Bhavnagar is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1723 AD by Bhavsinhji Gohil(1703-64 AD) and was named after its founder and ruler. Bhavnagar is an important trading centre for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Gandhi Smriti Library, a museum, a gallery and a memorial to the Father of the Nation are worth seeing. Gaurishankar Lake and Takhteshwar temple are popular picnic spots lending an enchanting view from the hilltop. Its coastline is with ports, salt works, shipbuilding and ship breaking yards along the Bhavnagar coast. Its business today is vastly different, for it is a premier cotton-exporting seaport on the southeastern Saurashtra coast. Gandhi, who went to the Bhavnagar university. Bhavnagar is a busy industrial centre that makes a useful base for journeys to nearby Jain temples at Palitana and the Velavadar National Park. History of Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar was founded by Bhav Singh ji Gohil in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat. Till independence, Bhavnagar was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor were their three capitals. Originally, Bhavnagar was the capital of a state of the same name and ruled by the Suryavanshi Rajputs from Marwar. The rulers of Bhavnagar also shifted their residence to Motibag and Nilambag Palace. For almost two centuries, Bhavnagar remained a major port and established trade with Africa, Mozambique, Singapore and the Persian Gulf. Bhavnagar has long been an important cotton trading post, but now supplement its survival on diamonds, plastics and ship parts- Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships afloat in the port at low tide. The trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization, surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town. The tangled bazaars and crumbling wooden houses of the old city feel remarkably untouched by the outside world. The present state of Bhavnagar owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). During the rule of Takhtsinhji, the Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital were constructed.
Tourist Attractions in Bhavnagar
The two important tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are the Takhteshwar Temple and Gandhi Smriti and Barton museum. The Takhteshwar Temple is located on a small hillock which provide good views over the city and the Gulf of Cambay. The Gandhi Smriti and Barton Museum is located in the northeast, by the clock tower and has a good collection of Gandhi memorabilia. The other tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are the Victoria Park, Takht Singh ji Hospital and Gaurishankar Lake. The various tourist attractions in Bhavnagar are the Takhteshwar Temple, Gandhi Smriti and Barton museum, Victoria Park, Gaurishankar Lake and Takhat Singhji Hospital. | | Takhteshwar Temple
The Takhteshwar Temple is a historic temple, located on a small hill. This temple provides good views of the city and the Gulf of Cambay. Gaurishankar Lake
Gaurishankar Lake is a very popular place for the evening stroll, picnic and bird watching. Ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and other wading birds can be seen on the banks of this lake. On the banks of the lake, the Bhav Vilas Palace is located which is owned by a relative of the family. Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti |  |
| Gandhi Smriti and Barton museum belongs to the 1895 AD. This museum has a fine collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, religious carvings, weapons, musical instruments, betel nut cutters, coins, stamps, sculpture, skeletons and various folk arts objects which represent the culture of the Saurashtra region. This memorial also houses photographs and some of the items related to Mahatma Gandhi which reminds of the Mahatma Gandhi as a student of Bhavnagar university. This museum also has a library that consists of the books and photographs of Mahatma Gandhi. Barton Library
Barton Library is a beautiful two storey building, appropriately designed for a road junction. It has two wings and a central tower, constructed in ashlar stone masonry, with Gothic arch windows and a sloping roof with Mangalore tiles. This library is one of the oldest libraries of Gujarat and also houses a museum. Nilambagh
Nilambagh Palace is a heritage hotel in Bhavnagar. This palace was designed by a German architect, as a royal residence for the erstwhile Maharajas in 1859 AD which was later converted into a heritage hotel. This palace is a magnificent building that is set amidst huge estate of 10 acres. It combines elements of Indian architecture with a modern outlook.
Gangajalia
Gangajalia temple is dedicated to Ganga Devi. This temple is built in white marble located in the middle of a former tank. This temple has a chhatri, pavilion and bridge, built of white marble. It was designed by Sir John Griffith, principal or Sir J J School of Arts, Bombay.
Takhat Singhji Hospital
Takhat Singhji Hospital was designed in 1979-83 by Sir William Emmerson, the architect of Victoria Memorial and Crawford Market.
