Located at the southern tip of Gujarat peninsula, Bhavnagar is known as the cultural centre of the state of Gujarat. Literary achievers like Govardhan Tripathi, Kavi Kant, Narsihm Mehta and Ganga Sati have their roots in Bhavnagar. While on one side, you’d see the careless waves of Gulf of Khambat, on the other hand, you can see the busiest port of ocean trading in India.

It is located at a distance of 98 kilometres from the capital of Gandhinagar. This region has a rich legacy dating back to the 18th century. It was a major port city and had trade links with different countries across the globe. Presently, Bhavnagar is known for housing the diamond cutting and polishing industry in India.

Bhavnagar also houses one of the oldest educational institutions, Samaldas Arts College. In 1884 Mahatma Gandhi was the student of this college. Bhavnagar is one of the finest examples of architectural brilliance and houses iconic monuments that originated in the 19th century. Some of the major tourist attractions include Nilambag Palace, Takhteshwar Temple, Barton Library, Victoria Park, Bhav Vilas Palace and more.

Places to Visit

Gaurishankar Lake

Bracketing the Victoria Park in Bor Talav, the Gaurishankar Lake is also known as the Bhavnagar Nagar. Merging along with its sister-stream, Balvatika, the Gaurishankar Lake was first created as a public reservoir in 1872. 

Alongside the Pil Garden, a dedicated space for children, the site also has a Shaiva temple. The lake is also a good sunset viewpoint. Besides, it also hosts various regional cultural events and activities. There is also a line of food stalls serving some delicious street food and other local dishes.

Nilambag Palace

The Nilambag Palace is an ancient mansion initiated by the king of Bhavnagar of the time, Maharaja Saheb Takhatsinhji. He channelled the German architect Simms towards its construction in 1879. This palace that carries out an elitist Anglo-Indian architecture was revamped as a bookable hotel in 1984. It is a part of the local heritage of the land as it has colonial historical significance.

Shopping in Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar has interesting local markets. This ancient city of Gujarat avails some antique souvenirs spread out across genres such as embroidered clothing, jewellery, intricate woodwork and handicrafts. There are an array of local street markets and malls offering an indulging shopping experience in Bhavnagar.

Victoria Park

On the edges of the Gaurishankar Lake, a few minutes from Bhavnagar is a 2-sq-km protected forest, Victoria Park. One can spot vibrant flora, various species of birds and butterflies and a large fox population. It is one of the oldest human-made forests in India, made in 1888 by Mr Proctor Sins for Maharaja Takhtasinhji of the Bhavnagar city. 

Also, the Gaurishankar Lake and Krishna Kunj lake are home to some migratory birds. The park now has a picnic site with many benches, picnic tables and concrete block pavements. Victoria Park is a great place to relax amidst lush biodiversity, just a little away from the noise of the city. You can unwind here on a day out with friends and family and revel in the beauty of the landscape.

Takhteshwar Temple

Situated along the Takteshwar Tarheti Road, this hilltop temple of Takhteshwar is one of the oldest recorded holy sites in all of Gujarat. Established in 1893, the temple is named after its founder, Maharaja Takhatsinghji, the king of the time. The pathway to the temple is more a trek laid along a marble staircase that overlooks a breathtaking view of the lush green view that brackets the site. 

This Shaiva temple cites an idol of Lord Shiva, besides a smaller Nandi statue housed on a massive courtyard held by eighteen elaborately designed pillars. The temple foothills host a line of local stalls selling temple essentials and other souvenirs. The Takhteshwar Temple attracts numerous devotees, especially during Navratri.

Water Lock Gate

Located in the city dockyard, Water Lock Gate was constructed a 100 years ago. Visitors need special permission to visit the site.

Years ago when it was built, it was done up with the intention to control water level in order to ensure the movement of boats and ships even during the low tide phase. It is a beautiful visual to watch.

Gandhi Smriti

Right in the centre of Bhavnagar city of Gujarat stands the Gandhi Smriti, which commemorates the life and service of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Constructed in 1955 and attached to a tower clock, Gandhi Smriti is one of the most frequented tourist spots in the city.

