Excursions
Lothal is an excellent place for excursion due to its archeological importance. Situated about 82 km from Ahmedabad lothal was discovered in 1954 having connection with the Indus valley civilization. Originally Lothal was the site of the Red Ware culture, named for its micaceous pottery, until 2400 BC when the Harrapans arrived here from the Indus Valley in search of more fertile lands and potential ports. Lothal is related to the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjodaro and Harappa , as it has the same neatly laid-out street pattern, the same scientific drainage system. Excavations have revealed a dockyard – arguably one of the greatest of maritime architecture from the ancient world situated near to the Sabarmati River just before it meets with the sea in Gulf of Cambay . Evidences also show that it had developed as an important center for the trade of beads. It also Seals discovered at the site suggest that trade may have been conducted with the civilizations of Mesopotamia , Egypt and Persia.
The archaeological museum at the site displays jewellery, pots and other finds .it remains open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday.
Floods had constantly affected Lothal in the 1600s and 1500s and this made the people design wiser town planning. They built structures on higher platforms. But the flood in 1900s was a major jolt leading to lots of large-scale destruction and its ruin. Klin fired bricks, unaffected by tidal waters, were used in making passages to protect the cargo. The foundations of ruler’s palaces showed signs of it being 2 or 3 storied mansions. The rooms of the upper town were built for ruling classes, as they had private paved baths, and a remarkable network of drains and pools.
For an insight into the ancient Indus valley civilization and archaeology Lothal is a perfect place to visit for the tourists.
Reaching Lothal
Lothal is a day trip from Ahmedabad. One can reach it by rail, disembarking at Bhurkhi on the Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar railway line, from where you can take a bus.
Patan is located about 130 km north west of Ahemdabad. It has more than 100 Jain temples and was once ancient Hindu capital. It ceased to be so when Mahmud of Ghazni sacked it in 1024.Some of the famous Gujarat i carving can be witnessed in Rani-kI-Vav, a stepwell which is very impressive. It is also quite famous for Patalo silk sarees made here.
The place can be reached by bus which run from Ahmedabad and take 31/2 hrs. Cheap accommodation can be available near the bus station and also near the train station.
Sakhej is suburb 8km from Ahmedabad noted for its elegant groups of buildings, including the Mausoleum of Azam and Mu’assam, built in 1457 by the brothers who were responsible for Sarkhej's architecture. Architectural creation here is amazing for the use of pierced stone trellises and completes absence of arches thus representing more or less a Hindu style. As one enters Sarkhej, you pass the Mausoleum of Mahmud Begara and, that of his queen, Rajabai.
The Tomb of Ahmad Khattu Ganj Buksh, a renowed Muslim saint and spiritual adviser to Ahmed Shah is also built nearby. He was the revered saint whose blessings were invoked while founding Ahmedabad. The palace, with pavilions and a harem, is also around a tank.
