lothal gujarat tourism

Lothal Worlds first known DRY DOCK

• About Place

About the location: About 80km southwest of Ahmedabad, the city that stood at this archaeological site 4500 years ago was one of the most important of the Indus Valley civilisation, which extended into what is now Pakistan. Excavations have revealed the world’s oldest known artificial dock, which was connected to an old course of the Sabarmati River. Other features include the acropolis, the lower town, the bead factory, the warehouses, and the drainage system. The site has been nominated to be enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The traveller can see fascinating finds by archeologists like canals and dockyards that explain how this was an important trading city. Artefacts suggest that trade may have been conducted with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. An entire township with market and dock has been unearthed here. An Archaeological Museum (10am–5pm, Friday closed) near the site houses a number of artefacts like jewellery, pottery, seals, religious symbols, and objects of daily use here.

Brief History: It is said that Lothal is a combination of two words; Loth and thal, which in Gujarati means ‘the mound of the dead.’ The city was inhabited during 3700 BCE and was a thriving trading port. The excavation started from 13 February 1955 to 19 May 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to unearth the ancient city. Archaeologists believe that the city was a part of a major river system on the ancient trade route from Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat. Excavations here have offered the greatest number of antiquities in the archaeology of modern India.

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Lothal Tourism

The 4,500-year-old city of Lothal was discovered in 1954. Dating back to the second millennium b.c., Lothal was an important port on the Indian subcontinent during the Harappan era. Lothal is an important archeological site due to its scientific layout and a massive dockyard that facilitated trade with other civilizations of the time.

In the background of the valley, at 12,900 feet, is the Lari Bank glacier. Beyond lie perennial snowfields. The sparkling, snow-fed Pushpawati Ganga (River of Flowers) which runs through the entire length of the six-mile long, one and a half mile wide valley. From mid-July till the end of August, the valley with its dazzling assembly of flowers plays host >to gorgeous butterflies and dainty flying creatures by day and to millions of glow worms by night. Through the sunny hours, the flowers lean over gracefully to soften the edges of tiny melt water streams which cut through the valley while beyond, against a background of dark purple clouds, the mountains stand more exquisite than ever. In the last hour, before daylight dies, the gray mist steals in over the valley from the glacier end, while the mountains around are aglow, suffused with magic light. The dusk shuts out the flowers. Then, goes the local legend, the fairy folk with millions of glowworm lamps hover over the flowers, tending them.

Lothal is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, about 85 km southwest of Ahmedabad. It was on the banks of the mythical river Saraswati, which has since dried up.

Lothal was discovered after India had to give up the sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro to Pakistan during the partition in 1947. A flourishing and prosperous city during the Harappan era, its culture can be divided into two phases. The remains dating from 2440 to 1900 b.c. are of a mature and thriving Harappan culture while those belonging from 1900 to 1600 b.c. represent the late Harappan culture in its state of decline.

As in the other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal too had excellent architecture and town planning. Excavations have revealed a town neatly divided into two parts. The upper part or the acropolis was where the ruler and other important people of the city lived while the lower part was meant for the common folks. The entire city had a scientific drainage system, well laid-out, paved roads and a bath for every house, some of which were double storied and built on mud platforms.

The most architecturally sophisticated part of Lothal was its dockyard, which provided berthing facilities for the ships. Constructed from kiln-fired bricks, the dock comprised a basin 214 meters long, 36 meters wide, and 13 meters deep. A 13-meter wide channel on the northern side was included to facilitate entry of ships. Near the dock were warehouses for storage of cargo brought in by the ships.

Lothal was an active business center and had business links with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Beads made in the city were quite famous and there is evidence of a bead factory in Lothal. Pottery was another flourishing industry. The ruins of a fire altar suggest that the people of Lothal worshipped the fire god along with the sea god.

The unique Harappan system of weights and measures was used in Lothal too. Bricks were in a perfect ratio of 100×50×25, and the decimal system was used for measuring width.

Tourists Attractions

The major attractions in Lothal are the vast ruins of the ancient city. The most important are the sites of the ancient dockyard, the acropolis, the lower town, the bead factory, the warehouses, and the drainage system.

An archeological museum to the west of the ruins houses the objects found from the sites like mirrors of bronze and copper, perforated and painted potteries, toy bullock carts, beads, jewelry and a variety of objects made from stone, chert, shell, and bone. The museum also displays seals from Bahrain, terracotta figures from Sumeria, and objects from Egypt. Also on display in the museum is a plaster of Paris model of the city based on reconstructions made by archeologists.

Places Around Lothal

Five kilometers from Lothal is the Utelia Palace, built around the turn of the century by Neknamdar Thakore Saheb Sur Sinhji. The palace features five domes, pillared galleries, balconies and porticoes and is a typical example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It has a beautiful view of the surrounding village and the Bhogavo River.

How To Reach

The 78-km distance from Ahmedabad to Lothal is covered in two phases. The first leg of the journey can be covered by rail to reach Bhurkhi, which is on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar railway line. From Bhurkhi, there are regular buses that take very little time to reach Lothal.

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Lothal: A Serene Trip Back to the Birth of Civilisation

The Harappan site of Lothal is situated at a distance of around 80 kms from Ahmedabad. Discovered in the year 1955 were the remnants of a once majestic city which sheds light on the genius ways of living of the ancient people. The word Lothal itself is derived from the civilisation that once thrived here. By visiting this site you will get a glimpse into the maritime trading activities that flourished during the prehistoric era. This place has been deemed to be one of the most unique lock gated dockyard that depicts one of the most astounding and greatest maritime architecture of the ancient world.

Lothal was discovered by the ASI after India had to give up the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo Daro to Pakistan during the partition in the year 1947. This was once a very well to do and a prosperous Harappan site with remains dating back to 2440 to 1900 BC. The place depicts all the pristine architecture and town planning methods common of other settlements of Indus Valley civilisation. All the excavations show that the entire town was divided into 2 parts. The upper part which is named as acropolis which was resided by the ruler and other important people of the city while the lower part was occupied by the common folk of the city. One of the most architecturally remarkable works of art here is a dockyard with all the services for the ships. Everything here was constructed with kiln bricks and comprised of 214 metres long basin with a 13-metre wide channel running on the northern end along with a warehouse for storage of the cargo. Lothal was in trading links with places like Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Everything in Lothal from the material used to its planning is a work of art whose inspiration can be taken for construction in present days as well.

Town Planning:

Being situated on the banks of the river regular flooding used to destroy the settlements and foundation of the city. The Lothal city planners decided to create solution to the regular problem of flooding. The entire town was divided in to various blocks of 1 to 2 metre high platforms (3 to 6 ft.) made out of sun-dried bricks. The whole town was further divided into a large citadel or acropolis and a lower town region. The high officials and rulers used to reside in the higher part of the town i.e. citadel and it consisted of paved paths, surface and underground drains and portable water well. The lower town where the local people lived was further divided into 2 different sectors. The main commercial area of the town was in the form of a north-south arterial street which was flanked with shops for merchants, craftsmen etc. the residential areas were spread out on the either sides of the marketplaces. During the peak years of Lothal trade the lower town was enlarged. Every construction work in Lothal has been done using fire dried bricks, lime and sand mortar and not using sun-dried bricks method since these bricks have managed to stay intact even after 4,000 years and are even bonded strongly together with mortar.

