Heritage Journey

HOME | BHAVNAGAR > >>

Weather

Summer : Min: 25°C, Max:45°C
Winter : Min: 15°C, Max:35°C

History

Once the capital of the 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 visits to the town of Palitana and the sacred hill of Shatrunjaya. 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-meter climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.

PLACES TO SEE

Gaurishankar Lake

A dry lake, it is currently used for organizing fairs and other public events. It also has a picnic spot nearby and a beautiful garden known as Pil Garden.

Gangajaha

In the midst of what was formerly a tank stands the temple of Gangadevi with a chhatri or partition. Made of white marble, designed by Sir John Griffits it was built by Maharaja Takhtsinghji in memory of Maharani Majirajba in 1893 A.D.

Takhteshwar Temple

In the middle of city, on a hill a temple was built by Maharaja Takhatsihnji in 1893. This temple provides paqnoramic city view. The temple and whole compound is made of shining white marble. This is also a wide place to worship lord Mahadev and also a picnic point.

Lock Gate

The first of its kind in Gujarat, the seawater here is impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which can be seen with special permission.

Central Salt and MCRI

The more-scientifically inclined may enjoy their visit to the Central Salt and Marine Research Institute. This institute is located on Waghavadi Road and enjoys immense popularity.

Samaldas College

Among Bhavnagar's many attractions is Samaldas College, just over a hundred years old, a frontline institution that claims Mahatma Gandhi as one of its students. Do visit the Barton Library, again a place which age has not withered.

Alang

A modern wonder of Gujarat, the ship-breaking yard at Alang is a fantastic spectacle in itself. It is located on the coast between Bhavnagar and Talaja. Large ships from America, Europe, Asia are brought here to be scrapped. The reason behind the selection of this site was the nature of its tide, suitable for such maritime activities and the proximity of industrial zones that could utilize its metal and other scrap. It's India's largest ship-breaking site. Here supertankers, container ships, warships and other vessels are reduced to scrap by 20,000 workers toiling day and night.

Gopnath Beach

A beautiful hamlet on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and at a distance of 10 Kms from Talaja, the taluka headquarter of Bhavnagar district is Gopnath. Vying for eminence on the tourist circuit with development of a heritage hotel - Gopnath Bungalow, it was a pleasant sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. The bungalow built in a European colonial style with cottages and mansions surrounding the courtyard faces the sea and offers a beautiful view of the gulf.It attracts marine life and birdwatching enthusiasts to the rocky shores on the coast. It is also renowed for the temple of Gopnath Mahadev, where Narsinh Mehta is believed to have performed penance.

Mahuva

A minor part Mahuva is famous for its handicraft work in wood and ivory. Lacquer work on wooden furniture and toys is its speciality, its fertile land bears 'Jamadar' mangoes similar to the Alphonso. There is an old mosque, Laxmi-narayan Temple and a Jain Dehrasar. The Pipavav project nearby is fast coming up as a major port and coastal industrial centre.

Gadhda

Famous for its Swaminarayan Temple, Gadhada is a premier town on the pilgrim circuit of Gujarat. The temple, built in 1829 A.D. is a fine piece of architecture with a high plinth, spacious square, an assembly hall and large sarais.

HOW TO REACH BHAVNAGAR

By Air
You can reach Bhavnagar by flight from Mumbai. Bhavnagar Airport is in the south east of the city center.

By Road
Bhavnagar is well connected by road with towns and cities in Western and Northern India. Ahmedabad is 200 kms, Rajkot is 178kms and Vadodara or Baroda is 280 kms (link to Travel to Baroda page) from Bhavnagar. The main bust stand is about a kilometer from Ganga Jalia tank.

By Train
There are daily trains to Bhavnagar from Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

TOP

Designed & Developed by : www.webtechsoftwares.com