- Best Time to Visit Khichan
Though ideal time to visit Khicha is between December and March, when the Demoiselle Cranes largest congregations are seen.
Khichan: A Desert Oasis Where Demoiselle Cranes Dance
In the heart of the arid Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India, lies a village named Khichan. Unlike its sun-baked surroundings, Khichan boasts a vibrant green patch – a testament to a remarkable story of human-wildlife coexistence. This seemingly ordinary village has become a world-renowned birding destination, famed for its annual congregation of Demoiselle Cranes.
A Legacy of Compassion
Khichan’s transformation began in the 1970s with Mr. Ratan Lal Maloo, a local resident with a deep respect for nature. He started by feeding grains to a handful of birds visiting his fields. This simple act of kindness blossomed into a tradition, attracting more and more birds each year. Today, Khichan welcomes over 12,000 Demoiselle Cranes annually, earning it the moniker “The Village of Cranes.”
A Desert Sanctuary
Khichan’s charm lies in its contrasting landscapes. The arid desert surrounds the village, while a man-made freshwater reservoir provides a vital oasis for birds. This juxtaposition, coupled with Mr. Maloo’s unwavering dedication to feeding the cranes, has created a unique sanctuary.
Stars of the Show: The Demoiselle Cranes
The undisputed stars of Khichan are the Demoiselle Cranes, also known as Kurja cranes. These elegant birds, with their slender bodies and graceful dance-like movements, arrive in Khichan around September, escaping the harsh winters of Central Asia. Their presence transforms the village into a spectacle of feathers and calls. Witnessing a swirling mass of cranes descending upon the feeding grounds is an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the Cranes
While Demoiselle Cranes are the main draw, Khichan offers a haven for other avian residents and visitors. The desert habitat attracts birds of prey like the majestic laggar falcon and the distinctive changeable hawk-eagle. Common birds like the black drongo and the rose-ringed parakeet add to the symphony of chirps and calls. Additionally, winter brings migratory birds like the pied avocet and the ruddy shelduck, adding another layer of diversity.
Highlight Species - Khichan
- Demoiselle Crane
- Desert Wheatear
- Variable Wheater
- Isabelline Wheatear
- Ruff
- Lesser Whitethroat
- Crested Lark
- Greater Short-toed Lark
- Laggar Falcon
- Greater Spotted Eagle
- Tawny Eagle
- Long-legged Buzzard
- Steppe Eagle
- Northern Shoveler
- Knob-billed Duck
- Common Shelduck
Types of Safaris in Khichan
There are no formalized safaris here, one can visit Khichan village at dawn to see the Demoiselle Crane feeding spectacle and participate in the same.
Nearby lakes can be accessed in a private vehicle.
How to reach Khichan
By Air : The nearest air head is Jodhpur airport which is 150 km from Khichan Village.
By Train : The nearest Railway Station is Phalodi which is around 10 km from the Khichan village. Phalodi railway station is well connected with the train routes of the major cities like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, New Delhi.
By Road : Phalodi, the closest town from Khichan, is well connected with major cities of Rajasthan.
- Distance from Bikaner to Khichan is around 165 km takes about 4 hrs drive
- Distance from Jaisalmer to Khichan is approximately 170 km takes around 4 hours to drive.
