The Rann of Kutch, also referred to as the Great Rann of Kutch is a major attraction in Kutch region, Gujarat. It is the world’s largest salt desert, which spans an area more than 16,000 sq. km and is a remarkable place to visit. The unique thing about the Rann of Kutch is that it is underwater during the main monsoon season in India, and for the remaining eight months, it is a huge stretch of packed white sand.
About The Greater Rann Of Kutch in Gujarat :
The Greater Rann of Kutch is an unusual marshland spanning an area of approximately 10,000 sq. km and separating Gujarat from the Sind region in Pakistan. The dry season is extreme as it dries out the marshland leaving isolated salt islands on a vast plain. The monsoon is no different in extremity, as it floods the marshland and the whole area is transformed into a vast inland sea.
The salt plains seen here are caused by flooding of the Rann by sea, river and rainwater. It is punctuated by highlands called bets, which have scrub flora and grassland vegetation offering refuge to wildlife. It is located northwest of Gujarat in the Thar Desert. The Rann of Kutch is divided into the Greater Rann Of Kutch and the Little Rann Of Kutch.
Kutch Desert wildlife Sanctuary is divided into the Little Rann which has a 4,950 sq. km Wild Ass Sanctuary, created in 1973 and the Greater Rann which is a 7,850 sq. km desert wildlife sanctuary. Together they form the largest adjoining tracts of wild life territory in India.
The wildlife Sanctuary includes forest area, wasteland and territorial area of the Arabian Sea. The bird population includes spoonbill, stork, crow, sparrow, osprey, and vultures to name a few. The most prominently seen animals include nilgai, chinkara, wild boar, porcupines, fox, wolf, jackal and wild ass. Reptiles like snakes and wild lizards are also seen here.
Tourists from all over India visit the Rann Of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary. Foreign tourists have also taken keen interest in the desert sanctuary. It is advisable to visit the sanctuary during the months of October and March and avoid visits during the monsoon season.
Summers are more preferable as the floods from the sea which dampens the soil, gets dried up giving rise to salty crusts which harden enough for a jeep to be driven on it. The climate is extreme with an average temperatures ranging from a maximum of 42-degree C and a minimum of 7-degree C. A visit to India is incomplete if you have not been to the Rann of Kutch as it epitomizes India’s incredibility and vibrancy.
Places to visit nearby :
Rajkot: It was formerly the capital of this region and is famous for its Association with Mahatma Gandhi.
Modhera: Famous for its temples built of artistically carved stone.
Patan: It is one of the oldest cultural centers and famous for its Patola saris.
There are some other national parks in the region including the Marine National Park and Nal Sarovar Park, which are rich in flora and fauna and are really worth a visit.
Reaching there :
By Air: Ahmedabad is the nearest airport. Besides this the sanctuary is also accessible from Bhuj and Kandla airports.
By Rail: Ballarpur railway station, which is about 197 from Bhamragarh is the nearest.
By Road: The sanctuary is directly connected from the Ahmedabad city by direct bus services.