Acropolis and Lower Town:

The acropolis refers to the town centre region of Lothal which is commonly called as citadel. This was the political and commercial centre measuring around 127 metres from east to west and 61 metres from north to south. Another element here were 3 streets and 2 lanes that panned from east to west while 2 lanes panned from north to south. Housed were built on the 4 corners on top of a rectangular platform. Acropolis also contained baths along with 2 rooms and an open courtyard. To prevent seepage the bricks used for paving the paths were polished. Sophisticated drainage system was utilised in the higher region of the city as per the excavations here.

The remains excavated in the lower town region suggest that the area here was the centre for bead making and probably was set up here for this purpose. The dockyard and the warehouse can also be found here whose engineering marvels are applauded even to the present day. This is clear due to the presence if the remains of marine shells, stone anchors and a variety of seals which probably belong to the Persian Gulf regions. This tells us that the Lothal trading was involved with large scale network of business.

To serve the purpose of ever-growing naval trade of Lothal with other parts of the world the Lothal engineers gave very high priority to the creation of a well – functioning dockyard and a warehouse. This dock is present on the eastern end of the ruins of the town and is regarded as a very major achievement and an engineering feat by the people who excavated this location. This was situated away from the main current of the river to serve the dual purpose of avoiding silting and to provide access to ships during the high tides times as well. The warehouse for the navy was built in close proximity to the acropolis or a citadel on top of a 3.5-metre-high mud bricks podium. This was done so that the rulers are able to easily keep an eye and supervise the dockyard activities going on in the warehouse. The movement of the cargo was facilitated via a mudbrick wharf which was 220 metres long and built on the western arm of the dock accompanied with a ramp leading up to the warehouse. Throughout the year this structure has endured numerous floods.

How to Reach:

To reach Lothal you will first of all have to reach Ahmedabad which is the nearest city to the site at a distance of 75 kms. The nearest bus station is situated 20 kms in Bagdogra via Arnej.

By Car – This is probably one of the most convenient ways of getting to Lothal. If you have your own private car then from Ahmedabad you will be able to reach and probably even get to do some nearby sightseeing of tourist attractions. There are also several cars on rent services in Ahmedabad that offers cars as per your requirement from sedans and SUVs to tempo travellers. If you are travelling on a budget then this may not be the right choice for you.

By Bus – This is one of the most cost friendly ways of travelling to Lothal. From Ahmedabad you will take a bus heading for Bagdogra preferably from Geeta Mandir bus station and this will be a journey of around 1.5 to 2 hours. The bus will drop you off at a chowk where the sign for Vataman is located. From there a shared auto will drop you off to Arnej railway crossing where you will see a sign board saying Lothal is 10 kms away from here. This distance can be covered on a Chakda or a local auto rickshaw.

By Flight – The closest airport is located in Ahmedabad which is the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport and is located at a distance of 91 kms and can be covered in a cab or a taxi service in around 2.5 to 3 hours. There are several taxi and rented car services available in close proximity to the airport.

By Train – This has to be another one of the most convenient ways of getting to Lothal. You will be reaching Bhurkhi Railway Station from Ahmedabad station and runs on the Ahmedabad – Bhavnagar railway line. Local bus service for Lothal can be availed from outside the railway station.

Other Tourist Attractions:

Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach

Located at a distance of around 6 hours from lothal this is Gujarat’s one of the finest and a lesser known gem of a coastline. It can be visited if you get tired of exploring the iconic Harrapan site and wish to cool off in the refreshing ocean water. You can relax your day off here with your family and loved ones while relaxing on the soft sandy beach. It is also a wonderful destination if you are interested in indulging in some fun packed water adventure sports activities. The best part about the beach is that the weather here remains pleasant and comfortable throughout the year.

Somnath Temple

For the people with a religious and spiritual bent of mind a visit to Somnath temple is a must and is located at a road journey distance of around 6 hours. This is one of the prime jyotirlingas in India and is frequented by avid devotees from all over the world. Its tall majestic structure and the spiritual aura here is unmatched, situated by the ocean and with the waves smashing over the side of the temple boundary is a blissful site making it a definite must visit in Gujarat.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

The iconic landmark of Gujarat is located at a distance of around 3 hours. Some parts of the palace complex still serve as the residence for the royal family of Vadodara. The structure in itself is a stunning sight and was built from 1878 to 1890. The architecture style here is the perfect representation of the indo – Saracenic style which also comprises of a spectacular zoo, gold course, glass work, mosaic and everything that depicts pure royalty.

Best Time to Visit:

The months of July to March is considered to be the best time to visit. Basically avoid travelling during the summer months since it’s a historical site devoid of any type of shade from above. The summer months are very hot, humid and scorching and makes travelling even to other parts of Gujarat very difficult.

Travel Tips:

• Carry a water bottle and some energy bars since it is a very obsolete site and heavily protected. Do not litter.
• Wear a hat or a cap and cover your faces with scarves if you are going on a completely sunny day to avoid tanning.
• Wear comfortable clothing with a good pair of walking or sports shoes since all the exploration here will be done on foot.
• Read before you go in order to know the real value and importance of Lothal and how civilisation used to once thrive here.
• Remember to follow all the visitors’ rules and guidelines given to you so that you don’t hurt the sanctity of this place.
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Lothal is a historian's delight. Abounding in ancient ruins, it is one of the most excavated sites of the Harappan era and gives a profound insight into the structures and settlement of the Indus Valley civilisation. Though Lothal is said to belong to the Dravidian era, recent findings point out its association with Vedas and Sanskrit scriptures. A local museum standing in the place traces 4,500 years of history of Lothal and one can delve into all the interesting tidbits to their heart's contents. Literally meaning mound of the dead, Lothal was once a popular pottery village. It was inhabited by people who used micaceous (similar to terracotta) pottery and lived on the banks of River Sabarmati. Around circa 2450 BC, a colony was established by merchants who arrived by the sea and later masons, smiths, seal-cutters, potters joined in. Along with them, they brought technology, crafts and sea-borne trade tools. In a few years’ time, Lothal became famous as an industrial centre as well as the most important port of the empire. However, everything got destroyed by the floods in 2350 BC that resulted in the town getting reconstructed from scratch. Not only was Lothal rebuilt, it was improved upon by the survivors who ensured they strengthened the main walls of the fort, raised the town’s level, constructed an artificial dock and an extensive warehouse. After the next floods hit Lothal around 150 years later, the town was constructed once again and was turned into a city. The third flood, which hit the city in circa 2000 BC, saw the inhabitants migrating to higher and safer environs. Around 1900 BC, Lothal once again got submerged in floods and the period is known as Mature Harappan Period, giving way to the Late Harappan Period. Till around the 16th century, civilisation prospered here. Over time, the city was abandoned.  

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Lothal – A Site that isn’t Boring Like the History Class Was

You know those places you heard about in your history classes in school that you found boring and the memories of them ebbed the instant the teacher walked out of the room, yes Lothal in Gujarat is one such place. You’d roll your eyes in disbelief if I tell you, I did not forget about Lothal, for that matter, Harappa culture as a whole. I mean these people were slaying their era, they understood the concept of community, fashion statement, foreign trade, and the oh-so-fascinating covered drainage system, can these people BEEE anymore cooler! So, yes, while the rest of you got busy creating a bigger, brighter future for yourself over the years, I’ve pushed myself to go back to my history textbooks and the maps to go back to those places that exhilarated me once.

Lothal instantly became a part of my Gujarat travel itinerary that included several other interesting places which I will interlink with this blog for you to read. Since reaching Lothal was a challenge for me as a solo traveller who hadn’t saved anything for booking a private vehicle for it from Ahmedabad, I thought, I’d create a comprehensible travel guide on it that can help you reach this ancient site conveniently. Here’s all you need to know.

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How to Reach?

Nearest well-connected city: Ahmedabad, which sits some odd 75 km from Lothal

Nearest Bus Station: Bagodara, some 20 km away via Arnej

For those who have a private vehicle or can afford to book a transport, can easily reach Lothal from Ahmedabad as it is a perfect place for day sightseeing. There are many car service providers in Ahmedabad offering decent deals. However, if you are travelling solo or on a budget, there is a slightly inconvenient but moolah-saving way for you as well, and here it goes:

Take a bus to Bagodara from Geeta Mandir Bus Station in Ahmedabad, which takes around 1.5 – 2 hours of time. Ask the conductor to drop you at chaukari (chowk/square) where a road sign pointing towards Vataman is located. From the square, take the vehicle (mostly it is the shared auto) that will drop you to Arnej Railway Crossing and get down there. Here, you will see a sign pointing towards Lothal at 10 km. You can get a Chakda (local auto-style rickshaw) or a tuk-tuk for Lothal. There is also a bus that goes to Lothal in every few hours, for which you have to walk another 100-200 m to board.

My suggestion would be to grab the first tuk-tuk or chakda you get because the frequency is quite low, so less that I got myself tanned standing there, and I am sure, you don’t want that. Also, as I mentioned the frequency of public transport is extremely low, it is suggested that you ask the driver to take you back as well. Bargain or ask for the fare before sitting in any of the vehicles, this keeps things really easy and cordial between you and your driver.

Top Museums in Gujarat to Live the Bygone Era Again

Lothal – A Place where the Time Stands Still

Time Required to See Lothal: 4 – 5 hours (if you are a history buff), 1- 3 hours (if you want to do it in a relaxed pace)

Highlights:

• Archaeology Survey of India’s Museum
• Documentary (20 – 30 mins)
• The original site

Best Time to Visit: July to March

Staying Option: There are no places to stay in Lothal. The nearest place to stay would be at Bagodara. Here too, the options are limited. Ahmedabad is apparently the best place to stay with options ranging from budget to luxury hotels.

Nearby Attractions:  Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (29 km from Lothal) for birdwatching, which is the top thing to do when planning a trip to Gujarat .

Tour of Lothal

Let me take you to Lothal how I found it suitable to explore. In that case, the first place to see in Lothal will be the ASI Museum, which gives you a detailed tour of what this 5000 years site was like. Right from the map of Harappan sites in the world to reconstructed images of Lothal’s town planning, from metallurgy evidences to the terracotta jewellery to utensils in the household to kids’ toys and from the model of the town to the twin skeletons, you have a world of people once residing in Lothal all in front of your eyes and it is simply breathtaking. Let me try to recall what all I saw in the bullet points so that it is also easy for you to read as well:

• Stone tools
• Metal jewellery
• Bead jewellery
• Terracotta jewellery, toys, and cooking ware
• Maps of Harappan sites
• Models and Images of Lothal Town

Thing to Note:

The twin burial drew my attention the most. Yes, the archaeologists have preserved a skeleton remain that displays the concept of twin burials was quite common in the Harappan culture.

Documentary:

ASI have facilitated a documentary on Harappan and Indus Valley Civilization and on Mohenjo Daro (in Pakistan) and Lothal. The documentary is shown every 30-minutes and on request, and gives you in-depth yet comprehensible insight on the Indus Valley history and that of Mohenjo Daro and Lothal.

The Site – Taking You Back in Time

Once done with the documentary, you can take an exit from the insightful world of museum to relive the history on the original site now. The air somehow lightens once you are at the site, giving you a very positive feel about the place. The first thing that catches your attention is a small half-broken well which instantly gives you goosebumps. And you look more towards your right, there it is – the famous Dockyard, half full or dried up, depending in which season you are visiting, and the view just grips you. Wow! Here some 5000 years ago, the people of an incredibly planned city anchored their boats.

On the left side of the well, lies the entire town of Lothal which had citadel, bead factories, lower town of the common people and the Upper Town for the rich citizens. Remember the famous drainage? Yes, you can see it in person and be at awe of it. Since, I visited this offbeat tourist site in the monsoon month, the place was lush green with grass growing knee tall making it look even more surreal.

Note to the Readers:

As a traveller, I felt that the transport is the major issue, if there was better connectivity between Bagodara and Lothal, I am sure, a lot of people would come to this lesser or unexplored place in Gujarat. However, the auto-driver who was a local resident intimated of a railway line being constructed till Arnej, which will hopefully make Lothal more accessible for travellers. Until then, I request you all to be patient, but not to postpone your plan to visit Lothal since it is a great weekend getaway from Ahmedabad. Book your cabs from Ahmedabad or if you are like me, use the Gujarat Roadways bus and use the local means of transport so that even they can generate some revenue. Be a responsible traveller. Happy travelling!

About Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter , Facebook & Instagram .

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Lothal, Ahmedabad - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

India | Gujarat | Ahmedabad

#23 of 24 places to visit in ahmedabad, distance (from ahmedabad): 79 kms, visited from: ahmedabad, trip duration (including travel): 2 hours, place location: nalsarovar (42 km), transportation options: bus / cab, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: none.

At a distance of 42 km from Nalsarovar and 79 km from Ahmedabad, Lothal is an excavated site situated Bhal region in Dholka of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Lothal is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization and among the best historical sites in Gujarat. Literally called 'Mound of the Dead', this ancient and desolate ruined city of Lothal provides a fascinating insight into the life of the Harappan culture and the Indus Valley Civilization. The origin and history of Lothal can be dated back to 2400 BC. Discovered in the year 1954, Lothal is one of the primary sites of Archaeological Survey of India. The excavation work here began in 1955 and was continued till 1960. Like other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal too had an excellent architecture and town planning. Excavations have revealed that the town was divided into two parts. The upper part or the acropolis was where the ruler and other important people of the city lived while the lower part was meant for the common people. The entire city had a scientific drainage system, well laid-out, paved roads and a bath for every house, some of which were double storied and built on mud platforms. The most architecturally sophisticated part of Lothal was its dockyard, which provided berthing facilities for the ships. Constructed from kiln-fired bricks, the dock comprised a basin 214 m long, 36 m wide, and 13 m deep. A 13 m wide channel on the northern side was included to facilitate entry of ships. Near the dock were warehouses for storage of cargo brought in by the ships. Lothal has enjoyed the status of being the leading center of trade in the bygone times. It was actively involved in the trade of beads, gems and expensive ornaments that were exported to West Asia and Africa. Pottery was another flourishing industry. The ruins of a fire altar suggest that the people of Lothal worshipped the fire god along with the sea god. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set up an excellent museum in 1976 here, where one can take a look at the various Indus-era antiquities. The Museum has three galleries, detailed map and a scaled model of Lothal. The museum houses the objects found from the sites like mirrors of bronze and copper, perforated and painted potteries, toy bullock carts, beads, jewelry and a variety of objects made from stone, chert, shell, and bone. The museum also displays seals from Bahrain, terracotta figures from Sumeria, and objects from Egypt. Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Friday Entry Fee: Rs. 2 for Person

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Unraveling History at Lothal – Gujarat’s Timeless Archaeological Gem

Often, amidst the modern clamor, we tend to forget the rich tapestry of antiquity that our lands hold. One such relic, concealed in the vibrant plains of Gujarat , is Lothal. A forgotten city that played a part in the symphony of ancient civilizations, Lothal is an archaeologist’s haven and a history enthusiast’s paradise. Offering a unique confluence of exploration, learning, and visual satisfaction, it is a must-visit for anyone wanting to unscramble the intricacies of bygone eras.

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Conquering the Calendar – The Best Time To Visit Lothal

As they say, timing is key; in Lothal’s case, it certainly is. To experience Lothal in its true sense, it is best to visit between October and March. During these months, the weather in Gujarat remains pleasant and cool. A dip in the temperature scale gives the perfect backdrop for exploring the ruins, strolling along the ancient pathways, and absorbing the essence of age we can only imagine.

Turning Back Time – History Of Lothal

In the annals of history, Lothal holds a significant position. First excavated in 1954 by the Archaeological Survey of India, it was identified as one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. The city, its name meaning “the mound of the dead,” thrived around 2500 BCE.

Lothal was a prosperous trade center. It boasted a unique dockyard – probably the world’s earliest known, giving testimony to the seafaring skills of the Harappans. From beads, gems, and precious metals to seals with exquisite carvings, artifacts unearthed from Lothal provide a peek into a bustling metropolis of the olden times. The city’s demise, around 1900 BCE, has been a topic of debate, with climatic changes and river drying being considered as plausible causes.

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Unveiling the Hidden – Major Attractions of Lothal

The story of Lothal is told through its remnants, which, despite the ravages of time, continue to speak volumes.

• The Dockyard: This is the beating heart of Lothal, a testament to the maritime glory of the Harappan Civilization. The dock, engineered with baked bricks, indicates a deep understanding of tides, hydraulics, and naval activities.
• The Warehouse: Situated near the dockyard, the warehouse hints at the city’s vibrant trade activities. The ground floor was probably used for storing goods brought from distant lands.
• The Bead Factory: The discovery of a bead factory proves the existence of a well-established bead-making industry. The assortment of semi-precious stones, steatite, carnelian, and shell beads reveals the artistic finesse of the Harappans.
• The Lower Town: It was where the commoners lived. The remains reveal a well-planned settlement with straight streets, individual drainage systems, and houses equipped with bathing areas and wells.
• The Acropolis: An elevated citadel, or the Acropolis, was the abode of the elite. It showcases superior construction and better amenities compared to the Lower Town.
• The Lothal Museum: The museum houses artifacts excavated from the site. This includes seals, pottery, jewelry, tools, and figurines. It offers a comprehensive view of the Harappan culture and life in Lothal.

Finding Your Way – How To Reach Lothal

Reaching this ancient city is a modern convenience.

By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad , approximately 80 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi to Lothal.

By Train: The closest railway station is Bhurkhi, about 10 kilometers away. Regular auto-rickshaws and taxis ply between the station and Lothal.

By Road: Lothal is well-connected by road to major cities of Gujarat. State transport buses and private vehicles make the journey comfortable and enjoyable.

Embarking on a journey to Lothal is akin to reading an open book on the life and times of the Harappan Civilization. It is not just about visiting an archaeological site; it is about stepping into a time machine and being a part of the vibrant past. The city’s ruins, standing silent yet speaking volumes, offer a unique chance to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. After all, to know where we are going, it is essential to understand where we have been. Visit Lothal, and open your mind to a chapter of history etched deeply into the annals of human civilization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting Lothal, Gujarat:

Q1: what is the best time to visit lothal.

A1: The best time to visit Lothal is between October and March when the weather in Gujarat is cooler and more pleasant.

Q2: How can I reach Lothal?

A2: Lothal is well connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is in Ahmedabad, approximately 80 km away. The closest railway station is Bhurkhi, about 10 km from Lothal. State transport buses and private vehicles are also available from major cities of Gujarat.

Q3: What are the major attractions in Lothal?

A3: The key attractions in Lothal include the ancient Dockyard, Warehouse, Bead Factory, Lower Town, and Acropolis. Also, the Lothal Museum, housing an array of Harappan artifacts, is a must-visit.

Q4: Are there any guidelines or rules for visitors to the archaeological site?

A4: Yes, visitors are required to respect the heritage site. Vandalism of any kind is strictly prohibited. It’s also advised not to litter the area and maintain its cleanliness.

Q5: Is photography allowed at Lothal?

A5: Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography may be prohibited inside the museum to protect the artifacts. It’s always wise to check the local guidelines.

Q6: Are there any accommodation facilities available near Lothal?

A6: There are no hotels or lodges in Lothal itself, but you can find several options in nearby cities like Ahmedabad or Bhavnagar.

Q7: Are there any eateries or restaurants in Lothal?

A7: Lothal, being a small archaeological site, does not have eateries or restaurants. However, you can find local food options in the nearby towns.

Q8: Is there an entry fee to visit Lothal?

A8: Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for the archaeological site and the museum. It is advisable to check the current rates before your visit.

Q9: What is the significance of Lothal?

A9: Lothal was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. It was a thriving trade center with an impressive dockyard. The city gives us a unique insight into the lives of our ancestors during the Harappan era.

Q10: Can we hire a guide for the tour of Lothal?

A10: Yes, hiring a guide is advisable as they provide detailed information about the site, its history, and its significance. This makes the visit more informative and enriching.

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Satnam Singh

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Darpan Dodiya

Lothal, Gujarat – A Journey To The Ancient Harappan Civilization

Lothal was a manufacturing hub and a major export port of the ancient Indus Valley civilization. The present day Lothal in Gujarat hosts archaeological remains of a dockyard, warehouse, acropolis, lower town and well. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has set up an excellent museum to present high living standards and prosperity of Lothal residents.

In my school time, I have always loved the subject, Social Science (S.S.). In one of the chapters, the writers have mentioned Lothal town as a footnote and that day I added the tourism place to my ‘To Explore’ list way back. Recently, I and Bhavya made up plan to hunt the place –and the plan was tremendously fruitful.

This article will stand up as a comprehensive tourist guide to Lothal, will offer a visual walk through to the ancient town and will teach you the history by stunning photos of Lothal.

Let’s start the journey…

UPDATE: Accomodation in Lothal

Planning tour to Lothal and want to stay there overnight? Great! There’s one excellent homestay  option, just 5 minutes from Lothal. Local delicious food can also be availed. 🙂

Call +91 94295 64808 for bookings.

The Creation of Travel Plan

We both study Computer Engineering in DDIT, Nadiad. Distance between Lothal and Nadiad is  km (From Ahmedabad – km).  None of us own private vehicle.

“How to reach Lothal by public transportation?” was a pain in our head.

I tried to contact past visitors from TripAdvisor. Their tone was either like “We don’t actually know” or “We went there by our own vehicle/cab” or “No chances of public transportation”. We were about to dismiss the trip when we were handed information, “Reach the town Bagodara. Lothal is just 20 km from there.”

After having a successful internal exam the day before, we were on a high spiritual level. “Let’s do it!” -my voice said.

Landing to Lothal – A Vibrant Flight

Most of the Gujarat state transport buses destined to Saurashtra, stop at Bagodara. Thus reaching to Bagodara from Nadiad was a swift process. Saurashtra bound buses are frequent throughout the day.

Now in Bagodara, I asked a local shopkeeper the same question with changed variable values, “How to reach Lothal from Bagodara?” . He informed us to go to Bhurkhi Railway Fatak and pointed out to a nearby truck, which would pass by Bhurkhi.

“But wait, in a truck?” Yes! Why not try a different stuff! The truck part was a jubilant go through.

Arriving at Bhurkhi my mind was again pondered in thoughts as to “How to reach Lothal from here?”  We approached to a Chhakdawala destined a few feet from us.

“You want to go Lothal?” He asked.

“Yes” I said.

“Alright. Come on board then.”

