Gondal-Introduction

Services

State

Gujarat


		Introduction

		Transport & Sight Seeing


		Accommodation

State	Gujarat

City	Ahmedabad

Airports	Ahmedabad International and Domestic Airport

Distance from City Centre	10 Km/ 6 Mile

Railway Junctions	Ahmedabad

Local Languages	Gujarati

Gondal-Introduction

Gondal is a capital of former princely State of Gondal, was ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is fortified town located on the river of Gondali. Present day Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhji, who introduce social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19 th and early 20 th 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 and palaces built during his regime.

One of the oldest and beautiful of Gondal palaces, the Navlakha Palace complex (17 th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonary base, rising the monumental scale of at least 30 meter above the river bed. The palace is approached by the high gate way with the clock tower from the town side. The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrative block on the right and a grand staircase with balustrade on the extreme left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilion 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 the large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and antique Belgium 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 and converted into heritage hotel.

The Riverside Palace is located at the edge of the Godali river; built in colonial style of architecture, amidst a garden with huge trees. The living rooms are decorated in European taste, while the Indian rooms have 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.

The rulers of Gondal were great lovers of automobiles 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 available for accommodation in the Orchard Garden Palace. Keeping the original decor and are available for accommodation in the Orchard Garden Palace. The stay at saloons provides unique experience- nostalgia of the great days of the Indian railways 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 interesting places to visit are the Swami Narayan Temple, Buvaneshwari Temple, Ayurvedic pharmacy and the stud farm of Kathiawadi horses.