| Sightseeing Highlights
The most attractive tourist spot in Gondal is the 17th century, Avlakha Palace complex, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal?s monuments. It was built on the riverbank, rising to at least 30 meters above the riverbed. It is known for its stone carvings with exquisite jharokhas or balconies, a pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase among many other attractions.
The Riverside Palace is set in lawns and gardens beside the river Gondali and was built in 1875 AD by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji for his son. It showcases a mix of styles. There is also the Orchard Palace that is located in a huge complex of fruit orchards and is known for its miniature room. An interesting museum is the car museum, which contains the royal fleet or around 50 impressive vintage vehicles.
You must visit the Swaminarayan temple that sees thousands of devotees everyday and has lovely wall murals of the various Swamis. Among other tourism attractions are the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy, which makes traditional herbal medicines according to ancient principles. The Bhuvaneshwari Stud Farm is a must see for horse lovers and has remarkable specimens of Kathiawadi horses, Gir cattle and other ethnic breeds of livestock.
Other Activities
You could visit the Veri Lake for bird watching or go to Jasdan, about 47 km away, to see another fortified town and take nature walks. Shopping for many products can be done at the Khadi Gramudhyog.
Gondal is a small, leafy town, 38 km south of Rajkot.
Once the capital of a princely state, it was run by the Jadeja Rajputs,
later overtaken by the Mughals and again recovered by the original
rulers. It is a fortified town located on the river Gondali after which
it was named. It was known as a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th
and early 20th century. Specifically designed by Sir Bhagwatsinhiji,
the ruler himself planned the development of the town which is
reflected in the architecture, parks and buildings. |
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