#DiscoverTheUndiscovered: sometimes, the best gems are dug out from beneath a pile of ruble and stones. One such mystical land is Lothal, an ancient Indus Valley civilisation tucked away in Gujarat. By Bayar Jain
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Tucked under piles of dirt, Lothal—Gujarati for ‘mound of the dead’—is a gem itching to be discovered…literally! Located about 80 kilometres from Ahmedabad, this former Indus Valley civilisation town requires a curious eye, a history lover’s gaze, and a sturdy vehicle to explore—owing to its hard-to-reach location. Upon reaching, however, its connection to the modern day remains curiously unchallenged.
Believed to date back at least 4,000 years, this ancient site is considered to be one of the most prominent excavation localities of the former civilisation. In fact, despite its historicity, Lothal boasts of modern-age marvels—some arguably considered better than its contemporary counterparts. Now a low-lying land, this small town is believed to have once flourished as a trading centre with routes linking to Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia. Neatly planned roads, advanced sewage systems, intricate pieces of arts and jewellery find a space here.
What to see?
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At first glance, Lothal would look like a mound of dirt crafted by skilled sand-sculpting artists. Upon further enquiries with local guides, however, its true marvels begin to unravel. Divided into two parts—a citadel, and a lower town—Lothal consists of a mound, a township, a marketplace and the dock. Since its excavation in 1955, archaeologists have unearthed examples of modern-day city-planning. Take the ancient civilisation’s layout, for instance.
It is believed that most of the rulers lived near the citadel where paved baths, underground and surface drain, and potable water wells found a home. On the outskirts, semblances of marketplaces and residential areas can be found. Throughout the site, fire-dried bricks bound together by lime and sand mortar continue to prevail, while instances of paved paths catch attention.
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Another notable feature of this 4,000-year-old site are the remnants of an erstwhile bead-making factory, complete with a run-down furnace. In fact, many archaeologists and historians have uncovered terracotta ornaments, seal replicas, shell and ivory objects, figurines, pots, and more. Plus, Lothal also boasts of the earliest cultivation of rice (1800 BC), and the world’s earliest known dock!
Where to stay?
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Being an ancient site, Lothal has no hotels or lodging facilities nearby. For a comfortable stay, consider the many hotels at Ahmedabad and embark on a day-long visit to the ancient site. Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, DoubleTree by Hilton Ahmedabad, and Hyatt Ahmedabad are some of the luxurious options here.
How to reach?
The closest airport to Lothal is Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, just two hours away. Hire a cab or self-driven car for the onward journey.
When to visit?
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Being a completely outdoor site devoid of any shelters, plan the visit during relatively colder months of November to February. Post February, mercury levels begin to rise rendering it extremely difficult to soak in the sights without breaking into a sweat.
Related: Gujarat’s Patan: A Must-Visit Place To Learn About India’s Rich Heritage & Architecture
