Actor Purab Kohli travels to the Chari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve, Kala Dungar and the Bhuj Palace in Kutch and comes away tired, but spellbound by the sights of Gujarat, and the hospitality of its people

Day 1
It is searing hot when I and my friends land in Kutch in the month of May. We start our weekend with an early morning trip to the Chari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve. It is an amazing place that lies at the edge of the Banni grasslands and offers fantastic views of birds both common and rare.

Purab standing on the salt flatlands: 'This was one of the most enchanting moments of my life. I walked two kilometres into this shimmering stretch of land.'

We carry packed breakfasts and make sure we reach the premises by 5 am, in spite of having to drive over broken roads, and make our way through muddy and dusty lanes. We see several Indian cranes and flamingoes, a few endangered birds and large flocks of migratory birds.

It is surreal to watch the sunrise from a strategic point in the reserve with camels in the foreground and flocks of birds flying over the shimmering water, as the sun's rays dance their way to the earth.

I could spend hours watching a beautiful scene such as this, unfold before me. And I do bask in this morning mirth for about three hours before I head to the neighbourhood shrine.

Road to devotion
The dargah of Haji Pir is located on a barren desert land. The little shrine is witness to the famous Haji Pir festival around this time, every year. Along the way, we pass several groups of people heading for the festival on foot from the surrounding villages.

The last refuge of the khur lies in the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat Read Next Story The journey is arduous, but persist we must› Trending Stories Latest Photos Latest Videos Latest Web Stories ADVERTISEMENT Mid-Day Fast ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT