1N/2DKutchKala Dungar, Khavda
The highest point in Kutch, with views over the Great Rann
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Location
- Khavda, Kutch
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
- Best time to visit
- October to March, in the late afternoon for sunset
About Kala Dungar
Kala Dungar, the Black Hill, is the highest point in Kutch. It rises above the flat land north of Khavda, and from the top you look straight out over the Great Rann. On a clear day the white salt runs to the horizon, and the view is at its best in the late afternoon and at sunset.
At the top is an old temple to Lord Dattatreya. A local story says the god fed his own body to hungry jackals here, and the priests still put out prasad for jackals every evening. There is a viewing area near the temple and a few stalls selling tea and snacks.
The road up is steep and winding. Many visitors also stop at a stretch on the way where cars seem to roll uphill on their own, which locals call a magnetic hill. Kala Dungar is close to the India-Pakistan border, so there is an army presence in the area and you should follow any instructions you are given.
Things to do at Kala Dungar
- Watch the sunset over the Great Rann from the viewpoint
- Visit the Dattatreya temple at the top
- See the evening jackal feeding near the temple
- Stop at the magnetic hill stretch on the way up
How to reach Kala Dungar
- By road from Bhuj: about 100 km via Khavda, about 2 hours by car.
- It is usually combined with the White Rann on the same day, since both lie north of Bhuj.
Tips before you go
- Leave the viewpoint soon after sunset; the road down is narrow and has sharp turns.
- It gets windy and cold at the top in winter, so carry a jacket.
- Photography rules can apply near the army area. Follow the signs and any instructions from the guards.
Packages that cover Kala Dungar
1N/2DKutch
2N/3DKutch
3N/4DKutchKutch with Dholavira
2N Bhuj · 1N Dholavira- Hotels
- Meals
- Transfers
- Sightseeing
Starts from
₹11,999
per person
Nearby places to visit
Must visit
Salt desert · Dhordo
White Rann of Kutch
A vast white salt desert near Dhordo village, best seen at sunset and on full-moon nights. A permit is needed to enter.
Time needed: An evening, or a night if you stay nearbyRead more →Craft villages
Nirona and Hodka
Villages where families practise Rogan painting, copper bell-making, lacquer work and embroidery. You can watch the artisans and buy from them.
Time needed: Half dayRead more →Must visit
Scenic drive · Khadir Bet
Road to Heaven
A straight road across the Rann towards Dholavira, with white salt flats and shallow water on both sides.
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours, as part of a Dholavira tripRead more →Kala Dungar: FAQs
How far is Kala Dungar from the White Rann?
Both are north of Bhuj, and most people visit them on the same day. Kala Dungar is reached via Khavda and the drive between the two is usually about an hour.
What is Kala Dungar famous for?
It is the highest point in Kutch, with a view over the Great Rann. It is also known for its Dattatreya temple, where jackals are fed every evening.