The palace on the hill
Wankaner — the name means ‘a bend in the river’ — was a princely state and is now a quiet town in Gujarat’s Morbi district, celebrated above all for the spectacular Ranjit Vilas Palace, residence of its ruling Jhala Rajput dynasty. Built in the early 20th century and standing on a hill overlooking the town and the Machchhu river, the palace is a flamboyant, eclectic blend of architectural styles — Italianate, Mughal, Victorian and Rajput — with a soaring clock tower, arched verandahs, domes and grand interiors.
Inside, the rooms are filled with vintage cars, hunting trophies and royal memorabilia that trace the life of a small but cultured court. Parts of the royal estate, including the older Purna Chandra Bhavan and a historic stepwell, now operate as heritage hotels, so visitors can experience the setting first-hand.
With its hilltop palace, princely heritage and unhurried town character, Wankaner offers a genuine glimpse into the opulent world of Gujarat’s former princely states. Palace visits and stays are arranged through the heritage estate, which keeps the site calm, private and well preserved.
Ranjit Vilas Palace, Wankaner.
Ranjit Vilas, and the Jhala collection inside
The eclectic royal palace.
Wankaner was ruled by the Jhala Rajput dynasty as one of Saurashtra's princely states.
The eclectic hilltop palace was built in the early 20th century as the royal residence.
Vintage cars, hunting trophies and royal memorabilia came to fill its grand interiors.
Parts of the royal estate now welcome guests as heritage hotels.
Reasons to make the time
Ranjit Vilas Palace
An eclectic architectural marvel crowning the hill above the town.
Princely heritage
The historic seat of the Jhala Rajput royal family of Wankaner.
Mixed styles
Italianate, Mughal, Victorian and Rajput elements in one building.
Vintage cars
A royal collection of classic automobiles inside the palace.
Hilltop setting
Commanding views over the town and the Machchhu river.
Heritage stays
Sleep within the royal estate and live a little like royalty.
What to look for inside
THE PALACERanjit Vilas
The flamboyant hilltop palace, the heart of Wankaner's royal heritage.
THE ESTATERoyal grounds
Heritage buildings and the vintage car collection across the royal estate.
How to spend an hour or two
See Ranjit Vilas
Take in the grand hilltop palace — the unmistakable landmark of Wankaner and its royal past.
Admire the styles
Trace the eclectic architecture, where Italianate, Mughal, Victorian and Rajput motifs meet.
View the vintage cars
Explore the royal fleet of classic automobiles preserved within the palace.
Tour the estate
Wander the royal grounds and heritage buildings that surround the main palace.
Consider a stay
Book a night in one of the heritage hotels set within the royal estate.
Pair with Morbi
Combine your visit with Morbi, the famous ceramic city about 50 km away.
The flamboyant palace.
Clock tower, domes, verandahs
Ranjit Vilas Palace is an early-20th-century hilltop palace of flamboyant, eclectic design — Italianate, Mughal, Victorian and Rajput elements brought together with a soaring clock tower, arched verandahs and domes — set above Wankaner town and the Machchhu river.
Its interiors hold vintage cars, hunting trophies and royal memorabilia, while parts of the wider estate are now heritage hotels. Visits and stays are arranged through the heritage estate, which keeps the grand rooms and quiet courtyards in fine condition.
The rest of the district is covered in our Morbi travel guide.
Eclectic Ranjit Vilas Palace
Soaring clock tower
Vintage car collection
Heritage-hotel estate
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the ideal season for an unhurried visit to the palace and town.
Green and atmospheric after the rains, with fresh air and softer light over the hill.
Hot and dry across Saurashtra — start early and keep the middle of the day light.
⏰ Arrange a palace visit or heritage stay through the Wankaner royal estate; pair it with Morbi and the Little Rann.
Timings & entry
- Palace visits are arranged via the estate
- Heritage hotels are available for stays
- It is a hilltop royal site
- Allow about a half day
- Visits are arranged via the heritage estate
- Heritage-hotel stays are available
- Please respect private royal areas
- Pair it with Morbi's sights
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot airport is the nearest, roughly 50 km away, with onward road connections to Wankaner.
By Rail
Wankaner Junction sits on the regional rail network, with trains linking Rajkot and beyond.
By Road
Wankaner lies in Morbi district, easily reached by road from Rajkot, Morbi and Halvad.
At Wankaner
PALACE & RIVER
A princely hilltop seat above the Machchhu
What to shoot
Ranjit Vilas Palace — its clock tower, domes and arched verandahs against the sky.
Detail
The vintage cars and royal memorabilia that fill the palace interiors.
Setting
The hilltop position above the town and the Machchhu river below.
Best light
The palace at golden hour, when warm light catches the eclectic facade.
Know before you go
More to see close by
RIVERMachchhu Riverfront
Calm waters at the heart of the city
Swaminarayan Mandir
A graceful sampraday shrine in town
WETLANDHalvad
Lakes & salt flats rich in birdlife
Devpara Mata
A revered local Mother-Goddess shrine
5Ceramic City
Watch tiles and clay-ware take shape by hand
Mani Mandir
An ornate palace-temple of carved stone
Where to eat near Wankaner
THALIKathiyawadi Thali
Spicy Saurashtra meals — hearty thalis rich in flavour and ghee.
FARSANFarsan & snacks
Fried Gujarati treats and savouries found across the region.
STREETLocal chaat
Simple market-town snacks from the lanes of Wankaner and Morbi.
Saurashtra veg
Expect hearty Kathiyawadi vegetarian fare — generous, spicy and satisfying.
Wankaner FAQ
What is Wankaner famous for?
Its eclectic Ranjit Vilas Palace, the seat of the Jhala Rajput royal family.
What does 'Wankaner' mean?
'A bend in the river' — a reference to its setting on the Machchhu.
What's in the palace?
Grand interiors with vintage cars, hunting trophies and royal memorabilia.
Can I stay there?
Yes — parts of the royal estate now operate as heritage hotels.
How do I visit the palace?
Via the heritage estate, by prior arrangement.
How far is Morbi?
About 50 km from Wankaner.
What styles is the palace?
An eclectic blend — Italianate, Mughal, Victorian and Rajput.
When should I visit?
October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026