Road to Heaven.Rann Kutch.

 Road to Heaven.

26 February 2026, this was the third day of our stay in Rann Utsav Tent City.

As per the itinerary given by our tour organiser, the programme for the day included Yoga in the morning and a visit to Kala Dunger Sunset point in the evening.

None of us was particularly interested in the yoga; we had discussed and decided to visit a tourist attraction known as the Road to Heaven.  

According to the description, Road to Heaven is a ruler-straight stretch of around 30 kilometres of jet black tar road traversing through the brilliant white salt flats of the great Rann between the villages of Khavda and Dholavira. This place was about 70 to 80 kilometres and a 1.5 to 2-hour journey from the tent City. This visit was to be under our own arrangements, paid for by us.

When we reached there, what we found was what should have been an extensive plain of brilliant white from horizon to horizon, bisected by a jet black tar road, giving a totally surreal look as if a road is climbing to heaven through white clouds, giving this road its name. What we had was a road running through an extensive lake.

In our visit, we found that rather than a Road to Heaven, it was just part of a state road from Khavda to Dholavira.
Apparently, excessive and delayed rains had not allowed the water to evaporate and form brilliant white salt plains.

Another case of right place at the wrong time. It will be advisable to check the condition of the road before planning a trip

The only redeeming feature was sighting a group of Flemingos foraging through the shallow, algae-rich wetlands.

On the way to Road to Haven.

On the Road to Haven.

What should have been an extensive plain of brilliant white from horizon to horizon, bisected by a jet black tar road, giving a totally surreal look as if a road is climbing to heaven through white clouds, giving this road its name, what we had was a road running through a lake.

Excessive and delayed rains had not allowed the water to evaporate and form brilliant white salt plains.

During our visit, it was the road to Dholavira, rather than Road to Haven.

ON the Road to Heaven.

ON the Road to Heaven.

ON the Road to Heaven.

Prashant & Manisha Khandekar

ON the Road to Heaven.

ON the Road to Heaven.

A redeeming feature of the trip was the sighting of these lovely Flamingos foraging near Road to Haven.

The "Road to Heaven"  becomes a prime, temporary winter habitat from November to March, for various migratory birds when monsoon waters turn the salt desert into shallow, algae-rich wetlands.

Main species, Flamingos, Pelicans, Cranes, Ducks and Geese and many more.

Flamingos foraging near Road to Haven.

Flamingos foraging near Road to Haven.

Flamingos foraging near Road to Haven.

Flamingos foraging near Road to Haven.

360 Degree View Road to haven.

Mandvi Beach.

 Mandvi Beach.

As per our ‘package’, the itinerary for the second day included a visit to the famous Bhuj Museum, followed by a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace, and finally, a trip to the private Mandvi Beach. Lunch and high tea were also included. After that, it was return to The Tent City.

Due to road construction, we were not able to visit the Bhuj Museum as originally planned. Instead, the itinerary was changed, and we were taken to 72 Jinalaya, which is around 50 kilometres from Bhuj.

After visiting 72 Jinalaya and Vijay Vilas Palace, by the time we reached Mandvi beach it as alsmost 1:30 in the afternoon.

We had lunch, which was arranged by the Tent City. Lunch was arranged at an open-sided hall, the Restaurant dining hall of the owners of Vijay Vilas Palace / Vijay Vilas Beach Camp, built on the beach and serviced by a cookhouse and other auxiliary buildings constructed nearby. The place had a very good view of the beach.

It was a clear day, the Sun was strong, and the temperatures were in the high thirties. The beach, being private, was deserted and had a desolate look. Amongst us, Priti and I were the only ones to venture out on the beach from the protective shade and cooler comfort of the hall.

Beach had strategically placed grass, tetched shades and chairs spread around the beach. It was clean. It looked like a gently sloping beach where one could enjoy a dip in safety.

There were four to five very optimistic locals offering camel, horse and horse cart rides. Unfortunately, there were no takers. Priti is very fond of walking along the waterline in ankle-deep water and letting the incoming waves wash over her feet, also hastily scootting away whenever a bigger wave approaches. Took a few photos and returned to the hall after about 45 minutes or so.

High tea was served around 4:30, five PM. After that, it was back to the bus and a 150 Kilometre ride back to the Tent City.

