Gondal is a princely town in Gujarat, roughly a hundred kilometers southeast of Rajkot. Once the capital of a Kathiawari princely state, it retains a still-inhabited royal palace belonging to the Jadeja royal family, ancient temples, and the authentic atmosphere of a Gujarati provincial town, far removed from mass tourism circuits.

Quick Facts at a Glance

• Access: Gondal lies on the road and rail route between Rajkot and Junagadh; regular trains and buses connect the town to Rajkot.
• Recommended duration: Half a day to a full day is sufficient to explore the palace and old city.
• Dress code: Modest attire is recommended when visiting temples.

What to See

The Naulakha Palace is Gondal's centerpiece. This nineteenth-century palace, still owned by the royal family, houses a museum of vintage cars—a collection of historic royal vehicles—as well as state rooms adorned with European furnishings and art objects. The palace overlooks the Gondali River.

The old city holds several ancient Hindu temples, including the Swaminarayan temple, an active place of worship frequented by locals. The ghats along the Gondali River offer a tranquil setting, particularly lively early in the morning during daily rituals.

History and Context

Gondal was the capital of a Rajput princely state on the Kathiawar peninsula, ruled by the Jadeja dynasty. Maharaja Bhagwatsinhji (reign from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century) is remembered for modernizing the state: free education, roads, hospitals—a progressive administration for its time. The royal family still resides in part of the palace, with the remainder converted into a heritage hotel and museum.

Highlights of Your Visit

The Naulakha Palace and Its Vintage Car Museum

The collection of vintage royal cars is rare in India. Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, and other ceremonial vehicles testify to the maharajas' taste for Western modernity. The palace rooms preserve period furnishings intact.

The Ghats and the Gondali River

The stone ghats lining the river form a space of authentic Gujarati daily life. Early in the morning, bathing rituals and offerings create a contemplative atmosphere, unmarred by tourist crowds.

The Old City and Its Havelis

The lanes of the historic center house havelis with sculpted facades, typical of Kathiawar merchant architecture. Most are private residences, but the facades can be viewed on foot.

Visiting Etiquette and Rules

• Remove your shoes before entering temples.
• Covered clothing (shoulders and knees) is required in places of worship.
• Ask permission before photographing residents or religious ceremonies.

Photography Tips

Morning light is ideal on the ghats and haveli facades. The palace photographs well from the opposite bank of the Gondali River. Inside the museum, check photography restrictions with staff.

Location and Access

Gondal is located in Rajkot district, at the heart of the Kathiawar peninsula (Saurashtra), in the state of Gujarat. The town is accessible from Rajkot by road or train in under an hour. Junagadh lies to the south, and Somnath further south still. The nearest airport is Rajkot's.

Nearby Attractions

• Rajkot — Major city of Saurashtra, birthplace of Gandhi, with museums and bustling markets.
• Junagadh — Historic city at the foot of Mount Girnar, with a Mughal citadel and Jain temples.
• Wankaner — Another former Kathiawar princely capital, with a heritage palace.
• Somnath — Major Hindu temple on the coast, one of Shiva's twelve jyotirlingas.