Visit
the Amazing Destinations of All India Travel
- Rajasthan,
Kerala, Goa,
Delhi, Mumbai
for Adventure,
Cultural,
Wildlife, Religious,
Beaches & Rail
Tours. Find over 600 Travel Agents & Hotels Reservation Networks
for comfortable holidays of a lifetime in the Indian Sub-continent - India,
Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet & Sri Lanka.
Gondal,
the capital of the former princely State of Gondal, was ruled by
the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is a
fortified town located on the river Gondali. Present day Gondal
is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji,
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
taste, which can be seen in the architecture and planning of public
buildings, parks, bazaars dn palaces builts during his regime.
One of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal palaces, the Navlakha
palace complex (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a
grand masonary base, rising to the monumental scale of at least
30 meter above the river bed. 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 administrate blocks on height and a grand
stairfcase 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, 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 anitique Belgian mirrors. The private palace museum displays
artifacts, gifts and messages received by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on
his 50th birthday.
Other two Royal Palaces- the Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace
are converted into heritage hotels. 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 Orchard Palace was originally a state guest house, built in
colonial style with an arcade of semi circular arches, set in the
midst of fruit orchards. The garden in the front, a beautiful fountain
with lily pond and marble statues enhances the beauty of the palace.
The main sitting room has a collection of paintings, antique furniture,
bird eggs and many interesting art objects.
The
rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automibiles and one can see
several vintage and Classic cars in the royal garage. Two Royal
Rail saloons of the Gondal State were renovated, keeping the original
decor and are availbale for accommodation in theOrchard Garden palace.
The stay at saloons provides a unique experience a nostalgia of
the great days of the Indianrailways combined with royal grandeur.
Sangramsinhji
High School is built on the model of Eton in England. It is constructed
in Gothic style with central clock tower, with beautifully designed
spacious lecture halls, carved wooden ceilings, Italian marble
flooring and has a laboratory with European equipments. Other
intersting places to visit are the Swami Narayan Temple, Bhavaneshwari
Temple, Ayurvedic pharmacy and the stud farm of Kathiawadi horses.
Gondal,
the capital of the former princely State of Gondal, was ruled by
the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is a
fortified town located on the river Gondali. Present day Gondal
is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji,
who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal
town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early
20th century. 
The
rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automibiles and one can see
several vintage and Classic cars in the royal garage. Two Royal
Rail saloons of the Gondal State were renovated, keeping the original
decor and are availbale for accommodation in theOrchard Garden palace.
The stay at saloons provides a unique experience a nostalgia of
the great days of the Indianrailways combined with royal grandeur.
