Gujarat ·
Dholka
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.
Dholka at a Glance
Why Dholka?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque
- Khan Masjid
- Malav Talao
- Khan Talav
- Swaminarayan Temple
- Jumma Masjid
Dholka at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Dholka before planning your visit.
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Explore Dholka
Places to Visit
- Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque: The Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque, also known as Bahlol Khan Gazi's Mosque, is a mosque located in Dholka, in the Ahmedabad District of the state of Gujarat, India.
- Khan Masjid: 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.
- Malav Talao: 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.
- Khan Talav: A large octagonal lake next to the Alif Khan Mosque. Check its sluice gates which bring in the waters.
- Swaminarayan Temple: 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.
- Jumma Masjid: A 15th-century mosque with adorned walls and pillars
Things to Do
- Vautha 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.
- Jumma Masjid: A 15th-century mosque with adorned walls and pillars
- Khan Masjid: 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.
- Tanka Masjid: A 14th-century stone mosque which is an example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. It features stone as well as wooden colonnades.
- Hazrat Khan’s Roza: Locally significant tomb complex.
- Khan Talav: A large octagonal lake next to the Alif Khan Mosque. Check its sluice gates which bring in the waters.
Sightseeing Places
- Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque: The Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque, also known as Bahlol Khan Gazi's Mosque, is a mosque located in Dholka, in the Ahmedabad District of the state of Gujarat, India.
- Khan Masjid: 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.
- Malav Talao: 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.
- Khan Talav: A large octagonal lake next to the Alif Khan Mosque. Check its sluice gates which bring in the waters.
- Swaminarayan Temple: 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.
- Jumma Masjid: A 15th-century mosque with adorned walls and pillars
Places That Define Dholka
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque
The Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque, also known as Bahlol Khan Gazi's Mosque, is a mosque located in Dholka, in the Ahmedabad District of the state of Gujarat, India.
Khan Masjid
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.
Malav Talao
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.
Khan Talav
A large octagonal lake next to the Alif Khan Mosque. Check its sluice gates which bring in the waters.
Swaminarayan Temple
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.
Jumma Masjid
A 15th-century mosque with adorned walls and pillars
Jindatt Suri Dadawadi
A Jain temple complex dedicated to Jain monks.
Shetrunjay Temple
A miniature replica of Palitana hill temples
Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple
It was built in 1751 by Antaji Rao, an officer of the Gaikwad’s of Baroda State. The temple houses a crystal type lingam.
Tanka Masjid
A 14th-century stone mosque which is an example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. It features stone as well as wooden colonnades.
Shantivan Indrashil Tirth
A sprawling Hindu temple complex with large landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture
Explore Destination on Map
Discover all sub-destinations, routes and detailed navigation information on an interactive map.
Explore Dholka on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
All Itineraries
- 1 Day in Dholka: 1 days with detailed day plans
- 2 Days in Dholka: 2 days with detailed day plans
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabh Patel International Airport (AMD), about 43 km from Dholka.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Dholka railway station, about 1 km from central Dholka.
- By Road: Frequent state transport (GSRTC) buses connect to all major cities in Gujarat from and . Ahmedabad is reached in 1 to 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Dholka (Apr, May, Jun) averages 27–40°C with about 12 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Dholka (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 26–33°C with about 315 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Dholka (Oct, Nov) averages 21–31°C with about 62 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Dholka (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 16–28°C with about 0 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 40°C and lows of 27°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Dholka trip.
Spiritual & Religious
History
- Summary: 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.
- Overview: 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.
- Ancient History: Large numbers of old buildings in the city suggest that it was important in ancient times; archaeologists have discovered small stone chert tools made of chalcedony, quartz and agate which date to the Middle Stone and Iron Ages. Dholka is said to stand on the site of Viratpur, or Matsyanagar, which, in their wanderings, the Pandavas found governed by queen Sudishva of the Kaiyo or Bhil race. Her brother, Kichak Kaiyo, a prince of great power, was, according to the story, slain for an attempt on the chastity of Draupadi. Here too in 144 AD, Kanaksen, a prince of the race of the sun, Suryavansh, is said to have set
Architecture Guide
- Summary: 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.
- Overview: 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.
- Architectural Style: Regarded as the oldest municipality in Gujarat, the city has majestic ruined mosques featuring tracery work, carvings and designs. There are monuments there known as Pandava's Pathshala and Ali Khan's Mosque as well as mandapas and chattris (outdoor pavilions), all marked by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Next to the lake stands the massive Dholka Idgah, or main mosque, which has mandapas on either side set some distance away.
The Sacred Heart of Dholka
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Large numbers of old buildings in the city suggest that it was important in ancient times; archaeologists have discovered small stone chert tools made of chalcedony, quartz and agate which date to the Middle Stone and Iron Ages.
Spiritual Significance
Large numbers of old buildings in the city suggest that it was important in ancient times; archaeologists have discovered small stone chert tools made of chalcedony, quartz and agate which date to the Middle Stone and Iron Ages.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Local tradition links the city to the ancient town of Viratnagar from the Mahabharata. Dholka grew into an influential administrative and commercial centre during the Chaulukya (Solanki) and Vaghela dynasties (10th–13th centuries) when it was known as Dhavallak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dholka is most comfortable in January, February, August, November and December, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is May (average high 42°C) and the wettest months are July, September and October.
The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabh Patel International Airport (AMD), about 43 km away. The nearest railway station is Dholka railway station, about 1 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Hilal Khan Ghazi Mosque, Khan Masjid, Malav Talao, Khan Talav, Swaminarayan Temple and Jumma Masjid.
A stay of 2 days covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 26°C to 42°C over the year, with about 1108 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Dholka
Your Dholka Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.