Dasada is a small town in Surendranagar district, a gateway to the Little Rann of Kutch rather than a destination in its own right. People come for the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, which protects the khur across roughly 4,950 square kilometres of salt desert, and for the stark white flats, the birds of Bajana Creek and the big winter skies.
The second reason to come is the old town of Jhinjuwada, about 20 km to the northwest. It is still circled by a Chaulukya-era wall with four carved gateways, including the Madapol Gate, and it sits close to the salt hills that safaris visit. There is little to buy and few places to eat, so most travellers stay at a resort near Dasada village and organise everything through it.
It works best as two nights. Spend one morning on the flats in a jeep, another at Jhinjuwada and, if you have a spare day, drive north to the Sun Temple at Modhera and the stepwell at Patan. Winter is the season: from April to September the heat is severe or the Rann is flooded, and the experience is very different.
Before you plan
Dasada at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable; October and March are workable. April to September is very hot or flooded.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 nights for the Rann and Jhinjuwada2 nights for the Rann and Jhinjuwada; add a day for Modhera and Patan
- Airport
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel…Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD), roughly 90 km away; about 2 hours by road, traffic dependent
- Railway station
- Viramgam JunctionViramgam Junction (VG) is the nearest major railhead; Ahmedabad is the main alternative
- Getting around
- A private car from Ahmedabad is easiestA private car from Ahmedabad is easiest; safaris on the flats need a high-clearance jeep with a guide
- Daily budget
- Varies widelyVaries widely; resort stays with safaris are the main cost, and tariffs should be confirmed directly
- Senior comfort
- Reasonable at a resort baseReasonable at a resort base; long, bumpy, dusty jeep rides and strong sun are the main challenges
- Language
- Gujarati and HindiGujarati and Hindi; English is understood at resorts
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Dasada: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Dasada itinerary
One good day
1 day in Dasada
Arrive early from Ahmedabad and register for a jeep safari at sunrise, with a guide arranged through your resort. Spend the morning looking for wild ass herds on the flats, then visit the salt hills near Jhinjuwada. Stop at the Madapol Gate and walk the old town. Rest through the midday heat, and head back to Ahmedabad before dark. Confirm permit arrangements the evening before.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Dasada
Drive from Ahmedabad, check in at a resort and rest after lunch. Take a short late-afternoon safari to watch the light on the flats and, with luck, a herd of wild ass. Dinner is at the resort.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Dasada
Drive from Ahmedabad, rest and take a short afternoon safari.
Day-by-day plan →
