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Dhinodhar Hills

Dhinodhar Hills

Gujarat

The Dhinodhar Hills stand on their own near Nakhatrana taluka in Kutch, a volcanic plug rising 386 metres out of semi-arid flatland.

State
Gujarat
Type
Other
Best season
Winter
Things to do
1+

The Dhinodhar Hills stand on their own near Nakhatrana taluka in Kutch, a volcanic plug rising 386 metres out of semi-arid flatland. People climb them for the geology and for the monastery at the top, which is dedicated to the ascetic saint Dhoramnath and looks out over the white salt plains. The paths are dark volcanic rock, and the base of the hill is thick with thorny scrub.

When to go

November to February brings cool desert weather, so the steep rocky paths can be climbed without the extreme heat.

Why visit

An offbeat trek up an extinct volcanic cone, past historic monastic sites, with wide desert views and none of the tourist crowds.

Cultural notes

The hill is deeply associated with the Kanphata (slit-eared) yogic sect. Legend has it that the revered saint Dhoramnath stood on his head atop the peak for twelve years doing severe penance, after which a historic stone monastery was established here.

How to reach

By Road: The hills lie roughly 55 km northwest of Bhuj city on a good tarred road. By Train: Bhuj Railway Station (BHUJ) is the nearest railhead. By Air: Bhuj Airport is the closest domestic airport.

Dhinodhar Hills guide & itineraries

Shopping

This is an isolated eco-tourism destination, and there are no shops on the hill. Visitors can find traditional Kutchi handicrafts and embroidered fabrics at the nearby base villages of Nakhatrana.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dhinodhar Hill an active volcano?

No, Dhinodhar is a long-extinct volcanic plug structure that last showed activity millions of years ago, and its stable basaltic rock formations are perfectly safe for trekking.

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