Anand Mahindra discovers a Jurassic-era 'beauty' in India that feels frozen in time. 'Deserves a spot on every bucket list'

Industrialist Anand Mahindra has once again drawn attention to an extraordinary Indian landscape, this time pointing to a lesser-known geological marvel in Gujarat’s Kutch region. Through a recent post on X, Mahindra shared images of the striking rock formations along the Lyari riverbed, describing the place as visually unreal and deeply ancient, yet largely unexplored by mainstream tourism.

A discovery rooted in deep time

In his post, Mahindra explained that he had earlier spoken about the dramatic Gandikota gorge in Andhra Pradesh, known for its ancient quartzite formations. He then revealed that he had come across what he described as Gandikota’s “younger sibling” in Kutch. According to the information he referred to, Gandikota dates back nearly a billion years, while the Lyari formations are considered geologically younger but still remarkably old, tracing their origins to roughly 200 million years ago during the Jurassic era.

Mahindra noted that despite their natural appearance, the images of Lyari look almost digitally enhanced. He emphasised that the visuals are untouched and reflect the raw beauty of the terrain. While acknowledging that the region remains off the usual tourist map, he suggested that the site deserves recognition as a must-visit destination, provided travel there remains regulated and sustainable. The photographs he shared were credited to a post by Gujarat Plus on X.

What makes the Lyari riverbed unique

As per information available on the Gujarat Tourism website, Kutch is widely known for its vast desert stretches, but the Lyari riverbed offers a very different experience. Located about 70 kilometres from Bhuj and tucked behind the Dhinodhar hills, the prehistoric rock formations along the riverbed stand out for their scale and layered appearance. The site adds another dimension to Kutch’s natural landscape, blending history, geology and isolation.

The Incredible India website also highlights the Lyari riverbed as a striking contrast to the surrounding arid terrain. The river, which originates in Pakistan, has gradually shaped the rocks over thousands of years. Continuous erosion by water and wind has carved the sandstone into dramatic forms that appear frozen in time.

Visitors to Lyari are met with towering rock structures marked by textures formed over countless centuries. The changing light throughout the day brings out shades of ochre, burnt orange and earthy browns, making sunrise and sunset especially compelling moments. Beyond the visuals, the area is known for its stillness, offering an experience free from crowds and noise, allowing visitors to engage with the environment at a slower pace.

How to reach Lyari

Bhuj serves as the main access point to the region. According to Gujarat Tourism, the city is well connected by road, rail and air. State and private buses operate from major cities across Gujarat. Bhuj railway station lies on the Western Railways network, while the airport, located around four kilometres from the city, offers regular domestic flights.