Common cranes in flight over the Banni grasslands, Kutch
Chhari Dhand is a seasonal desert wetland on the edge of the Banni grasslands, near Fulay village in Nakhatrana taluka, about 80 km from Bhuj. In the local language chhari means salt affected and dhand means a shallow wetland. It was declared Gujarat's first conservation reserve in 2008, and on 31 January 2026 it was designated a Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance, the first in the Kutch region.
After a good monsoon the wetland can spread over about 80 square kilometres. Winter brings the largest numbers of waterbirds, including common cranes, flamingos, pelicans, ducks and coots, and around 283 bird species have been recorded in and around the reserve. Water levels depend on that year's rain, so ask locally before making the trip, and go early in the morning for the best birding.
- How to Reach: Drive from Bhuj towards Nakhatrana and on to Fulay village, about 80 km in all. Hire a car with a driver who knows the tracks, and carry water and food.
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