Bhavsinhji Gohil established Bhavnagar, a prominent port city and trading hub, in Gujarat, India, in October 1723. It was modernized under British blueprints, and eventually, railways and other infrastructure were built. Today, it is about shipbreaking in Alang, diamond polishing, and salt production while conserving rich cultural and architectural heritage. In this blog, I have written about the five best places to visit in Bhavnagar.
Top 5 tourist places to visit in Bhavnagar
Let us look at Bhavnagar’s top 5 tourist places, briefly explaining their history and overview.
1. Takhteshwar Temple
History: Built in 1893 by Maharaja Takhatsinhji, this temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Standing on a small hillock, this was built when the rulers of Bhavnagar were busy with modernization, peripheral and cultural.
Overview: Takhteshwar Temple is an iconic white marble architectural building with breath-taking city views. Devotees and tourists alike are drawn to the temple due to its peacefulness and carved stones.
Best Time to Visit:
Early Morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) or Late Evening (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
These are the times you can escape from the heat, relish in its cooling breath, and absorb raspberry- eye views of Hyderabad. It also looks beautiful in the sunrise and sunset.
Why: The temple is situated on a hill, and the early or late visits would escape the midday heat and allow for an immersive experience.
Distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station: 3 km
Distance from Bhavnagar Airport: 7 km
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Virgo Sumeria: A hotel close to the city center providing modern facilities and equipment provides easy access to the temple.
- The Fern Bhavnagar – Iscon Club: A mid-level hotel with neat rooms and good facilities; around 10-15 minutes from Takhteshwar Temple
- EFCEE Sarovar Portico (5 km) – A more upscale choice offering modern amenities.
2. Nilambag Palace
History: Built-in 1859 by Maharaja Takhtsinhji, the palace was home to the Gohil dynasty of Bhavnagar. German engineers, who use a blend of Indo-European armature, designed it.
Overview: Nilambagh Palace, now a heritage hostel, is all about being royal. With its green auditoriums, quaint innards, and antique cabinetwork, the palace allows callers to step into the shoes of Bhavnagar’s erstwhile rulers.
Distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station: 3.5 km
Distance from Bhavnagar Airport: 8 km
Best Time to Visit:
Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) or Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Hotel guests can wander outside the palace all day, but visiting in the morning and afternoon is best for seeing royal architecture and gardens.
Why: The Palace is a hotel, so remember the best time to visit. Light for photography and visiting the area is best in the morning or afternoon.
Nearby Hotels:
- Nilambagh Palace Hotel (0 km) – For an immersive royal experience, this hotel is the best option. This is the right choice; being an iconic heritage hotel also gives luxury and comfort to travelers visiting to live royal history with grandeur.
- Top3 Lords Resort (4 km) – A nearby modern resort for a comfortable stay.
3. Victoria Park (History and overview of this place)
History: Under British influence, the timber reserve was established in the late 19th century as a stalking ground and conservation area for Maharajas.
Overview: Victoria Park is an ecological gem as it hosts inconceivable biodiversity, similar to migrating catcalls and numerous factory species, over a 500-acre area. The park, a haven for bird watchers and nature suckers, also has walking trails and provides sanctuary from the city.
Best Time to Visit:
Early Morning (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM) or Late Evening (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
This is an excellent time for walking, raspberry watching, and keeping out of the day’s heat. The park is well suited for a morning jog or an evening walk.
Why: Earliest ticket openings and evening time slots are best for exploring trees and wildlife when it is warmest in the park but bearable.
Distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station: 4 km
Distance from Bhavnagar Airport: 9 km
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Clarks Collection Bhavnagar (3 km) – A reliable option with excellent services.
- EFCEE Sarovar Portico (5 km) – A comfortable hotel with excellent facilities.
- The Fern Bhavnagar: This is a little more on the luxurious side, and it is located about 10-15 min away from Victoria Park, with great amenities & comfortable stay.
