Gujarat, a land of plenty; it's not only known for it's the longest coastline but there are plenty other natural wonders located in the land of Gandhi. It's home to some of the famous mammals which are: Asiatic Gir Lion and the state is proud for it's growing population which has crossed 600.. second is the Black Bucks and the Wild Asses apart from the hyenas, bears and bats found in plenty.
22nd September 2019, a group of enthusiasts set out on an elaborately planned day trip to capture the entire essence of Little Rann of Kutch. This was the third official outstation trip organised by #FEAtrails.
Greater Rann we all know of.. and the Rann Festival has made it all the more popular with Amitabh Bacchan being the campaign hero. A part of this largest salt desert of the World lies a patch in the eastern side, known as Little Rann of Kutch. This geographical wonder is home to Wild Asses and the Sanctuary details have been submitted to UNESCO in 2006 to be declared as a World Heritage Center.
Wild Asses or Ghudkhur are now only found in this natural reserve hence various initiatives are being taken by both Government and the communities: be it locals, naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, bloggers etc. to promote, protect, preserve the entire ecology and involve local tribes who have been part of the entire construct.
In Dasada, a small town on the peripheral part of the sanctuary lies home for the Human visitors who are keen to visit this part of the world. Tourists have a lot of options to stay but Rann Riders is one the Eco- friendly and self-sustainable resort which offers you a real village experience with modern amenities.
Rann Riders has 32 air-conditioned mud houses or Bhungas, the building material is from the natural resources. These mud houses are decorated with local art and mirror work. The furniture is made out of bamboo or came and curtains upholstery again is locally sourced. The manpower at the resort is again primarily local which makes the place a good example of the ecologically sustainable resort.
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| mud houses |
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| bamboo ceiling |
The owner, Muzahid Malik mentions, "Earlier along with the local cuisine, which was again prepared by villagers, we used to have earthenware, but cleaning and hygiene were a challenge as residual oil is absorbed by the porous earthen ware leaves it's own odour hence we opted for modern kitchenware."
He further added, "I hold a lot of respect and admiration for Anil Mulchandani as a decade back it all started with a small idea and because of his recommendation, today Rann Riders has taken an important place in Tourism Map of Gujarat. In coming months we are also in the process of launching a shooting range which will give a boost to the sports as a hobby".
Rann Riders has their own fleet of horses and Jeeps for desert Safari. The natural lake adjacent to the property is a source of fresh fish and prawns.
Since our visit was a specially designed food trail. Mr. Malik got prepared an elaborate buffet spread for both lunch and dinner. His heart of Gold served over 50 guests.. besides food, the cottages were left open for anyone to retire for a nap. The lunch menu comprised of..
Soup, Khaman, Crispy Paneer Chilli, Mushroom Special Starter, Crispy Red Jhinga Fry, Hilsa Fry, Shaami Kebab, Prawns Biryani, Green Dal, Gurda Kaleji, Nalli Nihari, Raita, Sevaiyan, sweet cutlet, traditionally made Bajri Rotlas and Naan.
Post lunch Lord Indra showered his blessings, it rained for a while, not too much or not to little but to drop down the Mercury levels.. I preferred lying down in the courtyard/ verandah to enjoy fresh air and breeze which isn't available nowadays in Urban living.
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| Bajra Rotlas cooked fresh |
The rains didn't dampen our souls at all cause they stopped exactly while we were sippin our chai hence we could go ahead with our open jeep safari. It again seemed as if Lord Indra had kept a timer and was kind to us...
Jeep drivers are experts to drive on the Marshy Rann, especially in the rainy season where the sludge is quite slippery and vehicles can get stuck!! Winter season is otherwise the best time for Safari where on dry desert they can maneuver for you to get the best clicks.
We spotted a large group of wild asses, but walking towards them in the wet desert was itself an adventure as you had to watch every step on the slippery, slimy soil where your feet would either slide or sink in!! With a caravan, it was quite a fun-filled exercise!
Post evening safari, now it was another lavish meal time.. the supper was even more delicious!! Minestrone Soup, Patra Dasada special Dhokli, Crispy Vegetables, Green Jhinga Fry, Murgh masala, Lauki musallam (a delicacy) , Kathor kofta (a rare preparation), Vaghareli Khichdi, Mutton Biriyani, Lamb Chaamp, Bhugal bhaat and Firni. The entire menu was curated by Sujal Modi another dedicated and most humble FEA member.
Apart from the most warm hospitality, the welcome decor at Rann Riders with Desi Red Roses was the icing on the cake.
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| Sujal Modi - Busy checking the buffet spread |
And not to forget the BREAKing of the ice.. the beginning meal was an authentic BREAKfast organised by Dilip Thakkar and Raju Thakkar who are owners of Gopi. The restaurant was specifically opened for Feans to serve authentic Gujarati breakfast which had Dhokla, Khapoli Vada, Methi Gota, Bhajiyas, Mohanthal and delicious chai in Glasses!
PS: Rann Riders is a 90 km drive from Ahmedabad.
Excellent and absolutely wonderful review...
ReplyDeleteIt is a privilege when every minute detail gets noticed and reviewed...
Thanks for an amazing review Kulveenji
It was a pleasure being at such a beautiful place. Thanks for your hospitality and kindness
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