Stay in a Kutchi Bhunga at Rann Riders, Dasada, LRK

Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by admin

Little Rann of Kutch or LRK is the salt marsh that is part of the Rann of Kutch. While on the Gujarat trip recently, we stopped at Rann Riders, Dasada, LRK before heading towards the Great Rann of Kutch (GRK) or the White Rann.

A visit to LRK is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts as the area is brimming with wildlife and birdlife. Having already spent a weekend in Little Rann of Kutch, I looked forward to my second visit to explore the salt pans of Little Rann of Kutch, wildlife, culture, religious sites and the crafts of Kutch. 

Ideally, visitors should spend one day in Little Rann of Kutch so as to cover the evening safari and morning safari. Different safari timings ensure visitors have a better chance and variety of sighting wildlife. Accommodation in Little Rann of Kutch includes eco-resorts in Rann. While there are only a few, Rann Riders, Dasada is one of the oldest and traditional stay options in LRK. Here is my review from my recent stay.

Little Rann of Kutch Entry Points

Unlike a typical safari park which has a fixed entrance and exit, Little Rann of Kutch has multiple entry points. The permits are given to local resorts who in turn take tourists into the sanctuary area. There are 2 entry points namely Bajana and Jogad. Both points are over 50km from the other. Rann Riders is located near Bajana entry point in an area called Dasada.

About Rann Riders Eco-Resort

In the huge expanse of Little Rann of Kutch, lies the camouflaged property of Rann Riders. Having reached very late in the evening, we were welcomed with a Rose drink and handed over cottage keys. We found our way to the rooms through a small pathway surrounded by trees.

Over dinner, I strike a conversation with Mr. Rizwan Malik who is the manager of the property and cousin of the owner Mr Mujaid Malik. He tells me how his family is a descendant from Baktiar-ud-din, who gave a portion of land in Dasada and its surrounding villages in return for military services provided to the Sultan of Gujarat in the 15th century. They were given the title of Malik Bakhan-1 and his successors continue to use Malik as their title and now as their last name. The Maliks participated in the siege of many forts and the battles of Kuva and Rankhundal in the 1400s and 1500s.

Mr. Malik has spent many years overseas, always had a calling for his village Dasada and wanted to do something for its development. Due to his keen interest in wildlife, he decided to set up an eco-resort to cater to tourists for wild-ass tourism. Rann Riders opened its door to visitors in the year 1999 with 13 cottages and have now expanded to 28.

Rann Riders Safari Resort is situated near the village of Dasada, which offers village tours, wildlife tours and bird-watching safaris.

My Stay at Rann Riders Property 

The resort area consists of ethnic cottages known as Bhunga and Kooba. In the classic resort-style, the cottages are located away from each other. 2-3 cottages are located in a bunch with their own private garden and lotus pond and the next few are a little farther away.

There are 3 types of cottages in Rann Riders- 

Bhunga (the traditional circular eco-huts made of mud) inspired from Rabari community of Kutch

Kooba (rectangular cottages made of mud) inspired from Bajania community of Kutch

Stone cottages (made from Dhrangadhra stones)

The materials used in making these cottages are locally procured and utilize local mud, cow dung and stones available in the Banni area. The mud and cow dung help in keeping the inside of the homes cool in extreme summers and warm in winters. It is a perfect and sustainable insulation technique.

All the cottages are adorned with Lippan Kaam (Mud-work) and embellished with mirrors. The cottages are fitted with modern amenities to make the stay comfortable. Each of the cottages has an a/c twin-bedroom, with a comfortable cane bed, a dry dressing area and a tiled bathroom with western-style toilet fittings and hot-and-cold showers.

Property at Rann Riders, Dasada

I woke up the next day with the chirping of birds outside my Kooba cottage. A pink lotus had blossomed in the lotus pond in front of my cottage and that inspired me to go around the property. 

I took a walk on the well-laid pathway that had colourful blooming bougainvillaea trees. I came across the Rann Riders shooting range. Mr Malik set up the shooting range realizing the dearth of such options nearby. Having both kids playing at the state and national levels, Mr Malik was inspired to start the shooting range and followed it up with an academy. The shooting range overlooks a beautifully manicured garden.

As I walked back I noticed a swamp behind the trees and a duck family enjoying their morning breakfast. And I decided to have mine before heading towards the safari.

Food at Rann Riders

Rann Riders offers a Buffet option for all meals. The meals are a combination of Gujarati (local food) and Continental options. There are many vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Tandoori food is a speciality of the resort. On prior intimation, they serve regional specialities of the Maliks of Dasada, as well as seafood. 

Breakfast has fresh fruits from their fruit farm like guavas and fresh juice.

Safari in Wild Ass Sanctuary, Little Rann of Kutch

Rann Riders have about 5-6 open jeeps with knowledgeable guides that double up as the driver. The safari lasts for 3-4 hours and the route covers various habitats like salt flats, wetlands, scrublands and grasslands. There is an option for morning or evening safari or both. For bird-watching or wildlife photography enthusiasts, special routes are curated to get the best of LRK.

The Wild Ass Sanctuary is located a 40-minute drive away from the resort. The sanctuary is home to Asiatic Wild Ass the only home of the Wild Ass in India. The safari across the Little Rann has bets (islands) on the ancient seabed that are now higher grounds covered with grass and scrub. These ‘bets’ support a variety of wildlife including the ‘Gudkhur’ (Asiatic wild ass) which is a chestnut brown member of the horse family. Capable of reaching high speeds when galloping across the Rann, the wild ass is usually seen in small herds.

