Kadiya (Kaliya) Dhrow : Charismatic Kutchi Canyons
Hello all,
શિયાળે સોરઠ ભલો, ને ઉનાળેગુજરાત,
ચોમાસે વાગડ ભલો, ને (આપણો)કચ્છડો બારે માસ.’
Until now, we also felt that Kutch is only winter destination. The Magic of White Rann is only from November to February. After that, there is nothing in Kutch. But we were wrong! So so wrong! Kutch has unique monsoon places also. And Kaliya Dhrow is one of them. Though we visited this place in winter, we can’t imagine its beauty in monsoon or post-monsoon season, when the river is in its entirely cheery, bouncy form with plunging waterfalls and clean rocks with more clear patterns on them!
Nevertheless, the place is equally stunning in winter. And that is why it was selected by The New York Times as one of the ’52 Best Places to Visit in 2021. All thanks to incredible photographs by Mr Varun Suchday. It is a place for nature lovers, geography lovers, photographers, wanderers or Instagram lovers! After visiting Wari Chora and now this, our father asked us, you are visiting these canyons, but what is a canyon called in Gujarati? So, these gorgeous gorges are called Kotaro in our Gujarati. And you will hear that in Kutch also.
How to reach?
You can reach up to the parking location via Google Maps. It is located near Nirona village. Once you reach there, an off-road ride of 4-5 km awaits you. Local jeeps are available at the site. If you plan to take your car, take a car with good ground clearance and 4×4 drive.
Distance from Bhuj: 38 km
Distance form Dhordo: 80 km
Charges: 1000/- per jeep for the to and fro journey and 1 hour at the canyons.
Though dusty roads, The off-road drive is thrilling, so be prepared to get covered with dust and sand.
Timings: the jeep safari starts at 9:00 am. Evening time depends on sunset timings.
Meaning of Kadiya Dhow:
According to locals, it is home to crocodiles made by nature.
Some say that the water in Kadiya Dhrow is never depleted, and it always gives a sense of fulfilment to the herders and travellers, and that’s why it is known as Dhrow.
Some also believed that as the rocks are in the shape of a chain, kadi is in the local language, which is why it is called Kadiya Dhrow.
If you search on Google, you will find Mamai Dev Kadiya Dhorow because locals believe that Saint Mamai Dev’s grandson had sacrificed his bracelet (kadu)in the waters of Kadiya Dhrow. That’s why the pace has got this name.
Formation of Kadiya Dhrow:
It can be due to the seasonal nature of the river, constant erosion by wind and water, and frequent tectonic disturbances in the region. All these factories lead to carvings or rocks and such types of patterns.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Is November to February if you want to walk within the canyons.
But if you want to see clear rocks and waterfalls, go in pre or post-monsoon season (June/October).
Once you reach…
Once you reach the parking spot in Kadiya Dhrow after an off-road journey, you will see a small shop on your left side. And there again, there are some formations on the right and some on the left with a small plateau in between. One small straight trail will take you to a small waterfall.
The gorges are narrower on the right side, and the river becomes wide after that. There are more crocodiles on the right side of the proper river. These are gigantic rocks with colours of shades of sunrise; you name the shade, and you will get it, orange, peach, red, pink, purple, beige and whatnot! You will be amazed to see the patterns on the kaleidoscopic rocks. The shapes of the stones will also mesmerise you, and so will the patterns on them, which are caused by millions of years of erosions due to wind and water. Nature is really at her best here! The iridescent rocks change colours with time and season, and it is a delight to watch.
If you go on the right side to a parking spot, you will get gigantic rocks with black surfaces shaped like black-capped mushrooms. People usually skip this site, but it is equally unique with black and rust rocks.
Nature is mysterious. It fills colours in unexpected places in unexpected forms. Amidst the desert of Kutch, which is known for its white desert, she has created another worldly miracle. I haven’t been to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, and I don’t know when I will, but for us, what we visited in Kutch was mightily mesmerising. Yes, people have started making it dirty and scribbling their names on these rocks. Yes, people don’t respect places like this, and yes, the authorities need to take immediate measures so that these beautiful natural wonders don’t lose their charm.
Points to consider:
– It is the home for crocodiles. So please be careful not to swim in the river or cross the streams.
– Try to go early in the morning because afternoons are sweltering, even in winter.
– Apply proper sunscreen.
– Wear proper shoes or sandals; the rocks are slippery in places.
– Please, please don’t litter.
– Please don’t scribble anything on the rocks.
– There is a small shop where you can get drinks and refreshments.
Location: Map link
Thank you. Do drop a comment if you find this place as fascinating as we do.
Super !
mesmerising place! Narration is so well, felt we are virtually there..
Thank you so much…
Wow! Unbelievably beautiful!
yes!
Superb one
Thank you..
Aapanu kutch
Wah Wah wah
Sache! Apanu Gujarat.
Your dressing matches the place !
Is it u explored and came to know about it or u had this place in mind since long
Thank you..
Read one article about it after Covid. So this place was on our mind since long. At that time it was totally unexplored. Now it is becoming popular and you can see its side effects also…
Dungar !
Dhrow !
These look like typical Guju words like dhokla and Khammam
Madam it seems u r exploring perfectly in the best possible way !
Yes Dhrow is Gujarati word…It means river or small pond.
Thank you for kind words…
Kutch !
My birthplace and will surely make it whenever I visit it again
sure… please do… you will be thrilled…
Looks somewhere in Egypt !
Dr how come u end up with search amazing place everytime
Thank you so much…Now it is gaining popularity…But really it is amazing…
Amazing Kutch home for crocodile really nice place to visit
Thank you uncle for always appreciating…
picturisque canyons. Looks very interesting.
Yes! Very different from routine landscape…
Superb
Thank you…