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Gondal
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
city · India

Gondal

Recommended stay: 1 day
Getting around: Gondal is a small town where the main palaces and market are close enough to cover on foot or by a short auto ride. It's most commonly reached by road from Rajkot, about an hour away, and has its own railway station on a branch line, though road travel from Rajkot or other Saurashtra towns is generally more convenient.
Hours: The Naulakha Palace and Riverside Palace (parts of which house a vintage car collection) keep variable hours set by the former royal family's trust, generally daytime only; check locally on arrival since access and open sections can change.

Gondal is a small former princely state in Gujarat's Saurashtra region, notable for a cluster of palaces built by its progressive Maharajas and for a genuinely excellent vintage and classic car collection, one of the best-preserved royal automobile collections in India, housed at the Riverside Palace. The Naulakha Palace, an older 17th-century structure, and the newer Orchard Palace add architectural variety within a small area.

Gondal's rulers were known for comparatively progressive governance (investing early in education, sanitation and infrastructure for the state), and the town retains a quieter, less touristy character than Gujarat's bigger heritage stops, making it a worthwhile detour for anyone interested in princely-era history without the crowds of more famous royal cities.

Gondal FAQs

What is Gondal known for?

Its collection of royal palaces and, in particular, a well-preserved vintage and classic car collection housed at the Riverside Palace, one of the best of its kind in India.

Is Gondal worth a detour from Rajkot?

Yes, especially for anyone interested in princely-era history or classic cars, given the short roughly hour-long drive from Rajkot.

Can I visit the palaces in Gondal, or are they private?

Some sections are open to visitors, including parts of the Riverside Palace with the car collection, though access varies and it's worth confirming current opening arrangements before visiting.

How much time should I plan for Gondal?

Half a day is generally sufficient to see the main palaces and the car collection.

Is Gondal connected by train?

Yes, it has its own railway station, though road travel from Rajkot or other Saurashtra towns is typically more convenient and faster.

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