Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE PRINCELY STATE OF GONDAL
Gondal, is a city, and municipality, in Gujarat. A fortified town located on the Gondali
River, and one of the eight, first class princely states of Kathiawar Agency during Bombay
Presidency. The current population of town is around 200,000 people. This formerly
Princely State has historical Palaces built by Maharajahs from the late 18th-20th centuries.
The oldest one is the Naulakha Palace, dating back to the seventeenth century. It has
legendary, stone carvings with exquisite "
jharokhas
" (balconies), a fabulous pillared court-
yard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "durbar"
hall has stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors.
The Riverside Palace was built in 1875, by Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji for his son Yuvraj
Bhojraji. This spacious palace (Aren't they all?) is now a heritage hotel, generally used for
tour groups.
The Orchard Palace Hotel is a wing of the Huzoor Palace (the present royal residence)
where the ruling family of Gondal entertained personal guests, including relatives from other
princely states of Gujarat. After all, one had to have
someplace
to entertain relatives in style.
(Not quite like our sofa bed and futons used for visiting relatives.) It is known as the Orch-
ard Palace because of its fruit orchards, lawns and gardens.
