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Town in Gujarat, India
Photo: Yuvraj Sinh Chauhan, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Dholka is a historic city and municipality in Central Gujarat, India. Located 50 km southwest of Ahmedabad, Dholka offers a quiet escape into medieval Indo-Islamic architecture, Solanki-era stepped tanks, and rich mythological lore.
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A 15th-century mosque with adorned walls and pillars
Alif Khan Mosque
Built in 1453 on an immense scale near a large lake, this rare brick-and-limestone mosque features massive domes, grand arches, and ornate carved jalis (stone screens). Alif Khan was a general of Gujarat Sultanate under Sultan Mahmud Begada. There is a tomb of Alif Khan nearby.
A 14th-century stone mosque which is an example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. It features stone as well as wooden colonnades. Permission required to enter.
Locally significant tomb complex.
A large octagonal lake next to the Alif Khan Mosque. Picturesque views. Check its sluice gates which bring in the waters.
Malav Lake
Constructed in the late 11th century by Queen Minaldevi (mother of Jayasimha Siddharaja), this historic stepped tank remains a central landmark. The central platform can be reached by a bridge.
Established in 1827 by Lord Swaminarayan, this grand temple complex of Murali Manohar Dev serves as a key spiritual hub for the regional Swaminarayan tradition.
Nagnath or Parpotiya Mahadev
It was built in 1751 by Antaji Rao, an officer of the Gaikwad’s of Baroda State. The temple houses a crystal type lingam. The lamp tower in front of the temple is unique. A small stepwell nearby.
A lake with walkways and public park.
Maghiya Talav
A large Jain temple complex
A Jain temple complex dedicated to Jain monks.
A miniature replica of Palitana hill temples
A sprawling Hindu temple complex with large landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture
Bahlol Khan Gazi Masjid
Built by Hilal Khan Gazi, a general during the Tughlaq dynasty, in 1332-33. A great example of a medieval mosque.
A large annual fair. Held around November, for five days ending on the full moon day of Kartik month in Hindu calendar. Located on the confluence of seven sacred rivers (primarily Sabarmati and Vatrak) where pilgrims take holy dip. The largest livestock trading fair where thousands of donkeys and camels, brightly coloured and decorated, are traded by nomad tribes. Tents are erected across three miles of area offering foods, handicrafts, toys, entertainments and household items.
A 35-year-old shop. Unique golgappa-sized Kachoris. For Samosas, go early between 10AM-2PM as they are sold fast!
A multicuisine restaurant with Punjabi and Kathiawadi Gujarati meals.
Since 1965, this shop has been selling lassi (a yogurt-based drink) in various flavours such as rose, saffron, as cardamom.
for Jain pilgrims
for Jain pilgrims
Deluxe, Premium and Family Rooms. Breakfast provided. Special Jacuzzi Rooms are there too.
A large resort with villas for stay, adventure games, swimming pool. All meals are included as per request.
By train
By bus
Frequent state transport (GSRTC) buses connect to all major cities in Gujarat from Dholka Old Bus Station and New Bus Station. Ahmedabad is reached in 1 to 1.5 hours.
By car
From Ahmedabad, the drive takes 45–60 minutes via NH 8A or the Bagodara highway.
Autorickshaws are the other main local mode of public transport. The old town is best explored on foot due to narrow lanes.
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Ahmedabad · International · AMD
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