Dholavira- Land of the forgotten

The Kutch Rann Utsav 2014-15 is has finally come around to greet us and with its arrival, the Rann of Kutch has gone into overdrive. With different views reaching the prospective tourist’s ear from each side, it can be a little daunting to settle upon a proper plan for one’s Kutch Travel; there is simply too much to see, admire and appreciate. But there are some places that one would commit a cardinal sin by not visiting during his or her Kutch Travel. One of these glorious places is one that is a treat for history enthusiasts, harbouring the remnants of the Harappan Civilization. This place is called ‘Dholavira’. Here are some things to know about Dholavira.

Travel: By road, the place is nearly four hours away from the Little Rann, another site that must feature on your itinerary. The journey will never will dry, without various salt pans lining the landscape on either sides of the roads. One could also stop en route to admire the Khadir belt, to take in the vast expanse of pristine salt as far as your eyes can reach on either sides of the road.

Stay: There are various tourist complexes you can stay at, since one night will be enough. There are also certain privately run resorts nearby where rooms are easily available upon spot booking. Or one could simply plan a trip back on the same evening.

The site is a phenomenal one, as you will realize and appreciate better if you happen to have booked a guide who knows what he is talking about. The remnants of a site that s nearly 5000 years old and was inhabited by people of the oldest civilization of earth seem too advanced to have been made by such primitive hands and therein lies the beauty of Dholavira. The entire city had been planned to perfection, without the construction of roads at right angles, efficient drainage systems, step well constructions, great baths, and grain stocking pits being some of the few ingenious things constructed with a thought process too evolved for people we consider un-evolved. The conscience of the people behind these constructions gives a peak into their minds and how they were light years ahead of their time when it came to building or planning a city that could facilitate their survival and make their lives easier. Your Kutch travel must feature Dholavira, if you plan to visit the region during Kutch Rann Utsav 2014-15 or otherwise.

There is also an onsite museum in this place, which you will need around half an hour to cover. It is stocked with ancient coins, tools, stones, coins, pottery and much more for you to see. The most fascinating of these are the proofs of the ancient script, which are, till today, undeciphered.