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.
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.
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 50
th 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 series of galleries and
terraces ot the palace building bring nature close to the visitors of this heritage
hotel.
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.
Jasdan: (47 km from Gondal)
The house of Jasdan was ruled by the great warrior clan of Khachar Kathis. They
founded the fortified town of Jasdan on the banks of Bhadar river. The Darbargadh
at Jasdan is a beautiful example compaining plaster decoration with intricate
wrought iron work. The decoration above the arches and jharokhas are noteworthy.
Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary int hevicinity of jasdan is a beautiful
example combining plaster decoration with intricate wrought iron work. The decoration
above the arches andjharokhas are noteworthy. Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary
in the vicinity of Jasdan, is a creation of the nature loving rulers of Jasdan.
Here, nature education camps are organised to create awareness about wildlife
nad environment. The royal palace on the hilltop, is now a heritage hotel, offering
a nice and comfortable stay amidst natural surroundings.
Excursion in Gondal
Jetpur (textile town known for yarn dyeing and hand printed saris)30km, Rajkot
(Watoson Museum, Rajkumar College, Ramkrishna Mission, Kaba Gandhi no Delo)39
km
Gondal Travel Information
By Air
Nearest Airport is Rajkot (39 km)
By Rail
Gondal is a Railway station on Rajkot-Veraval line
By Road
Rajkot (39km), Ahmedabd (264km)
By Local transport
Non-Metered Autorickshaws.
