Places to visit around Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar, situated in the Saurashtra Region of Gujarat State, is a bustling port city approximately 198 kilometers away from the state capital, Gandhinagar. This city draws a significant number of visitors each year due to its appealing features. Among the city’s top attractions are the Takhteshwar Temple, Gaurishankar Lake, Victoria Park, Nilambag Palace, Shri Adishwar Temple, and numerous other sites. The Blackbuck National Park is home to blackbuck, blue bull (nilgai), and a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers, especially during the winter when many migratory species pass through the area. And while in Bhavnagar, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the popular Gujarati delicacy, ‘Gathiya.’
Worlds first known DRY DOCK Lothal
It is believed that the name “Lothal” is derived from two Gujarati words, “Loth” and “thal,” which collectively mean ‘the mound of the dead.’ This city was inhabited as early as 3700 BCE and served as a flourishing trading port. The extensive excavation of Lothal commenced on February 13, 1955, and concluded on May 19, 1960, under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), aiming to uncover the secrets of this ancient city. Archaeologists speculate that this city was a pivotal part of a significant river system along the ancient trade route connecting Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat. The excavations in Lothal have yielded the largest collection of antiquities in the field of modern Indian archaeology.
Situated approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad, this city that thrived at this archaeological site 4,500 years ago held significant importance within the Indus Valley civilization, which also extended into present-day Pakistan. Through excavations, remarkable discoveries have come to light, including the world’s oldest artificial dock, linked to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River. Notable features encompass the acropolis, lower town, bead factory, warehouses, and an advanced drainage system. This site has been proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Travelers can explore captivating findings by archaeologists, such as canals and dockyards, shedding light on the city’s pivotal role in trade. Artifacts hint at potential trade connections with Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia. An entire settlement complete with a market and dock has been unearthed in this area. Adjacent to the site, an Archaeological Museum (open from 10 am to 5 pm, closed on Fridays) showcases an array of artifacts, including jewelry, pottery, seals, religious symbols, and everyday objects.
Adhelai-Velavadar Blackbuck National Park
Location: Adhelai-Velavadar Link Road, Gujarat 364313
Timings: 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry fee: Rs.30/- per person
Visit duration: 2-3 hrs
Best time to visit: December to March
How to reach: 50 km from Bhavnagar airport, 48 km from Bhavnagar railway station.
India’s black buck population can be observed at Velavadar National Park, which is also known by an alternative name. Situated in the Velavadar district of the Bhal region within Saurashtra, this park was established in 1976. It encompasses an area of approximately 36 square kilometers, primarily characterized by grasslands and shrubbery. Within this habitat, you can encounter a variety of wildlife, including numerous black bucks (totaling around 1,500, often seen in groups of 25-30), Indian wolves, jackals, wildcats, blue bull antelopes, foxes, hares, and various other species. During the winter, the park becomes a temporary home for migratory birds such as sand grouse and larks.
Jain Temple Town Palitana near Bhavnagar
Suggested Duration – 7 to 8 hours
Perched atop the sacred terrain of Palitana, within the Shatrunjay hills, stand an astonishing three thousand splendid temples that hold deep reverence among the local Jain community. Over the span of nine centuries, the Jain society constructed numerous temples dedicated to the Tirthankars who came before the principal deity of the main temple, Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankar. These temples are crafted from pristine white marble. Every follower of the Jain faith is encouraged to undertake a pilgrimage to this sacred site, making it an ideal destination for finding inner serenity.
The heritage hotel Nilambag Palace
Location: Rajkot Road, Nilambaug Circle, Bhavnagar 364002
How to reach: Nearest train station- Bhavnagar para (2 km), 6.8 km from Bhavnagar Airport,
Constructed in the mid-nineteenth century by the German architect Simsom for Sir Takhat Singh, the Nilambagh Palace originally belonged to the Gohil family, whose ancestral title of Rawal or Raol can be traced back to their historic battle with Alauddin Khilji in Chitor. Today, this magnificent structure has been transformed into a heritage hotel. The palace represents a captivating fusion of both Indian and Western architectural influences and is attributed to the design expertise of a German architect. The palace boasts stepped arches, columned porticos, a central courtyard, a marble staircase, a well-stocked library, a lush garden, a swimming pool, and a stunning dining hall adorned with European chandeliers. Inside, you’ll find a remarkable collection of original furniture, paintings, and art pieces that are not to be missed.
The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War Nishkalank Mahadev Temple
Deity: Lord Shiva
Location: Koliyak beach near Bhavnagar, Gujarat
Timings: 6:45 am to 7:10 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Visit duration: 2-3 hrs
Best time to visit: During winters (October – March)
How to reach: 25 km from BHU airport, 33 km from Bhavnagar railway station & 1.5 km by on foot.
