Bhavnagar is the fifth-largest city of Gujarat. It is located on the south-eastern Saurashtra coast neat the picturesque Gulf of Cambay. The city is 225 km from Ahmedabad and is often regarded as the cultural capital of Saurashtra. It was established by Bhavsinhji Gohil in1723 AD and was the capital of an erstwhile princely state.
The port city of Bhavnagar is a beautiful blend of rich ancient heritage and vibrant present. Because of the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea, today it is a premier cotton-exporting seaport. It is also a busy industrial centre and an educational hub. The city has many good educational institutes with excellent architecture like the Sir P P Science Institute, Shamaldas College, Alfred High School and Central Salt Research Institute. The destination is also home to a number of important tourist places. The best time to visit this city is winter season as summer is scorching hot.
Places to visit in Bhavnagar
Takhteshwar Temple
Takhteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is situated on a hill and the site provides a panoramic view over the city and the Gulf of Cambay. The temple was constructed way back in 1893 under the patronage of Maharaja Takhtasinhji and is named after him. The temple and whole compound is made of marble and has a high shikhara which rises above the pillared rectangular mandapa.
Gandhi Smriti
Gandhi Smriti is in the centre of Bhavnagar city. Established in 1955 this complex attached to a clock tower is built in remembrance to the Father of Nation. It has a gallery which has a huge collection of books and other memorabilia used by Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Smriti also has the Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar and a library that consists of the books and photographs of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Barton Library
Barton Library is one of the oldest libraries in Gujarat which was established in 1895. This museum has a fine collection of artefacts like wood carvings, religious carvings, weapons, musical instruments, betel nut cutters, coins, stamps, sculptures, beadwork, skeletons, farming tools and various folk arts objects which represent the culture of the Saurashtra region.
Gaurishankar Lake
Gaurishankar Lake is locally known as Bor Talav. It is a popular picnic spot. This is dry lake and various public events as well as fairs are arranged here. Adjoining the lake is a well laid out park called Pil Garden. There is also a planetarium near the lake.
Water Lock Gate
Water Lock Gate is one of the most frequently visited tourist spots in the city. This one of its kind structure which was constructed to preserves the water level of the docks. It helps the ships to keep afloat even during low tides. One can watch the lock gates after taking special permission.
Gangajaha
Gangajaha is famous for the beautiful temple of Gangadevi- the Ganga Goddess. This elegant temple is entirely made up of white marble stones. This temple has a chhatri, pavilion and bridge all of which are built of white marble.The site of the temple was previously a tank. The temple was designed by Sir John Griffith and was built by Takhtsinghjia Maharaja of Bhavnagar in memory of Maharani Majirajba in 1893 A.D.
Victoria Park
The park was set up in 1888 by Maharaja Takhtasinhji of the Bhavnagar city. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The park spans a total area of 500 acres. The marshes in the park attracts many birds. This is an ideal place for bird watchers and nature admirers. It also contains two nurseries.
The Central Salt and Marine Research Institute
The Central Salt and Marine Research Institute is located on Waghavadi Road. This place attracts many people interested in science. Scholars from India as well as outside the country come to this institute for various kinds of research.
Nilambaugh Palace
The palace was built in the year 1859 AD and was designed by a German architecture. It was the personal residence of Sir Takhat Singh. The palace which is set amidst sprawling estate of 10 acres is a beautiful blend of western and Indian architectures. It was converted into a heritage hotel by Maharaja Dr. Virbhadra Singh in the yaer 1984. Today this palace is the only 5 star heritage hotels in the city owned by the royal family.
Samaldas College
Samaldas College was built about 100 years back. Mahatma Gandhi supposedly completed a part of his education in this frontline institution.
