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HERITAGE · AGATE · ANCIENT PORTKhambhat (Cambay)
The agate city — Khambhat (ancient Cambay), an old port-city on the Gulf of Khambhat, once one of the wealthiest trading ports on the Indian Ocean and still famous for its agate stonework.
An ancient ocean port
Khambhat — the ancient Cambay — was one of the great ports of the medieval Indian Ocean world, thriving from the 9th to the 16th centuries as a conduit for silk, spices, agate and carnelian, visited by Arab, Persian, Chinese and European traders and noted by Marco Polo.
The city’s silting harbour eventually ended its maritime pre-eminence, but Khambhat’s craftsmen have continued for centuries to work the beautiful agate and carnelian stones washed in from the Narmada estuary, producing the famous Khambhat gem-polishing tradition.
The old city retains its historic mosques (some with repurposed temple columns reflecting the layered history) and the centuries-old craft workshops that still cut, polish and bead the brilliant stones. A city of ancient trade and living craft.
The Jami Masjid interior, Khambhat.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Carved pillars of the Jami Masjid.
9th–16th centuries.
Noted its wealth.
A gem-city.
And trade moved on.
Reasons to make the time
Agate craft
A living tradition.
Old mosques
Medieval heritage.
Ancient port
Marco Polo's city.
Gem workshops
Watch craftsmen work.
Historic old city
Lanes & monuments.
Gulf coast
The estuary.
What to look for inside
Jami Masjid
Khambhat's great mosque.
Agate & gems
A living tradition.
How to spend an hour or two
See the Jami Masjid
Carved pillars.
Visit gem workshops
Agate & carnelian.
Walk the old city
Lanes & markets.
Learn the history
Marco Polo's port.
Buy agate jewelry
From craftsmen.
See the gulf coast
The ancient harbour.
Jami Masjid, Khambhat.
A medieval port-city
Khambhat (ancient Cambay) was one of the great medieval Indian Ocean ports, noted by Marco Polo, thriving on trade in silk, spices and agate until its harbour silted in the 16th century.
Its craftsmen still work the brilliant agate and carnelian stones, and its old mosques (with repurposed temple columns) reflect its layered, cosmopolitan history. A city of ancient trade and living craft.
Ancient port noted by Marco Polo
Thrived 9th–16th centuries
Living agate & carnelian craft
Old mosques with temple columns
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season.
Lush but humid.
Hot and dry — start early.
⏰ Visit in the cool months; the Charotar plain is loveliest in winter, and the dairy tour is best on a weekday.
Timings & entry
- Open in daytime hours
- Best in the cool season
- An easy Anand stop
- Weekdays best for dairy
- Free or a nominal fee
- Book Amul tour in advance
- Good road & rail links
- Pair with nearby sights
Getting there
By Air
Ahmedabad airport (~70 km).
By Rail
Anand Junction.
By Road
NH-48 / Anand.
At Khambhat (Cambay)
STONE & CITY
The agate city
What to shoot
The mosque.
Detail
Agate gems.
Setting
Old city.
Best light
Morning.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Where to eat around the ashram
Gujarati Thali
Hearty Charotar meals.
Khaman & farsan
Steamed snacks.
Anand street
Street food in the city.
Milk sweets
Famous for fresh milk sweets — shrikhand, basundi, doodh pak.
Khambhat (Cambay) FAQ
What is Khambhat (Cambay)?
Khambhat — the ancient Cambay — was one of the great ports of the medieval Indian Ocean world, thriving from the 9th to the 16th centuries as a conduit for silk, spices, agate and carnelian, visited by Arab, Persian, Chinese and European traders and noted by Marco Polo. The city's silting harbour eventually ended its maritime pre-eminence, but Khambhat's craftsmen have continued for centuries to work the beautiful agate and carnelian stones washed in from the Narmada estuary, producing the famous Khambhat gem-polishing tradition.
Where is it?
Khambhat, Anand.
Is there an entry fee?
Free.
When should I visit?
October to March, the cool season.
What's nearby?
The Amul dairy, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Karamsad and Borsad.
How long does it take?
Half a day.
Related places across Gujarat
Dumas Beach
The city's famous black-sand seaside escape
Seasonal Flats
Flamingos, cranes & gazelle at the Rann's edge
Hafeshwar
A Shiva temple on the Narmada's banks
Tithal Coast
Dark volcanic sand, palms and Arabian Sea breezes
Sai Baba Temple
A popular modern shrine by the Tapi
Swaminarayan Temple
A vibrant community temple in the city
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