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HERITAGE
Bhavnagar was founded in 1723 AD by Bhav Singhji, a member of the Gohil
Rajput clan, which came to the Saurashtra coast from Rajasthan in the 12th
century. It grew into one of the 15 richest princely states in India
during the early-20th century. The Nilambagh palace hotel was built in
1859 AD as the Yuvraj bungalow (Residence of the crown prince) by a German
architect, Mr. Simms, and became the royal residence.
THE
EXPERIENCE
The Nilambagh palace is set in 4,000-sq-ft of lawn and garden. The
Pillared portico, stepped arches, pleasant centre courtyard, turning
marble, staircase, the dinning hall furnished with European Chandeliers,
Belgian mirrors, oil paintings and carved Burma teak furniture the lobby
with it's king sized royal portraits, stuffed panthers and chandeliers and
the historic library are some highlights of the property. The property is
owned by the descendants of HH Bhav Sinhji and run by professionally
qualified staff.
SIGHTSEEING
Darbargadh
This old palace of Bhavnagar with arches and exquisite woodcarvings is an
interesting piece of architecture.
Takhatsinhji Hospital
This 1979-83 AD building was designed by Sir William Emmerson, the
architect of Calcutta's Victoria Memorial and Bombay's famous Crawford
Market.
Takteshwar
Temple
A historic hilltop temple with great views over the cityscape to the Gulf
of Cambay sea coast.
Barton Museum And Gandhi Smriti
This 1895 AD museum with collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood
carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gahdhi's
period as a student of Bhavnagar university is a must visit.
Victoria Park
A former game preserve with interesting birds and some wild life
including blue Bul Antelope, Hyena, Jackal, Monitor Lizard, etc. The
marshes in the park attract many winter ducks. It's a great place for a
walk from the palace.
Gaurishankar Lake
Good bird watching spot specially for Ducks, Geese, Pelicans, Cranes and
Wading Birds. Plovers and Terns nest on the island. The lakeshore Bhav
Vilas palace, owned by a relative of the family, was the former club of
the royal family with sports complex and hunting trophies.
Lock Gate Dock
A century old dockyard was one of the oldest operational dry docks in
India, now used for shipbuilding.
EXCURSIONS
Palitana (55-km)
A cluster of around 863 temples atop Shetrunjaya hills, Palitana has some
splendid carvings, bejewelled statues, intricate architecture and great
views specially at sunrise. The town below is known for textile bazaar and
has some museum collections of Jain art.
Velavadar National Park (60-kms)
An extensive tract of grasslands, with some of India's greatest herds of
Black Buck Antelope, Some Blue Bull, Wolf, Fox, Jackal, one of the world's
greatest Harrier Roost and typical grassland birds.
Alang (55-km)
Alang is one of the largest ship breaking yards in the world.
Talaja (54-km)
Talaja is another historic cluster of Jain temples on a hill.
Sihore (25-km)
This is the 17th century palace of the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar, with fine
paintings and woodcarvings.
GETTING THERE
One can reach the palace quite comfortably as Bhavnagar has it's own
airport and railway station and is well connected with all the important
cities within the state.