About Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary :
Like the Wild Ass Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar is home to a wide array of wildlife, including many species (15 of which are considered threatened) of mammals, reptiles, and birds. The principle species here is the chinkara, an Indian gazelle. In this harsh landscape, only animals well-adapted to the desert climate can thrive, with extreme heat, high winds, and frequent storms. For this reason, many species can be seen here that are not easy to find elsewhere. Most of Narayan Sarovar is desert thorn forest and scrub forest, with some seasonal wetlands and dry savannah-type vegetation as well. Gorad and babul are the prevailing plant species; gorad in the east and babul in the west. Also found among the 252 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary are hermo, ber, pilu, thor, gugal, salai, ingorio, kerdo, carissa, and the invasive “gando baawal” (prosopsis juliflora), though less so than in other nearby areas. The endangered chinkara is the only gazelle in the world with horns on both males and females. Of the roughly 7000 chinkaras known to exist, 80% of them live in Kutch, and since their primary habitat is the scrub and thorn forests so common here, Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary is crucial to their well-being. The sanctuary also houses many other mammals, from wildcats like the caracal (African or Persian Lynx) to desert foxes and the endangered Indian wolf, from spotted deer to wild boar. The ratel, or honey badger, renowned for its snake-killing ability and fierce self-defense against leopards, lions, poisonous snakes, and swarms of bees, earning it the title of “most fearless animal” in the Guinness Book of World Records, also lives here. Birds abound in the sanctuary, with no less than 184 distinct species to be found here. All three species of bustards (the Great Indian Bustard, the Houbara Bustard, and the Lesser Florican) live here, as well as the Black Partridge, 19 different birds of prey, and many species of waterfowl. No bird lover will leave here displeased.
General Information about Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary :
Location: Kutch
State: Gujarat
Capital: Gandhinagar
Language: Gujarati, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary :
By Air:
For travelling to Kutch by air, you will have to take a flight to Bhuj, the administrative city of Kutch. There are a number of flights connecting Bhuj with the other major cities of India. There are also daily flights to important cities like Mumbai. You can catch any of the below-mentioned airlines for getting to Kutch by air.
By Rail:
Getting to Kutch is quite convenient via train. For that, you will have to take a slightly long route, which is an experience in its own. You can board the Kutch Express from Mumbai, via Ahmedabad and up to Gandhinagar. From there, you can reach your destination by road.
By Road:
To explore Kutch at its best, it is the beat to travel by road. The wild and raw beauty of the region is simply amazing. There are a number of buses available from Ahmedabad to this place. It is connected to major cities in the state via state buses and taxis.