Rann Riders
Dasada

On the sunbaked edge of the Little Rann of Kutch, Rann Riders sits in the village of Dasada deep in the heart of Gujarat, western India, just a few hours’ drive from Ahmedabad. Here, amidst salt flats and scrubland, flamingos and wild asses, is a place that celebrates the stark, mesmerising beauty of one of India’s most haunting landscapes.

The lodge itself is a constellation of cottages, Bhunga and Kooba-style huts modelled after the homes of local Rabari and Bajania communities, each offering a rich sense of place. Crafted with mud, thatch and terracotta, these eco-lodges are outfitted with modern essentials; air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and beds that practically sigh with comfort. Rustic, yes, but not without its indulgences.

Dining is an atmospheric affair at the on-site Flamingo Restaurant. Think woodfire aromas, Gujarati thalis, hand-rolled rotis, fresh local produce and the odd spiced fusion dish that nods gently to Europe. Eat al fresco under an inky sky or tucked inside beside traditional artefacts. It's worth noting that Gujarat is a dry state, and Rann Riders does not serve alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy a drink are advised to obtain a permit in accordance with local laws or make arrangements ahead of time.

The real star here is the land itself. From this base in Dasada, guests can embark on jeep safaris into the Wild Ass Sanctuary, the only place on Earth where the endangered Asiatic Wild Ass still roams free. Early mornings bring clouds of migratory birds when cranes, pelicans and flamingos paint the salt pans in fluttering pinks and whites. The guides are sensitive, knowledgeable and deeply connected to the rhythm of the land.

Back at the lodge, excursions to local villages offer rich encounters with weavers, potters and pastoralists, many of whom the hotel supports through long-standing community partnerships.

There’s also a tranquil pool to slip into after a dusty day on safari, a massage pavilion where traditional treatments await, and even a trap and skeet shooting range for those with a sporting streak. Rann Riders is deeply committed to sustainability, with initiatives such as water harvesting, waste reduction and locally sourced construction materials.

Rann Riders has drawn the attention of publications like Conde Nast Traveller, The Times and Lonely Planet, all praising its seamless integration of wildlife adventure, cultural immersion and eco-conscious hospitality.

Rann Riders is not just a place to stay, it’s a journey into India’s wild soul. A barefoot-luxury escape where salt deserts shimmer, ancient cultures thrive and time slows to the beat of camel bells and birdsong.

Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran