You need a lot of imagination to enjoy a trip to Lothal. A visit to this 5,000-year-old ruins, which was once a thriving shipyard and commercial centre of the majestic and mysterious Indus Valley civilisation is only for those who can close their eyes and visualise ancient mariners scampering about as they load cargo onto a giant ancient ship to sail the ancient seas in search of business. Or for those who can look at the remains of a few third century BC brick structures and imagine a Harappan tourist bargaining over vegetables with a Lothalite vendor.

The ancient town of Lothal, which is situated 80 kms from Ahmedabad, is one of the southernmost known outposts of the Indus Valley civilisation. Pics/ AFP