Home to the Indian wild ass, flamingos and salt-flat landscapes on the edge of the Rann.
The Little Rann of Kutch is a vast seasonal salt marsh and the last refuge of the Indian wild ass (khur), a subspecies found nowhere else in the world. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary also supports blue bull, desert fox, chinkara and large flocks of flamingos, demoiselle cranes and pelicans in winter. Safaris are by open jeep across the white salt flats at dawn or late afternoon. The distance makes a full day trip long, so many travellers stay a night at a Dasada resort, but a day trip is feasible with an early start.
| Distance | About 130 km north-west of Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2.5-3 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car with driver; Detail: The sanctuary has no public transport; a car with driver or a resort transfer is required, and safaris are booked at the Bajana or Dhrangadhra gate or through resorts. |
| Cost | Jeep safari about ₹2,000-3,000 (approx $21-31 USD) per vehicle; car with driver ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD); camera fees extra |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Bajana Gate, Dasada, Surendranagar district, Gujarat 382765, India |
How to get there
- Car: private car with driver about ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD) for the day
- Resort package: Dasada-area lodges offer safari and transfer combinations
- Jeep safari: about ₹2,000-3,000 (approx $21-31 USD) per jeep (up to six people)
- Organised tour: wildlife safari packages run from October to March
Location
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Bajana Gate, Dasada, Surendranagar district, Gujarat 382765, India
23.3200, 71.8800 View on map
Highlights
- Indian wild ass sightings on the salt flats
- Winter flamingos and demoiselle cranes
- Open-jeep safaris across the white Rann
- Village and salt-pan visits near Dasada
- Sunrise over the flat horizon
Tips for visiting
- Start by 5am to reach the sanctuary in the early morning
- Book a jeep and permit through a resort or the Bajana forest office
- The sanctuary is closed roughly mid-June to mid-October
- Bring sun protection and a scarf against salt dust
- Consider an overnight stay to do both dawn and dusk safaris
When to visit
Winter dawn safari, November to February
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When is the Little Rann of Kutch open?
From about mid-October to mid-June; it is closed during the monsoon.
How far is it from Ahmedabad?
About 130 km, roughly 2.5-3 hours by road.
How much does a jeep safari cost?
About INR 2,000-3,000 per jeep (approx $21-31 USD) for up to six people.
Can permits be booked online?
Generally not; they are obtained at the Bajana or Dhrangadhra gate or through a resort.