A mosque, tomb and palace complex around a large stepped tank, built between 1445 and 1451 for the Sufi saint Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh and later expanded by Mahmud Begada, who is buried here. Le Corbusier called it the Acropolis of Ahmedabad. Visitors remove shoes and cover their heads before entering the tomb and mosque.
Sarkhej Roza lies in Makarba, on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, about 8km south-west of central Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The complex of mosque, tombs and palace pavilions was built between 1445 and 1451 for the Sufi saint Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, and it was expanded by Sultan Mahmud Begada, who is buried here along with his family. It surrounds a large stepped tank, and the layout of courtyards, colonnades and domed pavilions makes it one of the most harmonious groups of Sultanate architecture in Gujarat. The architect Le Corbusier admired it and reportedly described it as the Acropolis of Ahmedabad. Visitors enter through a gateway into a wide courtyard. The Tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu is topped with a large dome and ringed by finely carved jaali screens, and the tomb of Mahmud Begada faces it across the courtyard. A mosque with a wide prayer hall closes the western side. Steps lead down to the tank, whose edges offer calm views of the domes reflected in the water on a still day. The stonework combines Hindu, Jain and Islamic patterns, with brackets, lattice screens and carved pillars. Photographers favour the colonnades and the view across the tank at late afternoon, when sunlight turns the stone golden. A visit takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The site opens daily from about 9:00AM to 6:00PM, and entry is free. Visitors remove shoes and cover their heads before entering the tomb and mosque, and modest dress is expected. Weekdays are quiet, while Thursday evenings and festival days bring worshippers and can be busier. The Roza is served by auto-rickshaws along the highway.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 9:00AM-6:00PM |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon, October to March |
| Getting there | About 8km south-west of the centre; auto-rickshaws serve the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway |
| Address | Sarkhej Roza, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Makarba, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380055 |
Location
Sarkhej Roza, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Makarba, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380055
22.9839, 72.5071 View on map
Highlights
- Tomb of Sheikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh with jaali screens
- Tomb of Mahmud Begada facing the main courtyard
- Large stepped tank surrounded by colonnades
- Mosque and palace pavilions from the 1445-1451 build
- Described by Le Corbusier as the Acropolis of Ahmedabad
Tips for visiting
- Visit in late afternoon for warm light on the domes and tank.
- Cover your head and remove shoes before entering the tomb and mosque.
- Entry is free, and donations at the tomb are voluntary.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
- Thursday evenings and festival days are busier with worshippers.
- Arrange an auto-rickshaw return, as pickup can be sparse on the highway.
When to visit
Late afternoon between October and March, for warm light and cooler temperatures. Weekdays are quieter.
Accessibility
The courtyards are mostly level, but the tank steps and the tomb thresholds involve steps. Wheelchair users can see most of the complex from the courtyards.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend one to one and a half hours walking the courtyards, tombs and tank.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the architecture is generally allowed, but visitors should avoid photographing worshippers inside the tomb.
Do visitors need to cover their heads?
Yes. Visitors remove shoes and cover their heads before entering the tomb and mosque.
Tours and tickets
Sarkhej Roza
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