Welcome to the future home of one of India’s most exciting cultural projects: the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC). Located near the ancient city of Lothal, this massive complex is being built to celebrate India’s incredible and long connection to the sea. It’s not just a museum; it’s a giant experience where history, education, and fun come together.
Think of it as a place where you can walk through ancient ports, see giant ship models, learn about brave sailors, and even enjoy thrilling rides—all while discovering stories that are thousands of years old.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is not just a museum project, it is a vision to highlight India’s proud connection with the sea. The foundation stone of this ambitious project was laid by the Prime Minister of India in March 2019. It is being developed under the Government of India’s Sagarmala Programme, which focuses on port-led development and boosting tourism around maritime heritage.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is a huge tourism and education project under construction. Its main goal is to showcase India’s rich maritime (sea-related) history, starting from the ancient Indus Valley Civilization—where Lothal was a major star—right up to modern times.
The Gujarat Government has played an important role by providing land and creating basic facilities like roads, electricity, and water supply. Major Indian ports have also contributed funds and support for this project.
The complex is designed to be a full-day (or even multi-day) adventure for families, students, history lovers, and tourists. Here’s a breakdown of everything it will offer:
This is the main museum and the heart of the project. It won’t be a boring building with just displays. It will have 14 exciting galleries, each telling a different chapter of India’s sea history. The first five galleries that will open are:
Gallery 1: Orientation and Oceanic Mythology: Start your journey with stories of sea gods, goddesses, and myths from Indian culture.
Gallery 2: Harappans: The Pioneer Seafarers: This gallery is all about Lothal! See how the people here built ships, managed their famous dock, and traded with the world.
Gallery 3: Post-Harappan Trajectories: Learn what happened after the Indus Valley Civilization and how sea trade continued and changed.
Gallery 4: India’s Contact with the Greco-Roman World: Discover ancient trade routes and how India connected with empires in Rome and Greece.
Gallery 5: Special Exhibitions: A space for rotating exhibits on different maritime topics.
The Naval Gallery: A special section dedicated to the bravery and evolution of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
One of the most amazing features will be the life-size recreations of two ancient cities:
Ancient Lothal: Walk through a rebuilt version of the very city you are standing near! See how the houses, streets, and the famous dock might have looked thousands of years ago.
Ancient Dholavira: Experience another famous Indus Valley city, known for its advanced water management systems, recreated in detail.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex includes four exciting theme parks:
Maritime and Naval Theme Park: Fun rides and attractions based on ships and naval adventures.
Monuments Theme Park: See replicas of India’s famous coastal landmarks and lighthouses.
Climate Change Theme Park: An educational park that teaches about the importance of our oceans and the environment.
Adventure and Amusement Theme Park: A place for pure fun and thrill with rides and games for all ages.
The overall project cost is estimated to be around ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 crore. The well-known architect Hafeez Contractor is the principal consultant for designing the complex. For execution, the project is being handled by the Indian Port, Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited, and construction of the first phase is being carried out by Tata Projects.
The NMHC is being developed in phases to ensure smooth execution:
Phase 1A: Includes the main Maritime Museum, five permanent galleries, and a special Naval Gallery. This is the first part under construction, and it covers about 35 acres.
Phase 1B: Will add more galleries, a Light House Museum, a 5D Dome Theatre, beautiful gardens, and modern visitor facilities.
State pavilions, where every coastal state and union territory can showcase its own maritime culture.
Hotels and resorts for tourists.
A Maritime Institute for research and learning.
Life-size recreations of ancient Harappan cities like Lothal and Dholavira.
Four special theme parks (Maritime & Naval, Monuments, Climate Change, and Adventure & Amusement).
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is a massive project being built in phases. The first phase, which includes the main Lothal museum building with its first five galleries, is underway.
This project is very important because:
It protects and promotes India’s maritime history for future generations.
It creates a world-class tourism destination around Lothal, bringing jobs and development to the area.
It makes history fun and engaging for everyone, especially young people.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is poised to become a must-visit destination in India, putting Lothal firmly on the global tourism map. Keep an eye on this website for updates on its progress and opening dates!
Where Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Opportunities. Explore the rich history of the Indus Valley Civilization and discover why Lothal is the future hub for tourism and investment
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