An interesting excursion from Junagadh, about 64 km away, Gondal has many tourist attractions. The 17th century Naulakha Palace is particularly beautiful, with stone carvings, a pillared courtyard, magnificent jharokhas (balconies), carved arches, a spiral staircase, a grand durbar hall and gilt wooden furniture. A stone's throw away lies the majestic Riverside Palace, situated on the banks of River Gondali. Set amidst gardens and lawns, the palace boasts a marvellous living room that exudes colonial charm with antique wooden furniture, British-style chandeliers and sofas. The Indian room is a must-visit as the decorations of brassware, paintings and beadwork are quite enchanting. There are many pretty sit-outs on the terrace, from where tourists can get spectacular views of the river and gardens. The Riverside Palace was built by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji, of the princely Gonda state, for his son Yuvraj Bhojraji in 1875 AD. A museum housed in the palace gives an account of the glorious days gone by through exhibits like the silver caskets that carried gifts and messages for Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji, etc.

 

The Orchard Palace is another attraction that is set in a huge complex of lawns and gardens and sweet-smelling fruit orchards. It is a wing of the present royal residence of the Huzoor Palace. Tourists should see the enchanting room of miniatures, a sitting room boasting a fine collection of brass, antique furniture and miniature paintings.

 

Next on the list is the vintage Royal Garages that host an extensive collection of classic cars like 1935 Packard two-door convertible, a Delage and a Daimler from the 1920s, 1955 Cadillac limousine, 1941 and 1947 Cadillac, four-wheel drive vehicles from the World War II etc. Some of these still carry the original Gondal state plates. Other attractions include the Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Bhuvaneshwari Stud Farm, Swaminarayan Temple and Sangram Sinhji High School, which is modelled after Eton, in England.

Other Attractions in Junagadh