Dholavira, A Harappan City - UNESCO World Heritage Site

History, Best Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Dholavira, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kutch, Gujarat, India

Dholavira, UNESCO world heritage site, one of the two largest harappan in India, is ancient historical city located in island of Khadir, In Bhachau Taluka, near great Rann of Kutch, in the State of Gujarat. Dholavira is popular as Kotada Timba in locals, one of the most prominent sites of the Indus Valley Civilization settled down between around 3000-1500 BCE. Dholavira contains most prominent archaeological destinations in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. UNESCO had declared Dholavira as world heritage site, India’s 40th site as it can be compared to the other ancient civilization like Egyptian, Chinese and Mesopotamian. Dholavira had some of the most scientifically advanced systems like water conservation system, sign boards, social values etc. The walled city consists of a fortified Castle with attached fortified Bailey and Ceremonial Ground, and a fortified Middle Town and a Lower Town.

The site was found by the Archeological Survey of India in 1967 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi and thoroughly excavated since 1990. Officials had found out the terracotta pottery, gold and copper ornaments, seals, fish hooks, beads, animal figurines, tools, vessels etc. which also indicates they trade far way. The excavation also tells the tales of 7 stages of the civilization, starting from development to maturity to decline. The exact reason of decline is not clear but it may be due to drought-like situation, people started migrating toward the Ganges valley or towards south Gujarat and further beyond in Maharashtra.

As UNESCO had declared Dholavira as world heritage site in 2021, now government is planning to develop the surrounding region with lots of projects and short roads. Thus in upcoming year Dholavira will become major tourist attraction same like the Rann Utsav festival at Dhordo. This will definitely boost the economy of surrounded region along with Kutch. Currently there are couple resort built where you can stay in peaceful and natural environment.

Bhuj, Anjar, Mata no Madh, Koteshwar, Narayana Sarovar, Mandvi, Lakhpat etc. are major tourist and pilgrimage attraction nearby Dholavira.

How to Reach Dholavira, Gujarat, India

Bhuj is the nearest major railway station and Airport to reach Dholavira at 219 km away, from Bhuj you can get private cab or government vehicle. Rapar is another major town near Dholavira at 92 km, Shamakhyari at 135 and Bhachau at 150 km. Via road you can easily reach here with private and government vehicle.

Taluka / Tehsil: Bhachau, District: Kutch, State: gujarat, Country: india.

Religious Importance: Hindu

How to Reach Dholavira

Key Contact of Dholavira