BHAVNAGAR CITY

Ahmedabad Anand Bharuch Bhuj Baroda Bhavnagar Dwarka Gandhidham Junagadh Kutch Palitana Porbandar Saputara Surat Siddhpur Rajkot

        Bhavnagar was founded in 1723 AD by Bhav Singhji, a member of the Gohil Rajput clan which came to the Saurashtra coast from Rajasthan in the 12th century. It grew into one of the 15th richest princely states in India during the early 20th century. The Nilambagh palace hotel was built in 1859 AD as the Yuvraj Bungalow (residence of the crown prince) by a German architect, Mr. Simms, and became the Royal residence. One can access the city of Bhavnagar by road, rail as well as air.

        Gopnath is 89 kms. from Bhavnagar and can be slotted between Bhavnagar and Diu. It can also be used as base to visit the Jain temples of Palitana and the sights of Bhavnagar.

        Gopnath Bungalow was the sea shore retreat of the royal family of Bhavnagar; that of the Gohils. It is built in a European colonial style with cottages and mansions surrounding a courtyard, the whole complex facing the sea. Gopnath is known for its temples and fishing villages. This is the place where the Punjabi Muslim falconers appointed by the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar used to capture peregrine falcons that hunted the sea waters and roosted on the craggy rocks.

        One can expect great sights during the tides which are among the largest in the world. You can see marine life in the rocky shoals, extensive coastal bird-life including oystercatcher and plovers, striped hyena and jackal in the coastal scrublands, dramatic sea water and wind sculptured rocks, lovely white sanded beaches and breathtaking sea views.

Places of interest close on heels are:

• the Jain temples of Talaja,
• the ship breaking yard at Alang,
• the Janjmer fort
• the ruins of Shiyal (Kankawati).

SIGHTSEEING :

• Darbargadh :
  Old palace of Bhavnagar with arches, wood carvings and interesting architecture.

• Takhatsinhji Hospital :
  1979-83 building designed by Sir William Emmerson, the architect of Calcutta's Victoria Memorial and Bombay's famous Crawford Market.

• Takteshwar Temple :
  A historic hilltop temple with great views over the cityscape to the Gulf of Cambay sea coast.

• Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti :
  1895 AD museum with collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period as a student of Bhavnagar university.

• Victoria Park :
  Former game preserve with interesting birds and some wildlife including blue bull, antelope, hyena, jackal , monitor lizard etc. The marshes in the park attract many winter ducks. A great place for a walk from the palace.

• Gaurishankar Lake :
  Good birdwatching spot specially for ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and wading birds. Plovers and terns nest on the island. The lake shore Bhav Vilas Palace, owned by a relative of the family, was the former club of the royal family with sports complex and hunting trophies.

• Lock Gate Door :
  A century old dockyard - one of the oldest operational dry docks in India - now used for ship building.The first of its kind in Gujarat. The sea water here impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which could be seen with special permission.

EXCURSIONS :

• Velavadar National Park (60 kms.) : An extensive tract of grasslands, with some of India's greatest herds of blackbuck antelope, some blue bull, wolf, fox, jackal, one of the world's greatest harrier roost and typical grassland birds.
  
  
• Alang (55 kms.) : One of the largest ship breaking yards in the world.
  
  
• Talaja (54 kms.) : Another historic cluster of Jain temples on a hill.
  
  
• Sihore (25 kms.) : The 17th century palace of the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar, with fine paintings and wood carvings.
  
• Takhteshwar Temple Palace:
  Situated on a hill, the site provides a panoramic view.
  
• Palitana:
  A 56 Kms. drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.

  The pure mountain air and views of beautifully built temples in white marble is fabulous. Of these temples, the most significant are that of Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Sampritiraja and Cahumukh. Adeshwar temple is devoted to the first Jain saint. Chaumukhi temple has a quadruple faced idol of Adinath. A carved elephant faces the image.

  Palitana is a living sacred symbol of Jainism. Jainism, with emphasis on non-violence and non-acquisitiveness is a popular religion in the western/central/northern parts of India.

  The architectural appeal of Palitana transcends religious boundaries and attracts tourists of all faiths.

  How to get there: Various domestic airlines connecting Mumbai (Bombay) and Surat.

  It is on the Western Railway line. It is 761 Kms. from Mumbai (Bombay) via Ahmedabad and 788 Kms. via Viramgam.

  State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 791 Kms. from Mumbai (Bombay) via Ahmedabad, 200 Kms from Ahmedabad via Sihor.

Ahmedabad Anand Bharuch Bhuj Baroda Bhavnagar Dwarka Gandhidham Junagadh Kutch Palitana Porbandar Saputara Surat Siddhpur Rajkot