingoes. Among the highlights are sightings of Common Cranes, Spotted Eagles, and the majestic Imperial Eagle. For owl enthusiasts, LRK offers excellent opportunities to spot the Short-Eared Owl and the elusive MacQueen’s Bustard.
LRK is also one of the best places globally to observe the world’s fastest raptor, the Peregrine Falcon, in its natural habitat and up close.
Birds of Interest:
- Raptors: Peregrine Falcon, Imperial Eagle, Spotted Eagle
- Owls: Short-Eared Owl
- Waterbirds: Pelicans, Storks, Geese, Flamingoes