Bhavnagar is a coastal city and one of the prime industrial cities of Gujarat and located at a strategic location of Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea. Bhavnagar has a rich history of tradition, trade and culture. The city was founded in 1743 by Bhavsingji Gohil and is an important cotton trading center but now also become a part of diamond, plastic and ship parts industry. The old town of Bhavnagar still evokes the Rajputana flavor. The whole town is fortified with gates leading to other important towns of the region. The prime royal residence of Darbargadh is located at the center of the town.



The markets in the old Bhavnagar is undoubtedly the best things to visit. The bustling markets are unique, with overhanging wooden balconies and separate sections for trading of cloth and silver, called cloth bazaar and silver bazaar and so on. Other attractions include different temples, especially Takhteshwar Temple the set beautifully on the top of the hill overlooking the city and the Gulf of Cambay. There are museum, picturesque Gaurishankar Lake, park and some excellent picnic spots. In a nut shell Bhavnagar is a worth tourist destination in Gujarat.

Sights And Activities

Velavadar Sanctuary in Bhavnagar City
Bhavnagar is useful base for journey to nearby Velavadar Sanctuary. The place is specially famous for its successful conservation of black buck- the fastest Indian antelope. The unique grassland of this sanctuary that makes a favorable home to black buck. Black buck is an endangered species that are graceful and beautiful of its kind. Also a good place to watch different kind birds and unique nilgais that look half horse, half cow.

Takhteshwar Temple in Bhavnagar City
The temple is located on a hill, in the middle of the city. The temple is named after Maharaja Takhatsinghji in 1893. You can view the whole of Bhavnanagar city from the temple. The whole compound as well as temple is made up of shining white marble. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva and pilgrims as well as picnic lovers throng the place.

Alang
On the coast between Bhavnagar and Talaja is Alang. India's largest ship breaking site, where supertankers, container ships, warships and other vessels are dismantled - by hand by 20000 workers day and night.

Gopnath Beach in Bhavnagar City
This is not so known beach in Gujarat, lies on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and at a distance of 10km from Talaja. It was once summer retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. The sea is not for swimming but walking along the coast, watching different marine lives is a nice experience. The temple of Gopnath Mahadev is a famous among pilgrims.

Shihor in Bhavnagar City
The main charm of the place is the Marajas Palace known as Vijay Vilas. The palace showcases different gardens, wall paintings and woodcarvings. It also serves as a base point to visit Lang, historic town of Vabhipur and the Velavadar National Park.