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- Little Rann of Kutch
Overview
Description:
Popularly known as LRK, this unique ecosystem is extremely important as it supports the very unique wildlife of this region. Spreading across nearly 5000 square kilometres, LRK is the only place on this planet where the Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) still lives.
LRK, because of its proximity to the Gulf of Kutch and geographical location, lies on the migration route of many bird species. Every winter this desert mudflat ecosystem is flocked with more than 50000 winged migrants, visiting LRK from different parts of the world, viz. - Egypt, Iraq, Tibet, Siberia and Europe. LRK is undoubtedly one of the best places to observe and study migratory birds. Due to its unique flat land, visibility is not a problem.
Apart from the birds, LRK is also home to different species of mammals - Desert and Indian Fox, Jackal, Nilgai and Wolf are to name a few.
Apart from the wildlife seen here, one more important reason to visit LRK is ‘Salt’. Salt forms an important and unavoidable component of our day to day life. LRK has been a traditional salt producing area and contributes to about 21% of salt production in India ! The economy of 107 villages that surround LRK is dependant on salt.
About 50,000 salt farmers (Agarias) are engaged in salt farming activity every year from September to March.
Highlights of the trip:
- Abundant birdlife.
- Rare flora and fauna.
- Fantastic photographic opportunities.
- Last Home for the rare Asiatic Wild Ass.
- Company of an in-house Wildlife Expert from Foliage Outdoors.
- Travel Insurance for every participant.
Itinerary
Day 1
Departure from Pune Railway Station to Ahmedabad by train (3 AC) at 2130 hours. Overnight train travel.
Day 2
Reach Ahmedabad at 0615 hours. Once the group has assembled we will begin our journey for Little Rann of Kutch (approx 4 hrs drive) with a breakfast break enroute. By 1000 hours, we will reach at our resort at LRK, check in and freshen-up followed by hot and sumptuous lunch. Post lunch you will have your first jeep safari at LRK. Return to the resort and get refreshed with a cup of hot coffee / tea. Dinner and overnight stay at LRK.
Day 3
Today you will explore different parts of LRK on morning and evening jeep safaris. The barren, blindingly white land of Little Rann is nature at its harshest and most compelling, and home to India’s last remaining population of Khur (Asiatic wild ass). The possible sightings in the LRK could be Asiatic Wild Ass, Nilgai, Jackal, Indian & Desert Fox, Wolf, Desert Cat, Jungle Cat, Flamingos, Cranes (Demoiselle, Common and Sarus), Ducks, Geese, Larks, MacQueen's Bustard, Sykes Nightjar, Sand Grouse and Harrier, Owls. Dinner and overnight stay at LRK.
Day 4
Today you will further explore LRK on two more jeep safaris - morning and evening. The exploration of this amazingly rich landscape continues with a mix of wetland birding and some typical desert wilderness. The area is one of the few places in India where flamingos are known to breed naturally. Khurs and Flamingos are protected in the 4953-sq-km Little Rann Sanctuary . The area is punctuated by desolate salt farms, where people eke out a living by ‘farming’ the salt. Dinner and overnight stay at LRK.
Day 5
To maximise the chances of sightings of rare species, you will have one more jeep safari today morning. Group will depart for Ahmedabad after lunch and will reach Ahmedabad. Departure to Pune by train (3AC) at 2230 hours. Overnight train travel.
Day 6
Arrival at Pune Railway station by 0710 hours.