Surkotada

Surkotada is a fortified settlement from the Indus Valley Civilization covering about 1.4 hectares, surrounded by sandstone hills with red laterite soil in Gujarat's Kutch district. The rectangular layout with citadel, residential areas, and fortification systems shows the technical skill of those who built it.

The site was discovered in 1964 by J.P. Joshi and reveals three distinct occupation phases between 2100 and 1700 BCE. This continuous use across generations suggests a stable community that maintained its settlement over a long period.

Residents constructed buildings following Harappan architectural principles with carefully organized living quarters and drainage systems. This layout shows how people at the time organized communities and solved practical everyday problems.

The site lies about 160 kilometers northeast of Bhuj and is quite remote, so plan for longer travel times and limited local facilities. The best time to visit is during cooler months when temperatures are more comfortable.

Excavations from the 1970s uncovered horse bones, along with remains of elephants, mongooses, and wolves across different layers. These animal remains point to a rich and varied ecosystem surrounding the people of the area.

Location: Rapar Taluka

GPS coordinates: 23.63040,70.84070

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04