Mohenjo-daro is an archaeological site in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan. Built c. 2500 BCE, it was one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, and one of the world's ... Wikipedia
Known for: Ancient Indus Valley Civilization city, over 4,500 years old
Meaning: “Mound of the Dead” in Sindhi
UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1980)
October to March:
Best time to visit due to pleasant winter temperatures (15°C–25°C).
Avoid summer (April–September):
Extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 45°C (113°F).
By Air:
Mohenjo-daro Airport (MJD): Very limited domestic flights (check seasonal schedules).
Alternatively, fly to Sukkur Airport (SKZ) or Larkana, then travel by road.
By Road:
From Larkana: ~45 min drive via taxi or private car.
From Karachi or Hyderabad: 7–9 hour road trip via National Highway N-5 and Indus Highway.
By Train:
Nearest major station: Larkana Railway Station
From there, take a taxi or van to the site.
Great Bath:
Possibly used for ritual bathing — one of the most iconic structures.
Granary:
Thought to be a food storage area, showcasing urban planning.
Assembly Hall / Pillared Hall:
A public space with brick columns — possibly used for meetings.
Residential Quarters:
Gridded streets and drainage systems — remarkably advanced for 2500 BCE.
Stupa Mound:
A later Buddhist structure built atop earlier Indus ruins.
Drainage & Sewage System:
Early engineering marvel — each home connected to covered sewers.
Mohenjo-daro Museum:
Near the site — contains tools, pottery, sculptures (e.g., “The Dancing Girl” replica), and seals.
Explore the ruins: Walk through ancient streets, staircases, and homes.
Visit the museum: Learn about the Indus script, lifestyle, and artifacts.
Photography: Best in early morning or sunset light for dramatic ruins.
Cultural exploration: Engage with local guides for deeper stories about the site.
Basic guesthouses/hotels:
Available in Larkana — closest town with lodging.
Options:
Sambara Inn Hotel (Larkana)
Indus Guest House
PTDC Motel (if available)
Tip: Best to base yourself in Larkana and make a day trip to Mohenjo-daro.
On-site food: Very limited — carry snacks and water.
Nearby restaurants (Larkana):
Mehran Restaurant
Al-Mehran Hotel
Local dhabas and traditional Sindhi food outlets
Ancient Civilization:
One of the world’s earliest planned urban settlements (~2600 BCE).
Innovations of Mohenjo-daro:
Grid city planning
Covered drainage systems
Brick architecture
Water wells in homes
Modern Culture:
Region inhabited by Sindhi-speaking people, with a rich tradition of hospitality, folklore, and Sufi heritage.
Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light.
Wear a hat and sunscreen — it’s exposed with little shade.
Respect the site — it’s fragile and under conservation.
Avoid visiting during heavy rains — can flood parts of the ruins.
Carry water and essentials — minimal facilities on site.
Combine with nearby destinations:
Larkana city cultural tour
Sukkur’s Lansdowne Bridge & Sadhu Bela Temple
Kot Diji Fort (pre-Indus archaeological site)