The short answer
Gondal palaces: what visitors should know first
Yes, if you have a spare day and a car. Plan about an hour each way, see Naulakha Palace in the morning, and confirm which palace areas and the royal garages are open before you set out.
History and context
The story behind Gondal palaces
Naulakha Palace is the oldest surviving palace in Gondal and dates to 1748, in the reign of Haloji Sagramji. Its name refers to a cost of about nine lakh rupees. Riverside Palace was built in 1875 by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji for his son, and Orchard Palace was built in the late 19th century as an annex of Huzoor Palace for royal guests.
Bhagwatsinhji ruled Gondal from 1869 to 1944, and is noted for tax reforms and for promoting compulsory education for women.
Useful facts
Gondal palaces facts at a glance
- Location
- Gondal, about 38 km from Rajkot
- Experience type
- Palace day trip
- Known for
- Naulakha Palace, Orchard Palace and vintage cars
- Built
- Naulakha Palace dates to 1748
- Visitor note
- Some areas are private; confirm access
Why it matters
Why Gondal palaces is worth your time
Gondal is one of Saurashtra's best examples of a well-run princely state. Maharaja Bhagwatsinhji, who ruled from 1869 to 1944, is remembered for tax reforms, compulsory education for women and ending purdah.
For visitors, that history survives in the buildings: the carved Naulakha Palace, the family's Huzoor Palace, the Orchard Palace and a vintage car tradition that is still part of local pride. It gives a very different picture of the region from Rajkot's colonial museums.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Naulakha Palace
A three-storey palace with carved jharokhas, a spiral staircase and a durbar hall.
- 02
Royal garages
The royal family's vintage and classic car collection is a Gondal draw.
- 03
Akshar Deri
A major Swaminarayan memorial shrine in the town.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Hire a car for the day and aim to reach Gondal by mid-morning. Start with the Naulakha Palace in the old Darbargadh complex, overlooking the river, which is the oldest surviving palace in Gondal. Look at the carved facade, the jharokhas and the pillared courtyard before going inside to see the durbar hall, with its stuffed panthers and gilt furniture, if it is open.
Check whether the Private Palace Museum, which displays silver caskets and other items from Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji's era, and the royal garages with their vintage cars are open to visitors. Orchard Palace, a late 19th-century annex of the Huzoor Palace, is run as a heritage hotel, so a meal or tea there may be possible but should be arranged in advance.
If you have time, the Swaminarayan Akshar Deri in the town is a major BAPS memorial. Leave Gondal in the afternoon so you are back in Rajkot before dark.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Hire a car and driver for the day
- Check which palace areas are open
- Arrange any meal at Orchard Palace in advance
- Return before dark
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Gondal, about 38 km from Rajkot
- Time needed
- Half to full day including the drive
- Best time
- Morning, November to February
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Naulakha Palace has carved arcades, a spiral staircase and stairs, and uneven surfaces, so expect some walking and climbing. The drive is on highway roads and takes about an hour. Plan a rest at lunch and avoid the midday heat.
- Tickets and access
- Access varies. Naulakha Palace is part of the Darbargadh complex, and the durbar hall is still used by the royal family, so some areas may be limited. Orchard Palace operates as a heritage hotel. Confirm hours, tickets and visiting rules locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Gondal palaces
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Naulakha Palace has carved arcades, a spiral staircase and stairs, and uneven surfaces, so expect some walking and climbing. The drive is on highway roads and takes about an hour. Plan a rest at lunch and avoid the midday heat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Gondal from Rajkot?
About 38 km by road, roughly an hour each way depending on traffic.
Can I stay in a palace in Gondal?
Orchard Palace operates as a seven-room heritage hotel. Book in advance.
Is the whole palace open?
Not necessarily. The durbar hall is still used by the royal family, so some areas may be limited.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
