Unexplored in Kutch: Dhinodhar Hills

The Dhinodhar Hills

The Dhinodhar Hills is about 75 km from Bhuj located near small village known as Nani Aral on Nakhtrana Virani route. The hill is quite high with height of more than 380 meters, the views from summit are satisfying to take away the tiredness of climbing just under a 1000 steps up and down for reaching at the top.

Photo of Unexplored in Kutch: Dhinodhar Hills 1/3 by Abhay Parmar — View from the Top

At the Top

At the there is a cluster of Temples dedicated to Dhorameshwar Mahadev and other Godesses but Main is the Shrine of Saint Dhoramnath. After a short conversation with priest and care taker it was further known that the place is of spiritual importance to Brahma Kshatriya Community and once in a year the community gathers at the top of Dhinodhar to celebrate anniversary of Saint Dhoramnath.

Photo of Unexplored in Kutch: Dhinodhar Hills 2/3 by Abhay Parmar — Mahadev Temple at Top

Day 1

Dhinodhar Hills

Locals visit this place as trekking and family picnic point specially during and after monsoons. Carry ample amount of snacks and water with them due to non availability of these items in vicinity of Dhinodhar. The views of surroundings are stunning and there is good presence of Flora Fauna and Wildlife with a few species of Birds.

Hospitality

When you are visiting rural areas in Kutch Region the Hospitality is unbetable as the rural people have a big heart. I was visiting with group of friends and the priest was quick enough to instruct care taker to brew some tea for us. It was very surprising because there is no resource available at the top of hill and all that is available has to be bought till the top. The tea brewed on Woof Fire "Chulha" was amazing and then we helped with cleaning of cups also.

Photo of Dhinodhar Hills, Than, Gujarat by Abhay Parmar

Food and Stay Options

History

The place is dedicated to Saint Dhoramnath who meditated for 12 years with his head down and after 12 years he attained enlightenment and build the Than Monastery in Foot Hills of Dhinodhar and locals specially Brahma Kshtriya Samaj visit Monastery and Dhidnodhar Hills on regular basis. It was also surprising to see that the place has Dhoramnath Chalisa written just outside the shrine of Saint, that is something rare to see.

Photo of Unexplored in Kutch: Dhinodhar Hills by Abhay Parmar

Food and Stay Options

There are no food options near by and for some decent food you will have to go back to Bhuj - Nakhtrana Highway to find some Highway Food Hotel. However, basic tea and drinking water are available at Dhinodhar Hills. For stay the best one around is Devpur Home Stay https://sites.google.com/site/devpurhomestay/Home and JP Resort and Infinity Resort Nakhtrana are also not bad. There are a few budget hotels / lodges available in Nakhtrana.

Visiting after monsoons is recommended but Dhinodhar can be visited anytime when you are ready to walk up the trail or climb up the steps. Take your camera and Binoculars with you for added fun on this trip and if visiting during summers sunscreen and hat should be your companions.

So make sure you plan your visit to Dhinodhar Hills and Than Monastery on next trip to Kutch Region.