Some destinations literally transport you to paradise. India is home to such places that simply feel otherworldly. From the snow-lined roads of Spiti to the snowbound passes of Ladakh, the journey becomes
as memorable as the place itself. A similar sense of awe greets travellers who set forth on a dreamlike road, connecting mainland Kutch to Khadir Bet in Gujarat. This 32-km stretch of scenic drive, leading to the historical town of Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is aptly called the Road through Heaven.
Beyond its stunning scenery, the Road through Heaven, located just 50 kms away from Pakistan, draws tourists for its unique geographical landscape. Running alongside shimmering lakes and white salt marshes, the road creates the illusion of driving on water at certain times of the year. As you wheeze past the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch, a salt marsh and semi-arid desert, the terrain unfolds into a mirage, blurring the lines between land, sky and reflection.
Significance Behind Road Through Heaven
Keeping aside the picturesque charm, the road is both historically and culturally important. Reason? It connects the quaint hamlet of Khavda, known for its handicrafts and proximity to the White Rann, with Dholavira, the archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilisation. This lesser-known route booked a spot in a traveller’s bucket list after being featured at the 2023 G20 Summit.
Nearby Attractions To Road Through Heaven
Rann Of Kutch: Rann of Kutch is dotted with small oases of water bodies and shrub forests, making it the perfect habitat for pink flamingoes and the Indian Wild Ass. Travellers can watch Kutchi embroidery, tie and dye, leatherwork and pottery being crafted inside the cylindrical-shaped mud bhungas, aka huts, in the tribal villages. Meanwhile, the Little Rann of Kutch is home to the 4953-sq-km Wild Ass Sanctuary.
Kalo Dungar (The Black Hills): Tucked away north of the Khavda village lies the famous Kalo Dungar, dubbed as Kutch’s highest point (462 m), blessed with surreal views of the Great Rann salt flat. There’s also a 400-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya.
Dholavira: Dholavira, dating back to 4500 years ago, offers globetrotters an insight into the Harappan civilisation. The ruins depict an imposing citadel at the centre, with a middle and lower town, each fortified separately. They were built with smoothed structures of sun-dried brick and stone masonry, highlighting the remarkable town planning of the Harappans.
How To Reach Road Through Heaven
By Road: A road trip is perhaps the best way to enjoy the panoramic experience of the Toad Through Heaven, which is well connected with major cities of Gujarat like Rajkot (229 Km), Ahmedabad (323 Km) and Gandhinagar (330 Km).
By Train: Bhuj Junction, located approximately 5 km from The Road Through Heaven, is the nearest railway station. It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the destination from here.
By Flight: Bhuj Airport, situated about 8 km from The Road Through Heaven, is the closest, well-linked with major cities, including Ahmedabad and Mumbai. A 15-20-minute car ride is all it takes to reach here.
