Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Museum is virtually a living testimonial to the Indian Legend in true sense, Mahatma Gandhi. He selflessly devoted his entire life to the struggle for independence and his doctrine on "Ahimsa" or Non-Violence is still reckoned to be the most lethal weapon that can demoralize and finally compel the foe to give up without a single drop of blood-shed. Mahatma Gandhi will always be an icon for the youth and live in our hearts through his immortal beliefs and wide-spread love and warmth. He is that person who virtually changed India's destiny single-handedly and sowed the seeds of brotherhood and peace which have bloomed into independent and secular India.

The Gandhi Museum has been erected in order to commemorate this great human being and inspire the coming generation to continue the fight against evil keeping in mind, 'Ahimsa', or Non-Violence.

Special Attractions

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• Extremely uncommon snaps that portray memorable moments of Gandhiji's life's are displayed in Gandhi Museum. The visitors through viewing these priceless moments of the legend himself on film can relate themselves with him and realize that he was not so different from us, but it was his sheer will-power and courage that helped him to succeed in his endeavor to free India.
  
  
• The Gandhi Museum also houses many letters, other documents and other possessions of "The Father of the Nation".
  
  
• There is also ample scope for prayers, documentary movies, recordings made from his lectures for the visitors.
  
  
• The address of Gandhi Museum in Gujarat is :-
  Gandhi Smriti
  Bhavnagar 364001
  
  

The Gandhi Museum at Gujarat is open to the viewers from 8:30 am to 12 pm and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm during the summer season and from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm during the winter season.

Bhavnagar Tourism

Bhavnagar Tourism

Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a carefully chosen strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan.

The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and had 3 capitals- Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor; before finally establishing Bhavnagar as their capital.

The old town of Bhavnagar was a fortified town with gates leading to other important towns of the region. The Darbargadh (royal residence) was located at the center of the town. The rulers of Bhavnagar subsequently shifted to Motibag and Nilambag Palace.

Bhavnagar remained a major port, for almost two centuries, trading commodities with Africa,Mozambique, Zanzibar, Singapore and the Persian Gulf. This flourising maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town.

Present day bhavnagarm owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). The town planning schemes were designed and implemented under the guidance of progressive rulers of Bhavnagar. During the reign of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital.

Gopnath Beach

Gopnath Beach is situated in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Kambhat, at a distance of 75 km from the city of Bhavnagar. Gopnath is a pristine beach known for its natural beauty. Gopnath was once the summer residence of Maharajah Krishna Kumar Sinhji of Bhavnagar. He was supposedly, one of the top 50 richest rulers of India. The spell bounding beauty of the beach is one of the major reasons for the tourist influx to this place.

Gopnath beach is known for its scenic beauty, limestone cliffs, natural surroundings and fascinating flora and fauna. A visit to the beach is an excellent way to relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The place is also home to a mansion built by the Maharaja for his comfortable stay. The mansion is now a tourist attraction for the people who come here. It was built in 1940s and has a huge complex, comprising of official chambers, residential quarters and cottages for the guests. Today, it provides limited accommodation facilities for the tourists.

Though there is no dining facility available in the mansion, you can enjoy fresh sea food and delectable home cooked Kathiawari meal nearby. Gopnath beach is very good for long walks. However due to high tidal pressure, it is not very suitable for swimming. Gopnath Beach attracts a number of marine life and bird watching enthusiasts. Apart from this, you can also go on a sight seeing tour around the place. The main attraction includes Talaja, a Jain temple complex spiraling up a 350 foot volcanic hill, 1st century Buddhist caves and a Hindu temple formed out of one of the caves.

The 700 year old, Gopnath Temple is a must visit site. It is perhaps the only temple in India which hoists two color flags. One is white, denoting the Vishnu temple, whereas the second is saffron, depicting the Shiva shrine. It is at this place that the renowned poet Narsinh Mehta attained enlightenment. The temple is surrounded by a many budget accommodations like dharamshalas and guest houses. Other one of the fascinating sites nearby is Alang. It is the largest ship breaking zone in the world.

Tourism in Bhavnagar

Tourism in Bhavnagar

Tourism of Gujarat is a rich source of information for the tourists who need to explore and seek out the attractions and travel destinations of Bhavnagar, located in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, takes the tourist on a journey across the length and breadth of the town of Bhavnagar, located in Gujarat, India. Tourism of Gujarat, offers information that Bhavnagar, situated in Gujarat, India, is a famous trading point for a multitude of cotton products which are one of the chief attributes of the city of Bhavnagar, located in Gujarat, India. Bhavnagar, situated in Gujarat, India, is also a commercially important city as it enjoys proximity to the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea in India.

