Half day · ~4–5 hrs
The smart-city loop
Perfect for business travellers or a first taste. Drive the Activation Area, walk the Canal Front and visit the ABCD Building's Experience Zone.
Choose your pace
Three ways to see Dholera
All routes start from Ahmedabad unless noted. Times are generous — the expressway makes everything quicker than it used to be.
08:00
Depart Ahmedabad
Take the NE-8 expressway — ~45 minutes to the SIR.
09:00
Canal Front walk
Morning light on the water; the green belt is at its freshest.
10:00
ABCD Building & Experience Zone
See the model of the city and the City Integrated Operations Centre.
11:30
Drive the wide roads
Golden-hour-style light is best late, but the scale is impressive any time.
12:30
Return to Ahmedabad
Lunch back in the city.
Full day · ~9–10 hrs
Ancient + modern: Dholera & Lothal
The definitive day trip. Start with Lothal while it's cool, then spend the afternoon in the smart city. This is the pairing this guide is built around.
07:00
Depart Ahmedabad
Early start to beat the heat and reach Lothal first.
08:00
Lothal ruins & museum
The dockyard, bead factory and museum. Allow 2 hours.
10:30
Drive to Dholera SIR
~30–45 minutes on local roads.
11:30
Canal Front & ABCD Building
Lunch from your own supplies or a nearby stop, then explore.
15:00
Wide roads & photo stops
Golden afternoon light across the open landscape.
16:30
Return to Ahmedabad
Back by early evening via the expressway.
Weekend · 2 days
Add wildlife: Velavadar & Nalsarovar
Base yourself in Bhavnagar and extend the trip with blackbuck and flamingos. A favourite for photographers and nature lovers.
Day 1 · AM
Dholera + Lothal
The full ancient-modern day above, ending in Bhavnagar for the night.
Day 2 · Early
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
Grasslands and blackbuck at dawn; harriers in winter.
Day 2 · Late
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary
Flamingos and waterbirds on the way back toward Ahmedabad.
Day 2 · Evening
Return to Ahmedabad
Arrive relaxed, with a full weekend of stories.
Practical notes for every route
Carry water and snacks; fill fuel before leaving the city; confirm site access and opening hours on the Updates page, since facilities change fast. If the airport opens as planned, these routes will only get easier.
See it first
Preview the landscapes
Golden-hour roads, the Canal Front and Lothal's ruins — see them before you go.
Open the gallery