Typicla
Day
Afternoon arrival at the Resort is greeted with tea. The air is filled with
sounds of chirping birds and the rustling of trees. After a short nap, or a
walk about, you are ready for the jeep safari into the Little Rann of Kutch
(LRK). The vehicle is typically an open 4x4 and driven by a trained guide.
The safari begins with going past local villages, waving to numerous
children and viewing the rich culture and colors of rural India, of course
wildlife is all around, and one can see francolins, coursers and birds of
prey along the way. You arrive at the entrance into the LRK, this is a
dramatic moment because of the expanse of land and water you see.
As you drive into the LRK, you see the Wild Ass, as you approach the water
bodies you see that they are teeming with birds, both local and migrants.
Spend time bird watching and watch the sun setting. At times the orange sky
of the setting sun is pierced with the pink hue of the flamingoes leaving
the water. After sunset you drive back after spending about 2-3 hours.
Dinner at camp is often followed by a camp fire. The night sky is set alight
by the beauty of the milky way.
Important Local Sites
MODHERA -
Modhera is famous for the sun temple. The Modhera temple
has resemblance with the Konark and Khajuraho temples in architectural
style. Built in 1026-27 by King Bhimdev, it was partially damaged when
Mahmud of Ghazni raided it. The Sanctum Sanctorum, was designed such, that
the rays of the rising and setting sun on the day of equinox, fell on the
bejewelled statue built by the Suryavanshi Solanki Rajputs, in honour of
their ancestral God. The sculptures on the walls of the temple resemble the
Konark and the Khajuraho temples.
DHRANGADRA, HALVAD & VADHVAN -
The historic Jhala Rajput capitals,
still retain their old monuments. The fort of Halwad, with its intricate
jarokhas, facing the lake, and the chattries of the Jhala Rajputs, are worth
a glimpse.
JHINJUVADA -
The old fort of Jhinjuwada, is strategically situated.
It must have protected the Solanki Rajput kingdom, from invaders travelling
across the coastal creeks and saline plains of the Rann of Kutch.
PATAN - Established during the Solanki era, this town is famous for
its architectural wonders. A pretty town with lots of old walls, gates,
temples and monuments, the greatest reminder of the golden period of
Gujarat, is the Rani-ki-vav step wall.
PATDI - One of the few Patel family ruled states in India, Patdi was
the 12th century capital of the Jhala Rajput rulers,before they moved to
Halwad following a peaceful firman, issued by the Sultans of Ahmedabad.
VIRAMGAM - Medieval fort walls surround Viramgam town. The town
features in the history of the Solanki Rajputs, the Gujarat Sultanate, the
Jagirs, old houses and Havelis can be seen in the town.
NALSAROVAR BIRD SANCTUARY - More than a 100 sq Km in area, Nalsarovar
is a birdwatchers paradise, with home to numerous migratory and indigenous
birds. The huge lake and its islands, attract huge flocks of bird,
especially in winter. Padhars and Bharwads have settlements along the lake.
The nearby fields are good for seeing sarus cranes, quails and partridges.
One can take a taxi or bus to watch the Ducks, Geese, White storks, Rosy
Pelicans and Flamingoes at the sanctuary. Two ancient temples of interest
are also located within the sanctuary.
Wildlife
Wild Ass, Nilgai, Jackal, Indian & Desert Fox, Wolf, Desert Cat, Jungle
Cat, Flamingoes, Cranes (Demoiselle, Common and Sarus), Ducks, Geese, Larks,
MacQueens Bustard, Sykes Nightjar, Sand Grouse and Harrier, Owls
Social Responsibilty
The people of Zainabad are farmers & salt manufacturers. Through Desert
Coursers, the Family supports a host of social projects around Zainabad.
While some profits are used for the upkeep and modernization of the Resort,
this is always balanced to make sure most of the profits are ploughed back
into the society. This includes running a High School that is accessed by
local and children
from nearby villages.
In 1999 local water wells were reconstructed to provide water to about 2000
people, in the same year, opened a boarding school for about 40 children
whose parents are salt manufacturers and hence deprived of education. The
school gives them basic education, lodging & boarding and an escape from
being in a labor intensive salt pan.
On the 26th January 2001 we had an earth quake, it was the biggest disaster
that any one had experienced. Most of the village schools collapsed. ZHEDP
built a girls school in Zainabad which now educates about 350 girls from 5
to 12 years, out of which about 175 are fully supported by ZHEDP, clients
and friends of Desert Coursers. Recently with the help of some clients we
have put a drinking water facility in this school, it is the only school
having this provision. As most of the houses had collapsed, people needed
food & clothing, ZHEDP helped more than 2000 families by providing this.
During this time ZHEDP helped the Red Cross and other organisations to
distribute the relief material. The vehicles of Desert Coursers were used
for transporting the sick and injured to nearby hospitals.
In February 2002 another big disaster struck Gujarat, the Riots. During this
time Desert Coursers came as big help, the cottages accommodated the people
who had fled and lost their dear ones & belongings. The Resort became a
refuge camp providing people the much needed medical & food facilities.
Desert Coursers is still helping families like these with work opportunities
so they can survive. Free education is given to their children.
In 2006, Akaash Ganga was inaugurated. Here we provide room, board and
schooling for under privileged children with specific attention to the girl
child and salt worker children.
Young people from all over the world donate their time to teach the children
something new. Others
provide funds and specific donations.
Recognition : Best Educator presented by the Education Minister |