At India’s Grand Canyon – The Hindu

“What a fabulous ride this is!” Taran was in the front seat of the vehicle that they had hired from Kodki village, about 40 km from Bhuj, Gujarat. They had been advised to leave their taxi and hire a sturdier vehicle for the last off-road section of about five km.

“I don’t care how the canyon looks; this is adventure enough!” Taran squealed.

“Not any canyon. It is called the Indian Grand Canyon: Mamai Dev Kadiya Dhrow! It is off the usual tourist circuit and supposed to be a stunning landscape,” said Appa.

Amma nodded vaguely, holding on for dear life. She was wearing a recently purchased mirror-work Kutchi jacket and was looking quite colourful against the stark landscape.

“Mum, you look nice. Like a local!” complimented Taran.

She refused to speak, as if speaking would somehow make the ride bumpier. She just nodded again. Thankfully, the bumpy ride ended.

“You have to walk now,” said the driver simply. There were a few buffalo and camels milling about, and what looked like a river ahead. The area had shrubs and, quite frankly, looked unimpressive.

“Are we at the right place?” Taran enquired.

“Yes – yes! Walk – walk!” The driver nodded.

Riverside beauty

So walk they did. As they reached the rocky riverbank, the Bhaiad River shyly began to unfold her beauty. The rock formations in various hues of brown were stunning.

“Wow! Why don’t all river banks look like this?”

Amma found her voice finally after the bumpy ride. “This is called Kotaro in the local Kutchi language. It means rock erosion by the river. While you will generally find smooth rocks and pebbles near any river, this is special because of the size of the stones and the colours themselves.

“Like a layered marble cake! said Taran.

“A tiramisu? Look at the colours!” chipped in Appa.

“No, no! You both have it wrong, it’s the colour of bebinca!” giggled Amma, feeling visibly better.

“I am more interested in why rock formations are making all of us think of desserts! We had breakfast just an hour ago!” laughed Appa. “Let’s keep exploring!”

Appa took lots of photos from every angle. He had even brought a drone camera and got some stunning visuals. It began to get hot, and Taran flopped down on the rocks and dangled his feet in the water.

Danger in the water

A herdsman frantically waved and began making an action with his arms, like arms clapping.

“I think I know what he is signalling: crocodile? Magarmacch? asked Amma, finding herself in an impromptu game of Dumb Charades.

The herdsman nodded enthusiastically. Taran quickly took his legs out. “I will not be a snack for crocodiles,” he grinned.

“Now, now! I’m sure the crocodiles here only eat tiramisu!” joked Appa.