Lothal is an archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization, set in Ahmedabad District in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is also known as the Harappan Port City of Lothal, a name that points to what made the settlement distinctive: its connection to the sea.
What you will see
The site is best known for the world's earliest known dock, a feature that shows how advanced maritime technology and planning already were in the settlement's time, around 2400 BCE. Visitors come to walk among the remains of an ancient port city and to consider how its layout and construction reflect the urban planning of the period.
- The dock, the feature the site is most often remembered for
- The remains of the port city and its urban layout
- Evidence of the maritime skills of the people who lived there
Planning your visit
Lothal suits visitors with an interest in archaeology, ancient trade and early city planning. It is a quiet, open-air visit rather than a large museum experience, so it is worth allowing time to read the site's signage and to picture the harbour as it once worked.
The site is in Lothal, Ahmedabad District, Gujarat 382230. For current information before you travel, you can call +91-79-2630-1482.
Around the site
Lothal lies within reach of Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, so a visit can be combined with time spent in the city itself. Many travellers pair the trip with other stops in the region, using the city as a base.