Barton museum is found on the ground floor of Gandhi Smriti, where you can find a broad range of archaeological remains of the surrounding areas. On the first floor, there rare photographs of Gandhi which take you back during the freedom movement of India, where Gandhi stood invincible. This is the Gandhi museum. The library here holds a vast collection of books and memorabilia that Gandhi used.

Barton Library & Museum

The oldest library of the city, Barton has a huge collection of books from the genres of history and culture. With the fast-paced life today, not many youngsters can be spotted in the library, you will mostly spot adults and elderly people coming over to the library with their newspapers and help in its maintenance. Barton museum is found on the ground floor of Gandhi Smriti, where you can find a broad range of archaeological remains of the surrounding areas.

Palitana

A small town located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, Palitana is noted as a popular pilgrimage site among the Jains. Another famous thing about Palitana is that the town strictly follows vegetarianism which makes it the first city in the world to abide by the vegetarian diet legally. It is no surprise that the town has listed selling of animal products (Fish, meat and eggs) or activities that involve the killing of animals to be illegal.

Bhavnagar Blackbuck National Park

Bhavnagar Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar is located in the Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India. This national park is known to provide a magical experience to its visitors. The wilderness of this national park is unrivalled. From grasslands to mud flats Bhavnagar Blackbuck National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. Know that this sanctuary has been primarily declared for the conservation of Blackbucks. You can, however, find a horde of other mammals and birds.

Must Try Food in Bhavnagar

1. Rangoli The delicacy Restaurant
2. New City Point Restaurant
3. Garnish Terrace Restaurant
4. Food Point Restaurant
5. Shrijis Garden Restaurant
6. Pooja Parlour
7. Saffron
8. The Royal Palace Restaurant
9. Yadgar Restaurant
10. Honest Restaurant

How To Get Here

Bhavnagar city is well connected with all major cities and towns of India via air, rail and road. The Bhavnagar airport is the closest local airport, which is about 4 to 6 km from the city and can be covered through a 10 to 15-minute drive. 

The Bhavnagar Railway Station, also known as the Bhavnagar Terminus at Madhia in Kumbharwada is about 2.6 to 3.2 km from Bhavnagar city. It can be reached via a 10 to 13-minute taxi or auto drop off. 

There are quite a few bus stands in Bhavnagar. The Bhavnagar State Transport Bus Stand is about 2 to 4 km from the city and can be covered either through a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk. 

By Air

Bhavnagar airport is about 5 km from the city centre. Local cabs and buses are are available for commutation. However, the Bhavnagar airport only hosts specific airlines such as Air Deccan and Alliance Air from Ahmedabad and Mumbai, respectively. 

The nearest international airport is the Surat International Airport which is approximately 345 to 380 km from the city. Although this is a massive distance, this international airport would host multiple airlines such as Air India, SpiceJet, IndiGo and Air India Express from several destinations including Bangalore, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad and Sharjah.The nearest airport is Kheria airport (8km) but it has a direct flight only to Gwalior and Khajuraho. If you are coming by flight, the nearest airports are in Delhi (4hrs), Jaipur (3 hours) and Lucknow (7hrs) 

By Road

Although Bhavnagar hosts efficient roadways with various nearby and far off cities and states, there are just a couple of picks considering the duration and distance of the drive. 

Some of the great options of starting points to either self-drive or take a taxi to Bhavnagar include Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat and Udaipur. The distance and duration between these cities are as follows:

Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar – 170 km in 3 to 4 hours

Rajkot to Bhavnagar – 175 to 200 km in 3.5 to 4.5 hours

Vadodara to Bhavnagar – 195 to 203 km in 4.5 to 5 hours

Palanpur to Bhavnagar – 308 to 350 km in 6 to 7.5 hours

Surat to Bhavnagar – 330 to 360 km in 6.5 to 7.5 hours

Udaipur to Bhavnagar – 425 to 510 km in 8.5 to 9.5 hours

By Train

The Bhavnagar railway station on the western railway line is the nearest and most efficient transit station in Bhavnagar. 

Well-connected to the rest of the country, this junction hosts trains from a couple of starting points such as Delhi, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mangalore and Surat. Some of the major trains running to and from Bhavnagar are the Tapti Ganga Express, Mahuva Express, Parasnath Express and the CCT BVC Express.