While most of my days this past November were filled with orientation sessions related to social justice, power and privilege, international development, and the like, we were occasionally treated to outside trips and activities that would help to further our understanding of Indian culture and history. The most memorable trip that we took beyond the ashram grounds was to Little Rann of Kutch, an enormous saline desert located in northwestern Gujarat. The desert covers almost 5,000 square kilometers, and transforms into a vast coastal wetland following heavy rains. Believe it or not, the area is most well-known for its “Wild Ass Sanctuary” — which is exactly what we traveled to Little Rann of Kutch to see.

The subspecies of wild ass which resides at the Sanctuary is highly endangered, and exists nowhere else in the world but Little Rann of Kutch. The Sanctuary has been listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve, and despite its harsh terrain, is home to a variety of wildlife. In addition to wild asses, the area boasts a smattering of migratory bird populations, as well as the Indian wolf and desert fox. In addition to spotting wild asses and a great many birds, we were fortunate enough to see wild nilgai, or Indian antelope.

It is believed that at one time, the saline deserts of Little Rann of Kutch were shallow sea. Now, this region of Gujarat is considered to be a transitional area between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Salt panning and shrimp farming continue to be main sources of livelihood for local populations residing in the area, though the Indian government has discouraged the continuation of such activities due to risks of environmental degradation.  I’ve certainly never seen any place quite like the Wild Ass Sanctuary, and don’t know that I’ll ever visit anywhere like it again:

Safari Jeeps for Visiting the Sanctuary (The White-colored Ground Is the Salt!)

The Famed Wild Asses

Saline Desert Landscape

Fellows Goofing Off at the Sanctuary

On the same day that we visited the Wild Ass Sanctuary, we took a side trip to the Sun Temple at Modhera, which was constructed in 1026 AD. The temple was built in such a way that during the equinox, the dawn sun shines on Surya, the Hindu sun god:

For anyone visiting Gujarat, I highly recommend a visit to the Kutch region. Very cool indeed!