Chhari Dhandh Bird Sanctuary
A remote desert sanctuary teeming with migratory birds, offering a unique wildlife experience in Gujarat's Rann.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak migratory bird season
Chhari Dhandh Bird Sanctuary
Best Time
Peak migratory bird season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote desert sanctuary teeming with migratory birds, offering a unique wildlife experience in Gujarat's Rann.
"A must-visit for bird lovers, offering a unique desert landscape and abundant migratory species."
🚗 Hire an SUV/Jeep
Essential for navigating unmarked desert tracks.
🤝 Get a Local Guide
Crucial for navigation and spotting birds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Migratory Bird Spectacle
Witness thousands of migratory birds, including the Kunj from Kazakhstan and Turkey.
Black Eagle Sighting
Keep an eye out for the majestic black eagle, often visible clearly.
Flamingos and Lapwings
Spot vibrant flamingos and various species of lapwings in their natural habitat.
Observatory Tower
Climb the observatory tower for panoramic views of the desert and water bodies.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit: Winter is Key
Navigating the Terrain & Getting a Guide
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire an SUV/Jeep
Essential for navigating unmarked desert tracks.
🤝 Get a Local Guide
Crucial for navigation and spotting birds.
⏰ Start Your Day Early
5 AM start for best bird sightings and cooler temperatures.
binoculars
Bring your own or rent from the sanctuary center.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire an SUV/Jeep
Essential for navigating unmarked desert tracks.
🤝 Get a Local Guide
Crucial for navigation and spotting birds.
⏰ Start Your Day Early
5 AM start for best bird sightings and cooler temperatures.
binoculars
Bring your own or rent from the sanctuary center.
🏠 Consider Overnight Stay
Sanctuary center offers affordable stay and food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chhari Dhandh is a highly recommended destination for bird lovers, especially during winter. Visitors praise the abundance of migratory birds and the unique desert scenery. However, the challenging off-road access and the necessity of hiring a guide are frequently mentioned points.
"Thisnis a bird sanctuary close to Bhuj. You should plan to come here in winters. If you are here for visiting Rann of Kutch then 1 morning you can keep for this.
You need to start early at 5 am and you should be done in 4-5 hours and return to your hotel by 10 am.
There are many birds Most of them are migratory. One suchbwas Kunj which comes here from Kazakhstan / Turkey.
There is a black eagle which is visible very clearly.
Of course there are flamingos, lapwings, etc. Which could all be located in and around this place.
There is one observatory tower made somewhere in the middle of the desert close to the water body and 1 room in that for localities to stay in case they get stuck here.
The way to go here is a little off road with no proper route due to desert so you either need a jeep (on rent) or need your own SUV car for this drive.
Irrespective of that, definitely keep a guide or a localite who could take you round the lake and show you the path and birds appropriately."
Taral Shah
"It is a must visit for whom who loves birds. There are so many birds and most of them are migrated. Only visit during the winter season from October to March. It is a very difficult place to find. You must choose a guide before planning otherwise you will get lost in the Desert. There are lots of similar vehicle tracks in the desert so it is very difficult to decide which one to follow. First reach Bhuj then go to Nakhtrana where you can hire a guide or go to Chhari village then a Government Center specifically made for this Sanctuary then hire a guide there. The center offer a very affordable stay in the night and home like food and binoculars also. So good luck and do visit this amazing place. It is a place beyond the rest of the world."
Mahendra Dhatarwal
"This is nice place but could not enjoy bird watching as we visited here with tour operator & in afternoon."
Sukumar shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bhuj, head towards Nakhtrana. You can hire a guide and vehicle there, or proceed to Chhari village and the Government Sanctuary Center to arrange for a guide and transport. An SUV or jeep is highly recommended due to the off-road desert terrain.
Yes, it can be difficult to find as it's off-road with many similar vehicle tracks in the desert. Hiring a local guide is essential for navigation.
An SUV or a jeep is best suited for the off-road desert conditions.
Public transport is not a reliable option for reaching Chhari Dhandh due to its remote and off-road location. Hiring a private vehicle is necessary.
The travel time can vary depending on road conditions and vehicle, but plan for at least 1-2 hours each way, plus time for birdwatching.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on specific ticket prices is not widely available, but the sanctuary center offers affordable stays and services. It's advisable to inquire locally or at the sanctuary center.
While there are no strict opening hours, early mornings are best for birdwatching. The sanctuary is accessible during daylight hours.
Specific entry fees are not detailed, but the sanctuary center provides services like guides and accommodation at affordable rates.
It is strongly advised to visit with a local guide due to the challenging navigation in the desert.
Yes, there is a Government Center for the sanctuary that offers affordable stays, home-like food, and binoculars for rent.
🎫 🐦 Birdwatching Experience
You can see a variety of migratory birds, including the Kunj, flamingos, lapwings, and potentially a black eagle.
The winter season, from October to March, is the best time for birdwatching as it's peak migratory season. Early mornings are particularly good.
Yes, binoculars are available for rent at the Government Center for the Sanctuary.
A morning visit, starting around 5 AM and finishing by 10 AM, is generally recommended for a good birdwatching experience.
Yes, flamingos are among the birds commonly spotted at Chhari Dhandh.
🍽️ 🏨 Accommodation & Food
Yes, the Government Center for the Sanctuary offers affordable overnight stays with home-like food.
The sanctuary center provides home-like food, making it a comfortable option for overnight stays.
While direct accommodation within the sanctuary is limited to the center, options might be available in nearby villages or resorts like Kutir Craft Village Resort.
While not explicitly mentioned, hiring a local guide can offer a personalized experience. The mention of a billionaire's private rescue center in a TikTok video suggests exclusive access might be possible through specific arrangements.
For day trips, it's advisable to carry your own snacks and water, or inquire about food availability at the sanctuary center if you plan to stay longer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a guide who is good with children; they can make the experience more interactive and educational. The overnight stay option at the sanctuary center could be an adventure for older kids, offering a unique desert camping-like experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The observatory tower offers opportunities for panoramic landscape photography, capturing the expanse of the desert and water bodies.
🌿 Nature Lovers & Birdwatchers
Consider the overnight stay at the sanctuary center to experience the full spectrum of bird activity, from dawn choruses to dusk movements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Desert Terrain
Many visitors suggest starting their journey very early in the morning, around 5 AM. This allows for cooler temperatures and better chances of spotting birds during their most active periods.
The Birdwatching Experience
Beyond the common sightings, the sanctuary is a crucial stop for birds like the Kunj, which undertakes long migrations from places like Kazakhstan and Turkey.
Local Support and Facilities
This center also serves as a point of contact for arranging guides and potentially vehicles. The availability of binoculars for rent here is a significant plus for visitors who may not have their own.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit