Lothal Travel Guide

Located around 80 km from Ahmedabad, Lothal is where archaeologists discovered the remnants of the Harappan civilization. In 1955, archeologists discovered the remnants of an ancient city in Lothal, Gujarat.

On your tour to Gujarat, you can plan excursions from Ahmedabad and arrange a Lothal Tour of Gujarat. The town of Lothal derives its name from the word “Loth,” which means death. Related to the Indus Valley sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, the local people call it the mound of the dead.

History of Lothal

Lothal has a vibrant history and has been one of the world’s most progressive and thriving cities. It was discovered in 1955 through land excavation after the partition of India and Pakistan when Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro became part of Pakistan.

Lothal was believed to be a hub of business and was connected to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt. The beads produced here and the prosperous pottery industry of Lothal were famous worldwide. The highlight of Lothal was its exceptionally well-planned drainage system.

Tourist attractions of Lothal

Below are the top tourist spots in Lothal that can make your vacation memorable.

Excavation Site

Visiting the site in Lothal will transport you 4,500 years into the past, allowing you to witness the remains of the once-thriving city. The historical significance of the Lothal ruins offers a valuable history lesson.

Well

This well is truly a spectacle, estimated to be 4,500 years old. It stands tall at 6.7 meters and spans 2.4 meters in width to gather fresh water. The well’s construction utilized innovative brickwork and a sophisticated underground drainage system.

Dockyard

The dockyard in Lothal was constructed with fine burnt bricks to endure high water flow. Its impressive architecture includes a tunnel that prevents water from accumulating, opening the river. The water-locking mechanism is exceptional, accommodating up to 90 large ships at once.

Citadel

The city’s leader resided in the Citadel, the Acropolis. The houses in the Citadel were meticulously constructed on a platform three meters high and were equipped with underground dens, private wells, and paved pathways.

Warehouse

Lothal’s warehouse is a crucial building in the area, designed to hold many objects. Its construction was carefully planned to ensure durability and functionality. Positioned near the Citadel allowed easy oversight by the chief overseeing the project. The warehouse was built on a 3.5-meter-high podium using mud bricks.

Time Required to See Lothal

It may take around 4-5 hours to complete if you are a history buff. However, you can finish it in 1-3 hours if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

Highlights

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

Best Time to Visit

July to March is the best time to visit Lothal.

Staying Option

There are no lodging options available in Lothal. The closest alternative would be Bagodara. However, the lodging options there are also limited. Ahmedabad is the recommended place to stay for a more comprehensive range of options. From budget to luxury hotels, Ahmedabad offers a variety of choices to fit any traveler’s needs.