Victoria Park
Earlier Victoria park was the famous game reserve. Various interesting wildlife animals and birds are still found in this park. Antelope, jackal, blue bull, hare and hyena are the various animals which are found in this place. The marshes in the park also attracts many ducks and birds. | | Alang
Alang is situated on the coast between Bhavnagar and Talaja. Alang is the India's largest ship breaking site, where supertankers, container ships, warships and other vessels are dismantled by hand by 20000 workers day and night. A huge ship takes around two to three months to pull apart. In 2002, Greenspce visited the yard posing as buyers, gathering material and photographs to support its protests against the dangerous conditions for workers at the yard and the toxic waste produced through ship breaking. Their actions have had some success. In February 2006, French President Jacques Chirac was forced to |  |
| recall an asbestos-laden French ship to Europe. These protests have made it more difficult for foreign tourists to visit the yard, but authorities can be lax. A few kilometres along the road approaching the shipyard is a fascinating curious collection of junk shops selling things pulled off the ships. | | Velavadar National Park
Velavadar National Park is one of the best national park in India to view the blackbuck. Velavadar National Park, also known as the Blackbuck National Park, was established in the year 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra at Velavadar. This national park is situated about 72 kms from the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Earlier, blackbucks and the Lesser Floricans were found only in the open plains throughout the country, but now they are found only in the Velavadar National Park. The Velavadar National Park also provides a suitable habitat to the endangered Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Jungle |  |
| cat, Blue bull antelope, Wild pigs, Hares and Rodents. This park also attracts various migratory birds like the sandgrouse and larks during the winter. The period between October to mid-June is considered to be the best time to visit the park. Information about Velavadar National Park
Velavadar National Park is one of the best national park in India to view the blackbuck. Velavadar National Park, also known as the Blackbuck National Park, was established in the year 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra at Velavadar. This national park is situated about 72 kms from the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. This national park covers an area of 36 square km and comprises of grasslands and scrubby plains. This park was primarily a "vidi" (grassland) of the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar. It is surrounded by wastelands and agriculture fields in the northern side. The National park has been | |
| | classified as 4B Gujarat-Rajwada biotic province of semi-arid bio-geographical zone. | | | Wildlife attractions in the Velavadar National Park | The Velavadar National park is known for the successful conservation of the blackbuck, wolf and the lesser Florican. Earlier, the blackbucks and the Lesser Floricans were found only in the open plains throughout the country, but now they are found only in the Velavadar National Park. The blackbuck is the most graceful and beautiful Indian animal. Besides these animals, the Velavadar National Park also provides a suitable habitat to the endangered Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Jungle cat, Blue bull antelope, Wild pigs, Hares and Rodents. This park also attracts various migratory birds like the sandgrouse and larks during the winter. Velavadar National Park is also an excellent place to see a large number of harriers roosts and other birds. |  |
| | Best time to visit the Velavadar National Park
Although the Velavadar National Park is open throughout the year, but the period between October to mid-June is considered to be the best time to visit the park. Evening is the best time to view these animals at the Velavadar national park.
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How to reach Bhavnagar
By Air:
Regular flights are available for Bhavnagar from Mumbai.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located on the Ahmedabad - Bhavnagar railway line.
By Road:
Bhavnagar is located about 200 kms from Ahmedabad and 178 kms from Rajkot. Aksharwadi Swaminarayana Temple is also known as Akshar Temple. It is one of the most famous temple in Bhavnagar.
A modern wonder of Gujarat, the ship-breaking yard at Alang is a fantastic spectacle in itself. It is located on the coast between Bhavnagar and Talaja. Large ships from America, Europe, Asia are brought here to be scrapped. The reason behind the selection of this site was the nature of its tide, suitable for such maritime activities and the proximity of industrial zones that could utilize its metal and other scrap. It's India's largest ship-breaking site. Here supertankers, container ships, warships and other vessels are reduced to scrap by 20,000 workers toiling day and night.
The Barton Library is a beautiful two storeyed building, appropriately designed for a road junction. It has two wings and a central tower, constructed in ashlar stone masonry, with Gothic arch windows and a sloping roof with Mangalore tiles. It is one of the oldest libraries of Gujarat and also houses a museum.
