Destinations: Bhuj, Rann of Kutch (White Desert), Mandvi, Narayan Sarovar
Duration: 04 nights and 05 days
Tour Code: 1354
Description:
Lying on the border of India and Pakistan, the Great Rann of Kutch looks arid and lifeless but is in reality a treasure trove. Not only is it a place rich in culture and history, but is also a fantastic birding hotspot, especially for arid-area migrants. Many of the birds found here are extremely rare in the rest of India, such as Marshall’s Iora, White-naped Tit, Grey Hypocolius, and more. In addition, the nearby Mandvi beach is a good place to look for seashore waders and other shorebirds, like plovers, sandpipers, Crab-plover, and more. This Rann of Kutch tour gives you the opportunity to explore the countless aspects of this region, from its rich culture and traditions, to its fascinating wildlife, making it the perfect Kutch trip for solo travelers, culture and nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers!
Itinerary Overview
Day 01: Bhuj to Rann of Kutch (90 KM / 01.30 HRS approx)
Day 02: Rann of Kutch
Day 03: Rann of Kutch To Mandvi (145 KM / 2.30 HRS approx)
Day 04: Bhuj–Mata No Madh - Narayan Sarovar–Koteshwar (170 KM one way / approx. 2.30 HRS Drive)
Day 05: Bhuj Sightseeing & Drop
10 Things You Should Know
- Discover the rich culture of the Rann of Kutch
- Amazing scenery of beautiful night skies and white sand expanses
- Learn about the unique geological history of this saline desert
- Explore the rich birdlife of the region
- Visit some of the most beautiful temples of the Kutch region
- Savour the scrumptious local cuisine
- Memorable road journeys through quaint villages and beautiful landscapes
- You will be accompanied by a dedicated expert guide
- Shop for the beautiful Kutchi textile handicrafts
- Visit the beautiful Mandvi Beach
Services Included
- Accommodation for 02 nights in Rann of Kutch
- White Rann of Kutch Permit (02 times / no refund)
- Accommodation for 01 night in Mandvi
- Accommodation for 01 night in Koteshwar
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Dedicated AC car for the entire tour
- All Taxes
Services Not Included
- Optional Tours, tips, any monument, museum entrance fee, any activity fee, camera fee, excursions, personal and incidental expenses, meals not specified
- Any guide services, flight tickets, train tickets, insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Birding In North West India
Northwest India is characterized by a dry and deserted habitat, formally known as the Thar Desert Subregion. This region includes places like the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch.
While these desert and seasonal salt marsh habitats may look dry and uninviting, they play host to many scrubland birds, both resident, and migrant, such as the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Common Crane, Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and more. In addition, some of the surrounding water bodies play host to migratory waterfowl such as Greylag and Bar-headed Geese, Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans, Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, countless waders, and more.
The best time to visit these regions would be winter (between November and February), despite the cold. Summer in these regions is very harsh, and during the monsoon, many of the areas can be waterlogged or flooded. Migratory species are obviously best seen during this time.
However, if quails (Rain, Rock Bush, Jungle Bush) and Lesser Florican are among your targets, then monsoon would be ideal. These species are more active during this due to the fact that they court and breed then. In addition, the courtship calls and displays of Rain Quail and Lesser Florican are a delight to watch and photograph.