The city of Bhavnagar boasts yet another captivating attraction known as the Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, located in the quaint Bhavnagar hamlet of Koliyak. Situated nearly a kilometer into the ocean, one can envision the temple getting submerged during high tides, only to reemerge as the tide recedes. It’s a remarkable sight when the temple is shrouded by water, and all that’s visible is its flag. According to legend, the Pandavas are said to have crafted the Shiva Linga here, and it’s a site where they worshipped the Hindu deity Shiva. As a result, numerous devotees make an annual pilgrimage to this sacred place. If you’re interested in delving into the spiritual essence of this region, a visit to this temple is highly recommended.
India's most extensive ship-breaking yard Alang
Location: Alang, Bhavnagar, 364150
Sightseeing places: Ialang, Manar, Katava, Sathara, Trapaj, Padari, Velavadar, Gorkhi, Sartanpar, Mota Khokhara, Varal.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: Bhavnagar is nearest railway station (39 km), nearest airport Surat (67 km).
Alang stands as India’s most extensive ship-breaking yard, situated between Bhavnagar and Talaja. Approximately 2,000 workers labor tirelessly to dismantle enormous containers, super tankers, warships, and other vessels. Nearby shops are engaged in the sale of goods and articles retrieved from the ship-breaking activities.
BAPS Shri Seva Sansthan Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Deity: Lord Swaminarayan
Location: Aksharwadi Rd, Aksharwadi, Bhavnagar, 364750
Timings: 07:00 – 09:00 pm
Entry fee: No entry fee
Visit duration: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: November – March
How to reach: 4 km distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station.
The Aksharwadi Temple, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, has served as a hub for spiritual enlightenment, education, and entertainment for an extended period. Every aspect of these sacred grounds, from the main temple to the gardens, resonates with a profound sense of spirituality. This intricately designed edifice, erected by the BAPS Shri Seva Sansthan society, houses a rich array of pottery, wall paintings, and sculptures of various deities, including Lord Krishna cradling baby Kanhaji.
The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Sasan Gir
Gir National Park is the only place in the world outside Africa where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. The lions of Gir are a majestic animal, averaging 2.75 metres in length, and with a bigger tail tassle, bushier elbow tufs and prominent belly folds than his African cousin which has larger mane. Gir is a home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds.
We all know, Gir is the only natural habitat of world popular Asiatic Lions. Where our tailor made Gir Wild Life Tour Package gives you an unparalleled opportunity to watch those rare Asiatic Lions coupled with thousands of other elusive wild animals and hard-to-find birds like uncommon Asiatic wild ass, hyenas, Gir foxes, pygmy woodpecker, brown fish owl and black buck etc, it will make sure that you receive the highest standards of luxury, comfort and travel. Additionally, all this is available at very competitive rates.
The Statue of Unity
The Statue of Unity is a testimonial to the life of Sardar Patel, a role model of unity and statesmanship. The tallest statue of the world enjoys a splendidly scenic location facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam, 3.2 kilometres away. This colossal statue stands on the isle of Sadhu-Bet in River Narmada, at Ekta Nagar, District Rajpipla in the Indian State of Gujarat, with the majestic Vindhyachal and Satpuda Mountain Ranges in the backdrop. The statue is fast becoming one of the country’s top tourist attractions.
Aimed to inspire generations, the Statue showcases Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision on unity, patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance.
Adalaj ni Vav Adalaj Stepwell
Stepwells or the stepped ponds were generally built in semi-arid regions of the country especially along trade routes. These architectural sites were often used to store monsoon rains and by several pilgrims and traders passing through the way as their resting place.
Making up an essential part of Ahmedabad’s history, Adalaj Step Well was commissioned by queen Rudabai, the wife of Vaghela dynasty’s Rana Veer Singh in 1498. He was the ruler of a small kingdom denoted as Dandai Desh.
According to legends the kingdom faced acute shortage of water and to resolve the same, the king Rana Veer Singh decided to build a big stepwell. The king started the construction work but could not complete it, as he died in a battle with the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada.
Mahmud Begada fell in love with queen Rudabai and wanted to marry her. However the queen agreed to the proposal provided Mahmud completed the construction of the stepwell. After the completion of the vav, queen Rudabai asked a few saints to take bath in the water making it a holy well. She then fell into the vav and died.
As Mahmud Begada did not want any replica of the stepwell ordered the killing of the six masons involved in its construction whose tombs can be found near the stepwell. An inscription written in Sanskrit on a marble slab on the first floor indicates the history of this amazing architectural site. It states that the cost of construction was around 5,00,111 tanks or five lakhs.