Bhavnagar, situated in Gujarat, India, has few historical monuments as it happens to be a modern city. Still, Bhavnagar, located in Gujarat, India, is home to the popular pilgrimage of Takhteshwar, located in Gujarat, India, which houses the lingam of Lord Shiva and enjoys a rich attendance every year. The Gandhi Smriti or the Gandhi memorial offers another important travel destination to be visited by the tourists and the localites, alike Gandhi memorial bears the photographs and memorabilia out of the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi

Saurashtra

Location
Palitana is located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, 51 km south west of Bhavnagar. It is a part of the Saurashtra region famed for its spectacular temple sites, cities, beautiful beaches, and wildlife. The town has a good road and rail network that connects it to the other cities of Gujarat, especially Bhavnagar. History
The act of ascending a path to reach a place of pilgrimage is a part of the Hindu and Jain consciousness, which is why many of their holiest temples are located along hills and mountain ranges. The Jains have five separate hill locations for their holiest clusters of temples and Shatrunjaya Hill, Palitana is considered the most important among them. Another group is in Girnar (Junagadh), not too far away, while others are in Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

UTELIA PALACE

UTELIA PALACE

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Around 150 kilometers from Baroda, 78 kilometers from Ahmedabad and en route to Bhavnagar, the Palace Utelia is a grandiose turn-of-the-century haveli (mansion), which is specially imposing when compared to the hutments that crowd its high walls. The architectural style is predominantly Indo-Saracenic, and includes domes, pillars, arches and Gujarati haveli style facades.

NILAMBAGH PALACE

NILAMBAGH PALACE

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Set among 40,000 feet of luxuriant lawn, groves and gardens, the Nilambagh was built in 1895/6 by William Emerson. The entrance is a pillared porch with Gothic arches and an austere period piece reception counter that opens onto a lobby of sofas, exotically colored carpets, life-size portraits, antique furniture, stuffed leopards and mounted trophies. From here one enters a paved courtyard, surrounding a fountained pleasure pool, around which the palace was erected. The 26 double bedrooms, including 2 executive suites, are furnished lavishly with period furniture.

Takhteshwar Temple

Takhteshwar Temple

City : Bhavnagar

Takhteshwar Temple is located on a hill, on a high plinth, near the Takhteshwar railway station on the railway line between Bhavnagar and mahuva. A Temple was built by Maharaja Takhatsihnji. The high shikhara rising above the pillared rectangular mandapa makes it an important landmark. Made of pure marble and constructed in late nineteenth century. The picturesque view from the temple adds to the serenity of the place. It is a beautifull edifice with scenic Environs. This temple provides paqnoramic city view.

Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Bhavnagar was founded as a Port in 1723 AD near the Gulf of Khambhat, on a location having potential of maritime trade. Till independence, Bhavnagar State was ruled by the Gohil Rajput clan. It is a sprawling city with distinctly separate old and new sections. It is located in the peninsular part of the state of Gujarat, in the western region of India. Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil in 1723 AD on the site of a small village of Vadva, near the creek. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD. It was the time of persistent Maratha raids of the States of Saurashtra. The last princely ruler Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948 on the advice of Gandhiji.

Bhavnagar is an important trading centre for cotton goods manufactured in Gujarat. Today, activities related to the sea near Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which has also Asia's largest ship breaking Yard. It remained a major port For almost two(2) centuries, trading commodities with Africa, Mozambique, Zannibar, Singapore and the Persian gulf. The Bhavnagar lock gate keeps ships a float in the city's port at low tide. This flourising maritime trade resulted in the high rate of urbanization surplus wealth and cosmopolitan culture of the town. Present day Bhavnagar owes much to the vision of the past ruler Sir Takhtsinhji Gohil (1869-96 AD). The town planning schemes were designed and implemented under the guidance of progressive rulers of Bhavnagar. During the reign of Sir Takhtsinhji, the British State Engineer Proctor Sims supervised the construction of Barton Library, High Court, Alfred High School and Sir Takhtsinhji Hospital.

Bhavnagar is near the Gulf of Cambay. Bhavnagar is at sea level. Though Bhavnagar is near the coast and experiences coastal climate, yet it has hot summers. Winters are cool. It experiences southwestern monsoon rains. As Bhavnagar is near the coastline, it is generally humid throughout the year. Like most parts of Gujarat, Bhavnagar is also known for its traditional handicrafts, which include embroidery and high quality appliqué work. Locally made tie and dye and block-printed fabrics are also popular. The main shopping center is located in Darbargarh area of the city. Population : 1300,000* Climate : Summers Max - 44°C Min - 24°C* Winters Max - 32°C Min - 15°C *

Bhavnagar is 225 km from Ahmedabad and 690 km from Mumbai (Bombay). It is easily accessible from any part of India besides the other cities of Gujarat. The excellent road network, railway system and the air linking make Bhanvnagar a travel destination. Bhavnagar has an airport, which is southeast of the city center. Gandhinagar, Vadodra, Rajkot, Palitana and Jamnagar are easily accessible through road.