“So, you will drop us to Lothal?” I sought confirmation.

“In 10 minutes”

Wow. That was quite unexpected. Time to experience Chhakda too!

It took us 15 minutes to reach out destined place though! 🙂 Path is important – destination isn’t, I recollected.

How to Reach Lothal – The Sum-up

Lothal is situated near the village of Saragwala in the Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad district in Gujarat state of India.

Distance Matrix

Private vehicle:.

When it comes to  excursion  from Ahmedabad, Lothal is a best destination. The excavation site is very well-connected by road network. Like other Gujarat roads,  roads to Lothal are classy all the way up to the tourism site. Google Maps is all you need to navigate your way through.

The Essentials of Ancient Lothal – History, Civilization and Facts

Before the sight-seeing, let’s spare a couple of minutes to understand Lothal’s history and important keywords.

The meaning of Lothal (a combination of Loth and Thal) in Gujarati is “the mound of the dead”.  Lothal was excavated from 1955 to 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Dholavira is the second similar site found in Gujarat.

Lothal was a vital and thriving trade centre in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and valuable ornaments reaching the far corners of West Asia and Africa. The techniques and tools they pioneered for bead-making and in metallurgy have stood the test of time for over 4000 years.

The archaeologists have found a mound, a township, a marketplace, and the dock. This implies that the Lothal city planners and architecturers had a great vision. Due to the ever blooming business, residents of Lothal would have enjoyed a decent lifestyle.

Lothal Map  

An artist’s visualization of Lothal civilization and history. It also depicts the map of Lothal.

That’s enough for the basics. Time to roam around the real site..

Lothal Archaeological Museum

The museum was set up in 1976 by Archaeological Survey of India to display the artifacts recovered from the excavation. The Museum has three galleries, detailed map and a scaled model of Lothal.

There are also introductory write-ups, amazing facts and history about the site. Out of the 5089 objects unearthed during the excavation, 800 objects are on display in the museum.

The museum has a small reference library and a publication counter for selling publications of the Archaeological Monuments. Alas, they don’t actually sell.

The place is maintained keenly and offers all you want to know about the context. Photography is strictly prohibited so I tried to draw some of the items in my small diary. The museum also has a large display to show a documentary of civilization, history, tourism of Lothal.

Timings of Lothal Museum

They also give brochure upon request.

The Campus of Lothal – Food & Accommodation  

You may read on the internet that Lothal has one canteen. No, it’s an obsolete information. There’s absolutely no food stall.

We didn’t think about the food crisis. We had Chana Dal to feed ourselves.

The administration has set up of a shed to cook food in the parking area. It’s like a handy platform for school and group trips. A football field sized green garden surrounds the museum acting as an excellent natural rest room. (I almost felt asleep resting below the tree!)

Accommodation is not required. The place can be explored in 3-4 hours.

Excavation Site – A Walk Through

Tourists visit Lothal to see this – the remains of now-ruined Lothal town. Without a guide, you’d be seeing the stones only and have no idea about the implication of the bricked structure. Nevertheless, we did a thorough search about the site and had no problems figuring out the significance of the structure.

4400 years old well

The well is built of radial bricks, 2.4 metres in diameter and 6.7 metres deep. It had an immaculate network of underground drains, silting chambers and cesspools, and inspection chambers for solid waste.

The dockyard was located away from the main current to avoid deposition of silt. The dock, with a canal opening to allow water to flow into the river, thereby maintaining a stable water level. Dockyard and warehouse were one of the best architectural constructs of the Indus valley civilization era.

Speculation suggests that owing to the comparatively small dimensions of the main city, Lothal was not a large settlement at all, and its “dockyard” was perhaps an irrigation tank. ASI asserts the opposite. Dockyard is maintained poorly. Water stinks.

The Warehouse

Lothal engineers accorded high priority to the creation of a dockyard and a warehouse to serve the purposes of naval trade. The warehouse was built close to the acropolis on a 3.5-metre-high podium of mud bricks. The rulers could thus supervise the activity on the dock and warehouse simultaneously.

Kitchen Area

Kitchen of upper town with pot furnace.

Cooking Blocks

The rooms of the upper town were obviously built for the upper classes. They had private brick baths and a remarkable network of drains and cesspools.

Bead Maker’s Kiln

The bead factory had ten living rooms and a large workplace courtyard. Lothal’s beads had huge demand.

The Acropolis

Near the warehouse, also on a high plinth, is the upper town or acropolis which spans 128 by 61 meters and has extensive drainage systems.

Drainage System

An elaborate sanitary and drainage system, a hallmark of ancient Indus cities, is in evidence everywhere at Lothal.

From the plinth of the acropolis, it is a short distance to the lower town. The lower town contains a commercial and residential area. The arterial streets running from north to south were flanked by shops, merchant dwellings and artisan’s workshops.

6 Things To Note

• Visit only if you’re interested in history. You’ll hate Lothal as a travel destination otherwise.
• Take printout of this article. It’ll work as guide and help you to identify block structure.
• Don’t forget to include food in your checklist.
• No good for kids. A minimum age of 12 is required to understand all the jargons. Children may easily get bored in this case.
• 3-4 hours are sufficient to explore Lothal.
• Public transportation is available.

The Real Kathiyawadi Food – Taste = Delicious | Mind = Blown

Having spent 4 mind boggling hours in Lothal, we headed back. Our foot steps were heading towards the Bagodara bus station and then we spotted a Kathiyawadi Lodge near the station. Stomach had been craving for food so we decided to give it a dose of traditional food.

The hotel system was surprisingly different than a mediocre hotel.

For instance, instead of distributing buttermilk in a glass, they smashed a pot full of it on the table (2 liter) and told us to consume it at our will! Then, there were 10 different supplementary items like onions, fried chilies, masala carrots and what not. Add a true form of self service to the top. That is, everything would be on your table, sabji, roti, rice, dal – eveything. Eat as much as you want!

Thanks for reading! Share this post to light up our great Indian civilization. Contribute your thoughts in the comments.

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38 responses to “Lothal, Gujarat – A Journey To The Ancient Harappan Civilization”

Is 2 to 3 hours sufficient time to explore the entire place ?

It should be enough.

It’s been 4 years since I visited Lothal so I am not sure about its current condition. Hope that its well maintained.

Really informative. Being a travel student – I can say you looked at all aspects of travel and the article has been really helpful for me. Keep writing.

Thanks a lot Sruthy. 🙂

Excellent write-up, complete step by step details. Visited Lothal in December-2017.. Really a very nice location but as you said “Visit only if you’re interested in history. You’ll hate Lothal as a travel destination otherwise”.. People having interest in History can only enjoy n understand the place..

Thank you very much for the note Mr Bhatt.

I have been searching for some info about Lothal and ended up to your article. And with this inch by inch info my search is over here. I am visiting this place tomorrow. Do you think it would be a good time to visit this place in monsoon?

I believe so. As long as it’s not raining, the place can be visited.

Although, I haven’t been in touch with Lothal area since years so I might be wrong.

Hi , I am Prakash, thiis articleis of help to me as I am visiting Lothal with family today. I came from Bangalore with Lathal as prime destination.. Lothal was on my mind sine 8-10 years. Just three days back I visited Dolavira.

Hi Prakash!

Since you have come from all the way to Bangalore, I guess you’re passionate about historical structures!

Wish you a fab journey!

If you maintain blog/website/social media profile where you share your travel experiences, please let me know. Would love to read them.. 🙂

Super article , Awesome writing ,Real touch ,nice narration,keep it up Darpan .

