The way to heaven in Kutch. Credit: X/@incredibleindia
India is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, from the towering Himalayas to the lush Western Ghats. But if there is one road that is distinguished by its beauty and serenity, it is the stretch aptly nicknamed “Road to Heaven.” The 32 kilometer stretch through the Rann of Kutch It is not just any path. It is a sensory experience. On either side, you have the endless expanse of the Rann of Kutch, contrasted with the blue of the water touching the asphalt. And you are in the middle, looking in the distance at the cowherds trudging along their daily route.
Road to heaven: from Khavda to Dholavira
Until a few years ago, the distance between Bhuj, the capital of Kutch, and Dholavira was about 240 kilometres. To reduce this, a road connecting Khavda to Dholavira, crossing the Rann, was commissioned in 2019. This 30 kilometer stretch began in 2024, just in time for the G20 Summit. While the road is yet to be completed, a one-way lane takes travelers from Khavda to Dholavira, the largest relic of the Harappan civilization in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering travelers tourists a glimpse of this once-flourishing city.
The highway is part of a 278 km long national highway from Ghaduli to Santalpur, with a section passing through the White Desert. Here you will see the sky reflected in the waters; If you have a drone, there is probably no better place in India to use it. The Rann was once a shallow part of the Arabian Sea, until a geological change closed the connection with the sea. Today, during the monsoon, the Rann fills with water, creating a white, salty land; The rest of the year is an endless expanse of salt desert. The highway cuts through this landscape, with water on both sides of the single-lane highway. From now on you can park your car/bike, get off the gravel and dip your feet in the water.
While the ecological impact of building the road in such a pristine landscape is questionable, there is no doubt that it will encourage more travelers to head to Dholavira. Dholavira is an ancient Harappan city located within the Rann of Kutch. This well-preserved archaeological site offers a glimpse into the life of the Indus Valley Civilization. The layout of the city, with its fortified walls, granaries and residential areas, provides valuable information about the urban planning and social structure of this ancient culture. With Dholavira, Gujarat aims to promote archaeological tourism.
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