and bead work trade. Lothal is known for its effective town planning, flood control, underground and surface drains and water wells. A dockyard complete with sluice gate and warehouse served the purpose of naval trade. Lothal had a flourishing trade of exporting agate, carnelian and jasper beads, steatite micro-cylindrical beads and micaceous red pottery with west Asia. A variety of excavated artefacts like stamps and seals, animal figurines, terra cotta gamesmen, ritual pottery are preserved at the museum.
Close to Dasada are three sites with splendid monuments and architecture. The 11th century Sun temple of Modhera is unique in many aspects. Made in maru gurjara style of architecture, the sun temple consists of three components; the sanctum sanctorum, assembly hall and sacred reservoir. The entire temple is adorned with mythological human figurines, gods, dancers, etc. A UNESCO world heritage site, the stepwell of patan is a 11th century Solanki architecture monument with exquisite architecture and carvings unparalleled to any other wells. Adorned by deities, dancers and celestial beings, this unique monument served the city of patan as a place to fetch water and socialize as well as an inverted temple. The town of Sidhpur is known for the magnificent and beautiful 200 years old havelis or medieval homes of Bohra traders. The houses in Sidhpur have a strong European character with domed roofs, ornate balconies, columns and decorated doors and windows; a reminiscent of the flourishing trade history of the Bohra community with East Africa and Europe. Dasada lies on the periphery of Wild Ass Sanctuary. It is the only place in the world to see herds of Indian Wild ass surviving in the harsh, saline climate of desert.
Gondal State was one of the princely states of Kathiawar. The Naulakha Palace was erected around 1748 AD in the Darbargadh or the citadel, and since then has been extended by successive rulers. The façade is decorated with stone carving embellished with splendid sculpture, carved columns and ornate jarokha balconies. The former living quarters of the palace have been converted into a private museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes, library, silver caskets that carried gifts and messages for Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji on special occasions like his golden jubilee as ruler of Gondal, the weighing scales on which he was measured against gold on his golden jubilee with proceeds going to charity, trophies won by the Gondal princes at motorsports events, and a collection of toys including 1800s wooden pieces hand-painted with natural colours.
The city of Jungadh is one of the oldest cities of Gujarat and has witnessed many dynasties who left their mark on the cityscape. The Mauryan empire built an impressive fort in 319 BCE known as Uperkot fort. The Chudasama Rajputs built two magnificent wells called Adi Kadi vav and Navghan Kuvo in their own architectural style. The Jami Masjid and Mahabat Makbara are splendid specimens of Indo-Islamic architecture. The marvellous Buddhist caves and Ashokan edicts on dharma, harmony, peace and tolerance indicate the spread of Buddhism in far west of India. Junagadh, a harmonious amalgamation of many different styles of monuments, is a feast for architectural enthusiasts. Close to Junagadh, lies the Gir national park. It is the last safe haven of Asiatic lions. One can take wildlife safari to visit these majestic animals. For culture enthusiasts, the Maldhari pastoralists and Sidi (African Indians) community are a must visit.
Located on the Shatrunjaya hill, the city of Palitana is a very important pilgrimage site for Jains. With over 860 temples spread across the hill in nine clusters, Palitana is the largest temple complex in the world. The Palitana temples were built of the period of 900 years with the earliest temples built under the patronage of king Kumarpal of Solanki dynasty. The Adinath temple dedicated to Rishabh dev is the oldest and the grandest temple there. The temples are built in marble or sandstone with high spires and domes decorated with ornamental a