As they say, one has to be at the right place at the right time. We were at the right place at the wrong time, and it got reflected in three, rather than a four-star rating. 

This aspect was appropriately highlighted in the feedback to the tour organisers.

Mandvi Beach, marked as Vijay Vilas Camp beach in Google maps, a private beach of the owners of Vijay Vilas Palace at Mandavi.

Open-sided hall, the Restaurant dining hall of the owners of Vijay Vilas Palace / Vijay Vilas Beach Camp at the private beach at Mandavi.

Open-sided hall, the Restaurant dining hall of the owners of Vijay Vilas Palace / Vijay Vilas Beach Camp at the private beach at Mandavi.

 Private beach at Mandavi.

Private beach at Mandavi.

 On the swing. Private beach  at Mandavi.

Selfie, On the swing. Private beach  at Mandavi.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi, Kutch.

 Vijay Vilas Palace.

As per our ‘package’, the itinerary for the second day included a visit to the famous Bhuj Museum, followed by a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace, and finally, a trip to the private Mandvi Beach. Lunch and high tea were also included. After that, it was return to The Tent City.

Due to road construction, we were not able to visit the Bhuj Museum as originally planned. Instead, the itinerary was changed, and we were taken to 72 Jinalaya, which is around 50 kilometres from Bhuj.

After visiting 72 Jinalaya, a wonderful temple of 72 Tirthankars constructed in white marble, we proceeded to Vijay Vilas Palace, roughly 20 kilometres from Jinalaya. Along the way, we enjoyed a pleasant view of a bridge over the river Rukmavati.

The bus dropped us at the main gate, which, along with accommodation for the security staff, also has a handicraft shop named Shivraj Gadhavi.

Even though the Palace is within walking distance from the gate, there is an EV cart available to take you to the Palace through the gardens. It charges Rs 100/- per person. Taking the EV has the advantage of seeing the full extent of the garden, and the EV driver acts as a guide, informing you about the names of various trees, plants, etc.  Currently, most of the trees in this garden are Sapota/ Chikoo.

Having seen the Umed Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur and various other palaces in Jaipur. Bikaner, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, and the Mysore Palace,  the Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Baroda. The Vjay Vilas Palace, Mandavi, is a poor relation.  

When you consider that the Vijay Vilas Palace was built as a summer resort, close to the private beach, for a prince by his father, it gains in stature somewhat.  

First impression of Vijay Vilas Palace is small but imposing.

The museum on the first floor has a dining hall and bedrooms, which you can see only through the windows. Photographs and paintings are displayed on the walls.

The terrace has a top balcony or Baradari, access to which is through two circular wrought iron staircases. The best part of a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace is going to the very top, to the Baradari, to have a look at the wonderful view of the surrounding areas and experience the gentle cool sea breeze.

If you happen to be in the area, a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace is not a bad idea.

Link to video of 360 view from baradari of  Vijay palace is given below.

https://youtu.be/T-khoXBTOJk?si=1O_mWQyvAQhBwUsm

On the way to Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi, Bridges over River Rukmavati 

This photo of Bridges was taken on the move from the bus on the move.

First view of Vijay Vilas Palace. Mandvi.

We were told this was a club house once upon a time.

Looked abandoned and in disrepair.

Photo taken on the move from a moving EV-Cart.

Statue of His  Highness Maharaja Dhrij Mirza Maharao Shri Khengarji

Savai Bahadur G.C.S.I GCIE MAHARAO of Kutch, in the main garden of Vijay Vilas Palace.

Vijay Vilas Palace. Mandavi.

Photographs of cars and motorcycles.

Vijay Vilas Palace. 

The "gyan" quotes appeared quite incongruous along with these photos..

Taken unawares.

Vijay Vilas Palace.

With Manisha and Jaya Twatwawadi.

Vijay Vilas Palace.

Poor photo not focused properly.

No heart to delete.

The Terrace Vijay Vilas Palace.

The baradari has a circular dome. A wonderful vantage point for excellent all around view and relaxation in cool breeze. 

Approached by a circular Steel staircase. Apparently, staircase to this place was not included in the original drawings

Baradari's view towards the North.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Baradari's view towards the West.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Baradari's view towards the N- N- E.

