Imagine seeing one of the most enormous flying birds in the world, the Great Indian Bustard, which is now on the verge of extinction. Located in the Kutch district of Gujarat, the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is one of its kind for bird and wildlife lovers. This is a home to these magnificent birds and a very active environment where harriers, eagles, and vultures are also found. From November to March, the sanctuary changes into beautiful scenery, ideal for jeepney tours and photography, thus making it a perfect place for those who want to experience peace and tranquillity and simultaneously witness wildlife.
History Of Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary, or Lala-Parjan Sanctuary, was established in July 1992 to protect the Great Indian Bustard. It is situated near Jakhau village in Nalia Taluka of Kutch District in Gujarat.
It is the smallest sanctuary in India, with an area of approximately 2 square kilometres. Still, it is of great importance in protecting the Great Indian Bustard, one of the largest flying birds in the world. The sanctuary was established to prevent this species from becoming extinct after the animal population was greatly reduced by loss of habitat and hunting.
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Activities To Do Near Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
This bird sanctuary is one of the measures being undertaken by the Government of Gujarat to conserve the jungles and the grasslands of the area, but more so the Great Indian Bustard. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in this sanctuary: Here are some of the activities you can enjoy in this sanctuary:
1. Bird Watching
Image Credit: Madhukar B V for Wikimedia Commons
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s delight. Bird watching is best done at dawn or dusk when the birds are most likely to be seen.
Other birds that can be seen in the area include the Indian Bustard, Indian Bushlark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, and the Southern Grey Shrike. The variety of birds in the sanctuary makes it a perfect place for beginners and professionals.
2. Jeep Safaris
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Jeep safaris are also available for those who want to tour the sanctuary in style. These safaris allow one to cross through the sanctuary’s rough terrain and observe the wildlife.
The jeep safaris take about two to three hours and allow visitors to see not only the Great Indian Bustard but also other animals like wolves, foxes, and hyenas that are found in the area.
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3. Photography
Nature lovers, especially photography lovers, will have a field day at the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary. The sanctuary’s terrain, along with the variety of animals that inhabit it, provides numerous chances to get excellent shots.
From the majestic flying of the Great Indian Bustard to the blooming flowers of the sanctuary, there are many opportunities to take a picture.
4. Nature Walks
If you want to connect with nature more closely, you can take a nature trail in the sanctuary. These guided walks enable visitors to examine the different species of plants found in the sanctuary and their uses.
The walks are very beneficial for getting closer to nature and understanding the work done by the sanctuary.
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5. Exploring Nearby Attractions
Image Credit: Ranjith Kumar Inbasekaran for Wikimedia Commons
If you are visiting the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, it is worth spending some time visiting the nearby places.
The Kutch district is culturally and historically significant and has attractions such as Bhuj city with palaces and temples and the scenic White Desert of Rann of Kutch. These other attractions complement the sanctuary experience and, therefore, enhance your visit to the sanctuary.
When To Visit The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
The best time to visit the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is during the winter season which is from November to March.
This is the time when the climate is cool and perfect for wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities. This period also falls during the breeding season of the Great Indian Bustard which will make your chances of seeing this bird even higher.
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Flora And Fauna Of The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary in Gujarat serves as a refuge to many plants and animals of the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The dry grasslands and scrub forests in the sanctuary offer a perfect home to these impressive birds, along with other species such as the Lesser Florican and various larks and sandgrouse. The plant life here is dry, featuring tough shrubs, grasses, and thorny trees like Prosopis and Acacia, which have adapted to the area’s semi-desert conditions.
Besides birds, the sanctuary houses a variety of wildlife, including Indian wolves, desert foxes, and Indian hares as well as reptiles like monitor lizards and spiny-tailed lizards. Insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and butterflies add to the area’s natural wealth. The sanctuary’s varied ecosystem plays a key part in protecting both plants and animals making it an essential sanctuary in Gujarat’s dry landscape.
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Entry Fee And Timings
The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is accessible to the public from 7:00 AM in the morning to 6:00 PM in the evening.
The ticket price for entry is INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children. There is a parking fee of ₹30 for those who are bringing their vehicles. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, especially during the high season to avoid any form of disappointment.
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How To Reach The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
By Road: The sanctuary is easily accessible by road from most of the major cities in Gujarat. The nearest town is Kutch which is about 166 kilometres from the site. From Kutch, one can easily get a taxi or take a bus to the sanctuary.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Bhuj, which is about 110 km away from the sanctuary. The sanctuary is easily accessible by taxi or local bus from Bhuj.
By Air: The nearest airport is situated in Bhuj which is approximately 93. It is located 5 kilometres from the sanctuary. Bhuj Airport is easily accessible from other parts of India because it has flights from other major cities in the country.
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A visit to the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is not just a visit to a wildlife sanctuary; it is a voyage into the wilderness. If you are interested in birds and nature or just need to take a break from the city noise and fuss, this sanctuary is for you. So, why wait? Plan your trip to Gujarat and visit the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary and feel the beauty of nature today.
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Cover Image Credit :SVKMBFLY for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
What are the key issues of conservation in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary?
The main threats to the species are habitat destruction by agriculture, hunting and human interference. Some of these problems are still being worked on through rehabilitation of habitats and enhancement of the wildlife laws and policies.
Is the Great Indian Bustard visible all the year round?
Although the Great Indian Bustard is sighted throughout the year, the ideal time to observe it is during the breeding season that is from November to March.
Is there any accommodation facility that one can find around the sanctuary?
Yes, there are several places that one can book an accommodation near the sanctuary, from cheap guest houses to expensive hotels in the nearby towns.
Can the sanctuary be visited with family?
Absolutely! The sanctuary provides the following activities that may be of interest to families; bird watching, jeep safaris and nature walks.
Is there any possibility to take a guided tour to the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary?
Yes, there are guided tours and it is advised that one should take them especially if it is their first time to visit the sanctuary so that they can be able to get more information about the ecosystem of the place.
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