Western India: Gujarat and Rajasthan
Gujarat and Rajasthan are the westernmost states of India. With vast semi-arid and arid regions across the Greater Rann of Kutch, Little Rann of Kutch and Thar desert, grasslands, numerous wetlands, long coastline, mountain ranges of Aravali and the Western Ghats and scrub forests of Saurashtra region, these states are rich in diverse flora and fauna. For birders, it is a paradise. The vast openness of the landscape and huge numbers of birds make it the most desirable destination for bird photographers as well.
Bird Facts:
- Around 500 bird species
- Around 30 globally threatened and 15 near threatened species
- Around 55 species endemic to the Indian subcontinent
- 2 restricted range species, including best population of endangered Forest Owlet
- Extended part of Central Indian Forests and Indus Plains Endemic Bird Areas
Best time to Visit: November to March.
One can see some globally threatened species like Indian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, Sociable Lapwing, Great Indian Bustard, Forest Owlet, Egyptian Vulture, Lesser Florican, White-naped Tit, Stoliczka’s Bushchat, Green Avadavat, Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, Great Knot, Marbled Duck, Indian Spotted Eagle, Dalmatian Pelican, Indian Skimmer, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Sarus Crane, Macqueen’s Bustard, Saker Falcon, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, Eurasian Curlew, Pallid Harrier, Laggar Falcon, Cinereous Vulture, Ferruginous Pochard, Darter, Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Black-bellied Tern, Black-necked Grebe, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Roller and Lesser Flamingo. Other notable birds found in Gujarat are Grey Hypocolius, Demoiselle and Common Cranes in thousands, Greater Hoopoe Lark, Crab Plover, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, and many varieties of waterfowl.
Gujarat is home to some unique mammals like Asiatic Wild Ass and Asiatic Lion which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world in their natural habitat. Besides these mammals, Gujarat has a large population of Blackbucks, Indian gazelle, striped hyena, Desert and Indian Fox, Indian Grey Wolf, Honey Badger and Sloth bear for mammal enthusiasts. Rajasthan has some of the most important places like Ranthambhore and Sariska where one can see the beautiful Royal Bengal Tiger.
The most important birding and wildlife areas of western India are Little Rann of Kutch, Greater Rann of Kutch, Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Jamnagar, Aravali Hills, Dang Forest, Gulf of Khambhat and Desert National Park.
Suggested Itineraries
- Birding Gujarat: 15-17 nights
Ahmedabad (1 night) – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Greater Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Jamnagar (3 nights) – Gir (3 nights) – Velavadar (2 nights) – Vadodara (1 night) – Dangs (3 nights) -Ahmedabad – Aravalli (2 nights) – Ahmedabad
- Mammals of Gujarat:
Ahmedabad (1 night) –Velavadar (2 nights)– Gir (3 nights) – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Aravallis (3 nights) – Ahmedabad
- Short Birding Tours / Photo Tours (4-10 nights)
- Ahmedabad – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights)- Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad- Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Velavadar (2/3 nights) – Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Greater Rann of Kutch (3 nights)- Ahmedabad [Desserts of Gujarat]
- Ahmedabad – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Great Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Jamnagar (2 nights) – Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad – Gulf of Khambhat (2 nights) – Little Rann of Kutch (3 nights) – Velavadar (2 nights) – Ahmedabad
- Ahmedabad – Great Rann of Kutch (4 nights) – Ahmedabad
We specialize in designing customized tours depending on your interest and time availability. Please contact us for designing a perfect experience for you.
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