On day three and four of the Desert Storm 2008 we will pass Kheechan, a small hamlet near the town of Phalodi. This place is like a magic word to any bird watcher. The reason is that every year thousands of Demoiselle Cranes come here during their annual migration from Siberia. Just google for “kheechan” and you will get page full of links about this astonishing fact. The birds are fed daily by people of
Kheechan on voluntary basis. We salute these people who have been doing this selfless act for years now.
The picture on left is showing fleeting shadows of cranes before they settle down on the ground to feed. The picture on right is extreme zoom while the cranes wait for sun shine and time to fly to “chuga ghar” (feeding place).
As the sun gets stronger the bird start to get restless and soon they are flying in the air approaching the feeding place. They go round and round and in batches of two’s and four’s settle down to feed. It is a sight to see the whole sky filled up with so many birds and to hear thier crys and flap of wings.
Kheechan is worth a visit during the winter months starting November to February. And that brings us to question of where to stay?
Every year Desert Storm has been passing by the town of Phalodi as it sits roughly halfway between Bikaner and Jaisalmer. While the birds of Kheechand are one of the nearby attractions another interesting bit is exploring the town of Phalodi itself. Some ancient temples and Jodhpur lift canal and related water works represent the old and new at the same place. Wind energy generation is also something unique here.
Phalodi also offers an excellent stay facility at Lal Niwas Haweli, a restored centuries old house in middle of towns by-lanes and narrow “galee’s” It is a bit daunting task to get there for the first timer, although every one in town will gladly guide you, but worth the while. Plan a nights stay here with early morning visit to Kheechan and onward journey to Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner or Osiyan, all of which are within few hours of driving distance. Phalodi is also on railway map.
Lal Niwas Haweli presents an imposing facade and has two sections. The first is an museum displaying a treasure trove and the second is the hospitality area. Inside you have old style courtyards leading off to rooms in all directions. Although small and narrow corridors link the courtyards the layout is very interesting.
All along the walls of the haweli you can see priceless original painting by the famous painter Raja Ram Mohan Roy. These in themselves are a treat worth the visit.
