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The Green Ogre

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Category: Kutch Diaries

The Rann of Kutch. Most of us grow familiar with this phrase during the interminable afternoons of shading maps in high school. The lambent dullness of the hours passing by are punctuated by the tap-tapping of pencils upon paper as they describe the topography of the Rann. But what is the Rann? Is it a desert? A wasteland? An ocean? Perhaps it is all of the above, and more. Kutch is India’s largest district, now indisputably so after Ladakh was made a Union Territory. Much of it lies below mean sea level. The Great Rann of Kutch is a fascinating terrain best known for its ‘white deserts’ – which are in fact salt marshes. The effluents of seasonal rivers flooding into the Rann during the monsoon flood the low-lying land and mingle with brackish water from the Gulf of Kutch, and when the water evaporates, it leaves behind fields of crystalline salt stretching to the horizon. Yet, while this has become the Kutch cliche, there is more to this magical landscape than salt marshes. The westernmost border of India presents discoveries to amaze fans of natural history and wildlife. Explore these facets with our series – Kutch Diaries – authored by Andy.

Andy, Kutch Diaries, Mammals, Travelogues, Wild Interactions1 Comment
Desert Cat in Banni, Kutch

Kutch Diaries – Spying on the elusive Desert Cat

June 10, 2020June 10, 2020 Andy

Now you see it, now you don’t. Whether it is stalking prey or just being scarce, the Desert Cat is an elusive customer that inhabits the magical landscape of Banni Grasslands. Continue reading Kutch Diaries – Spying on the elusive Desert Cat

Andy, Bird Behaviour, Birds, Encounter, Kutch Diaries, Travelogues1 Comment
Spotted Sandgrouse

Kutch Diaries – Going Waku Waku with Sandgrouse in Banni

April 29, 2020June 12, 2021 Andy

Continuing the Kutch Diaries, with close encounters with three different species of sandgrouse in Banni grasslands Continue reading Kutch Diaries – Going Waku Waku with Sandgrouse in Banni

Andy, Birds, Kutch Diaries, Travelogues1 Comment
Grey Hypocolius Kutch

Kutch Diaries – Breakfast with the Grey Hypocolius

April 16, 2020June 12, 2021 Andy

On a wintry morning in Kutch, we waited among the dense Salvadora bushes for a glimpse of a rare winter visitor from West Asia – the Grey Hypocolius Continue reading Kutch Diaries – Breakfast with the Grey Hypocolius

Andy, Kutch Diaries, Travelogues1 Comment
Painted Sandgrouse

Kutch Diaries: A whiff of the Rann

April 7, 2020April 28, 2020 Andy

Introducing a lovely series of reminiscences from Andy’s travels in Kutch from the winter of 2018. Stay tuned. Continue reading Kutch Diaries: A whiff of the Rann

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