LOTHAL

The fascinating remains of this 4,500 year-old port city from the Indus Valley Civilisation, is 75km south-west of Ahmedabad. It is a must-see for history buffs and students of all ages. A flourishing city existed here which was connected to the sea at the Gulf of Cambay and there was active trade with Egypt, Mesopotamia and Persia.

You can see the ruins of neatly laid-out residential blocks, roads, public baths, drains and wells. Thousands of objects which reflect the daily life of the people have been excavated such as toys, utensils, beads, pottery, seals, weights and measures. These are all displayed at the Archaeological museum at the site. A fascinating fact is the existence of two more cities underwater in the sea nearby, which are as elaborate and advanced they show that this civilization may have dated to 5000 years earlier.

DHOLAVIRA

This is the second Indus Valley Civilisation centre in India, situated on Khadir Island in the Rann of Kutch. It dates back to 3000BC. There was a well-planned city here with broad roads, a city centre, a town with residential houses, another residential complex on the outskirts (probably for the less well-to-do people) and open spaces and stadiums for markets and fairs. Dholavira is much more difficult to access than Lothal it is around 250 km from Bhuj city.