Bhavnagar - Tourism

Tourism

• Takhteshwar Temple: Located at the centre of the city. this temple is one of the highest points from which the entire city can be seen.
• Nilambag Palace: The residence of the current Maharaja of Bhavnagar, HH Maharaol Vijayrajsinhji Virbhadrasinhji Gohil & his family; is now also a heritage palace hotel.
• Mangalsinhji Mahal Palace: 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.
• Bhav Vilas Palace: 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 & his family. It is famous for its wildlife collection & lake-side views.
• Seashore at Ghogha (About 22 km. from Bhavangar): Sea-side palace retreat of the Bhavnagar royal family, also now a hotel-guesthouse for travellers with excellent sea-side views & cuisine.
• Victoria Park: It covers an area of about 500 acres (2 km²) with diverse flora and fauna. This park is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers.
• Nava Bandar (New Port)
• Barton Library
• Darbargadh: Once the seat of the Bhavnagar royal family, now rented out to the State Bank of India is also their headquarters (formerly the State Bank of Saurashtra)
• Ganga Deri (Ganga Jalia Talav): This monument is a miniature of the Taj Mahal constructed entirely in marble and is one of the masterpieces of old times gifted by the Maharaja.
• Gaurishankar Lake (Bor Talav): Named after a very able 19th century minister of the king, Gaurishankar Lake is a reservoir originally planned for water supply to the town. It is a popular picnic spot where one can watch sunsets over the lake and enjoy a stroll on the parapet wall of the lake.
• Alang Ship Breaking Yard: (About 50 km from Bhavangar on the way to Talaja)
• Gandhi Smriti: A memorial, with a library of Gandhian books and photographs about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It also has a fine collection of art objects representing the culture of the Saurashtra region.
• BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Aksharwadi, Bhavnagar.
• CSMCRI (Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute): The only constituent laboratory of CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) in Gujarat. A significant research effort is being carried out here to develop Bio-Diesel from Jatropha.
• Ghogha Beach (19 km away from Bhavnagar): It is a favourite spot for local trips.
• Oldest Mosque during the period of Hazarat Muhanmad Paygambr of Gujarat is in Ghogha.
• Piram Bet (About 20 km away from Ghogha Beach): treasured fossils and old caves
• Malnath Shiv Temple and Trambak Water Fall (About 15 to 20 km from Bhavnagar): Trambak is very beautiful place, trekking trails are present of length approx. 5 km from Malnath to Trambak.
• Khodiyar Temple.
• Pillgarden: A beautiful garden in the city. Also called Sardar Baug.
• Palitana: Famous for its beautiful Jain temples. A pilgrimage place for Jains.
• Velavadar: A black buck National park.