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Bhavnagar is a coastal city in Gujarat, India, on the western shore of the Gulf of Khambhat, famous for its white marble Takhteshwar Temple, its royal palaces and lakes, and as the gateway to the Jain temples of Palitana and the blackbuck grasslands of Velavadar.
Founded in 1723 by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the city was the capital of the princely state of Bhavnagar, and in 1948 its Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji became the first ruler to merge his state into the Union of India. The young Mohandas Gandhi studied at the city's Shamaldas College, and Bhavnagar is still loved for its crisp ganthiya and jalebi.
Visitors climb to Takhteshwar Temple for city views, walk around Gaurishankar Lake and through Victoria Park, and admire the marble Gangajalia Temple. Day trips lead to the hilltop shrines of Palitana, the sea temple of Nishkalank Mahadev, the ship-breaking beaches of Alang and the herds of blackbuck at Velavadar.
Takhteshwar Temple is a white Shiva temple on a hill in Bhavnagar, built in 1893 on a high plinth and named after Maharaja Takhtsinhji. Its tall spire rising above a pillared hall is a city landmark, and the hilltop gives a commanding view over the rooftops of Bhavnagar.
Gaurishankar Lake, also known as Bor Talav, is a large lake on the edge of Bhavnagar named after Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza, chief minister of the old Bhavnagar State. Its gardens and the small Thapnath Mahadev temple by the water make it a favourite spot for evening walks and birdwatching.
Victoria Park in Bhavnagar is a large protected scrub forest in the heart of the city, often described as the only urban forest in Gujarat. Shady trails wind past the Krishnakumarsinhji lake, and walkers may spot nilgai, peafowl and many other birds. Mornings are the best time to visit.
Nilambag Palace in Bhavnagar was built in 1894 as a royal residence for the Maharajas of Bhavnagar, designed by William Emerson, who later designed the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Set in large gardens, it blends Indian and European styles and is now a heritage hotel, open to staying guests.
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a richly decorated Hindu temple of the Swaminarayan tradition in Bhavnagar, with carved stone domes, slender spires and pillared halls. Its bright shrines and calm courtyard welcome visitors, and the temple is especially lively during major Hindu festivals.
Gangajalia Temple, known locally as Ganga Deri, is a white marble temple in central Bhavnagar dedicated to the goddess Ganga, built in 1893 in the middle of a former tank. Its graceful chhatri, pavilion and bridge, all of white marble, were designed by Sir John Griffith of the J. J. School of Art.
Palitana Temples crown Shatrunjaya hill near Palitana, about 50 km southwest of Bhavnagar, with almost 900 marble Jain shrines, the oldest dating to the 11th century. Pilgrims climb around 3,500 stone steps to the main temple of Rishabhanatha. Start before dawn, as the climb is long and hot.
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple is a Shiva shrine standing in the sea off Koliyak, on the coast east of Bhavnagar, with five lingas linked in legend with the Pandava brothers. It can be reached on foot only at low tide, when pilgrims wade out to the flagpole. Check the tide times before you go.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park is a protected grassland north of Bhavnagar, created in 1976 in the Bhal region beside the Gulf of Khambhat. Large herds of blackbuck graze its plains, along with nilgai, wolves and the rare lesser florican, and harriers gather in winter roosts. Visit at dawn.
Alang Ship Breaking Yard on the coast about 50 km from Bhavnagar is the world's largest ship-breaking yard, where huge ocean-going vessels are beached and taken apart by hand. Entry to the yards is restricted, but roadside markets sell salvaged ship fittings, furniture and lamps.
Hathab Beach is a quiet stretch of sand on the Gulf of Khambhat south of Bhavnagar, home to the Hathab Bungalow eco-tourism complex with simple tourist huts. Wide views over the gulf, cool sea breezes and few crowds make it a peaceful escape from the city. Sunsets here are especially lovely.
Gopnath Beach is a rocky beach on the Gulf of Khambhat south of Bhavnagar, near Talaja, with the old Gopnath Mahadev temple and a lighthouse standing above the shore. Low cliffs, tide pools and sea views make it a popular day trip from the city, best visited in the cooler months.
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