Day trip from Ahmedabad to Lothal, 4500 year old Indus Valley Civilization
Description
Lothal tour is a visit to explore an important city in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Back in 2400 BC, Lothal was a thriving trading center for beads, gems and ornaments. The people of Lothal and other Indus Valley sites were pioneering Astronomers and expert metallurgists as well. They were masters in town planning with elaborate underground drainage systems. In the company of an expert, we will explore this fascinating ancient civilization with its mysterious script which remains undeciphered! On our way back to Ahmedabad we will also visit Sarkhej Roza the famous centre for Sufi culture and explore exquisitely designed Mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, the palace and pavilions.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Orientation
8AM- Hotel pick up We drive for 2 hours from Ahmedabad to reach the ruins of the 4500 year old Indus Valley Civilization at Lothal. People of Lothal belonged to an advanced scientific society. They were pioneering astronomers 2000 years before the Greeks. The Indus Valley people used a shell compass and divided the horizon and sky into 8-12 whole parts. Lothal is most famous for its dockyard. The dock wis arguably the greatest piece of maritime architecture in the ancient world. As far back as 2500 BC, Lothal dockyard was equipped to berth and service ships! Traders of beads, gems and ornaments from as far as West Asia and Africa had an established trade relationship with Lothal. The people of Lothal were experts in bead making and metallurgy tools so much so that their techniques are still in use in India after 4000 years! One look at Lothal and we can gather that the Indus Valley civilization was highly advanced in terms of town planning. The system of underground drainage was pioneered as far back as 2500 BC. The sewers were made water tight through a sophisticated grade of masonry. The most exciting part of Lothal Tour is the fact that their script is yet to be deciphered! So many more mysteries are waiting to be revealed. May be you will discover some clues during your visit to Lothal!
On our way back from Lohtal to Ahmedabad, we will also visit Sarkhej Roza , the famous centre for Sufi culture. It is in Sarkhej Roza that the legendary Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmed Ganj Baksh lived. We will explore the exquisitely designed Mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, the palace and pavilions. 4 PM- End of Tour
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(4)
Great experience visiting Lothal - the oldest dry dock dating back to the Harappan period. Guide Anand Bhavsar was very knowledgeable. Drive Gautambhai was a patient and safe driver. Of note, the museum is closed. A massive new National Maritime Heritage Complex is under construction and will have 14 galleries depicting maritime history of India from the Harappan era to present.
I went to Lothal with a guide (Anant) and driver (Guatam). They were both very enthusiastic to ensure I had a great day. I loved the extra effort Anant went to to tell me about Ahmedabad and the scenery along the route, even stopping the car to tell me about farming when I showed an interest. The visit to Lothal was very interesting indeed- really instructive for a westerner like me with a rather western-centric education about the development of civilisation. I had a really enjoyable lunch with Guatam and Anant on the way home- and that was another opportunity to learn about real Indian life. Anant also took me to another destination that interested me on the way home- that was greatly appreciated as he was keen to ensure the trip was interesting to me.
It was truly enlightening to learn how the human species lived centuries ago. From house floor planning to trade conduction and punishing those who broke the law, But I have to admit it was our guide Mr Girsh Gupta that really made our trip worthwhile, as, without his descriptive explanation, he was able to bring back the past to life just through his words. Overall I am glad to have signed up with Five Senses Tours and have met Mr Girsh as he is truly a gem on God's green earth.
It has long been my dream to visit an indus valley civilization site. My opportunity came when I was in Ahmedabad and decided to take a tour of Lothal with Five senses tours. It was a dream fulfilled. Our guide was amazing and made us experience how life was here 4500 years ago. The mounds and drainage system can still be seen. The brick walls are still there. The museum here has an amazing collection of clay tablets and seals. It's incredible such an advanced civilisation was thriving 4500 years back and we hardly know anything about them. This is a must visit and one of the most important places to visit in India.