This palatial property was formerly the club-house for the royal family of the erstwhile princely state of Bhavnagar, now the residence of Maharajkumar Shivbhadrasinhji Krishnakumarsinhji Gohil and his family. It is famous for its wildlife collection and lake-side views.
Blackbuck National Park at Velavadar is situated Near Vallabhipur in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India. The Blackbuck National Park is located around 72 km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar in Bhal region. In 1976, Government on India has declared aprox. 34 Sq.Km. of grassland as National Park Blackbuck. The movements of blackbucks and nilgais (Blue bull) increase beauty of this park. The blackbuck is most famous for its jumping over the levels of grass. Since it is grassland, beauty of this park can be seen from long distant. Blackbuck is one of the fastest animals and can outrun most predators over long distances. Its chief predator was the now extinct Indian Cheetah. It is now sometimes preyed upon by wolves, feral dogs, etc. 22 km away from Bhavnagar in the quite locale is situated the town of Sihore which was the ancient capital of the Gohilwad Kingdom. The royal palace and its mural speak about the grandeur of the era in which it was built and the many temples built around the town speak of the spiritual inclining of its inhabitants. The Gautameshwar temple lake and the Shiva temple built on its bank is one of the most exquisite examples of this region.
Famous for its Swaminarayan Temple, Gadhada is a premier town on the pilgrim circuit of Gujarat. The temple, built in 1829 A.D. is a fine piece of architecture with a high plinth, spacious square, an assembly hall and large sarais.
The memorial built in remembrance to the Father of Nation commences varied activities. The ground floor housing the Barton museum is a repertoire of archeological remains from the surrounding regions. The Gandhi museum on the first floor takes one on a dramatic journey through the life of the Mahatma. Gandhi Smriti and Barton museum belongs to the 1895 AD. This museum has a fine collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments, coins, stamps, sculpture and various folk arts objects which represent the culture of the Saurashtra region. This memorial also houses some of the items related to Mahatma Gandhi which reminds of the Mahatma Gandhi as a student of Bhavnagar university. This museum also has a library that consists of the books and photographs of Mahatma Gandhi.
In the midst of what was formerly a tank stands the temple of Gangadevi with a chhatri or partition. Made of white marble, designed by Sir John Griffits it was built by Maharaja Takhtsinghji in memory of Maharani Majirajba in 1893 A.D.
This picturesque lake located in the heart of the city was at one point a dry rubbish dump yard which has now been rejuvenated by the corporation. A jogger's park runs along the scenic lake with inbuilt speakers along the walk way to serve as a treat for the ears.
The vast lake spreading over an area of 381 hectares is also locally known by the name of Bor Talav after the illustrious Dewan Shri Gaurishankar Oza. Conceived and built in 1872 as a water reservoir for drinking water, today is one of the most preferred tourist as well as picnic spot in the city. The adjoining bal-vatika along with the musical fountains, planetarium, boat house and many more attractions provide ideal entertainment for a day out with nature and family.
Near Gaurishankar lake is a mini forest, a repository of flora and fauna, with more than 1 lakh trees which provides a serene ambience bringing one close to nature. One of the few city-forests in India, this natural haven provides shelter to varied species of flora and fauna. Within the forest premises there are two nurseries which cultivate plants for gardens and forests.
Ghogha is a historical town in Bhavnagar. This ancient town is a major religious destination. It is located on the Gulf of Cambay, and attracts thousands of tourist and pilgrims every year. At the Gulf of Cambay, a awesome beach is situated where you can feel calmness, peace etc. Ghogha beach is 19 km away from Bhavnagar.
A beautiful hamlet on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and at a distance of 10 Kms from Talaja, the taluka headquarter of Bhavnagar district is Gopnath. Vying for eminence on the tourist circuit with development of a heritage hotel - Gopnath Bungalow, it was a pleasant sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. The bungalow built in a European colonial style with cottages and mansions surrounding the courtyard faces the sea and offers a beautiful view of the gulf. It attracts marine life and birdwatching enthusiasts to the rocky shores on the coast. It is also renowed for the temple of Gopnath Mahadev, where Narsinh Mehta is believed to have performed penance. The coast in this area is full of tiny islands and offers a picturesque delight to the onlooker.
