Gondal is a hidden gem in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, known for its heritage, palace, and culture. It is a perfect destination for those who love history, art, and architecture. Gondal has some of the most exquisite and well-preserved palaces, museums, temples, and gardens in India. It also offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the royal family of Gondal, who ruled the state for over 200 years.
In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of Gondal and show you why it is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat. We will also provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Gondal, such as how to reach, when to visit, where to stay, and what to do. So, let’s get started!
Top Tourist Attractions in Gondal
Gondal is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders that will leave you spellbound. The main tourist attractions in Gondal are its magnificent palaces that showcase the royal heritage and lifestyle of the erstwhile rulers of Gondal. Here are some of the must-see places in Gondal:
1. Riverside Palace
The Riverside Palace is one of the most beautiful and elegant palaces in Gondal. It was built in 1875 by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji as his residence. The palace is located on the banks of the River Gondali and has a stunning view of the river and the surrounding landscape.
2. Naulakha Palace
The Naulakha Palace is the oldest and most impressive palace in Gondal. It was built in 1748 by Maharaja Thakur Saheb Dharam Singhji as his residence. The Naulakha Palace is open to the public as a tourist attraction. You can visit the palace and admire its beauty and glory.
3. Orchard Palace
The Orchard Palace is another charming palace in Gondal that was built in 1883 by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji as a guest house for his guests. The palace is located in the midst of a huge orchard that has mango, chiku, guava, and other fruit trees.
4. Royal Garages
The Royal Garages are a must-visit place for car enthusiasts and history lovers. They are located near the Orchard Palace and house the vintage car collection of the royal family of Gondal. The collection includes some of the rarest and finest cars in the world, such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Cadillac, Mercedes, Jaguar, Daimler, Delage, Buick, Ford, Chevrolet, and Austin.
5. Bhuvaneshwari Temple
The Bhuvaneshwari Temple is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Gondal. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, who is considered to be the patron deity of Gondal. The temple was built in 1944 by Maharaja Bhojrajji as a tribute to his mother Maharani Bhanumati Devi.
Also read: One of the oldest palaces of Gujarat - Navlakha Palace, Gondal
Day Excursions from Gondal
Gondal is not only a destination in itself but also a base for exploring some of the nearby attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the places that you can visit from Gondal as a day excursion:
1. Junagadh
Junagadh is an ancient city that was once the capital of Junagadh State under the Nawabs of Gujarat. It is located about 65 km from Gondal and has many historical monuments and cultural sites that reflect its glorious past.
2. Gir National Park
Gir National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the majestic Asiatic lions in their natural habitat. It is located about 100 km from Gondal and covers an area of 1412 sq km. It is home to more than 500 lions and other wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, foxes, deer, antelopes, monkeys, and birds.
3. Somnath Temple
Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred and revered temples in India. It is located about 140 km from Gondal and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas or manifestations of Lord Shiva that are considered to be the most powerful and auspicious.
4. Dwarka
Dwarka is one of the most ancient and holy cities in India. It is located about 230 km from Gondal and is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. It is one of the four Char Dhams or pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Where to Stay in Gondal
Gondal offers a range of accommodation options for visitors who want to experience the royal heritage and hospitality of Gondal. You can choose from heritage hotels, luxury hotels, budget hotels, guest houses, and homestays depending on your budget and preference. Some of the best places to stay in Gondal are Riverside Palace, Orchard Palace, The Fern Residency, Hotel Krishna Park, Hotel Samrat and Shreeji Homestay.
How to Reach Gondal
Gondal is located about 40 km from Rajkot, the fourth-largest city in Gujarat. You can easily reach Gondal by air, rail, or road from any major city in India.
By Air: The nearest airport to Gondal is Rajkot Airport, which is well-connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other cities by regular flights.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gondal is Gondal Railway Station, which is on the Rajkot-Jetalsar section of the Western Railway. You can find trains from Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, Vadodara, and other cities to Gondal.
By Road: Gondal is well-connected by road to Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Somnath, Dwarka, and other cities in Gujarat. You can find buses operated by Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) or private operators from these cities to Gondal.
Gondal is a destination that will enchant you with its royal heritage and culture. It will take you back in time to the era of kings and queens who lived in splendid palaces and ruled over prosperous lands. It will also offer you an opportunity to explore some of the nearby attractions that are equally fascinating and diverse.
Also read: Roadtrip guide: Rajkot to Gondal