Both Lothal and Dholera are fast-growing zones in Gujarat, and many buyers ask the same question:
👉 “Where should I invest — Lothal or Dholera?”
This guide gives you a clear, simple comparison based on tourism, infrastructure, land rates, airport access, ROI, and future growth.
Lothal vs Dholera
The real estate landscape in Gujarat is transforming rapidly, with two names creating a significant buzz: the ancient port city of Lothal and the futuristic Dholera Smart City.
1. Tourism Hub vs Smart City — What’s the Difference?
Lothal is growing because of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), a mega government project that includes:
- 14 world-class galleries
- Recreated Harappan town
- Museums and exhibitions
- Hotels, resorts, amusement zones
- INS Nishank & IL-38 SD aircraft displays
Lothal is designed to become a global tourist destination, increasing demand for residential plots, hotels, homestays, shops, and rental homes.
2. Dholera = India’s First Smart City & Industrial Hub
Dholera SIR is planned as a:
- Smart industrial city
- Greenfield smart city
- Business & manufacturing zone
- High-tech residential township
Major developments include:
- Dholera International Airport
- ABCD Building
- Activation Area
- Industrial zones
- Plug-and-play infrastructure
If you want long-term appreciation from smart city development, Dholera is the stronger option.
Airport Proximity — Who Wins?
- Lothal: ~12 km from Dholera International Airport Circle
- Dholera: Airport itself is inside the Dholera SIR influence zone
Both locations benefit heavily, but for business and residential planners, Dholera wins because it is directly connected to the airport development corridor.
Expressway Connectivity
Lothal has a dedicated expressway interchange just 1 km from most new residential plotting schemes.
This gives it a strong tourism push and increases footfall-driven ROI.
✔ Dholera Expressway
Dholera is directly connected to:
- Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway
- Six-lane smart roads
- Metro rail (future)
For long-term connectivity, Dholera has more infrastructure, but for quick access for tourists, Lothal is excellent.
Land Price Comparison
Lothal Plot Rates
- Residential NA/Title Clear: ₹7000-9000 per sq.yard
- Highly affordable because it’s at the early stage of tourism boom.
Dholera Plot Rates
- Residential plots in dholera : ₹5000-7000 per sq.yard
- Industrial: varies by zone
Prices are higher because Dholera is a planned smart city with long-term government-backed development.
If your budget is limited → Lothal gives a powerful entry point.
If you want long-term appreciation → Dholera offers stronger capital growth.
Projects in Lothal & Dholera (For All Budgets)
✔ Lothal – Residential Plots
- 4 km from Lothal Museum
- 5 km from NMHC
- 12 km from Airport
- Perfect for tourism rentals & holiday homes
✔ Dholera – Residential & Commercial Plots
- Near TP Roads
- Near Activation Area
- Near ABCD Building
- Direct growth from smart city planning
Both projects come with:
- Transparent legal work
- Local expertise
- After-sales support
- Site visits