The Rann of Kutch is in the northwestern region of Gujarat known for its salty desert. In the middle of the white salt desert is the black hill known as Kalo Dungar. This hill is discussed here since it has a rich heritage.

Kalo Dungar is located in the north of Khavda village in the Rann of Gujarat and considered as the tallest hill in Kutch. It is about 462 meters tall, or 1516 feet above sea level. From that place, one has an incredible view of the Rann of Kutch.

The Rann of Kutch is often in the news in connection with tourism, specifically during the Sankranti when an amazing kite festival takes place there. However, few people are aware of the history of Kalo Dungar. The hill is well-known due to the 400 years old temple to Lord Dattatreya. According to an ancient myth, Lord Dattatreya – three-headed God representing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma traveled around the Earth and stopped at Kalo Dungar. Observing a jackal that was starving, He offered His body as food for it. Every time the jackal consumed His body, it returned to life. That is why even now those visiting the temple provide food for jackals.

Kalo Dungar is also said to hold a secret: its magnetic road. This place is very popular among tourists due to its anti-magnetic effect. It is said that if a vehicle is parked in neutral gear in a specific zone of Kalo Dungar, it starts moving in the opposite direction of the slope. But a study by IIT Kanpur has revealed this mystery, revealing that it's merely an optical illusion. This is because the surrounding slope and topography are such that the road actually goes down, but the eyes are fooled into believing it's going up.