 Once the capital of princely state. Bhavnagar was founded in 1743 and is now a flourishing port on the Gulf of Khambhat. For the tourist it is a convenient base for the visits to the town of Palitana and the sacred hill of Shatrunjaya.
Bhavnagar is a coastal city with ports, salt works, ship building and ship breaking yards along its coast. The city is associated with Mahatma Gandhi, who went to a university here, and relics of his life can be seen at Gandhi Smriti in the 1895 ad Barton Museum. Bhavnagar has a myriad relics of its princely rule like the victoria memorial and the Takhty Sinhji hospital. Do not miss the Takteshwar temple situated on an incline off one of Bhavnagar's busiest roads. This tranquil place offers views over the city scape out to the sea.
Places to Visit
Gaurishankar Lake
A beautiful picnic spot. Near the lake, there is also a well laid out park. Good birdwatching spot specially for ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and wading birds. Plovers and terns nest on the island. The lake shore Bhav Vilas Palace, owned by a relative of the family, was the former club of the royal family with sports complex and hunting trophies.
Takteshwar Temple
Situated on a hill, the site provides a panoramic view. A historic hilltop temple with great views over the cityscape to the Gulf of Cambay sea coast.
Lock Gate
The first of its kind in Gujarat. The sea water here impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which could be seen with special permission.
Palitana
A 56 Kms. drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya river flowing to its south. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.
Barton Museum & Gandhi Smriti
1895 AD museum with collection of farming tools, beadwork, wood carvings, weapons, musical instruments and reminders of Mahatma Gandhi's period as a student of Bhavnagar university.
Darbargadh
Old palace of Bhavnagar with arches, wood carvings and interesting architecture.
How to get there ?
Air
Various domestic airlines connecting Mumbai (Bombay) and Surat.
Rail
It is on the Western Railway line. It is 761 Kms. from Mumbai (Bombay) via Ahmedabad and 788 Kms. via Viramgam.
Road
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 791 Kms. from Mumbai (Bombay) via Ahmedabad, 200 Kms from Ahmedabad via Sihor.
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