Tulsishyam Tourist Center With Hot Water Springs

Tulsishyam Tourist Center With Hot Water Springs

Photo Gallery

This is a tourist center for followers of Lord Vishnu in Una sub-district of Junagadh District. Situated in the center of Gir, to 30 km from the town of Una, it is known for its great natural beauty. It has additional attraction of Hot Water springs and in the Puranas these are refened to as 'Taptodak' .Legend says that Lord Krishna eliminated the demon called Tul and so the place is associated with his name along with
that of Krishna as Shyam and is thus called Tulsishyam. A story from the Puranas says that a demon called Jalandhar had great strength. His wife Vrinda was a very pious lady. No one in the three Loks could defeat Jalandhar and so even the gods were now tired of him. They appealed to Lord Vishnu for this, and the Lord assumed the fonn of the demon and went to his wife Vrinda and thus her 'pativrata' status came to an end. As the demon returned the trick was revealed to her and she cursed the Lord to turn into a stone. But she regretted her anger and so sat on a funeral pyre and burned herself to death. Lord Vishnu also regretted that he had resorted to such a trick on her to punish her husband. At the site of the pyre a plant of Tulsi had come up, and Lord Visnhu now began to shower His love over it. He promised that.he will marry her in her next birth. Then Vrinda was born as Rukmini and she married Lord Krishna who was the Avatar of Lord Vishnu. This is why it is said that the Tulsi plant is very dear to Lord Vishnu and it acquired another name, Vishnupriya. On the 11th day of bright half of Kartik month, Tulsi man'ies Lord Shaligram, and on this day the 'Annakuta' is distributed. This place also has a temple of Kunti.

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Palitana - Vijayvilas Palace

Palitana - Vijayvilas Palace

Way :
Ahmedabad - 215 KM

Photo Gallery

If you wish to visit Vijayvilas palace at Palitana you may have two purposes fulfilled. You may have pleasure of enjoying a princely stay at the Vijayvilas palace and you may have a pilgrimage of the world famous Palitana temple complex.

As you go to the pilgrimage of the lain temples of Palitana an if you stay in this palace for the night, you are investing your time very well, for you would have a great experience here. Vijaysinhji Gohil built this palace in 1906 when it was a principality. The place was already very famous for the series of grand lain temples that dot the peaks of the Shatrunjay mountain range here.

This palace today has 6 large rooms decorated in antique style, though some European influence also is easily seen. Situated as it is very near the temples, this palace allows the visitor for a pilgrimage as well as other pleasures of travel too. The Dining Hall serves to the Jains and also other visitors all kinds of items they order, and this is its specialty. The tourist can visit Bhavnagar city, Shihor, the ship-breaking yard of Alang and the Velavadr National Park of Kaliyar Deer

Gopnath

Gopnath

Plane :
Bhavnagar - 61 KM

Railway :
Bhavnagar - 64 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 209 KM

Photo Gallery

We move on to the nearby temple of Gopnath. Talaja was the birthplace of Narsimh Mehta. It also has very ancient Buddhist caves. Then we go to the seacoast nearby at Gopnath. The sea presents an attractive scenario and the renovated old Shiva temple Gopnath is now not only large but also has even a government guesthouse for visitors.

Legend says that sulking after his sister in law's remarks, Narsimh left home and spent the night here, and here Lord siva was pleased by his devotion nough to appear before hi. Then on Narsimhs request, Shiva took him to witness the 'Raslila' of Lord Krishna. Now Narsimh was almost born again and led a different life of devotion to Krishna that has become a legend in itself. This place of pilgrimage has a Shiva temple besides temples of shri Nrisimh Bhagvan, Shri Radha-Krishna and Shri Mahakali. A Gayatri temple is also present, along with the Swaminarayan Prathana Mandir and footprints of shriji Maharaj. The festivals of the followers of Lord Shiva, Vishnu as well as shakta sects are celebrated here. At 12 a.m. and 7 p.m. everyday people are invited to partake of the 'Harihar prasad'. In hte last three days of the month of Shravan a grand Fair is organized, and is known as Bhadarvi Amaas no Melo. (in northen india according their calender) Nearly 6 to 7 lakhs of devotees visit Gopnthji temple and the vedic mantras are chanted with great grace and grandeur during festivals, worship is offered and prasad distributed.

