Till not so long ago in Gujarat, the distance from Bhuj to Dholavira was around 240 km via Rapar and Bhachau.
But in the run-up to the G-20 Summit, the Government of India cleared 31.9 km-long Khavda-Khadir road, through the Rann of Kutch, on a priority basis (though road widening works are ongoing).
The road was originally sanctioned in 2019, but was delayed, and finally opened for tourists in 2023. Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a Harappan city situated on the island of Khadir, where the remains of the famous Indus Valley Civilisation can be found.
Now, it takes just 130 km to reach Bhuj, the capital of Kutch, says Jilubha Sodha, sarpanch of Dholavira.
The Rann of Kutch is famous for its white salty desert sand and is reputed to be the largest salt desert in the world.
Motorbike tourists who shared images of the road, while it was under construction, say it was a “heavenly experience” to be riding there. And so the name ‘Road to Heaven’ stuck, as can be seen on Google Maps.
Many tourists, particularly bikers, and YouTubers travel just for the road trip. This magnificent stretch of road passing through the Great Rann of Kutch, where both sides are the endless white Rann, is a favourite destination for them to explore.
There are many other locations for nature lovers in Khadir, such as Fossil Park, Bokad Gado, Bhim Godo, Sonpari, Cheria Bet, Chhipar, Sunset point at Bhanjado Hill, and Dholavira.
With all these sites, the Road to Heaven has put Khadir on the world map, says local social worker Mahadev Barad.
Tourists interested in bird watching, wildlife, history/archaeological, art and handicraft, tribal studies are already flocking to this area. Many of them also visit Smriti van Earthquake Memorial of Bhuj.
The Road to Heaven seems to be thepièce de résistance.
