Jeep safaris across the salt desert of the Little Rann to see the Indian wild ass, the only place in the world where the species lives, along with blue bull, desert fox and many birds. It is the most accessible wildlife adventure from Ahmedabad.
The Little Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh and desert of Surendranagar and neighbouring districts, and the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary protects the last population of the Indian wild ass. There are two main entrances, Bajana and Dhrangadhra, about 50 km apart, and the trip takes roughly 2.5 hours from Ahmedabad to Bajana or Dasada and about 3 hours to Dhrangadhra. Safaris run in the morning and evening in open jeeps, and permits are bought at the Bajana or Dhrangadhra gate. Reported charges are about INR 350 (about $3.65) for Indians and INR 1,200 (about $12.50) for foreign visitors on weekdays, with a 25 percent weekend surcharge, plus a mandatory sanctuary guide at about INR 100 (about $1.04), and jeeps typically hire at INR 2,000 to 3,000 (about $20.83 to $31.25) per safari. Additional guides and naturalists can cost INR 300 to 400 (about $3.13 to $4.17). Villages such as Zainabad and Dasada offer lodges. The sanctuary is closed in the monsoon when the Rann floods, and the season runs from about October to March.
| Price | Permit INR 350 for Indians, INR 1,200 for foreigners (approx $3.65 and $12.50 USD); jeep INR 2,000-3,000 (approx $20.83-$31.25 USD) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours per safari; a full day trip or overnight stay |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | October to March |
| Address | Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Bajana Range, Surendranagar District, Gujarat 382775, India |
Activity facts
- Where
- Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch, entry at Dhrangadhra or Bajana, about 2.5-3 hours from Ahmedabad
Equipment
- Warm jacket in winter
- Binoculars
- Sun hat and dust scarf
- Camera with zoom lens
Location
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Bajana Range, Surendranagar District, Gujarat 382775, India
23.2000, 71.7500 View on map
Highlights
- Only wild population of the Indian wild ass
- Blue bull, desert fox, flamingos and raptors on the salt flats
- Sunrise and sunset light on the open desert
- Bajana and Dhrangadhra gates about 2.5 to 3 hours from Ahmedabad
Tips for visiting
- Book a jeep and guide the evening before, particularly on weekends
- Leave Ahmedabad by 5:00AM for a morning safari
- Carry warm layers for winter mornings
- Stay in Zainabad or Dasada for a relaxed two-day trip
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon between November and February.
Accessibility
Open jeeps require a step up and rough tracks; not well suited to wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the Little Rann from Ahmedabad?
About 2.5 hours to Bajana or Dasada and about 3 hours to Dhrangadhra by road.
What does a safari cost?
Around INR 350 (about $3.65) for Indians and INR 1,200 (about $12.50) for foreigners on weekdays, plus guide and jeep charges.
When is the sanctuary open?
Roughly October to March; it is closed during the monsoon when the desert floods.