Dead centre

HIT THE ROAD

All right, we'll admit that Lothal isn't exactly the typical family getaway spot. There aren't any amusement parks, restaurants, candyfloss machines or balloon sellers here. What you do get, however, is an experience that you're unlikely to forget for a while.

The Mound Of The Dead (that's what 'Lothal' translates into) gives you glimpses of a 4,500 year old civilisation that was dazzling in its sophistication. Tired of the drains in your locality overflowing? Grab a hold of your local municipal corporator and drag him here, where the underground drainage system would put the ones in modern cities to shame.

Streets that were automatically swept by the wind, a dock that never silted and an amazing system of weights and measures are just a few more of the things you'll come across. A history lesson to beat all history lessons, that's Lothal.

Lothal is 110 km from Baroda via Bagodara and 85 km from Ahmedabad. Both routes are fast and smooth. Accommodation is a bit of a problem in Lothal. The only place to stay is the Utelia Palace hotel, 7 km away from the site. It's possible to make a day trip from Baroda or Ahmedabad, so that's probably the best option.

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