In the Wilderness of Gujarat

Sitting gloriously on the western coast of India and surging with medium and large size manufacturing industries, Gujarat has sprung up to become the economic powerhouse of India. The elaborate palace structures and intricate temple designs speak volumes about its laudable past. From producing great leaders to entice the world with its unique craft and sharing its peaceful space with communities persecuted in many parts of the world, Gujarat seems to leave a permanent mark on the globe. But there is another side to this very land unveiled by the inquisitive birders and wildlife enthusiasts.

The assemblage of diverse landscape boasting beautiful colonies of birds and mammals are thriving in the blissful corners of this vibrant land. Jamnagar is one such destination. Situated on the shores of Arabian Sea, the place is a giant gateway for seabirds and other migrant species who travel all the way from Europe and upper regions of Asia. During winters its unique amalgamation of freshwater lakes and marshy wetland transforms into the breeding ground for Typical plovers, Kentish Plover, Common ringed plover, Black Ibis, Grey Patridge, Caspian Gull, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Green Stone Plover, Green Shank, Little Tern, Indian Skimmer, etc. One can get many opportunities to photograph the stunning congregation of Crab Plovers, Great Crested Grebe, and Oystercatcher from various angles.

Bhuj is yet another destination that has caught the eyes of many travel enthusiasts and photographers. Also popular by the name of Greater Rann of Kutch, the seemingly endless expanse of Bhuj radiates like a moon during nights. While getting soaked into the stunning vistas of white that extend to the horizon and beyond, and enjoying the colorful village life in the Rann, one can also take some time off to track down the mysterious lives of Chestnut Bellied Sandgrouse, Striolated buntings, Greater Painted-snipe, White-napped Tit, Variable Wheateater, Southern Grey Shrike, Rosy Startling, and the sought-after middle eastern bird the Grey Hypocolius.

 Six hours drive from Bhuj will bring you to the salt marshes of Little Rann of Kutch. The place has garnered international recognition for becoming the last refuge of Asiatic Wild Ass. The myriads of migratory birds gathering in its vast wetland seem to evoke a spectacular beauty. The congregation of Lesser & Greater Flamingos, the elegance of Desmoiselles Cranes, the muster of Northern Pintail, Common Pochard and the solitary lives of MacQueen's Bustard, Short-eared Owl, Marsh Harrier, Greater Hoopoe-Lark seem to add a surreal quality to this barren land.

Supporting the grassland Ecosystem, Velavadar National Park carries the highest population of Blackbuck- An antelope that has become vanished from many parts of Indian Subcontinent. The park also rose to fame for becoming the highest roosting point of Harriers. While traversing in the region one can find various species of Harriers including Montagu's Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, etc. During monsoon, one can also chance upon sighting the spectacular display of the critically endangered Lesser Florican which has become a prized possession of Velavadar National Park.

The last wilderness wonder of this vibrant land is GirNational Park of Sasan Gir. Known for its ultimate Lion Safari, the park is a classic example of sheer determination that has managed to swell the population of nearly extinct Asiatic Lion. Today, it has become the last bastion of these majestic felines that once dominated swathes and forests of Asia. Besides catering to the guests' needs, the staff work on creating birdhouses from the waste, growing organic food for the guests and using coconut pots instead of plastic pots to make the garden flowery.

Walking on these off the beaten tracks will surely make one realise the exclusive wildlife breathing in the diverse topography of Gujarat.

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