Located in the northwest of India, the Indus Valley Civilisation flourished from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE, making it one of the oldest urban civilizations in the world. This ancient civilization is renowned for its beautiful crafts,  clever water systems and smart city plans. Historians, archaeologists, and tourists are still fascinated with the historical sites that they left behind.

Here are 5 Indus Valley Civilisation sites to visit in India

1. Lothal, Gujarat

Lothal, which means ‘Mound of the Dead’, is around 85 kilometres from Ahmedabad. Lothal was once an important city in the Indus Valley Civilization, dating back approximately 3700 BCE. One of Lothal’s most notable features is its dock, which is said to be the world’s oldest.

2. Kalibangan, Rajasthan

Kalibangan is about 210 kilometres from Bikaner and about 30 kilometres from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. The site was built on the banks of the River Ghaggar, which is considered to be a remnant of the old Sarasvati River.  The town was first discovered in the 1900s and existed from 3500 BC to 1750 BC.

3. Dholavira, Gujarat

Dholavira, situated in the Kutch region of Gujarat, is well-known for its big buildings, water systems and walls. The spot includes a clever water tank setup that is divided, demonstrating the level of skill in water management. Dholavira is a must-visit location for historians because of its beautiful fort and brilliant city design.

4. Rakhigarhi, Haryana

This place is in Haryana, around 150 kilometres away from Delhi. This is one of the biggest Indus Valley towns that has been found. The place existed from 2600 BC until 1900 BC, and excavation work started in 1963. Several terracotta statues, bronze toys and other antiques were discovered during the excavation.

5. Surkotada, Gujarat

Surkotada, in Gujarat’s Kutch district, is renowned for its strong old town and antiques from the Indus Valley era. When they excavated there, they discovered houses, public places and even a burial ground, indicating that Surkotada was an important regional centre during ancient times.