4. Gaurishankar Lake (Bor Talav)
History: Gaurishankar Lake, also known as Bor Talav, was erected in the 19th century as the city’s water force. The lake has been erected as a water force to break the water failure issue in Bhavnagar by furnishing a sustainable drinking water source for the original population and nearby areas.
Overview: Bor Talav is a place that can attract locals and tourists since it offers ambiance and view. Today, it is a calm rest area with gardens, picnic spots, and playgrounds around the lake. The best site for evening walks, the family scene comes alive at dusk with several tourists enjoying boating experiences and postcard views.
Best Time to Visit:
Morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) or Evening (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
Early morning and evening are the best times to take in the lake when it is most beautiful, given that these hours offer a cool temperature to add to peace and quietness around.
Why: The lake gets a lot of sun in the middle of the day, so early mornings and evenings are the best time for a laid-back experience and to watch the sunset.
Distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station: 4.5 km
Distance from Bhavnagar Airport: 8 km
Nearby Hotels:
- Top3 Lords Resort (4 km) – A nearby resort with modern amenities.
- Nilambagh Palace Hotel (5 km) – If you prefer staying in a historic property.
5. Alang Ship Breaking Yard
History: Alang was set up in the early 1980s and has grown to become one of the most extensive shipbreaking yards in the world, recovering ships from around the world.
Overview: Though men primarily cut ships here, tourists flock to nearby beaches to watch the towering vessels be dismantled and recycled. It reflects the city’s unique industrial economy and puts Bhavnagar on the world map of the shipbreaking market.
Best Time to Visit:
Morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
The yard is an industrial site, and morning would be the most appropriate time for visiting since there will be a lot of activity where you can precisely see parts of the shipbreaking process.
Why: Alang is a bit industrial; hence, it is open for business hours in the morning. Nonets, access is usually limited, so you need to check for approval from local authorities or take a tour in advance.
Distance from Bhavnagar Railway Station: 54 km
Distance from Bhavnagar Airport: 59 km
Nearby Hotels:
- Hotel Bluehill (50 km) – The closest hotel option for visitors to Alang.
- Hotel Virgo Sumeru (52 km) – Another good option in Bhavnagar city, about an hour’s drive from Alang. Ideal for those traveling to Alang Shipbreaking Yard, this hotel is slightly nearer the center of the town.
There is a variety of luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels that visitors can choose from according to their choices and travel budgets.
More Travel Advice for Getting Around:
Local Transport Apps: Similar to taxis, there are apps like Ola and Uber that operate in Bhavnagar but may not operate at all times. Local transport services or hotels also offer bookings, which saves time.
Rental Vehicles: Rent an auto, bike, or scooter to explore the megacity and its numerous attractions.
No transport for walkable areas: In the case of visiting attractions like Takhteshwar Temple and Victoria Park, there will not be any need for transport as long as one way to get to your hotel.
Conclusion
These places give a rich insight into Bhavnagar’s biography, offering diversity from historical relevance to royal legacy followed by captivating natural beauties and potential industries. Whether exploring temples, learning about royal heritage, or admiring natural landscapes, Bhavnagar offers something for every traveler. Each location is best enjoyed with a bit of planning, whether you’re looking for peace, adventure, or insight into the history and future of Gujarat.
FAQ
- What are the top tourist places in Bhavnagar?
Bhavnagar is home to famous places such as the Takhteshwar Temple, Nilambagh Palace, Victoria Park, Gaurishankar Lake (Wellington tank or Bor Talav), and Alang Shipbreaking Yard. Each site offers something unique, from scenic vistas to architectural heritage and from nature to industry.
- When can one visit Bhavnagar?
October to February refrains from being cold but pleasant climatic conditions, which signifies the best time to visit Bhavnagar. Summer can get extremely hot, and the monsoons (June to September) are moderate.
- Can tourists visit the Alang Shipbreaking Yard?
Alang Shipbreaking Yard generally works like an industrial area and is not maintained as a tourist site. That said, ways exist to catch a glimpse of the distance, and guided tours can sometimes be requested by those interested in discovering how shipbreaking works.
