Dholera, Gujarat, is not just a smart city in the making but also a destination with cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and coastal beauty. Here’s a well-structured 3-day travel itinerary to explore Dholera and its surroundings.
📅 Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Dholera Smart City
| Time Slot | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrival & Check-in | Arrive in Ahmedabad and drive ~100 km to Dholera (Approx. 2 hrs). Check into a hotel or eco-resort. |
| Mid-morning | Dholera Smart City Tour | Visit the site of India’s first Platinum-rated Greenfield Smart City. Explore infrastructure developments, industrial zones, and urban planning. |
| Afternoon | Dholera Solar Park | Witness the world’s largest solar power plant (5,000 MW capacity), a model of sustainable energy. |
| Evening | Relax at Dholera Beach | Unwind at the tranquil and less crowded Dholera Beach along the Gulf of Khambhat. |
| Night | Local Cuisine Dinner | Try Gujarati thali, including Dhokla, Thepla, and Undhiyu at a traditional restaurant. |
📅 Day 2: Historic & Cultural Exploration
| Time Slot | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Visit Lothal – The Ancient Indus Valley Site | Drive ~30 km to Lothal, an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization (~2400 BCE). Explore the archaeological museum, dockyard, and ruins. |
| Mid-morning | Explore Temples in the Region | Visit Gop Temple, an ancient Hindu temple with intricate carvings, and Shree Sidi Saiyyed Mosque (famous for its unique latticework). |
| Afternoon | Heritage Walk in Dholera Town | Explore local markets, interact with residents, and experience Gujarati culture firsthand. |
| Evening | Sunset at Gulf of Khambhat | Take a short boat ride or simply enjoy the scenic sunset over the sea. |
| Night | Cultural Evening & Traditional Dance | Witness Garba or Dandiya Raas performances at a local event or cultural center. |
📅 Day 3: Adventure & Leisure
| Time Slot | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary | Drive ~90 km to Nalsarovar, a UNESCO-recognized bird sanctuary, home to migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and cranes. Enjoy a boat safari. |
| Mid-morning | Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar) | Travel ~70 km to spot blackbucks, wolves, and hyenas in their natural habitat. Ideal for wildlife photography. |
| Afternoon | Relax & Shopping in Ahmedabad | Return to Ahmedabad and shop for Patola sarees, Bandhani fabrics, and handicrafts at Law Garden Market. |
| Evening | Departure | Conclude the trip with a flight/train from Ahmedabad to your home city. |
Why Visit Dholera?
✅ Future-Ready Smart City: First planned smart industrial city in India.
✅ Rich Heritage: Close to Lothal, a key Indus Valley Civilization site.
✅ Eco-Tourism & Wildlife: Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary and Velavadar National Park nearby.
✅ Seaside Serenity: Dholera Beach offers peace away from crowded tourist spots.
✅ Business & Investment Hub: Attracting industries in defense, aerospace, and renewable energy.
This itinerary offers a perfect mix of modernity, history, adventure, and relaxation, making Dholera a must-visit destination.
