Kharai Camel

The Kharai is a breed of dromedary camel commonly known as the swimming camel for its ability to thrive in the salt marshes of the Kutch district in the western Indian state of Gujarat, its name drawn from the Gujarati word khara, meaning salty. It is also known locally as Dariyataru, and swims through shallow coastal waters, covering distances of up to three kilometres, to reach mangrove grazing grounds. The breed is closely tied to the Rabari and Fakirani Jat pastoralist communities, who have owned and managed Kharai camels for generations as nomadic herders.