Little Rann of Kutch: Because old is gold.
Hello all,
Dilemma.
How do you feel about the dilemma? Confusion of to do or not to do or what to do and when to do??There are many dilemmas..
Some can be really beautiful. They take us down the roads of wonderful memories of the past and also in the future lanes to evaluate ourselves and justify ourselves. It becomes challenging to get back from those lanes and roads in the present.
Some can be totally unnecessary. Just for the sake of our mind, we keep thinking, and our naughty mind keeps us teasing…
Some can be a real cliffhanger, where you can not decide after all inner debates and all turmoil…we literally are at the nook of the edge, and those are the times when we leave everything to fate.
And why suddenly dilemma? Because I was confused about whether to write about this place or not..
The place is so so beautiful that it truly deserves a post. But we had traveled there way back. So now you all can imagine my dilemma. No! Then leave it. As such, I am a confused soul. You all enjoy this journey.
What can I say about this little wonder? It’s so unique and peaceful that even though it is made up of dry and cracked land, every crack of that land asks you something… they provide you something and teach you something.
YES!
Little Rann of Kutch. Not so little, but 5000 square km of dry and barren arid marshland. It is truly a wonder-nurturing nearly threatened species of Indian Wild Ass, also known as Ghudkur or Khur. The LRK Wild Ass sanctuary is the home of not only Indian Wild but a perfect location for migratory birds from Europe and Africa. A few other mammals can also be found here, like Indian wolf, desert fox, nilgai and hyena. 
The landscape you will always remember.
The most prominent feature you will notice when entering the deep part of Rann is its landscape. Dry cracked land with lattice pattern till your eyes can reach is a nature’s wonder. The geometrical perfection of this pattern will make you forget all Athangudi and Mughal tiles. You won’t find a soul, and yet it is so serene rather than scary. It is the nothingness of the place that takes us to oblivion.
What is the best season to visit?
Winter is the best time. After Mid March, the weather gets quite hot and dry. Monsoon is off-season. During the winters, the land is barren and cracked. During the monsoon season, Rann is filled with water from the backflow of seawater from the Gulf of Kutch.
How to visit:
The best way to visit is via Jeep safari. The resorts in the vicinity provide Jeep safaris with guides. Private jeeps are also available at Zainabadd and Patadi. Our safari was arranged by staff from Desert Coursers Resort only, and they picked up from the resort. There are few entry points to the Little Rann of Kutch, and the most common entry points are Dasada, Jogad and Bajana. The latter is closest to the wetlands; hence, you will get the best views of the migratory birds here
.
Sunrise or sunset?
This is the most confusing part. If you stay a night at any resort, you can cover both. But if you are going on a day trip, go in the evening. We had both options. But according to the owner of Desert Courser resort, Mr. Dhanraj Malek, sunset is an event that you must attend here. And I agree entirely with him. By now, you all must know that we are mad for sunsets… give us a splendid sunset view, then place, approach, and stay don’t matter.
And sunset at LRK has a deep impact on my heart. Miles and miles of sun-cracked arid land as a foreground and setting sun causing myriads of colors in front of you is site to behold! If you are a sunset fan, then this is the must-visit place. The setting sun, merging into the land of mystic Rann, takes you into a state of hypnosis. People talk about wild Asses, migratory birds, about star gazing in LRK. But trust me, THE SUNSET HERE IS PURE BLISS. It captivates you like Mohanlal Sir’s Hindi in Company and Vijay Sethupathi’s Hindi in Farzi. it soothes your eyes like fully bloomed Amalatas and Gulmohar in the torrid summer heat.
Salt pans in LRK:
Another attraction of this place is the salt pan. You can meet the Agariyas tribe and have local herbal tea in their house. Their warm smile and simple gestures are like treats. Staying in the middle of nowhere, they win your hearts with simplicity. 
Paradise for birdwatcher and stargazers:
Over 350 species of birds are found in Little Rann of Kutch like saris crane, ducks, flamingos, francolin, Indian Bustard, sandgrouse etc.. And for the same reason, LRK is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.
Another off-beat activity to do in LRK is a night sky view. Without any pollution and with a clear sky, it must be gratifying!
Where to stay?
There are many resorts in nearby villages. A few of them are Rann Riders, Desert Coursers, Bhavna Resort, and Royal Safari Resort. We stayed at Desert Coursers, run by a descendant of the royal family of Zainabad, Mr. Dhanraj Malek. 
Is it safe?
Once in the Rann, it is pure wilderness, and it is always safe to go with local people. And if you are opting for an evening safari, the local guide is a must, as there is no way you will find your way back.
Distance from Ahmedabad: 166 km
Distance from Vadodara: 274 km
So this was our trip to Little Rann of Kutch. Though it is an old trip, it deserves a spot on this page for its uniqueness and stupefying sunset!
I am surely going to this place again!!!
The real adventure begins with the Great Rann of Kutch in sight.
But reading your description why don’t one go here and stay for a day or two and have a feel of great rann !
Bipin keeps on talking about you both and despite been professional u are committed
Thank you so much for appreciating. yes the landscape here is totally different.
Everything excites me like the prospect of heading to a barren land as well as feel of been there when I read your blog – vast stretches of everything in nothingness.
More so, if the place in question is one of the largest salt deserts in the world
why not Kutch
Please visit Rajasthan and we will await for your write up !
Avani recommended me to your website and am impressed
Thank you so much for such kind words.