Once an arm of the Arabian Sea, the salty marshes of the Rann of Kutch make for an amazing visual: vast, featureless plains for the most part, punctuated by grass, acacia, bushes and thorny scrub.
The habitat is home to the Wild Ass and the spectacular flamingos, but the colour also comes from the vibrant tribes and communities that live here. Gujarat has more, of course — beaches, palaces, Buddhist monastic settlements.
By far the best way to tour this landscape is by jeep safari — especially one that lets you camp in luxury tents just short of the desolate plains. Overlander India’s new tours make this journey even more exciting, by offering you the option to make tracks in the desert yourself.
Operator Overlander India’s Kutch jeep safaris (75km/1.5hrs from Bhuj) run for only two months a year (December and January); safaris will be conducted in three directions every day.
Tariff Rs 8,000 per night for doubles, includes meals and taxes; day drives from Rs 6,000 per vehicle; overnight drive to Little Rann Rs 16,000 per couple, includes stay.
Contact 9811159571, overlanderindia.com