Chhari Dhand – A Lesser-Known Treasure of Gujarat

A Bird Lover’s Delight !A Desert Wetland ! Chhari Dhand

Chhari Dhand wetland conservation reserve is located on the edge of arid Banni grasslands and the marshy salt flats of the Rann of Kutch in Kutch District of Gujarat, The word Chhari comes from the Sindhi-Kutchi dialect and means salt affected. This seasonal desert gets swampy during a good monsoon because of its saucer shaped depression, which means Dhand and hence the name Chhari Dhand.
Chhari Dhand is spread over an area of 80 sq. kms and is legally protected under the status of a Protected or Reserve Forest. Nearly 2 lakh birds of 370 migratory and endangered species call it their home in monsoons and winters.

Spotted
You can spot several water birds such as the Flamingo and especially the baby flamingo, Siberian Duck, Common Crane, Black Stork, Spoonbill, and Pelican. It is also home to raptors and birds of prey like the Imperial Eagle, Kestrel, Kite, Falcon, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Barn Owl and desert birds like the Greater Hoopoe Lark and Indian Bush Lark.

Lesser Known Fact
An unexplained strange dancing light phenomenon locally known as Chir Batti (Ghost lights) is known to occur in the Banni grasslands, its seasonal marshy wetlands and the adjoining desert of the marshy salt flats of Rann of Kutch. They look like colourful balls of fire, glowing like mercury lamps.
Hundreds of camels visit the lake in herds for drinking water, appearing like a thin line of dust and eventually emerging as a caravan of camels. An extinct volcano nearby could further add to the charm of visiting Chhari Dhand.

Must-Visit in Kutch

Kutch Nahi Dekha to Kuch Nahi Dekha
Stretching along the Tropic of Cancer, from Rajasthan to the edge of Pakistan and the Arabian Sea, Kutch covers a little over 45,000 sq. kms and is geographically one of India’s largest and most distinctive districts. With its notable mud architecture, a medley of craft traditions and exquisite apparel, this eminently colourful and culturally rich land has a wonderful handcrafted feel.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi
Built in 1929 by Rao Vijayrajji, this palace is very well-maintained, and often the location of filming for Ballywood productions. It is a 3 hour drive from Chhari Dhand.

Prag Mahal, Bhuj
Next door to the Aina Mahal, in the same walled compound, is the giant Prag Mahal. which can at first seem slightly out of place at the far western edge of India. The Prag Mahal is a 2 hour drive from Chhari Dhand.

How to Reach

By Road : 7 kms from Fulary village I 30 kms from Nakhatrana town I 55 kms from Bhuj city

Also Can be reached by private vehicles and chhakdas

For More Information : https://www.gujarattourism.com/kutch-zone/kutch/chhari-dhand-wetland-reserve.html