6 Places to visit in Dholavira – Indus Valley Civilisation

Dholavira, located on Khadir Bet in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, is a fascinating destination steeped in history. It is the largest Harappan site of the Indus Valley Civilisation in India and the second largest in the world, after Harappa in Pakistan. Recognised for its outstanding heritage value, Dholavira was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Beyond the ancient ruins, Khadir Bet itself is an intriguing place to explore, offering a unique landscape and local experiences. When I visited, I found the entire region captivating. If you’re planning a trip to Rann Utsav (White Rann), Dholavira is a must-visit stop on your journey.

What to do at Dholavira

• Indus valley civilisation Museum
• World Heritage Site – Dholavira Harappan Site
• Sunset Point and Karni Mata Temple
• Wood Fossil Park
• Heaven Road or Infinity Road
• Chipper Point

Note: There are no FEES at any point except the Archaeological Museum.

World Heritage Site – Dholavira Harappan Site and Museum

You may hear a lot about the Harappan site. If you are not a lover of History and archaeology, you will love it by visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site. But keep any guide with you. This site has special things from other sites

• Most of the site has the Brick structure while this made from a Stone structure. Due to that many things remain intact and its original form.
• Unique master plan for water management and town planning. Which is helpful to today’s engineer.
• Excavation stopped in 2005 and its considered that almost 60% excavation pending.
• UNESCO world heritage site declared in 2021.
• Site is 5,000 (starting) to 2,500 (ending) years old.
• Museum consists lots of items founded during the excavation.
• A unique large signboard was found here which is considered as worlds first signboard. Its words are still unknown by experts.If you decode this text, you will be rewarded 🙂

Here is the site of the Indus Valley Civilisation. You can visit it free of cost and Experience the era of 5,000 years old.

Sunset Point and Karni Mata Mandir

Sunset Point, located about 8 km from the Indus Valley Civilisation Museum, is one of the most beautiful spots near Dholavira. Set beside the vast expanse of the Great Rann of Kutch, this place offers a breathtaking sunset experience. As the sun dips below the horizon, Bhanjno Island – a small hill rising from the centre of the lake adds a dramatic charm to the landscape. The Dholavira Tent City is also located nearby, making it a convenient stop for travellers. Karni Mandir, situated in the same area, is a peaceful place that further enhances the overall experience of this scenic destination.

Wood Fossil Park

The Khadirbet is a volcanic island and contains wood fossils of around 17 crore years. It’s 3 km from Sunset Point and 8 km from the Indus Valley Civilisation site.

• Site founded around 2006
• This kind of wood fossil is available only 2 places in India. Jaisalmer and Kutchh.
• 8 meters long and 1 meter wide Wood fossil 17 crores preserved here in glass.
• The road to reach is not solid. It’s kind of a dirt road as of now
• The atmosphere of this place is awesome – the Lake near the fossil park will give a feeling of the Sea.

Heaven Road. Khavda – Dholavira New Road, known as the road of heaven, Dholavira

The newly built road near Dholavira is popularly called Heaven Road or the Road to Heaven, and the name truly lives up to its promise. Driving on this road feels like passing through a dreamscape. I captured a few photos and videos along the way, but honestly, no camera can fully do justice to its breathtaking beauty.

This scenic road connects Khavda and Khadir Bet and stretches for around 30 km right through the Great Rann of Kutch. Along the way, you’re treated to ever-changing views of distant hills, textured mudflats, shimmering water, sparkling white salt crystals, and an endless blue sky. As the day ends, the road transforms into a front-row seat for one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever witness. Driving here is not just a journey; it’s an unforgettable experience. 🌅✨

Chipper Point Dholavira

Chipper point Dholavira is a newly discovered point. As per my information, this point was discovered by Bharatbhai Manvar the Local passionate guide/residence of Khadirbet.

The beauty of this point is in the stone in the air. It’s a thrilling experience to stand on the stone and capture photos. It’s around 200 ft above sea level so it’s risky for young children. From the Chipper point stone, you can see a breathtaking view of the Rann of Kutchh lake. In the same direction, the Pakistan border is around 30 km (Air Distance).

The road to reach there is passing through the open field. No solid road. Also, there is no signboard to reach there. Only you can reach it through google map. Search for Chipper point Dholavira.

Travelling Tips and Useful information

• Please make sure there is no Open restaurants available nearby. So either keep food with you or stay in available places.
• Must fill the fuel tank either at Khavda (60 km west) or Balasar (60 km east) as there is no Petrol pump between Khavda and Balasar (total stretch of 120 km.
• Select the date of the Full moon or No moon (For stargazing).
• Winter is the best time to visit. Particularly, December to February.
• If you want to experience the authentic experience of Kutchh and Local village life, go for a Homestay. There are many homestays available with Minimum cost and minimum facilities. But wonderful, tasty food.
• Veg food available only.
• Vodafone, Jio and BSNL have better connectivity in this area.
• Must hire a good guide for the Indus Valley Civilisation Site Visit.

Accommodation at Dholavira

There are 4 prominent places where you can stay at Dholavira.

1 – Tent City Dholavira or Dholavira tent city

Dholavira tent city Approx 8 km from IVC Site. At sunset point.

2 – Dholavira Tourism Resort

Dholavira Tourism Resort is located just 100 meter before IVC Dholavira Site

Approx rate per night

Rajwadi AC Bhunga – ₹ 5,000/Couple
Normal Tent – ₹ 3,500/Couple
Standar Room – ₹ 4,000/Couple
Basic Room – ₹ 1,200/Person

Food charges additional. Approx ₹ 600/Day per person.

3 – Dholavira Homestay

Location – Near the Chipper point. Approx Rs. 1,500 / Couple

4 – Rann Resort Dholavira

Near the heaven road. Approx 3.5 km from Indus Valley Civilisation site.

Approx charges per night Rs. 6,500/Couple

Location

Dholavira is located in the Khadir Bet of Kutch. Khadirbet is located in the Rann of Kutch Lake. Dholavira is located leftmost part (western part) of the Khadir bet. Pakistan is approx 40 km from Dholavira.

• Bhuj – Khavda – 130 Kms
• Mandvi – 190 Kms
• Ahmedabad – Balasar – 370 Kms

Google Map – https://goo.gl/maps/EA2ip9yjGp6iWQGd8

Distance and Nearby places

• Jamkunariya Village (Lagaan Movie Shooting place) – 45 Kms
• Khavda (Gandhi Nu gam) – 60 Kms
• Kalo Dungar – 80 Kms
• Dhordo (white rann) – 88 Kms
• Bhuj – Khavda – 130 Kms
• Mandvi – 190 Kms

Schedule and Route

There are 2 options to reach Dholavira
Option 1 – From Khavda (White Rann/Rannutsav/Kalodungar) – Dhordo (White Rann) – Khavda – Heaven Road. If you are at Rannutsav or Bhuj side then use this route. Fill up the fuel tank at Khavda.

Option 2 – From Rapar Kutchh. Ahmedabad – Rapar – Balasar – Dholavira. If you are going to Rannutsav or direct plan to reach Dholavira then go for this route.

Travelling to Dholavira from Ahmedabad

Thanks for Reading
Last Updated on 31 December 2025
Created on 22 January 2022

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