Dholavira

Situated in the Great Rann of Kutch at Khadir Bet Island in Gujarat, Dholavira holds tremendous archaeological significance for its Harappan citings. The Dholavira site is surrounded by salt waste of the Kachchh desert. This ancient settlement received two monsoon channels of Manhar and Mansar. The ruins run over approximately 100 hectares land. Half of it taken up by the Harappans city remains. Dholavira is also home to another site that was found outside the walls of the Harappan Civilization. Unlike the Indus Valley Civilization, which was built using bricks, this site primarily has buildings made up of stone.

This city scape comprises a citadel, an annexe, two sides of a town and two stadia. It is surrounded by a sophisticated reservoir. These areas have been divided by archaeologists based on the locations, planning and architecture. Considered one of the most magnificent sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira was abandoned during the civilization rule and was not reoccupied until 1450 BC.

J.P. Joshi discovered the site in 1967-1968 and it has been under excavation since the 1990s by the Archaeological Survey of India. The ASI stated that Dholavira had given a new character to Indus Valley Civilization’s disposition following the noteworthy discoveries that have happened here. Excavators have found animal bones, terracotta items, seals, silver, pots and even gold items at this site. The site elucidates the planning and sophistication in architecture of the old times. The local name for Dholavira is Timba Prachin Mahanagar Kotada. Archaeologists have always been avid about this site excavations done here have given interesting insights on the Harappan culture and they speak volumes about the language, architectural outlook and culture as it stood then.

Places of Tourist Interest


Archaeological Remains

Dholavira has always attracted historians due to its subterranean association with history, particularly the Indus Valley Civilization. This place enjoys being one of the oldest archaeological sites in the country today. Dholavira was occupied until 2100 BC, making it one of the oldest inhabited areas of India.

The Kutch Dessert Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated near Dholavira, this sanctuary spreads over an area of 7505 sq. km. Home to stunning desert wildlife, this place has different landscapes that enable survival of the gorgeous animals here. There are dense forest areas, wastelands and territorial waters from the Arabian Sea. The sanctuary shares its borders with Pakistan and on the northwestern side lies the Wild Ass Sanctuary. One can find avifauna and reptiles here, along with wild animals. There are hyenas, jackals, flamingos, sambhar, chinkara, nilgai, Indian hare and wild boar here.

The Great Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is a prominent spot of Gujarat near Dholavira and known for its white sands. This place serves as a platform for flamingos that fly in for breeding from India as well as Pakistan.

Other Places

One can also visit Chari-Dhnad Wetland Conservation Reserve, Banni Grasslands Reserve, and the Kutch Bustard Sanctuary near Dholavira.

Useful Information

Accessibility: Dholavira can be reached by road and by air. The nearest airport is at Gandhidam and the nearest railway station is Samkhyali Railway Station.

Stay: There is only one government resort at Dholavira so book in advance.

Best Time to Visit: November to April

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Dholavira
Dholavira
Dholavira
Dholavira
Dholavira
Dholavira

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