Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Gujarat. The place is a featureless expanse of flat land in addition to the sea bed and dotted with islands known as “Baits”. The entire Little Rann of Kutch is known as “Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary”. The place even forms the core for flora and fauna. The sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India.
The Indian wild ass depicts the horse tribe in India. The asses are attracted by the flat grass covered which covers the island in the little Rann of Kutch. The coarse grasses spring up in monsoon. With the arrival of summer these asses move to the oilier bets where there is supply of water and grass for longer time.
There is no one in the animal kingdom to match the speed and stamina of these wild asses. These asses are capable of marathon runs at a beginning speed of 24 km/h which can continue for 2 hours and then reaching on to a speed of 70 km/h in a very short distance. The wild ass is a strong animal. A male horse fights aggressively for the possession of the mare in the mating season. The one of such type of wild ass can rear up on their hindlegs and kick and bite viciously. The fowl is born after mating normally between July and September.
Other than wild ass one can also find rare and endangered Ghudkhur also known as Equshemionus Khur. They are not found any where else in the world. There are other animals also which are found in large number here like the Blue-Bull, Chinkara, Hedgehog and carnivores such as the Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats. During winters 300 different types of birds can be seen here inside and near the Rann. Cranes and Flamingos can be seen in thousands. The rare birds like the Houbara Bustard, Falcons, a large number and species of larks and other arid region birds can be seen. Reptiles are also found here like snakes, tortoises, lizards. One can come and see the watch towers which is a tourist complex. There are other tourist related facilities also which are active to enhance wildlife viewing in this unique place.
Traveling in an open jeep on the vast Rann is an exciting and refreshing experience. The other scenes of sunrise and sunset are also breathtaking which display exotic hues. Viewing wildlife is thrilling and exciting adventure the more satisfying is to watch the animal behavior than just looking at the place as a sighting. If visited one should at least spend 3-4 days here. In the morning and evening excursions in Jeep/Mini coaches are conducted at a leisurely pace which can take convenient number of persons in one go. The safaris that visit the place even include the visit to ancient monuments and inland salt works and other places of interest.
A short journey can be made to view a typical Saurashtra village famous for handloom weaving and dyeing units and village potter are also available here.
Special rides and camouflaged boats can be provided for people who are interested in birds and photography.
One can even enjoy trkking and living with Rabari and Bharwad tribes who migrate to this place. Between July and September special camps are operated on the edge of the Rann.
One can even enjoy the camel and Jeep safaris in and across the Rann with tented camps on the Baits which can be arranged up to three to seven days.
Total distance from Ahmedabad is 110 kms which take a time span of 2 and ½ hours. Viramgam is 45 kms from the place takes approximate 1 hour to reach here. Rajkot is 175 kms taking a time of 3 and ½ hours. Bhuj is 268 kms from the place and takes approximately 6 hours to reach the place.
Nearest airport is Ahmedabad. Nearest railway station Viramgam Railway station.
