Declared in 1973 and covering roughly 4,950 square kilometres, the Wild Ass Sanctuary is India’s largest protected area by extent and the last wild refuge of the Indian wild ass subspecies, whose population has recovered from a few hundred individuals decades ago to several thousand today. The flat, seasonally flooded salt desert and its raised grassy islands also support wolves, striped hyena, nilgai and desert fox, and its shallow winter wetlands draw large congregations of migratory flamingos and other waterbirds. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include spotting the endangered khur in its salt desert habitat, flamingo flocks at the seasonal wetlands, and bajra fields and camel carts on the Rann fringe. It falls within Surendranagar, Surendranagar district, and Gujarat.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 1 Day
January, December, November, February
The nearest major town is Surendranagar (about 90 km away), and the closest railway station is at Dhrangadhra (around 40 km from the sanctuary’s main entry point). You can hire a private jeep or taxi from Surendranagar or Ahmedabad (about 160 km); for groups, a comfortable tempo traveller or SUV is recommended. The terrain is flat and roads are mostly decent, but inside the sanctuary, you will need a 4x4 gypsy, which can be arranged at the entry gate.
Yes, you need to pay an entry fee (around Rs 200 per person for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners, plus a vehicle fee of Rs 100–300) at the sanctuary gate. You must take a registered guide or vehicle for entering the core area, and no private cars are allowed beyond the entrance. Timings are usually 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is best to start early morning or late afternoon for better animal activity.
The star attraction is the Indian wild ass (khur), which you can see in herds, often near waterholes or grazing on the grassland. You may also spot nilgai, chinkara, desert foxes, and a variety of birds like the houbara bustard and larks. Safari options include government-run gypsy tours (booked at the sanctuary office) or private jeeps with a naturalist guide; for seniors, the gypsy can be requested for a slower pace and more stops.
The ideal time is from November to March, when the weather is cool and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot, with temperatures crossing 40°C, making wildlife sightings and travel uncomfortable. Monsoon (July to September) brings rain, but many inner tracks become muddy and inaccessible.
The nearest good stay is at Dhrangadhra (about 40 km), where you can find budget hotels and a forest rest house with basic amenities; for more comfort, Surendranagar has mid-range hotels with attached bathrooms and lifts. If you prefer staying closer, the sanctuary offers a few eco-tourism huts (like at Bajana) that are simple but clean, with basic beds and fans—ideal for an overnight group stay. For seniors, it is advisable to book a hotel with ground-floor rooms and ensure your vehicle has good suspension for the bumpy tracks.