A privately-managed nature reserve in the Kutch hinterland.
12792 acres of tropical thorn forest and rocky hilltops.
A haven for wildlife.
Chadva Rakhal lies in the Chadva Hills, 25 km south-west of Bhuj. For 150 years, it has been the private reserve of the Maharao of Kutch - passing through five generations. Today, the area is managed by The Maharao Pragmulji Conservation Trust who are working to preserve the habitat as a place for wildlife to thrive, and welcoming visitors to enjoy its natural beauty.
AT THE HEART OF CHADVA RAKHAL
the majestic Pragsar Lake, conceived and inaugurated in 1870 by Maharao Pragmalji II, sustains the biodiversity of the entire Rakhal, including 250+ mugger crocodiles - half of Kutch’s total population; over 200 species of wetland, aquatic and terrestrial birds; 26 mammal species including hyena, ratel, desert cat and leopard; reptiles; insects; and rare, endangered flora.
Water percolates down from the 100+ acre lake to nourish Pragmalji’s exotic orchard of tamarind, chikoo, date and ficus trees. Today, the 150-yr-old orchard is a wild oasis, unexpected in this arid landscape. It’s magnificent canopy hosts heronries and bat colonies, while mongoose and monitor lizards occasionally scurry across the rugged pathways.
WHAT IS A RAKHAL?
Historically, rakhals were designated ‘grass preserves’, producing animal fodder as revenue for the Kutch Darbar. During the early 1900s, around 44 rakhals comprised a collective area of 300 square miles in Kutch, within which all trees were protected. Today, only a handful remain under the protection of the Forest Department, with the exception of one which is privately managed - Chadva Rakhal.
DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS
constitute the habitat of Chadva Rakhal, predominantly tropical thorn forest with patches of scrubland, savannah grassland, rocky hillocks and a number of rivulets which feed lakes and seasonal wetlands, supporting a rich repository of fauna and flora, including rare and endangered species. The area is also an important pasture for a community of Maldhari pastoralists who graze cattle through the winter months.
LOCATION
Chadva Rakhal is located south of the Bhuj-Nakhatrana highway, approx 6km along the road that continues south from the village of Samatra. Look out for the signpost to turn left.
CONTACT
Please tag @chadvarakhal to your Instagram posts & stories and select Chadva Rakhal Nature Reserve as the official location.