Khichan Bird Sanctuary is a world-renowned natural sanctuary situated in the Phalodi tehsil of Jodhpur District. Even professional ornithologists often visit this sanctuary to observe, learn and collect details of the birdlife here. The village of Phalodi where the sanctuary is situated is at a distance of 171 kms from the center of the city of Jodhpur. The village is also known as the Demoiselle Crane Village.
The main variety of migratory birds that make this place their temporary homes from October to March are Demoiselle Crains. It was in the 1970s that the first flock of these cranes came to Khichan. They came to the notice of the locals only when the cranes, which was very few in number then, started feeding from the grain bowls the locals had kept for the pigeons.
Now, from August to March, the number of Demoiselle cranes that come to this sanctuary is calculated to be around 20,000. These birds weigh from 4 to 6 kilograms and can fly really long distance in very impressive speeds. The cranes enjoy spending time in the sanctuary, by taking baths from the water bodies and feeding on grains from the fields.
There are mainly three types of birds that come migrating to these lands and the locals acknowledge them as Kurjan, Karkara, and Kunch. These birds migrate from South West Europe, Black Sea region, Poland, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, North and South Africa and Mongolia to escape the extremely cold winters of those places Jodhpur Tour Packages.
Khichan Bird Sanctuary is also a place blessed with natural beauty, with the desert of Thar lying vast and wide not too far away. Also, the village of Phalodi offers a chance to explore the rich culture of Rajasthan. Khichan Fort situated nearby is also worth a visit. The main migratory season of the Demoiselle Cranes to the Khichan Bird Sanctuary is from October to February, which makes these months the best time of the year to visit the place.
Even though the sanctuary remains open all day, the visiting experience is the best in dawns and dusks. Entry to the sanctuary is completely free. It is open to the public on all days of the year Wildlife in Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit Khichan
Though the Demoiselle Cranes have begun visiting from August itself, the largest congregations are seen from the beginning of December to March.
How To Reach Khichan Bird Sanctuary, Khichan
By Road: Khichan Bird Sanctuary is located at the outskirts of Khichan town. One can easily reach here by taxi or by walk.
By Rail: Khichan Bird Sanctuary is well connected through nearest Phalodi Railway station ( 6 km) to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: Khichan Bird Sanctuary can be reach through nearest Jodhpur Airport (143 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.
