Dholka - Best Tips to explore the undiscovered gem of Gujarat!

Located only a few hours away from Ahmedabad, Dholka is an undiscovered gem of Gujarat. Surrounded by the oil wells all around, the town was important even historically when some of the most beautiful architecture of the state was created here in the form of mosques and water tanks. Dying with neglect now, Dholka is a treat to the senses even now!

We started with getting lost around Ahmedabad, amongst it numerous highways and ring roads! However after 20 km of aimless riding, we did find the right road and were soon on our way to Dholka on the NH8A.

Khan Mosque

Most of the journey was on the highway and so riding was fun. Surprisingly, it wasn't even cold! Reaching the main area of attraction - the mosque at the Khan Talav was a shock in itself. The mosque is almost made like an impregnable fort. Most of the motifs and other beautifying elements (including the main entrance arches) are missing now and what remains is a solid base structure. The mosque is flanked by two smaller highly decorative structures which house a few graves. There was no one to tell us more, so we are also a bit clueless about their significance. It was a pleasure to climb up the two tall towers on either side. The light was beautiful and we (Bhavin, Poorva and me) took many pictures. Even with my almost-dead camera I was busy clicking!

The fort-like face of the mosque

Intricate carvings at the Khan Mosque

These are present on both sides of the Khan Mosque

Jali at Khan Mosque from inside

The praer hall at the Khan Mosque, no longer in use

The view from the top, Khan Talav on the left

View from top

The domes of the mosque from top

View from top

Stairs to lead to th top, the talav in the background

Poorva and Bhavin on the top, clicking

Mosque on top

Another structure on the top of the mosque

Structure on top, again!!!

The mosque has a pond right behind the main structure. It more of a Dhobi Ghat now, with many washerwomen washing cloths there.

There are many more places to see, namely the Malao Talav, Tanka Masjid (also known as Bheem no Rasodo), Jumma Masjid (also known as Panch Pandavo Ni Shala) and Alif Khan's mosque! The last mosque actually was the most beautiful and the best preserved. We were granted entry at all places, we could even climb up on the top of some mosques.

Malao Talav was a bit of a shock as we expected the place to be really something. Its now a functioning Dhobi Ghat but nothing more. A few remains of the old carvings can also be seen. A small temple like structure in the center remains unreachable. The place is rather dirty and not exactly recommended, but might be cleaned-up by now.

Malao Talav

Tanka Masjid required some major searching operation and convincing o enter; we were not allowed to photograph the place from inside still. It has interesting wooden pillars inside, but there are no images to show.

Tanka Masjid

Tanka Masjid

Tanka Masjid

Jumma Masjid is also exquisitely carved and also a functioning one. Met the maulvi also there but were again not allowed to take pictures. I think Poorva still managed a few though. A must see for everyone!

Jumma Masjid

Jumma Masjid

And finally the Alif Khan's Mosque, which is also a functioning one, but still more open to public and much more welcoming. We could climb to the rooftop and take many pictures there. There were about 10 kids and it was an experience to watch them play. Perhaps the original domes are missing and now we have very conical domes on top, which also make interesting places to play hide and seek, to slide down and sojavascript:void(0) on.

Alif Khan's Mosque

Alif Khan's Mosque

Alif Khan's Mosque

Alif Khan's Mosque

Alif Khan's Mosque

On top of the Alif Khan's Mosque

Alif Khan's Mosque

Washing area at the Alif Khan's Mosque

Laughing Poorv

I think by the time we finished everyone was tired, but I was rejuvenated to the core and could have explored more.

Here is another blog about the same place. Read it for more information.