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HERITAGE · PRINCELY STATE · LUNAWADALunawada Royals
Lunawada was a princely state of the old Mahikantha agency — a lakeside town of palaces, temples and quiet royal heritage tucked into the hills of eastern Gujarat.
A lakeside princely town
Lunawada was once the seat of a princely state in the Mahikantha region of eastern Gujarat, ruled for centuries by a Rajput dynasty. Set among lakes and low hills, the town preserves the atmosphere of that era — old palaces and gateways, temple spires reflected in still water, and the unhurried pace of a place that history has left gently behind. It rewards travellers who enjoy heritage off the beaten track.
A dynasty in the Mahikantha
Lunawada was the seat of a Rajput dynasty that ruled the state for centuries from this town in eastern Gujarat.
It was one of the Mahikantha states, a cluster of small princely territories in the hill country between Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The rulers built palaces, gateways and temples around the town's lakes, and much of that fabric survives.
The state merged into India after 1947 and the town settled into a quiet provincial life, which is largely how it remains.
Why come
Old palaces
Palaces, gateways and old town walls survive from the princely period, mostly unrestored.
Lakes
Lakes define the town's layout, and the older buildings are grouped around the water.
Temples
Temple spires rise above the lakes and reflect in them, which is the town's characteristic view.
Royal past
This is lived-in heritage rather than a preserved site; people use these buildings daily.
Off-beat
Visitors are rare, and the town has no tourist infrastructure to speak of.
Photogenic
The appeal is atmosphere — still water, weathered stone and an unhurried pace.
What to see
THE TOWNLunawada
A princely town set among lakes and low hills in eastern Gujarat.
THE HERITAGERoyal relics
Palaces, gateways and other relics of the Rajput state.
How to experience it
Wander the town
Walk the old lanes and look for the surviving gateways, which mark the limits of the old town.
Find the palaces
Find the palaces and princely buildings; most are unrestored and in ordinary use.
Sit by the lake
Go down to the lakes, especially early, when the temple spires reflect in still water.
Visit the temples
Visit the local shrines around the water, which anchor the town's daily life.
Feel the past
Take the pace as it comes. Lunawada rewards wandering rather than a checklist.
Pair with Balasinor
Combine it with the Mahisagar river country and the other Mahikantha towns nearby.
Heritage off the beaten track
Eastern Gujarat’s princely towns like Lunawada rarely feature on the tourist trail, which is part of their charm. Here the royal past survives not as a polished attraction but as lived-in heritage — a palace put to new use, a stepwell or shrine known mainly to locals, a lake that has framed the town for generations. It is Gujarat at its most quietly authentic.
Planning more of the area? Our Mahisagar guide covers the whole district.
Timing
Best for walking.
Lakes brim, hills green.
Hot inland.
⏰ Lunawada is a year-round heritage stop; winter is best for walking, and the monsoon fills its lakes.
Getting there
By Air
Vadodara / Ahmedabad.
By Rail
Lunawada / Godhra.
By Road
Eastern Mahisagar.
More in Mahisagar
65 MILLION YEARS
Jurassic Gujarat
Raiyoli’s dinosaur fossils tell a deep-time story. Explore →
FESTIVAL
Holi & Fairs
In the tribal belt of eastern Gujarat, Holi is the festival of the year — days of bonfires, drums, colour and country fairs where whole villages gather to dance in the spring. Explore →
RIVER
Mahi Worship
The Mahi river gives Mahisagar its very name — a sacred stream honoured with aartis and fairs at its ghats, where pilgrims bathe and worship the river as a living goddess. Explore →
What to eat
THALIGujarati Thali
A hearty spread.
FARSANFarsan
Savoury snacks.
SWEETSLocal Sweets
Regional treats.
CHAASChaas
Spiced buttermilk.
Lunawada Royals FAQ
What was Lunawada?
A princely state in the Mahikantha region of eastern Gujarat, ruled for centuries by a Rajput dynasty.
What is there to see?
Old palaces and gateways, lakeside settings and temples in a quiet heritage town.
Is it a busy tourist spot?
No — it is off the beaten track, which is part of its appeal.
Where is Lunawada?
In Mahisagar district, eastern Gujarat, roughly 120 km from Ahmedabad.
Can I combine it with other sites?
Yes — the Balasinor dinosaur park lies in the same district.
When should I go?
Winter for comfortable exploring; the monsoon makes the lakes and hills lush.
Across Gujarat
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Ambaji Shakti Peeth
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JYOTIRLINGASomnath Temple
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SACREDUdvada Atash Behram
India’s oldest Zoroastrian holy fire
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 3 July 2026