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Gondal Travels
Gondal is a testimony to the great visionary ruler Sir Bhagwatsinhiji,
who introduced social reforms, planned the development of Gondal town
and created a model state of Saurashtra in late 19th and early 20th century.
Gondal, the capital of the former princely State of Gondal, was ruled
by the Jadeja Rajput clan, till the independence of India. It is a fortified
town located on the river Gondali.
Sir Bhagwatsinhji's high education and extensive tours to Europe enhanced
his aesthetic taste, which can be seen in the architecture and planning
of public buildings, parks, bazaars dn palaces builts during his regime.
One of the oldest and most beautiful of Gondal palaces, the Navlakha palace
complex (17th century), is situated on a river bank, on a grand masonary
base, rising to the monumental scale of at least 30 meter above the river
bed. The palace is approached by the high gateway with the clock tower
from the town side. The entrance leads to a huge open space with administrate
blocks on height and a grand stairfcase with balustrade on the extreme
left corner leading to the intricately carved pavilions on the open terrace.
The grand Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long
balcony supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river.
Darbar Hall, with a series of huge windows opening onto a long balcony
supported by intricately carved brackets, overlooks the river. Darbar
Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and
anitique Belgian mirrors. The private palace museum displays artifacts,
gifts and messages received by Sir Bhagwatsinhji, on his 50th birthday.
Other two Royal Palaces- the Riverside Palace and Orchard Palace are converted
into heritage hotels. The Riverside Palace is located at the edge of the
Gondali river; built in colonial style of architecture, amidst a garden
with huge trees. The living room is decorated in European taste, while
the Indian room has brassware, beadwork and paintings in typical Indian
style. The series of galleries and terraces ot the palace building bring
nature close to the visitors of this heritage hotel.
The Orchard Palace was originally a state guest house, built in colonial
style with an arcade of semi circular arches, set in the midst of fruit
orchards. The garden in the front, a beautiful fountain with lily pond
and marble statues enhances the beauty of the palace. The main sitting
room has a collection of paintings, antique furniture, bird eggs and
many interesting art objects.
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