Rajasthan’s neighbor is Gujarat. Without a doubt, Rajasthan is the most traveled region of forts and palaces. Gujarat sits in its shadow and has more miniature, well-known forts and castles, but they are worth visiting to learn about the many cultures that make up the State today. The State features many palaces depicting regional cultures and lifestyles, from the dry regions of Kutch to the lush greenery of South Gujarat. Continue reading to learn more about Gujarat’s royal palaces. Book taxi service in Ahmedabad for visiting palaces in Gujrat.
Famous Gujarati Royal Palaces
Mandvi’s Vijay Vilas Palace
Mandvi once had a thriving port and was home to Yuvraj Vijay Singh of Palitana, the then-ruler who erected the Vijay Vilas Palace. The Palace was constructed in the Rajput architectural style in the year 1920 A.D. Rich carvings on the stone pillars, exquisite filigree “Jali,” and domed bastions all add to the opulence of the Palace. The palaces of Datia and Orchha share similar architectural designs with a central high dome supported by pillars and flanked by supporting domes. With its marble fountains and water systems, the courtyard is equally lovely. The Palace is now a well-liked historic hotel.
Morbi’s Art Deco Palace
Although Morbi is more well-known for its watches, it was once a royal city. The Art Deco Palace, constructed between 1931 and 1944 A.D., is an excellent example of European-style architecture. The two-story complex’s distinguishing feature is that it was built with granite and was inspired by the Charles Holden underground station in London. There are fourteen bedrooms, including one with sensual murals, six dining rooms, and six drawing rooms.
Idar’s Dolat Nivas Palace
Between 1922 and 1928 A.D., Maharaja Dolatsinhji constructed the Dolat Nivas Palace on the Hill Fort at the tapering end of the Aravalli Hills range. The Palace is halfway up the hill, but the main fort is at the top. The Palace is seven stories tall and wonderfully complements the hill’s incline.
Himmatnagar’s Dowlat Villas Palace
This extraordinary Palace was constructed between 1920 and 1930 A.D. by Maharaja Shri Mann Sinhji Saheb of Jaswantgarh, the second son of the Maharaja Dowlat Singhji Saheb of Idar. The Palace features an unusual architectural layout where the front two galleries stretch in a semi-circular shape to depict the claws, and the middle half is modeled after a scorpion’s face, body, and sting. The names Takhat Bhavan and Pratap Bhawan are given to these two galleries. Buildings at the back are called Umaid Bhawan and Mann Bhawan and are arranged to resemble the scorpion’s hind legs. While the Maharaja Shri Bhagirath Sinhji Saheb and his son Rajkumar Suryavir Sinhji reside here. A portion of the Palace has been turned into a heritage hotel.
Ranjit Vilas Palace in Rajkot and Wankaner
The Ranjit Vilas Palace, which Amarsinhji constructed in 1907, is perched on a hilltop with a view of Wankaner. The Palace was created by the emperor and was given the name Jam Ranjitsinhji of Jamnagar. A cricketer who rose to popularity internationally. The Palace is a magnificent building with lovely terrace-style facades at the front and back leading to pavilions with gothic arches. A seven-story clock tower with a stunning dome in Mughal design serves as the area’s highest point. The Palace’s hybrid architectural style, which takes some cues from the French Chateau de Chambord in the Loire. Moreover features gothic arches, Victorian windows, and Dutch roof spans. The museum has a collection of stuffed animals, paintings, spears, pistons, and thrones. In addition, the collection of historic vehicles once driven by the Maharaja. Also the stable housing Kathiawar horses are well worth a visit.
For palaces outside Ahmedabad book outstation cab from Bharat Taxi.
