LITTLE RUNN OF KUTCH (GUJRAT)

                  little Runn of Kutch

1. The Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat
A staggering 5000 square kilometres of the plain barren landscape, the Rann remains submerged under water during rainy season and arid and dry during summers. At sunrise or sunset, the stretch as far as eyes can see is covered in a golden hue. It is also home to the endangered Indian Wild Ass. Another beautiful place to visit near the Rann is the intricately carved five-storeyed Adalaj Stepwell in Ahmedabad.  A fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and design, it was built in 1498 by Queen Rudabai of the Vaghela dynasty. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest airport.

Desert Safaris A jeep safari is the best way to explore this enormous salty desert. It usually lasts three hours and the sections of the sanctuary visited depends on the interests of patrons. Birdwatchers opt for the marshlands but those who want to see mammals opt for the dry desert. To meet locals, the safaris head to the salt pans. The marshlands and Nava Talao (lake) are crowded with water birds. Flamingos and demoiselle cranes can usually be spotted in hundreds at some water bodies. The Indian wild ass andwhite-footed fox can be sighted on vast areas of golden ground. Look out for the rare hoopoe lark, which has brown plumage that allows it to camouflage itself perfectly in the ground. Since there are no trees or shrubs to act as a buffer between the vehicles and the wildlife, it is not possible to get too close to the animals. Though visitors are allowed to drive their own vehicles into the sanctuary, this is not recommended. There are no roads or landmarks in this vast and desolate area so it is easy to get lost (jeep safaris are organised by most hotels).

Salt panning is the main source of income for most for the Agaria community who live and work in the Rann for eight months a year. Photo: Dhritiman Mukherjee..

Salt Pans And B Speckled across the desert are white patches that look like piles of snow. Come closer, and a group of salt pan workers, known as Agarias, will be drying out or transporting huge piles of salt. The crystals are not for sale here but can be bought at most provision stores around Kutch. Salt panning is the main source of livelihood for many locals for a large part of the year.
Most hotels can organise bullock cart rides through the villages around the area. These are not joy rides for tourists but actual carts that the villagers use for their daily commute. They bring them to the hotels and are happy to share a part of their life with visitors. For visitors not used to this form of transport, the ride can feel slightly uncomfortable and slow in the beginning. But after a few minutes, passengers get accustomed to the movement and pace and start to enjoy the ride.

Around the Little Rann

Pyramid-shaped steps lead to a large tank in front the Sun Temple in Modhera. Photo: Natasha Sahgal

Modhera Sun Temple The sun temple at Modhera is a grand sandstone monument built by the Solanki dynasty in the year 1027 A.D. and is dedicated to Surya, the sun god. The complex is filled with elaborate carvings and the resident priest enjoys explaining the legends they depict. A step tank in front of the temple has 108 shrines that lead down to the water. Though the garbhagriha, or main shrine, was demolished in the 13th century by Allauddin Khilji, most other sculptures are intact (55 km/1 hour from the Rann).

Bahuchara Mata Temple This temple in Becharaji town is dedicated to Bahuchara Mata, a goddess who sits on a rooster, which is believed to be the symbol of innocence. She is also a patron of the eunuch community. Worshippers come here to seek the blessings of the hijras who live near the shrine .