Places to visit near Bhavnagar
Gopnath
Gopnath is located on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat at a distance of 75 km from the city of Bhavnagar. This place is about 10 kms from Talaja which is the taluk headquarter of Bhavnagar district. Gopnath is known for it’s a pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, natural surroundings and enchanting flora and fauna. This beautiful hamlet is home to rich marine life and attracts many tourists interested in marine life. The place is also famous for the shrine of Gopnath Mahadev. This temple is believed to be the place where Narsingh Mehta who was a devotional poet is believed to have gained divine experience. Another attraction here is the Gopnath Bungalow which is built in a European colonial style. This was the sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. Today this bungalow is a heritage hotel. Talaja which is a Jain temple complex on a 350 foot volcanic hill is another attraction here. One can visit the 1st century Buddhist caves and a Hindu temple formed out of one of the caves here.
Mahuva
Mahuva is a small town located in the district of Bhavnagar. The natural beauty of the town has earned it the nickname Kashmir of Saurashtra. It is known for its coconut tree plantations and the beautiful beach and ancient Bhavani Temple. Mahuva is famous for onion, Jamadar Mango and groundnut plantations. The place also known for the Lacquer work on wooden furniture and toys.
Palitana
Palitana is situated at a distance of 50 km from Bhavnagar. It is an as an important Jain pilgrimage centre in the state. The temples here are considered the most sacred pilgrimage sites by the Jains. Palitana has the world's largest Temple Complex where there are more than 863 temples located on the Shatrunjaya hills. Shatrunjaya hills means the Place of Victory. The Shatrunjaya River flows at the foot of the hill. These temples were built over a period of 900 years. All these temples are exquisitely carved in marble. The main temple on top of the hill, is dedicated to 1st tirthankar Lord Adinath (Rishabdeva). The temple is known for its ornate architectural motifs. Other major temples are that of Kumarpal, Vimalshah and Sampriti Raja. These ivory coloured temples have deities studded with gems and jewels. There is also a Muslim shrine on the hilltop
Blackbuck National Park/ Velavadar National Park
Velavadar National Park is situated in Velavadar and lies 72 km north of Bhavnagar. It was established in the year 1976 and spreads over an area of 34.08 sq. km. The park with grasslands ecosystem is known for the successful conservation of Black Buck, Wolf and Lesser Florican (a bustard). This park is home to largest population of black bucks in India. The park is also home to Wild Pigs, Hares, Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Jungle cat, Blue bull antelope and Rodents. Various migratory birds like the sandgrouse and larks come here during the winter season.
Sihor
Sihor is an ancient town placed along the river Gautami. This was the erstwhile capital of the Gohil Rajputs. This historical town is surrounded by hills and is situated about 20 km from Bhavnagar. Major attraction in Sihor is the 12th century Brahma Kund (a stepped tank surrounded by idols of Hindu deities) which was built by Raja Siddharaj Jaisinh. The other attractions here include Gautameshwar Temple Lake and lake and the 17th century Vijay Vilas Palace of the Maharajahs known for its fine paintings and wood carvings. There are several pilgrimage sites in the town like the Shiva temples such as Pragatnath Mahadev, Gautameshwar Mahadev, Sukhnath Mahadev, Jodnath Mahadev. Khodiyar Mata Temple and the Sihori Mata Temple near the Gautameshwar Lake are other tourist’s interest place in and around the town. The Old fort of Sihor is also worth a visit.
Talaja hill
Talaja town on the banks of Shetrunji Rivers is known for around 30 ancient Buddhist caves cut into the rocks. The most magnificent among all structures is the Ebhala Mandapa. This has a large hall with four octagonal pillars in the front.
Gadhada
Shri Swaninarayan temple built in 1829 AD is a major attraction here. The temple was built by the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The temple known for its architectural splendour is situated on a high platform and has an assembly hall and large rest houses.
How to reach Bhavnagar in Gujarat
Bhavnagar Domestic Airport is in is located at a distance of 9 km from the south east of the city centre. It has regular flights to the city of Mumbai and other cities in India. Bhavnagar lies on the Western railway line and has a major railway station that has trains to all major destinations in the country. There are daily trains to Bhavnagar from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Bhavnagar is well connected by road with towns and cities in Western and Northern part of India. Regular bus services are available from the cities and towns of Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat to Bhavnagar.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city that range from luxury heritage hotels to midrange hotels and budget hotels to lodges that cater to the different budgets of the tourists.