As we move towards the western side of the India map, our eyes get stuck to the magical blend of forests, temples, sea and hills. Western India has it all. As we gradually move up from Goa to Mumbai and gradually cross the Arabian sea, we reach the land of temples, dhoklas and phapras. Yes you are right, I mean Gujarat. A state with classic heritage, eloquent Gujrati culture, holy destinations and unique geographical landscapes ranging from volcanic outsprings to hill and never-ending sea, Gujarat is turning out to be everybody’s dream destination.
Aavo Padharo, meaning ‘welcome’ in Gujrati is what you will hear from the mouth of God once you land in this holy destination. From the Great Rann of Kutch to the hills of Saputara, the beauty of Gujarat lies in the eyes of the beholder. Until you step into this beautiful land of heart-rendering culture juxtaposing the past with the present, you won’t believe that India in undoubtedly a land of diversity and prosperity. And if you want to listen to the chirping, tweeting and humming of the birds, then the princely state of Gujarat is there to meet your dream.
Sprawling across a massive area in Gujarat lining the Arabia Sea and stretching its arms to the Sindh province of Pakistan, the Rann in the Thar Desert gives a glance of mind-blogging variety of bird species. Offering an excellent visibility, the sanctuary is every photographer’s paradise. But I tell you, if you want to spend some time away from the human world with these tiny colorful innocent creatures, then come to Rann of Kutch and you will live life to the fullest. After your first visit, this amazing place will keep on calling you again and again. The sanctuary attracts tourists throughout the year but if you are there in late February or early March, you will get to capture the unparallel beauty of the winter migrants returning to their nested shelters. The Rann is India’s most likely site for Grey Hypocolius, but you also get to see other species like Minivet, Common Iora, Lesser & Greater Flamingos, Painted Sandgrouse etc. These small colourful creation of God move around the lake and land and sing to the tunes of nature. The tress are there to provide them with suitable nesting areas.
Raptors like Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle and several species of Harriers will make you go breathless. The Hoopoe Lark, Cream-coloured Courser, Indian Courser, Short-eared Owl and the McQueen’s Bustard will hold your gaze for an unlimited period of time. The beauty and the innocent expressions of the the Desert Warbler, Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, Stolickza’s Bushchat, Common Crane, Long-legged Buzzard, Common Sandgrouse, Greater Short-toed Lark and the Sociable Lapwing will get captured in your lenses on the first go.
On your trip to this extravagant bird sanctuary in Gujarat you will get to interact with a wide range of bird species. As you flow into the stream of their thoughts and activities, you will gradually lip to the tune of their lyrics and make a short exit to your destination.
