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 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 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.
ER |