Bhavnagar - Neelambaug Palace

Bhavnagar - Neelambaug Palace

Way :
Ahmedabad - 179 KM

Photo Gallery

The royal palace of Bhavanagar, named Neelam Baug, is noted for its artistic structure. This heritage hotel has five star international standard facilities. In 1895 William Emerson built this Palace. He was also the architect of such distinguished structures as Crawford Market at Mumbai and the Victoria Memorial at Calcutta. A huge area of 40,000 sq. ft. surrounds the palace with beautiful garden and lawns. The fountains are in all the corners. An old cannon is placed at the entrance.

As we enter its huge hall, the artistic and colorfullife-size royal oil paintings, antique furniture, carved tables and chairs, besides stuffed heads of wild animals, variety of things used in hunting games of the late rulers, etc. are present to awe you with the images of lifestyle of times past.

This three-storied grand building has 23 bedrooms with double beds and 2 airconditioned suits. The facilities are modem while the royal furniture is artistically alTanged and very well maintained to give a royal feeling to viewer and user alike. In the dining hall the huge crystal" chandeliers remind you of the glorious past of the city. The charm of eating outdoors fonn a well laid out table is a practice on fascinates many foreign visitors and most of these visitors from cooler countries enjoy their dinners in this fashion. The Roman Bath is the real distinguishing feature of Neelambaug, though. Fashioned after the ancient Roman bath architecture, the floors and steps are decorated with mosaic designs. This is considered one of the rare high profile swimming pools of the country. Even those ~ visitors, who do not usually swim, would like to spend some time for sheer pleasure it provides. For those fond of forests, a jeep safari and a visit to the nearby Velavadar National Park of the Kaliar Deer can be arranged.

Excursions can also be arranged to visit the following interesting places. World's largest ship breaking yard 50 kms. Shiva Temple on Takhteswar hill- 2 kms. Gauri Shankar Lake - 3 kms. Shihor Fort and the Frescos, 350 years old - 25 kms.Piram Island - 25 kms

Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar

Plane :
Bhavnagar - 0 KM

Railway :
Bhavnagar - 0 KM

Way :
Ahmedabad - 171 KM

Photo Gallery

A city throbbing with education as well as industry, Bhavnagar is also a cultural city. It was an impOliant center for the freedom struggle activities too. Even after the Independence, the Rashtriya Mahasabha held its conference only in this city. When the plan was drawn up to merge the Indian native kingdoms into Indian Union, the Herculean efforts to that end made by Sardar Patel were successful as the ruler of Bhavnagar, Shri Krishnakumarsinhji, was the first to offer co-operation on his own and to join the Union.

Since a very long time, Bhavnagar had been promoting cultural activities. Its ruler had facilitated Kavi Dalpatram and many other dignitaries of literary world. The love of its rulers for art also made them patronize and encourage many artists, like Kavi Kant, Painters like Ravishankar Raval and Somalal Shah, photographer Jagan Mehta and other talented people. Gandhiji studied in its Shamaldas College. The famous diplomats 'Gaga Oza' and Prabhashankar Pattani and his son Anantrai Pattani, all were leaders of their period before Independence.

In modern times also the Mahila College besides many that have come up, schools, Sir Prabhashankar Pattani Institute of Science, Commerce College, Law College, Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya, Bhavsinhji Polytechnic etc. are working here. Among the educationist institutions the list would not be complete without mentioning· Oakshinamurti'. Nanabhai Bhatt began a unique experiment by establishing this institute for education at foundation level. He began this unique teaching institute at Bhavnagar first and then he shifted it to the Ambla village, as he wanted to work from village base later.

At 'Gandhismruti' we find a number of things that commemorate this beloved son of Gujarat, Gandhiji. The Barton Library, oldest in the erstwhile state, has thousands of precious books, while the Barton Museum gives us an idea bout the traditional love for artistic creations and antiquities of the state. A very remarkable institute of Bhavnagar is 'Lokmilap', a publication finn managed by Mahendra Meghani. Lokmilap goes straight to the reader through various schemes, and make a large number of books available to him at a very cheap rate.

Other places of interest in Bhavnagar include the old Darbargadh, town hall etc. The town hall was built in 1932 where the state legislature used to hold sessions; it was here that the crowning ceremony of Krishnakumar had also taken place. We find places of worship of all faiths in Bhavnagar; such as lain temples or Derasar, temples, mosques and churches. An Agiary or the Fire Temple of the Parsees is also found here. As the port of Alang is very nearby, we also find a market of the goods obtained from the ship-breaking activities of that port, and named after it as Alang Bazaar. The ruler of Bhavnagar also had a very good collection of birds. So, now we move on to lunagadh. the most ancient-historical city-which we are to visit in this travel.