Other wildlife endemic to the area is Indian Blue Bull, Jackal, Indian Desert Fox, Blackbucks and Hyenas. Birds that are endemic and migratory species include flamingos, pelicans, cranes, Peregrine Falcon, types of harriers and Short Earned Owl. 

Recommended Read: Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

Things to do in Rann Riders Resort

Rann Riders Resort Dasa is open all year round. So in case one wants to visit in monsoon where the sanctuary is closed, there are multiple ways to spend time in the property.

Horse Riding / Horse Safari

The resort also houses a stable with Kathiawadi and Marwadi horses. It is possible to ride the horses in the property areas or out in the open. The horse riding routes can be customized – walking in the village area or galloping across open desert plains or watching birds and wildlife from horseback in the Little Rann of Kutch. 

Camel Safari

Village safaris are arranged on camelback or camel carts. These safaris take visitors to the nearby villages, pastoral and nomadic settlements, and the workplaces of artisans. They can be customised according to your interest like culture, crafts or natural history.

Enjoy the Property

There are ample places to walk, hand around and laze around. There are sit out areas outside each cottage that either has a verandah, hammock or swing. There are many gardens where one can sit and laze around. 

There is a lake inside the resort on which fishing can be done on a “Catch & Release” method. There are beautiful birds around this lake.

Cultural performance

During a full house, the resort invites local artists for cultural performances during the evenings. Garba and other traditional performances are done by the artists and the visitors can join the dancers in the performance. 

Handicrafts of Kutch

Women from the nearby villages come to the resort to sell handmade jewellery, traditional outfits and home accessories. The intricate bead-work done by the Mirs of Dasada on bangles, armlets, anklets, necklaces & other accessories is stunning. 

It is also possible to tour the pastoral communities of Vadiara and Kharapat Rabaris of Dasada, to see them working on embroidery work and buy something directly from them.

Sustainability initiatives by Rann Riders

Rann Riders Resort is conscious of the environment and has inculcated many sustainable values. Some of its sustainability initiatives include:

• Using local material for the construction of cottages. The mud and cow dung help in keeping the inside of the homes cool in extreme summers and warm in winters. This helps in maintaining energy costs from going too high.
• Waste segregation is religiously practised. The waste is picked up by Dasada gram panchayat.
• The property does not use single-use plastic (SUP). The drinking water is served in glass bottles that are refilled on request. There is negligible use of tissue paper. There are jet sprays in the toilets.

Other places to visit near Dasada, LRK

Modhera Sun Temple – 45 km

Modhera Sun Temple is an 11th-century temple dedicated to Sun God. It is easily one of the finest architectural examples of the Solanki dynasty. The Modhera Sun temple walls are adorned with deities, birds, flowers and various stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are idols symbolizing God Indra, Varuna and Vishwakarma. There are many erotic carvings on the wall like Konark Sun Temple which symbolize the human cycle of birth and death.

The temple features carved Torana mounted on Kirti Stambha (pillars of victory) as the entrances, a large rectangular stepped shrine with 108 smaller shrines, an exquisite 52 pillared Sabha Mandap, and a Sanctum Sanctorum.

Patan – 70 km 

Another gem of the Solanki dynasty is Patan with its Rani-ki-Vav. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Rani-ki-Vav is a seven storeyed step-well to the water level. The entire complex is intricately carved depicting the avatars of Lord Vishnu, Hindu Goddesses, Jain idols and beautiful apsaras. 

Best time to visit Dasada, LRK

Dasada is basically a desert and gets super hot in summer. The best time to visit is between the months of December to March. The area becomes dry and there are a lot of migratory birds in the area. Winter temperatures are 25 ℃ during the day and 8-10℃ at night with chilly winds. The summer temperatures hover around 50 ℃.

How to reach Dasada

By Road: Ahmedabad to Rann Riders Dasada is 95 km. The drive from Ahmedabad to Dasada takes about two and half hours through Sanand and Viramgam. Visitors can reach here through personal cars or by hiring private taxis.

By Train: Patadi railway station is 25 Km away from the Sanctuary and the closest to Dasada. Rann Riders can arrange a pick from the station on request.

By Flight: Ahmedabad is the closest airport. 

Final thoughts about Rann Riders Dasada

From the time I checked in until check out, I had a flawless experience. The resort is extremely beautiful with loads of activities. The staff is friendly and one can easily pick up a conversation with them. I happened to tell my Gypsy guide about my interest in birdlife and how I had spotted a short-eared owl in my last visit. He made sure I saw at least a Spotted Owlet in a village nearby!

The service is excellent and the warm hospitality is a warrant I would love to come back and stay here. A sincere thanks to Mr Rizwan Malik, for answering all of my questions and ensuring that we had a memorable experience.

Book your Stay in LRK | Rann Riders Booking

Contact and Bookings: Rann Riders Dasada Boutique Eco-Resort

Address: Dasada 382750, District – Surendranagar, Gujarat

Rann Riders Resort Contact no.: +91 98180 64813, +91 97174 82225

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Instagram: @rann_riders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RannRiders

Click here to book a room for yourself!

Disclosure – I was a guest at Rann Riders Dasada as a part of FAM trip organized by Gujarat Tourism and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as a part of All India Influencers Meet. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.

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