Located on the shore of the seaside on the Gulf of Khambat, this Shiva temple is where the devotional poet Narsinh Mehta supposedly had his spiritual experience almost 500 years ago. Set on the seashore, the temple is an ideal spot for all wanting a spiritual and natural trip.
Khodiyar temple, named after the principle deity, venerated by the royal family and the natives around, was built in the year 1911. The temple visited by thousands of pilgrims is located on the banks of the Khodiayar Lake, which attracts tourists from all the surrounding areas. Quite often followers of the goddess walk long distances to revere the goddess.
The first of its kind in Gujarat, the seawater here is impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which can be seen with special permission.
A minor part Mahuva is famous for its handicraft work in wood and ivory. Lacquer work on wooden furniture and toys is its speciality, its fertile land bears 'Jamadar' mangoes similar to the Alphonso. There is an old mosque, Laxmi-narayan Temple and a Jain Dehrasar. The Pipavav project nearby is fast coming up as a major port and coastal industrial centre. It is also addressed as Kashmir of Saurashtra, because of the scenery around. The coconut tree plantations add to the beauty of the town. Tourists also enjoy at the beach of the city. Near the beach is the ancient Bhavani Temple, which is an important attraction of the city of Bhavnagar. The town enjoys an extremely pleasant climate throughout the year. At seashore there is a beach which is mahuva beach. Mahuva Beach is like a pleasurable sea breeze and breathtakingly beautiful views to enthrall the tourists.
This palace is the residence of the members of the Bhavnagar royal family (family of Maharajkumar Mangalsinhji Takhatsinhji of Bhavnagar).It is a historical property in the heart of Bhavnagar city and is designed on traditional Kathiawari architectural principles.It is now the formal residence of the descendants of Rajkumar Chandrajitsinhji Mangalsinhji of Bhavnagar.
Nilambag, the royal palace now converted into a heritage hotel reflects the grandeur of the eighteenth century and is set amidst vivid lawns and gardens. The pillared porticos, stepped arches, pleasant center courtyard, turning marble staircase, dining hall furnished with European chandeliers and the historic library takes one back to the era of royalty and splendor.
Piram Island is approachable by a machine boat-about an hour's sailing by ML Piram of the Lighthouse Deptt from Ghoga Port.The Lighthouse is about 1.5 km by walk from the landing point. The Researchers claim to have found .Jurassic age evidences.
Among Bhavnagar's many attractions is Samaldas College, just over a hundred years old, a frontline institution that claims Mahatma Gandhi as one of its students. Do visit the Barton Library, again a place which age has not withered.
An interesting excursion from the Vijay Vilas Palace is Shihor, with its historic old palace of the Maharaja of Bhavnagar, featuring gardens, wall paintings and woodcarvings. It can also be used as a base to visit Alang Ship Breaking Yard, the Jain temples of Talaja, the historic town of Vabhipur and the Velavadar National Park.
On the confluence of the rivers Shatrunai and Talaji on the hill top the town of Talaja is located. Carved out in the hills are Buddhist caves or monasteries which were built thousand of years ago. A pleasant climb up the hill brings one to magnificently built Jain temples.
Situated on the hillock in the center of the city, this popular landmark is a Shiva temple constructed way back in 1893 and named after its patron Takhtsinhji. Sitting on the serene marble courtyard of the temple one can have a panoramic view of the entire city as well as the surrounding landscape.
On the confluence of the rivers Shatrunai and Talaji on the hill top the town of Talaja is located. Carved out in the hills are Buddhist caves or monasteries which were built thousand of years ago. A pleasant climb up the hill brings one to magnificently built Jain temples. Located 160 ft above sea level, the place is famous for a small cluster of temples and ancient caves, believed to be Buddhist origin, carved into the hills. Talaja Teerth is a center of religious activity.
The reserved forest (Victoria park) is situated 3 km south of Bhavnagar City, Gujarat State, India. The hot, dry climate supports scrubby and thorny vegetation. It has variety of bird life and is also home of animals like Neel Gai (Blue bull), fox, hynea, porcupine. Recently I got a new 55-200 mm zoom lens for my Nikon D40 and made couple of trips to victoria park to capture common birds that are seen. |
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