I kept looking for the best roads across the India with unique landscapes. After riding through Himalayas and South Indian coasts, it was quite difficult to find out something that’s comparatively beautiful. But, I am happy to be disproven.
Kutch’s desert landscape complimented with the Road to Heaven cutting through Rann of Kutch Lake makes this road trip one of its kind.
In this article, I’ll tell you about the complete Ahmedabad to Kutch road trip details, road condition, circuit to follow, places to visit, and dos and don’ts.
How to Reach Ahmedabad?
Ahmedabad is well connected from major cities of India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Nashik, Chennai, etc.
Besides that, there are direct internation flights from UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and several other South-East Asia and Middle East Countries.
Also, there are several trains from across India.
Travel Plan of Ahmedabad-Kutch Road Trip Via Dholavira?
- Total days: 4
- Total Kms: 1,147 km
- Road condition: Great, only 5 km off-roading after Vauva Village
| Day No. | Day Plan | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ahmedabad to Dholavira | 332 km + 35 km of sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Dholavira to Kutch White Desert, Visit Kala Dungar on the way | 88 km + 34 km (Kala Dungar) |
| Day 3 | Kutch to Bhuj, Visit Tera Fort, and Mandvi | 88 km + 230 km for sightseeing |
| Day 4 | Bhuj to Ahmedabad | 331 km |
Click the link to access the complete route on Google Maps: Road Trip to Kutch
How to do Ahmedabad-Kutch Road Trip: Means of Transport
So, there are three options to do this road trip:
- By Public Transport
- By Car
- By Motorbike
Let’s say, if you go with the first option, it is going to be a bit hectic. As there’s no train or direct bus to Dholavira. That means, you’ll have to travel to Bhuj by train or bus and book a taxi from there. Even if you choose to go for local transport, there are regular government buses from Bhuj to Khavda. However, from Khavda, you’ll need to wait again for share sumo cars or buses to reach Dholavira. It will take your whole day and still, you’ll not be able to save much.
If you plan to go by car, it would cost you around 15,000 rupees (~$200) for 4 days, plus the toll tax of 650 rupees.
However, the best would be going on a bike ride. So, you can do some off-roading as well.
What’s the Best Time for the Road Trip?
Kutch is the desert reason that burns hot during daytime from March to September.
If you want to visit Kutch when the weather is pleasant and crowd in minimal, then October and February-end is the best time.
However, if you want to attend Rann Utsav and enjoy the vibe of Gujarat’s culture, then November to January is the best. Keep in mind that the traffic and crowd will be at its peak during these months so do prior booking and always aim to arrive as early as possible.
I visited the Rann Utsav during December and you can check the mood and atmosphere of the place in my vlog.
Day-1: Ahmedabad to Dholavira
I started from Ahmedabad S.G. Highway at 7 am, and it was quite chilling for sure. So, make sure you have proper winter wear as even Ahmedabad gets chilly during December.
There are two road from Ahmedabad that go to Dholavira: One is from Viramgam and other is from Mehsana.
Though the road from Mehsana is a bit shorter, I chose to go forward with Viramgam. Both roads meet at Radhanpur Road.
After driving for three hours, I had breakfast at Radhnapur as there are very few food outlets after Radhanpur till Dholavira. So, be packed with water and food supplies for the next few hours.
I drove for nearly one hour thirty mins to Sadhanpur and then, exited the highway after taking a right turn. If you want to avoid off-roading continue straight on the highway to Adesar and take a right from there.
Both roads meet at Mouvana.
The road I took had a few bumpy patches till Vauva village. After Vauva, it’s complete off-roading for the next five kilometers.
Crossing the offroad leads to our first destination, Road to Paradise.
Road to Paradise
This is a lesser-known road that people usually skip it. On this road, you’ll find rivulets on both sides of the road, followed by a desert extended till the horizons.
There wasn’t a single tourist and very few vehicles crossed. Overall, one of the best places to relax, cherish the calmness and click photos.
Next, I drove for another two hours and reached Dholavira around 2:30 pm. After having lunch and getting freshened up, I left for our Dholavira sightseeing.
Dholavira Museum and Archaeological Site
This is the first place you should visit as Dholavira museum opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm.
The museum contains the artifacts found during the excavation of the Dholavira Harappan site. It also contains wood fossils, Harrapan seals, and a lot more.
