Love this place...Kalo Dungar or Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch, Gujarat, India, at 462 m. It is located at 97 km from District headquarters of Bhujand 25 km from nearest town Khavda, This is probably the only place in Kachchh from where a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch is possible. Since it is located very near to the Pakistan border, there is an Army post at the top; beyond here, only military personnel are allowed.13]
The Kalo Dungar is also famous for a 400-year-old Dattatreya temple. Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself. Because of this, for the last four centuries, the priest at the temple has prepared a batch of prasad, cooked rice, that is fed to the jackals after the evening aarti.[1[3]
Another, legend has it that there was once a holy man named Lakkh Guru residing at Kala Dungar and worshiping the Lord Dattatreya. He used to feed wild jackals. There came a day when he found he had no food, so cutting-off a part of his body he offered it to the jackals, saying, “Le ang!’ (Take body part). Over the centuries, this got corrupted to ‘Long’.[2]
A strange phenomenon was observed at Kalo Dungar, when some visitors noticed that their vehicles were hurtling down the hill at speeds over 80 km/h even with the ignition switched off. The team of experts from the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), and Institute of Seismological Research, Gandhinagar and Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur studied the phenomenon.[4] It is concluded that the vehicle hurtle down fast due to the more gradient of...
Read moreKalo Dungar or Black Hill is the highest point in Kutch, Gujarat, India, at 462 m (1,516 ft). It is located 97 km (60 mi) from District headquarters of Bhuj and 25 km (16 mi) from nearest town Khavda.
This is probably the only place in Kachchh from where a panoramic view of the Great Rann of Kutch is possible. Since it is located very near to the Pakistan border, there is an Army post at the top; beyond here, only military personnel are allowed.13]
The Kalo Dungar is also famous for a 400-year-old Dattatreya temple.[13] Kalo Dungar magnetic hill is a popular optical illusion where vehicle seems to defy the gravity and roll up the slope.[4
Dattatreya temple
The Kalo Dungar is also famous for a 400-year-old Dattatreya temple. Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself. Because of this, for the last four centuries, the priest at the temple has prepared a batch of prasad, cooked rice, that is fed to the jackals after the evening aarti.1[3]
Another, legend has it that there was once a holy man named Lakkh Guru residing at Kala Dungar and worshiping the Lord Dattatreya. He used to feed wild jackals. There came a day when he found he had no food, so he cut off a part of his body and offered it to the jackals, saying, "Le ang!" ("take the body part"). Over the centuries, this got corrupted...
Read moreBreathtaking Views and Cultural Richness at Kalo Dungar, Kutch, Gujarat
My visit to Kalo Dungar in Kutch, Gujarat was an unforgettable experience that left me in awe of its natural beauty and cultural richness. Perched atop the highest point in Kutch, the panoramic views from Kalo Dungar are simply breathtaking, offering a sweeping vista of the vast Rann of Kutch and the surrounding desert landscape.
The drive to Kalo Dungar is an adventure in itself, with the journey through the arid terrain adding to the anticipation of reaching this majestic destination. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the iconic Dattatreya Temple, a sacred site revered by locals and visitors alike.
One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the mesmerizing sunset from Kalo Dungar. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of peace and serenity.
Aside from its natural beauty, Kalo Dungar also offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Kutch. The nearby villages are home to indigenous communities known for their vibrant handicrafts, including intricate embroidery, colorful textiles, and traditional artwork.
I highly recommend visiting Kalo Dungar to anyone seeking an enriching cultural experience coupled with stunning natural scenery. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Kalo Dungar has something to offer...
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