Princely grace on the Gondali
A short way south of Rajkot lies Gondal, one of the most refined of Saurashtra’s former princely states and today a delightful heritage town. Its centrepiece is the Naulakha Palace, the oldest in Gondal — a gorgeous riverside structure of carved stone balconies (jharokhas), pillared courtyards, arches and a stone-carved spiral staircase, housing a royal collection of brass, silver and antiques.
Nearby, the Riverside Palace and the Orchard Palace recall the progressive court of Maharaja Bhagvatsinhji, a noted reformer, and the royal garage’s celebrated collection of vintage and classic cars is a particular draw. Gondal is also home to the revered Bhuvaneshwari Pith temple and a famous Ayurvedic pharmacy.
Elegant, leafy and unhurried, with its palaces now partly heritage hotels, Gondal offers an intimate glimpse of princely Saurashtra at its most graceful.
A pillared court of Naulakha Palace.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
Carved jharokhas of the palace.
Gondal flourishes as a Jadeja princely state.
The carved riverside palace is its centrepiece.
A reformer maharaja modernises Gondal.
A graceful heritage town of palaces.
Reasons to make the time
Naulakha Palace
Carved jharokhas and courts.
Vintage cars
A famous royal collection.
Stone carving
Balconies and spiral stair.
Princely heritage
A progressive old court.
Bhuvaneshwari
A revered temple-pith.
Riverside calm
Leafy palaces and gardens.
What to look for inside
Carved stone
Jharokhas and balconies.
Pillared halls
Inside Naulakha Palace.
How to spend an hour or two
Tour Naulakha
The carved riverside palace.
See the vintage cars
The royal garage collection.
Visit the palaces
Riverside and Orchard.
Worship at Bhuvaneshwari
The revered temple-pith.
Stroll the river
Gardens by the Gondali.
Stay heritage
Palace heritage hotels.
Carved stonework at Naulakha.
Jharokhas, courts and stone
The Naulakha Palace is the architectural jewel of Gondal: a riverside palace of finely carved stone jharokhas (balconies), arched verandahs, pillared courtyards and a famous stone-carved spiral staircase, with a darbar hall and a museum of royal antiques.
With the nearby Riverside and Orchard palaces — now partly heritage hotels — and the royal vintage-car garage, Gondal preserves a remarkably complete and graceful princely ensemble.
Carved stone jharokhas
Stone spiral staircase
Pillared royal courtyards
Vintage-car garage
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season across Rajkot.
Green countryside; the ravines and dams fill.
Hot and dry — sightsee early or late.
⏰ Combine the Naulakha Palace, the vintage cars and the Bhuvaneshwari temple; an easy day trip from Rajkot.
Timings & entry
- Palaces open daytime hours
- Entry/museum fees apply
- Allow time for the car collection
- Half to full day
- Tickets for palace and museum
- Vintage-car garage charges separately
- Photography may be limited inside
- Combine with the Bhuvaneshwari temple
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot airport (~40 km).
By Rail
Gondal has a railway station.
By Road
~38 km south of Rajkot.
At the palaces
STONE & CARS
Princely Saurashtra in detail
What to shoot
Carved jharokhas and courts.
Detail
The vintage-car collection.
Carving
The stone spiral staircase.
Best light
Palace facades at golden hour.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Ranchhodji Temple
A beloved Krishna shrine
Bhuvaneshwari Gondal
Race Course
Rajkot's central grounds, gardens & events
Rashtriya Shala
Gandhi's centre for crafts & education
Jubilee Garden
A colonial-era park in the city heart
Kaba Gandhi no Delo
Gandhi's childhood home, now a museum
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's fried snacks.
Chaat & bhajiya
Rajkot's lively street food.
Penda & chikki
Rajkot's famous penda sweets & chikki.
Gondal FAQ
What is Gondal famous for?
Its princely palaces — especially Naulakha — and a celebrated vintage-car collection.
What is the Naulakha Palace?
Gondal's oldest palace, famed for carved jharokhas, courts and a stone spiral staircase.
What else can I see?
The Riverside and Orchard palaces, the vintage cars and the Bhuvaneshwari temple.
Where is Gondal?
About 38 km south of Rajkot.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes — the palaces, museum and car garage charge tickets.
Can I stay in a palace?
Yes — some Gondal palaces are heritage hotels.
When should I visit?
October to March, as a day trip from Rajkot.
What's the temple there?
The revered Bhuvaneshwari Pith.
Related places across Gujarat
Palitana Shatrunjaya
Regional Vavs
Carved stepwells scattered across the district
Indian Wild Ass
Flamingos and waders on the Rann's quiet edge
Unai-area Shrines
Pilgrim spots near the forest edge
Swaminarayan Temple, Bhuj
A dazzling marble-and-gold temple in Bhuj
Nadiad Santram Mandir
The revered seat of Santram Maharaj
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