Vijay Vilas Palace.

Baradari's view towards the South.

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

The Baradari and the spiral wrought iron staircase to the Baradari.

Apparently, staircase to this place was not included in the original drawings.

broken window shade, indicative of poor maintenance.

Apparently, staircase to this place was not included in the original drawings

Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

At Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Standing- Prashant Khandekar.

Sitting, L - R

Shirish Tatwawadi, Anil Bendre, Jyoti Bendre, Priti , Jaya, Manisha.

At Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Standing- Prashant Khandekar.

Sitting, L - R

Shirish Tatwawadi, Anil Bendre, Jyoti Bendre, Velu, Priti , Jaya, Manisha.

At Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Standing- Prashant Khandekar.

Sitting, L - R

Shirish Tatwawadi, Anil Bendre, Jyoti Bendre, Velu, Priti , Jaya, Manisha.

Installation of elevator ( lift) at Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandavi.

Even though every effort has been made to conform to traditional architecture, the new addition sticks out like a sore thumb 😕

 BYE BYE, Vijay Vilas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-khoXBTOJk

72 Jinalaya, Mandavi, Bhuj.

 72 Jinalaya, Mandavi, Bhuj.

As per our ‘package’, the itinerary for the second day included a visit to the famous Bhuj Museum, followed by a visit to Vijay Vilas Palace, and finally, a trip to the private Mandvi Beach. Lunch and high tea were also included. After that, it was back to The Tent City.

Departure time for the bus was 8:30 AM, so it was a bit early breakfast and a golf buggy ride to the bus parking. With some fast thinking and faster footwork, I managed to secure front seats for our group. In the bus, we were handed over water bottles and a bag containing soft drink tetra packs and snacks. The bus departed on time.    

We passed through Bhuj city. Our guide informed us that the approach road to the museum was closed due to concretisation work. So, to make up for missing out on the Museum, they were going to show us 72 Jinalaya, a famous Jain pilgrimage place.

72 Jinalaya is located in the village of Talwana in Mandavi Rural Taluka.

First view is of a grand three-storied, three-arched, and beautifully engraved main gate of 72  Jinalaya. Supporting main pillars are huge and adorned with temple-like engravings with beautiful statues inside. The gate is a beautiful work of engraving art worth admiring. Surprisingly, there was no boundary wall.

Large barren area, which I suppose was meant for parking, but it was not paved, and there were no markings of any kind. Our driver just parked it in that unmarked area.

After the gate, the paved path leads to the main temple, but before that, there is a circular junction with four paths leading away; one path goes toward the guest houses, etc. The straight path leads to the main temple, and the paths to the left and right lead to Guru Mandirs. The Guru mandirs are dedicated and are, in fact, samadhi mandirs of revered spiritual gurus. The one in white marble is dedicated to Acharyabhagawant Gunasagar Surishwarji Maharaj, who was the pioneer and inspiration behind the entire 72 Jinalaya Tirth. The other guru mandir, made of red sandstone, is dedicated to His Holiness Kailas Sagar Surishvarji.

The main complex consists of 72 temples dedicated to 24 Tirthankars of the past, 24 Tirthankars of the present and 24 Tirthankars of the future. The main temple is dedicated to  Adiswar Bhagwan (Lord Rishabhdev).

The temples are built of pristine white marble. Pillars, arches and walls are all beautifully engraved with floral designs and statues of gods and goddesses. Every inch of the pillars and the arches/ torans is the finest example of engraving artwork in floral and geometric patterns. The beauty of the inlay work with colourful precious and semiprecious stones in exquisitely carved designs on the flooring will rival even the famed engravings of the world-famous Taj Mahal.  

A notice displayed there informed the visitors that photography was prohibited inside the temple. I was feeling sad as I could not record the exquisite beauty of the temple as a remembrance of our visit to this marvel in marble. However, it was at this time that a group of Jain pilgrims came for a visit, they carried out obeisance and puja and later posed for photos with the main temple in the background. This also allowed me a chance to take some photos and carry the memories of this beautiful place.

The riveting beauty of the engravings and inlay work with precious and semiprecious stones done by the master craftsmen in building the temple in pristine white marble was worth every minute spent there.

Definitely worth a visit.

Jain Piligrims taking photos/

72 Jinalaya.