Sarkhej Roza

What It Is and Its History

Sarkhej Roza is a 15th-century complex of tombs, a mosque and a palace, built around a large tank. It lies on the south-western edge of Ahmedabad, in the Sarkhej area. The complex is known for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, blending Islamic and Hindu styles. The main tomb belongs to a Sufi saint, Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, who was a contemporary of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The complex was built over several decades, starting in the 1440s. Sultan Ahmed Shah himself is buried here, along with his queens and other nobles. The architecture features carved stone jalis (lattice screens), domes and a large stepped tank. The tank was used for ritual bathing and as a water reservoir. The site is often called the 'Ajmer of Gujarat' for its spiritual importance.

The construction of Sarkhej Roza began under Sultan Ahmed Shah and continued under his successors. The complex includes the tomb of the saint, a mosque with a long prayer hall, and a palace known as the Rani no Mahal. The stepped tank is the centrepiece, with steps leading down to the water on all four sides. The jali screens in the mosque and tombs are finely carved with geometric and floral patterns. The architecture shows a mix of Hindu and Islamic elements, typical of the Gujarat Sultanate period. The site is well maintained and has gardens around the tank. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, especially in the cooler months.

• The main tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh is a large domed structure.
• The mosque has a long prayer hall with 64 pillars.
• The palace, known as the 'Rani no Mahal', has a central courtyard and a small tank.

What to See

The complex has several structures to explore. The main tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu is a square building with a large dome, surrounded by a veranda. The mosque has a long prayer hall with 64 pillars and a central arch. The palace, known as the 'Rani no Mahal', has a central courtyard and a small tank. The large stepped tank, or 'kund', is the centrepiece of the complex. The tank has steps leading down to the water on all sides. The jali screens in the mosque and tombs are finely carved. The complex also has several smaller tombs and a well. The architecture shows a mix of Hindu and Islamic elements, typical of the Gujarat Sultanate period. The site is well maintained and has gardens around the tank.

The stepped tank is the largest in the complex, with steps on all four sides. The jali screens in the mosque have geometric and floral patterns. The palace has a small tank with a fountain in the centre. The tombs are decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The mosque's prayer hall is supported by 64 pillars, creating a spacious interior. The complex also has a well that was used for water supply. The gardens around the tank are a good place to sit and rest. The site is quiet and peaceful, especially on weekdays. You can spend time walking around the tank and admiring the reflections of the buildings in the water.

• The stepped tank is the largest in the complex, with steps on all four sides.
• The jali screens in the mosque have geometric and floral patterns.
• The palace has a small tank with a fountain in the centre.

How to Get There

Sarkhej Roza is about 9.5 km straight-line from the centre of Ahmedabad. It is in the Sarkhej area, on the south-western edge of the city. The nearest major areas are Prahlad Nagar (2 km) and Vejalpur and Jodhpur (2.7 km). You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in the city. The journey from the centre takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are using the metro, the nearest station is on the Blue Line, but you will need a short auto ride from there. BRTS buses also serve the area; check the current routes. The airport is 16.5 km away, so a taxi from the airport takes about 40 minutes. Parking is available at the site for private vehicles.

For those using public transport, BRTS buses have a stop near Sarkhej. From there, it is a short walk or auto ride to the complex. The metro is a good option if you are coming from the eastern parts of the city. The Blue Line connects to areas like Vastral and Thaltej. From the nearest metro station, you can take an auto-rickshaw to Sarkhej Roza. The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If you are driving, the site is well signposted. The roads are in good condition. The complex has a parking area for cars and two-wheelers.

When to Go and How Long to Allow

The best time to visit Sarkhej Roza is from November to February, when the weather is warm and pleasant. The complex is open every day, but check the current opening hours. The site is less crowded on weekdays. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for photography, as the light is soft and the shadows are long. You should allow at least one to two hours to explore the complex properly. This gives you time to walk around the tank, visit the tombs and mosque, and sit in the gardens. If you want to take photographs, allow extra time. The site is not very large, but the details in the carvings deserve a slow look.

During the summer months, from March to June, the heat can be intense. If you visit in summer, go early in the morning or late in the evening. The monsoon season, from July to September, brings rain, but the site is still accessible. The gardens are green during the monsoon. The tank fills with water, making the reflections more striking. The site is popular during the winter months, especially on weekends. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday. The complex is usually quiet in the early morning. You can enjoy the site at your own pace.

Nearby Sights

Sarkhej Roza is on the south-western edge of Ahmedabad, so there are a few other sights nearby. The Sarkhej area itself has a few old mosques and tombs. Prahlad Nagar, about 2 km away, has shopping areas and restaurants. Vejalpur and Jodhpur are also close, with local markets and eateries. Further afield, you can visit the Sabarmati Riverfront or the Calico Museum of Textiles, but these are in the city centre. The Adalaj stepwell is about 20 km north, a good day trip. The Kankaria Lake is also about 10 km east. For a longer day, consider the Modhera Sun Temple or Rani ki Vav at Patan, both about 100 km away.

If you have more time, you can combine a visit to Sarkhej Roza with other heritage sites in Ahmedabad. The walled city has many pols and havelis. The Jama Masjid and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque are in the old city. The Sabarmati Ashram is a short drive away. The Calico Museum of Textiles requires a booked tour. The Kankaria Lake has a zoo and a children's park. The Adalaj stepwell is a fine example of stepwell architecture. The Modhera Sun Temple is known for its intricate carvings. The Rani ki Vav at Patan is a UNESCO World Heritage site. These day trips are best done in the cooler months.

Practical Tips

Dress modestly, as the site is a religious and heritage monument. Remove your shoes before entering the mosque or tomb. Photography is allowed, but be respectful of worshippers. There is no entry fee, but check if any charges apply. The site has basic facilities like toilets and a small shop. The complex can get busy on weekends and holidays. Avoid the middle of the day in summer, as it is very hot. Carry water, especially in the warmer months. There is no food inside the complex, but you can find eateries in the surrounding areas. The site is wheelchair accessible in most parts, but the steps to the tank may be a challenge.

Carry a hat and sunscreen in summer; the tank area has little shade. The best time for photography is early morning or late afternoon. The light is soft and the shadows are long. The jali screens create interesting patterns of light and shadow. The reflections in the tank are also worth capturing. The site is safe and well maintained. There are guides available at the entrance, but you can explore on your own. The complex is not very large, so you can see everything in a couple of hours. The site is a good place to learn about the history of the Gujarat Sultanate. The architecture is a fine example of the Indo-Saracenic style.