Thanks a lot Amit! 🙂

I wish I were born in Gujarat!

A remarkable, memorable place to be born. .I LOVE ANTICS.

I was going through some analytics and found this search term used by someone: Is it safe for couple to go Lothal? 🙂

Valentines day’s planning! (Today is 12th Feb)

In response to that search, Yes, Lothal is safe for couple. However, I wouldn’t recommend staying there till late evening.

Nice..Darpan..!! You make my dream comes true for trip to lothal. Thank you.

Very glad to hear that! You’re welcome anytime 🙂

Quite detailed. I think this is a nice mix, combining your writing skills and travel experiences.

🙂 Combining skills, travel experiences… and existing resources on the internet!

It’s pics are awesone

Thank you Dhruv!

Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.

After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

You sound amazing , I’ll wish to explore – don hill , Wilson hill …. Many more .

I learned everything I wanted to learn about Lothal. Very helpful guide to tourists.

Well done Bhavya and Darpan.. keep it up.. Very good narration Darpan..

Sure, we will. Thanks Riddhi!

Now that’s what i call a perfect journey! You’ve splendidly describe your experiences,each and every detail of your trip. Specially,those six notes attatched at last are praise-worthy. No words for praises!. . . seriouslly, Great! 🙂

Maybe we should plan next trip together, Hardik!

three claps for darpan sir

And 3 claps for our great city planners too.

good narration. keep it up

આર્ટીકલ વાચવાની ઘણી મજા આવી. ટ્રકની સફરથી માંડીને છેલ્લે કાઠીયાવાડી હોટેલ સુધીનું બધું જ ઘણું રસપ્રદ અને મહીતીપ્રદાન છે. આ તો એ સમયની વાત છે જયારે ટેકનોલોજી શું એ પણ લોકોને ખબર ન હતી તો પણ બધી વ્યવસ્થાઓ કેટલી સચોટ છે એ જોવાનું છે. I also encourage you to visit more less known places and share your experiences on this platform.

Right, sir. I was insanely amazed by their waste management techniques. Impeccable city planning.

Most DDIT students have tone like, “Too much load. Focus on the study only. No opportunities of extra activities..”. I strongly disagree with it. We get a lot of free time.

I will surely try to light up such awesome places. 🙂

Interesting! Feeling proud to read about our ancient rich Indian culture. Great article!

Thanks buddy!

Now when our life is fully loaded with technology, it was amazing to read the article. Quite detailed one. Cheero. Awesome.

Darpan, I went through ur description of Lothal, Wilson Hills and Don with great interest. The way u have provided the first hand information is very interesting. Information of such lesser known places of Gujarat is worth sharing. U should write more such stuff.

Thanks for encouraging words! I will try.

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Tourist Attractions in Lothal

The oldest dock in the world, Lothal, is one of the ancient sites of Harappan culture. It is one of the most important places of Tourist Attraction in Lothal because of the fact that not only does the archeologists, historians and geologists but leisure trippers find this an interesting place as well. The meaning of Lothal is Mound of the Dead.

Tourist Attractions at Lothal includes places like the following:

Dockyard in Lothal is the oldest in the world, and is admired for its extended nature, scientific positioning and constructional skill. It is a wonder that people during the times of Harappan Civilization knew so much about technology. 

Cemeteries that have been discovered ages back to the period of Dravidians, proto Dravidians, Proto Australoids and Mediterranean etc. Potteries that previously belonged to the Harappan people have been kept inside the museums and so, is a point of great Tourist Attraction in Lothal.

Sheltered Harbor that grew rice, cotton and wheat are of primary importance to geologists and historians. Red Wares are often on display and they tell us about the intricate pottery that Harappan people were skilled at creating. Indigenous ceramic goods are also on display.

The Harappan town was basically separated into blocks of 1-2-metre-high (3-6 ft) over platforms made up of sun-dried bricks, each portion 20-30 houses of thick mud and brick walls. The city was categorized into a fortress, or acropolis and a lower town. There were paved baths, surface and underground drains and potable water well. Even the concept of shop was known at that time.

The housing locale was on either side of the marketplace and had been technically designed. All these structures are visible from a visit to Lothal and constitute the Tourist Attractions in Lothal.

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Rendezvous with indus valley civilization at lothal.

Once upon a time, life in the Indian subcontinent flourished on the banks of River Saraswati . Ancient urban centers with well-planned cities are still being discovered in and around Saraswati and its tributaries for more than a century now. Every site adds to the mystique and scale of civilization. At the southern end of this civilization in the Gulf of Khambat, in the village called Lothal lies a dockyard that was used to trade through the sea routes with other civilizations.

Table of Contents

Lothal, Gujarat – Ruins & Remains

Today, this historic place wears the look of an abandoned town – with only its foundations remaining to tell the story. As a layperson, there is nothing much that you can make out. There are some ASI boards but they give a broad direction and hardly explain anything. Thankfully I carried the ASI booklet on the place, that I had picked from their headquarters in Delhi years ago for this very day – when I have to stand there and figure out what is what.

The museum building here is the one you notice as you reach the site. And then you have to look around to find the actual site and walk towards it through a dusty path.

The site at first looks like a giant complex that was abandoned after the foundation was laid. A set of structures on a raised platform was the warehouse where the traded goods were stocked. The place does not look too big, and as we moved ahead the whole city appeared pretty small. But then I realize that my reference point is the towns and cities of today that are too big when compared to their own sizes even 50 years ago.

Indus Valley Bead Factory

We move ahead and see a bead factory that has been discovered here. There are kilns and what looks like giant pots over ovens. Most of these are re-constructed of course. But they are in situ or right at the places where they were found. The beads at this factory were supposed to be very fine and a sample can be seen at the museum. Fine white beads that you cannot see but probably not appreciate with the naked eye make you wonder about the technology our ancestors had more than 3000 years ago.

Museum has put a magnifying glass in front of those displays so that you can see them both in a glass test tube and as part of a necklace made out of them.

I wish the ASI/Tourism department/Culture department would make an effort to reconstruct a demo of the process. And maybe teach them to the locals so that it generates some livelihood for them. Almost everyone who looks at those beads wants to pick them up – as a souvenir or a memento from the past.

We move ahead and see the lower town. That I found a bit difficult to comprehend as the houses and the rooms appeared too tiny for human habitation. Though I could appreciate the symmetry. In the far corner of the site was the burial site – again I take the word of the board – could not make out much. Walking across the site we came across many water channels that ran through it. And this was probably part of the famous drainage system that the history textbook told us about.

World’s oldest Dockyard at Lothal

By the side of the site lies a well that had bricks in isosceles trapezoid shape instead of the usual rectangle so that they come together and form a circle easily. I do not remember seeing anything like this elsewhere. Next to it is the dockyard – which is a rectangular pond with a channel connecting it to a potential canal to maintain water levels. It looks like any other water body except the brickwork seems to be old.

And then you have to use your imagination to visualize that small ships laden with trading goods would have arrived, parked here and re-loaded the products made here. Maybe other towns around Lothal left the place to probably go to Sindh – a little far away across the Arabian Sea.

Indus Valley Civilization

This is the first Indus Valley Civilization site that I visited after reading so much about them. Of course, the big wish is to go and see the town of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Although experts, who have visited them, tell me that it would be a disappointing visit. Even here, I was mentally prepared not to find anything spectacular. But I wanted to stand at the place where a sophisticated civilization once flourished. And that was an emotional moment to connect directly with the remains of that civilization.

To stand on its walls and to be able to touch those bricks, to see those beads with your own eyes along with many other artifacts discovered from the site.

