Location: Little Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Area covered: 4953 sq. km
Main Wildlife Found: Wild Ass
Best time to visit: October to March
About Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Indian state of Gujarat, is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country. In fact, it spans the entire area of the little Rann of Kutch where small grass covered areas, known as baits, forms the flora and is an important source to support the fauna of the region.
Asses consists of members of the horse family which are found in plenty in the region grazing on the grass covered expanse. The asses are tough animals with no match in the animal kingdom for the power and stamina they possess.
The best time to visit the sanctuary would be the post monsoon month of October, when the grasslands are replenished with water and a number of wild asses can be seen grazing upon and playing around in the area. The months of December to March is the cooler period when the weather is ideal for a wildlife safari. From April onwards, the heat starts building and it can get scorching hot during May and June.
Wildlife Attractions in Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary
Asses are the prominent attractions and the animal found in large numbers in the region. Herds of these animals can often be sighted in the area, grazing on the patches of grass. It is an interesting experience to observe some of their peculiar habits.
Besides the asses, other animals that can be found in the area include the endangered Ghudkhur, Blue-Bull, Chinkara, Hedgehog and carnivores such as the Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats
The avian population of the area is equally diverse with more than 300 species of birds already registered. Some of the famous birds include Cranes, Flamingos, Houbara Bustard, Falcons along with a large number of larks, another major attraction of the area.
The Rann of Kutch is also known for its varied reptile population such as snakes, tortoises and lizards, most of which can not be found anywhere else in the country.
To sum up, the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary is habitat to around 93 species of invertebrates that include 25 species of zooplanktons, 1 specie of annelid, 4 crustaceans, 24 insects, 12 molluscs and 27 spiders.
Wildlife Safari
Travelling on the vast Rann in an open jeep is a refreshing and exciting experience. The sunrise and sunset are breathtaking, displaying exotic hues. Viewing wildlife is an exciting and thrilling adventure. It is more satisfying to observe animal behaviour than mere sighting. A minimum of three/four day's stay is recommended. There are morning and evening excursions in Jeeps/Mini coaches that seat a comfortable number of persons and are conducted at a leisurely pace.
The safaris, besides wildlife also include visits to ancient monuments and inland salt works and other places of interest. Explanations and anecdotes, during the whole safari will keep one, enthralled.
Excursions and other Activities
Excursions for viewing a typical Saurashtra village, handloom weaving and dyeing units and the village potter are available.
For people interested in birds and photography; special rides and camouflaged boats can be provided.
Trekking and living with seasonally migrating Rabari and Bharwad tribes. Camps on the edge of the Rann are operated between July and September each year.
Camel and Jeep safaris in and across the Rann with tented camps on the Baits, lasting three to seven days can be arranged.
How to Get There
By Air : Bhuj is the nearest airport, while Ahmedabad is the most convenient airport, connected by Indian Airlines flight from Delhi (6:00 & 18:15, daily) from Mumbai (5:30 & 19:30, daily) Kolkata (15:45, daily).
By Rail : Viramgam is the nearest railhead. It is connected to Delhi through the ALA Hazrat Exp. (11:50, Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun) and daily to Mumbai through the Bhavnagar Exp. (21:25), Saurashtra Mail (20:25), Sau Janata Exp. (16:35), Kutch Exp. (17:10) & Saurashtra Exp. (7:55).
By Road : Wild Ass sanctuary is connected by road to other parts of the country. One can get to the park in a four wheeler, preferably a sturdy vehicle like a jeep, as the roads may be a bit bumpy and uneven as some points. To reach from Ahmedabad, take the NH8A to Sarkhej, state highway to Bajana via Sanand, Viramgam, Mandal, Dasada and Zainabad.
Distances from Major Cities
Delhi : 850 km
Mumbai : 458 km
Ahmedabad : 129 km (NW)
Bangalore : 1272 km
Bhuj : 268 km.
------ List of National Parks in India ----- |
| Bandhavgarh National Park |
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Bandipur National Park |
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Simplipal National Park, Orissa |
| Ranthambore National Park |
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Sultanpur National Park |
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Nandankanan Zoo, Orissa |
| Corbett National Park |
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Rajaji National Park, Uttaranchal |
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Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary, Orissa |
| Kanha National Park |
|
Dudhwa National Park, U.P. |
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Namdhapha National Park, Arunachal |
| Sundarbans National Park |
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Nagarhole National Parks, Karnataka |
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Velavadhar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Gujarat |
| Manas National Park |
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Kaziranga National Park, Assam |
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Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat |
| Dachigam National Park, J&K |
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The Great Himalayan National Park, H.P. |
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Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Assam |
| Milroy or Pabha Sanctuary, Assam |
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Nameri National Park, Assam |
|
Pin Valley National Park, H.P. |
| Hemis High Altitude National Park, J&K |
|
Royal Chitwan National Park (Nepal) |
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Royal Bardia National Park (Nepal) |
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