Traditional Rajasthani hospitality to visitors is legend. But opening your home, granary and village to foreign visitors of the winged kind - now that’s a first! If you’re in the mood to explore further out, a 45 minute safari from Manvar will take you to the world famous village of Khichan where thousands of migratory birds, especially Siberian Cranes, drop anchor every year from October to March. The villagers of Khichan have a very special relationship with these birds. During the winter season, over 8,000 to 10,000 birds can be seen at Khichan. This phenomenon has gained strength due to the pioneering endeavour of one villager by the name of Ratan Lal Malu Jain. He began to nurture these foreign visitors by feeding these birds twice a day, several years ago. As the number of birds began to increase, he sought the help of his fellow villagers, who rallied to 'adopt' these birds. The wealthier farmers were approached for donations of grain or for money to purchase grain to feed these birds.

Many folk songs are based on them. According to Marwari legend and song, these birds were signs of good luck and also carried messages to the local women from their lovers and loved ones in faraway lands. The number of cranes that migrate here is said to be increasing by 10 to 15% each year and currently it takes over 600 kilograms of grain to feed these birds each day. The grain is spread in the fields in the night for the early morning feed and once again in the afternoon before the cranes returns for an evening meal. Khichan is a perfect example of how man can co-exist with nature and even nurture the survival of a particular species. It is a shining example of the conservation efforts of a group of people driven by a sheer love of nature, without the help or encouragement of any outside agency.