It was a dream come true for me to be standing at this historic place – one of the oldest known living sites in the world.

Recommend you to read the following travel blog on Places to visit in Gujarat.

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16 comments.

“Thankfully I carried the ASI booklet on Lothal, that I had picked from their headquarters in Delhi years ago for this very day – when I have to stand there and figure out what is what.” – That sounds like a seasoned traveller, ready for any contingencies even way ahead in future. 🙂

It’s quite a pity that the Indus Valley sites are not maintained or displayed as well as they could have been. I was in Kutch earlier this year and one morning over breakfast where I was staying, this Polish lady was telling me about her Dholavira excursion the previous day. She had felt really lost, didn’t know where to look or what to make of most things, and didn’t even find any helpful signboards (or even local guides who could have made up stories)! You may have visited Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. I was so fascinated and impressed by how they’ve restored large parts of the erstwhile ruined city in Polonnaruwa, with a fantastic museum to boot. Wish we had something similar done for our Indus sites.

Its very sad to notice that nobody takes care of these ancient places….there should be some maintenance measures taken…

Government shold take some major step’s in order to save this kind of historic palces..This ancient location’s and places are matter of pride for any nation.

what a informative post.but definitely it is very sad to notice that nobody think about its care and its maintenance.

I had the good fortune to visit Dholavira in 2013

There was a ASI museum employee who showed us around as a guide. He told us he was part of the original ASI dig there in the 80s and 90s. Hence we got a pretty good walkabout of Dholavira

He said that upto 60-70% of Dholavira has deliberately been left undisturbed in the ground. Because these 5000 year old structures would not survive long if left exposed to elements today. To cover them properly would have a huge cost, and he wryly remarked “in our country, there is no money for living people, who is going to spend on long dead people?”

I am yet to visit Dholavira, but did go to Lothal – the oldest know dockyard in the world. More than money I think it is the respect for heritage that stops us from protecting and preserving it.

Dear madam. Please visit Dholavira. I am from Bengaluru still I went to see Dholavira. It is a nice place. Standing on the streets where our forefathers walked gives a sort of pleasure if you are an archeology student.I took lot of photographs The museum there is well maintained and the road to Dholavira is good.

Yes Sir, Dholavira is on my wish list and would definitely visit it and write about it.

Yes, it is the mind-set that needs to be changed. Thanks, Anuradha for such a beautiful post. Regards..

Glad that you enjoyed our Lothal post. Thanks, Aditi.

I visited Dholavira with my Guru, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji from Mysore. He is very interested in human heritage across the globe. We stayed in Dholavira the night and made a detailed tour of Dholavira site. Except the museum guide, there were no visitors that day. We made a detailed walk about of the place and it was mesmerising. The museum gave detailed explanation of the site and exhibited some interesting artefacts found from the site. To see the tools and implements used by our ancestors 4000 years ago connects you to them.

I want to do Dholavira sometime soon. The older the places the more they fascinate me.

I went to Lothal earlier this ear. I share the exact sentiments. Unfortunately the museum was closed and just a walk thru was interesting but without a guide book , it was frustrating. ASI needs to put up boards at appropriate places to inform visitors. On a separate note, is Dholavira open to the public. ??

I completely agree with you. Both ASI and Ministry of tourism need to put more information. On site guides can be a vocation for local youth. I have not been to Dholavira but I believe it is open to public.

very nice and explinotry.. …

Thanks Alkesh. Have you been to Lothal?

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The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

A Day Trip To Lothal From Ahmedabad

Last Updated on March 2, 2022 by Soumya

Lothal, an ancient Harappan city, beckoned to me from the browned pages of an old history book. A few images of life from 5000 years ago flashed by right in front of my eyes. The lingering hope of seeing Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa continued to ebb. But my resolution to explore the Indian side of the Indus Valley Civilization grew stronger. I was super excited when we decided on a spontaneous trip to Ahmedabad . A day trip to Lothal from Ahmedabad seemed like a must-do on a 2-day itinerary. Not very far away, Dholavira continued to hover around to be seen and experienced another day.

Trivia: Both Lothal and Mohenjo-daro mean “Mound of the Dead” in Gujarati and Sindhi respectively.

About Lothal

Lothal is located at a distance of 80 km from Ahmedabad in the western state of Gujarat in India. That is why it makes for such a great day trip. Archaeologists discovered the ruins of Lothal in 1954 and it has been a popular historical destination ever since.

Back in 2400 BC, Lothal was an important port city of the Harappan civilization.  Lothal features a tidal dockyard, a boundary wall, well-planned settlements with neatly-laid roads, and an efficient sewage system. A number of Harappan weights, seals, and painted pottery were also found here. These findings, inextricably, linked Lothal to other planned cities of the Harappan civilization, namely Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.

“Harappan pottery is distinctive, with designs in black, of plants, birds and abstract forms, frequently painted on a red surface. Pottery is a clue to locating Harappan sites.” – Romila Thapar, Indian Historian

What to see in a day in Lothal

Lothal is a true paradise for history-lovers. If you are not a history person, a day in Lothal might seem a chore. However, if you love ruins, a day trip to Lothal from Ahmedabad will enchant you. It will take you back to life 5000 years ago where there’s a lot to see and imagine.

Do not forget to check out our article on other interesting day trips from Ahmedabad.

The Oldest Dockyard in the World

Lothal was a prominent port city of the Harappan civilization and possessed a massive dockyard. The massive dock is located on the eastern edge of the archaeological site and was equipped to berth and service ships. It is the first thing you see when you enter the site. Kiln-burnt bricks were used to build the walls of the dock. The dock is believed to have been constructed close to the Sabarmati river which has since changed course.

Trivia: Lothal’s dockyard is the earliest known dockyard in the world.

The Upper Town of Lothal

Lothal was divided into two sections like any other contemporary Harappan city – the Upper Town or the Acropolis and the Lower Town. The Upper Town is located on the south-eastern corner of Lothal and 4 meters above the Lower Town. Key officials and other important people lived in the upper part. It features a large warehouse, wide streets, drains and bathing platforms. It also includes a well for potable water.

The Lower Town of Lothal

The lower town housed the common man. It consisted of both commercial and residential spaces. The commercial area had bead-making factories, shops, and merchant dwellings. Merchant dwellings could be identified by the presence of kilns, seals, and other ancient artifacts. The residential area consisted of individual houses and was equipped with an effective drainage system.

Trivia: The Harappan civilization is known in the world for its scientifically-constructed underground drainage system – a unique city-planning feature from 5000 years ago.

The Bead-making Furnace

In the Lower Town, you can also see a bead-making furnace enclosed in a steel mesh. Lothal was known far and wide for its bead-making industry. Harappans invented a unique bead-making technique which made their beads popular across the world.

Archaeologists have found beads from Lothal in lands as far as Mesopotamia and Egypt, another proof that Lothal was a thriving trade center. So, if you are visiting Lothal from Ahmedabad, you should not miss seeing the bead-making furnace.

The Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum in Lothal was opened in 1976. More than 5000 artifacts were excavated at the site. Almost a thousand are on display at the museum in Lothal. You can see some beautiful Harappan pottery, beads, seals, terracotta ornaments, copper and bronze objects here. You can also see photographs and plans of the city of Dholavira, another ancient Harappan site in Gujarat.

The museum is open between 10 am – 5 pm and provides a much-needed respite from the scorching heat outside. It is closed on Fridays. You need to pay an entry fee of Rs. 5 for the museum. Entry into the archaeological site is free. You will also need a photography permit if you wish to take pictures inside the museum. The video here  takes you on a virtual tour of the museum and gives you an idea of what you can expect to see.

