Present day Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary
ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhji, who introduced social reforms,
planned the development of Gondal town and created a model
state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century.
Sir Bhagwatsinhji's high education and extensive tours
to Europe enhanced his aesthetic tastes, which can be seen
in the architecture and planning of public buildings, parks,
bazaars and palaces built during his regime.
Prime attractions
Navlakha Palace:
One of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal palaces,
the Navlakha Palace complex, is situated on a riverbank,
on a grand masonry base, rising to the monumental scale
of at least 30 metres, above the riverbed. The palace is
approached by the high gateway with the clock tower from
the town side.
The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrative
blocks on the right and a grand staircase with balustrade
on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved
pavilions on the open terrace. The grand Darbar Hall, with
a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony supported
by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river.
Darbar Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt
wooden furniture and antique Belgian mirrors. The private
palace museum displays artifacts, gifts and messages received
by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on his 50th birthday.
Riverside Palace:
The riverside palace is located at the edge of the Gondali
river; built in colonial style of architecture, amidst a
garden with huge trees. The living room is decorated in
European taste, while the Indian room has brassware, beadwork
and paintings in typical Indian style.
The series of galleries and terraces of the palace building
bring nature close to the visitors of this heritage hotel.
Orchard Palace:
The Orchard Palace was originally a State guesthouse,
built in colonial style with an arcade of semi circular
arches, set in the midst of fruit orchards. The garden in
the front has a beautiful fountain with lily pond and marble
statues enhance the beauty of the palace. The main sitting
room has a collection of paintings, antique furniture, bird
eggs and many interesting art objects.
Vintage Car Collection:
The rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automobiles
and one can see several vintage and classic cars in the
royal garage. Two rail saloons of the Gondal State were
renovated, keeping the original décor and are available
for accommodation in the Orchard Garden Palace. The stay
at saloons provides a unique experience: a nostalgia of
the great days of the Indian railways combined with royal
grandeur.
Sangramsinhji High School:
Sangramsinhji High School is built on the model of Eton
in England. It is constructed out of wooden ceilings, Italian
marble flooring and has a laboratory with European equipments.
How to Get There
Air:
Nearest airport is Rajkot (39 kms)
Rail:
Gondal is a railway station on Rajkot-Veraval line.
Road:
Connected to nearby cities by road.