It normally takes thirty mins to one hour to go around the museum. Also, don’t wear any fancy shoes there as they are not allowed in the museum.
After that, you can take a walk around the archaeological site, checkout the remains of the palace, other buildings, and houses.
Dholavira Wood Fossil Park
From there, I moved forward to the Wood Fossil Park, where you’ll see fossilised tree trunks belonging to Jurassic age. Honestly, the place may not interest everyone but it is still worth visiting as these fossils are real treasure.
Also, you get to have a close look at several flamingos from this park as it is located at the edge of Dholavira Island.
Dholavira Sunset Point
There’s no better thing than enjoying a nice sunset after a tiring day. Dholavira Sunset Point is just three kilometres away from the Wood Fossil Park. You can sit there, listen to music, and enjoy the breeze at this place. You’ll find no food stalls or water bottles here. So, keep the necessary supplies with you.
Day-2: Dholavira to Kutch
Next day, I left early as I didn’t want to miss the sunrise on Road to Heaven. However, it’s still fine if you leave till 9 am. After that, the traffic gets on the nerves, and you’ll get late in reaching Kutch as well.
Road to Heaven
Road to Heaven is no less attraction than any other on the trip. As soon as you leave Dholavira, you’re on this road.
This manmade wonder is stretched 30 km in the length, connecting Dholavira to Khavda. The road has water on both sides, where you can regularly see flamingos hovering over waves as you move forward.
It’s worth stopping for a while, sitting on the edge of the road, and enjoying chai.
One suggestion, after you get on the road, stop after 20 kms, as usually there are very few people at that point, not much construction, and the best view.
Kala Dungar
Kala Dungar or the Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch district. After you cross the Road to Heaven, go for 18 km to reach Kala Dungar.
Well, if you reach here around 10 am, it’s great but after that, it’s loaded with traffic. Also, as it is a one-lane uphill road, it sometimes take more than an hour to reach at the top.
I had to park my motorbike on the side of the road and walk for 2-3 kms to get on the top.
When I reached, there was a market, a temple, and a view. I would say that the view is great but still doesn’t worth the effort. As it is a religious site, crowd will be in an overwhelming number.
Therefore, I’d suggest that if you want to save three hours of the day, you can directly go to Dhorlo, where Kutch’s White Desert is located.
Kutch White Sand Desert
Kutch White Sand Desert is located in the Dhorlo village of Bhuj. You must make sure to book the stay as much as close to Kutch’s White Sand Desert entry point to avoid much travel in traffic.
Also, you have to make the prior entry permit from here: https://rannpermit.gujarat.gov.in/traveller/requestpermit
After reaching the desert, I parked the motorbike and dived into the sand. Honestly, the vibe was uplifting and there was a happy and exciting atmosphere all around, making the trip worth it.
There are hundreds of food stalls to explore, with people selling fruits, noodles, tea, etc., at a nominal price.
After you pass the food stalls, there’s a decorated pathway, brightened up with colorful lights.
You can walk in the Rann as far as you want but don’t go far enough to cross the border.
Also, the parasailing is worth doing as you can see the white endless desert from a height. In the end, get something to sit on, relax, and watched the amazing sunset on Rann.
Rann of Kutch Market
Rann of Kutch market like a street that has foot stalls and some shops from where you can buy traditional Gujarati stuff. I believe it’d be better to buy things from Bhuj rather than here as they would be expensive. However, food stalls are great and Vagarelo Rotlo is a must try.
Day-3: Kutch to Bhuj
After having a chilly night and talks around bonfire, I left for Bhuj after breakfast. It only takes one hour thirty minutes to reach Bhuj. So, you won’t need to start your day early as destination isn’t that far.
Kutch Museum
After reaching Bhuj, Kutch Museum is the place I wanted to visit.
It is one of oldest museums in India, started in 1877, housing inscriptions as old as two thousand years. Besides that, you can find details of various tribes of Kutch, their artifacts, folk art, clothes, and weapons.
Chhatardi Bhuj
Chhatardi Bhuj is close to the Museum and you can visit it next. These are two hundred years old royal cenotaphs, built as a tribute to Kutch’s Rajput rulers.
They are not in a good condition, but you can still come here, explore the ruins, and get some awesome clicks.
Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal
Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal are the highlights of Bhuj, located nearby Harmirsar Lake. The parking and entry costs Rs 20 each.
It is an architectural marvel, having a grand Darbar Hall, a high-standing bell tower, and Corinthian Pillars.
You can roam around the Mahal, explore the architecture, and the artifacts placed along the way.
The Aina Mahal is located next to Prag Mahal, and you can visit it without a ticket. There’s a large collect of paintings, where some of them include real gems at the place of jewelry in a painting.
There’s a shopping area between Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal that you can visit and great traditional stuff. The handmade Kutchi Waistcoat and Shawls are worth buying.
Other Attractions
You can choose to visit Mandvi from here, which is 60 kms away. There’s Mandvi beach and Sagar Ship Museum that you can visit. However, if you want to take some rest and skip it, it’s fine.
Besides that, if you plan to stay for long in Bhuj, you can visit the western side of Kutch, where you can find some great forts:
- Roha Fort
- Tera Fort
- Lakhpat Fort
Visiting these forts would at least need two more days.
Day-4: Bhuj to Ahmedabad
On the fourth day, I started quite late after breakfast, drove 320 km, and reached back to Ahmedabad.
Stay Recommendations for Ahmedabad to Kutch Road Trip
I have checked all the stays and curated the best ones for you. However, ensure checking the property before booking it and it’s solely your decision. The prices may change from time to time, but I have checked it for peak season, so it will be usually lesser than what it shows here.
Dholavira Stay Recommendations
- Best Budget Stays: Heritage Resort Dholavira (dormitory), Rajat Homestay, Dholavira Ravray Homestay.
- Best Luxury Stays: Rann Resort Dholavira, White Rann Tent City Dholavira, Evoke Dholavira
Kutch Stay Recommendations
- Best Budget Stays: Royal Rann Camp, Rann Family Homestay
- Best Luxury Stays: Rann Safari Resort, Great Rann Resort
Bhuj Stay Recommendations
- Best Budget Stays: Prag View Heritage Homestay, Hotel Nest
- Best Luxury Stays: Room in Bhuj—Stay with Aarti, NotonMap—Chintan Farmstay (Airbnb)
How much it will cost for Ahmedabad-Kutch Road Trip?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Car: Rs 15000 to 18000 Motorbike: Rs 1200 to 1800 rent/day + Rs 4500 petrol |
| Stay for Two People | Budget: 8K Luxury: 30K |
| Food for Two People | 8K |
| Tickets | Less than 500 |
Things to Take Care During Ahmedabad to Kutch Road Trip?
- Do the booking at least one month prior as there are limited stays in Dholavira and Kutch.
- Always have food, water, and medical kit as there are long road stretches with no settlements.
- Always carry sunscreen as sun is high during daytime even in winters.
- Make sure to carry tea and have it on the side of Road to Heaven.
- Try to Reach Kala Dungar early otherwise you’ll get stuck in traffic. Same with the Rann of Kutch.
- Don’t go too far on the White Sand Desert as you may get lost (happened with me).
- Have water resistant shoes as desert sand is wet and covered with puddles.
- Carry something to sit on, to enjoy sunset in the desert.
- You can skip a few tourists’ destination to keep your itinerary light.
Alternatives Options of Ahmedabad-Kutch Road Trip
If you want to reduce traveling or coming from other directions and Ahmedabad isn’t convenient to you, there are other options as well.
There are direct flights to Bhuj from Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Mumbai, which will help you avoid traveling.
If you are coming from Mumbai or Ahmedabad, you can reach Bhuj in the morning itself. However, the flight from Delhi reaches in the late afternoon.
You can spend the 1st and 2nd day in Bhuj, leave for Kutch on the 3rd day, and explore Dholavira on the 4th day and come back to Bhuj. Then, you can catch the flight next day.
Final Words
I hope this article is helpful for your trip. Kutch is one of the unique destinations and one must visit it at least once in a lifetime. You get to visit centuries old remains of a city, a road like no other, and desert that’s filled with white sand below the blue sky.
If you haven’t downloaded the itinerary, go for it. If you want me to create and book a customized plan for you, schedule a call and I’ll do the rest.
If you have any queries regarding the trip, add it to the comments and I’ll get back to you.
Happy Traveling!