Traveling to Lothal from Ahmedabad

How to get here.

Ahmedabad is the closest airport. Once you get to Ahmedabad, you can either opt for a private taxi or a combine a bit of train and bus. A private taxi (Ola and Uber are convenient options) will cost you around Rs. 3000 ($45) for the 1.5-hour trip and back. Alternately, you can take a train to Bhurkhi on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar railway line and then take a local bus from there.

Other Travel Tips

• Winter is the best time to visit Lothal.
• Carry a hat, a sunscreen, and sunglasses. It can get really sunny especially in the afternoons even during winters.
• Carry lots of water and other fluids. Even a 30-minute walk across the archaeological site will drain you.
• There are no guides available and there is no proper labeling at the site. Read up a bit and get an idea of prominent monuments/directions before you get here. The artist’s impression presented above can be quite helpful.
• There are a couple of Indian toilets behind the museum available for tourists to use. However, they may not be the cleanest ones and the availability of water might be an issue. So make sure you carry some extra bottles of water.

Have you been to Lothal? Do you want to go there? Drop me a line below and let’s get the conversation going.

Read all about my travels in Gujarat here .

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33 thoughts on “ A Day Trip To Lothal From Ahmedabad ”

Hi.. Any idea about local guide who can help with detailed explanation or how can we hire one?

Hi there, we did a DIY tour of the site. Just got a taxi (Ola/Uber) from Ahmedabad and went to Lothal. The museum is pretty self-explanatory but the archaeological site is not. So, I agree that hiring a local guide would be great. Viator has some guided tours. Here is one if you wish to have look, Lothal Guided Tour . Another option is to arrive in Ahmedabad and check with your hotel if they can get you a guide and a car for a day or two. Usually, they are happy to do that. If you have a car at your disposal you can visit the other heritage sites such as Modhera Sun Temple and Rani ki Vav once you are done with Lothal. Gujarat Tourism also has a list of registered tour guides on their website. You can also check them out here https://www.gujarattourism.com/registered-tourist-guide1.html

Ve to tie that in with my travel plans… always wanted to visit there Harappa Mohenjodaro sites…

You really must. Amazing place. It feels great just to be walking through a city that existed 5000 years ago.

Brought back memories of my visit to Lothal! Indeed an incredible place! Personally I felt more connected to Dholavira than Lothal

I am sure it did. I am yet to see Dholavira. Want to go there as soon as possible.

I love to see such historical places. Loved your post and one day, I would visit this beautiful place which is associated with mankind’s existence from 5000 years ago.

Yes, one of the oldest civilizations on the earth. I am glad you liked it.

I just added a new place in my bucket list. It looks like a great destination for history buffs like myself. Thanks for sharing!

Yeah, absolutely! I am glad you liked it.

I cant believe they preserved this from 5000 years ago, its looks pretty in great shape for a site of those years. When i travel to a new place, i always look forward to see all the historical sites, Lothal is indeed worth while.

Yeah, it is definitely worthwhile if you are planning a trip to India. Lothal was all buried until they dug it up in 1954. A lot of it is gone but whatever is left looks beautiful.

Definitely this site has so much history to offer! Would love to visit there some day and see everything by my own eyes!

It is definitely a must see if you are a history lover.

Lothal is quite interesting and looks very advanced for its time. I am impressed by the state of the ruins and how well preserved (or restored) they are. The change in the course of the river has definitely left the dock high and dry.

It was quite advanced for its time. Yeah there’s no water in that dock anymore. But it does get filled up during rains sometimes which brings life back to it.

I love visiting old ruins and learning all about their history. It’s fascinating that they’ve survived this long. Sounds like an awesome trip.

We had an amazing time. Old ruins are so beautiful. And yeah, the very fact that these have survived close to 5000 years makes them even more exciting.

That’s actually quite close to 5000. Not many things are preserved to our days and those that we have left are precious.

That is so true. Unfortunately, many of the sites from the Indus Valley civilization are in various states of disrepair. And we are losing them to nature slowly!

It’s incredible that it’s lasted so long. And what we can find out just through archeology. The bead furnish is cool!

Yeah I could almost imagine someone sitting there and finishing the beads to perfection! 🙂

I love old ruins and history and I would thoroughly enjoy visiting Lothal. To get a glimpse of how people loved 5000 years ago, especially on the Indian sub-continent, is fascinating.

Yeah, that is so true. It is fascinating to just imagine the existence of well planned cities 5000 years ago let alone be living in them.

It’s amazing to see how my interest in history is growing after reading all your posts. So many places to visit now ?

Yeah, and they are all so interesting. Can keep you glued for hours!

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‘How the region’s hydrography shaped ancient trade and cultural interactions’: IIT Gandhinagar study finds direct connection between Lothal and Sabarmati River

The iit gandhinagar research supports the dockyard theory and addresses concerns about historical inlets, demonstrating lothal’s importance for trade via river and sea routes.

The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) has found a direct link between Lothal and the former course of the River Sabarmati during a study.

The study, recently published in ScienceDirect, delves into the Lothal dockyard theory, employing technologies such as multi-sensor data, cloud computing, and advanced analytical platforms. The research on one of the most prominent Harappan sites reveals fresh insights into ‘how the region’s hydrography shaped ancient trade and cultural interactions’.

It uncovers that the lower reaches of the Sabarmati River underwent considerable migration during the late Holocene period, which influenced trade routes and settlement patterns. The research also highlights how ancient water dynamics impacted trade and cultural exchanges, offering new perspectives on the role of waterways in Harappan economies.

Moreover, the findings address previously-held doubts about the dockyard theory, providing robust evidence to support its validity.

“Multi-disciplinary investigations into archaeological landscapes can uncover many unknown facets,” says Prof V N Prabhakar, Associate Professor, Earth Sciences and Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Gandhinagar .

He adds, “Remote sensing techniques in archaeology have significantly advanced, playing a crucial role in revealing ancient landscapes.”

Located around 30 km from the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, Lothal was a crucial port during the Bronze Age Harappan period. This research revisits the dockyard theory from a landscape perspective, integrating data from early maps, satellite imagery, and Digital Elevation Models, say researchers.

The study area covers Lothal and surrounding regions in Gujarat, where over 140 palaeochannels have been identified, highlighting Lothal’s strategic position on a major river route for the Harappan civilisation. Satellite images have unveiled the old channels of the River Sabarmati, suggesting Lothal’s key location on a significant river route linked to Koth and other resource-rich areas on the one hand and Little Rann of Kachchh through the Nal Sarovar on the other.

The research supports the dockyard theory and addresses concerns about historical inlets, demonstrating Lothal’s importance for trade via river and sea routes. Another recent study by the authors also reveals an active inland water network connecting Lothal with other Harappan sites in Kachchh, thereby participating in distributing raw materials like agate-carnelian.

However, further studies are needed to confirm the timeline of the Sabarmati’s migration and the region’s tectonic dynamics.

“The reconstruction of palaeolandscape has the potential to offer a fresh perspective on existing archaeological and geomorphological theories, enabling discoveries and a deeper understanding of how ancient societies adapted to their environment,” says Prof Ekta Gupta who along with Prof Vikrant Gupta has contributed in conceptualisation, data curation, formal analysis, and investigation.

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Museums In Lothal

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Lothal Tourism (Gujarat) (2024) - A Complete Travel Guide

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• 1. Lothal Museum

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• Best time to Visit in Lothal
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• FAQS about Lothal
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