Located at a distance of 38km from Rajkot, Gondal town is situated on
the banks of the river Gondali. The town boasts of numerous palaces which
have now been converted into heritage hotels. The Naulakha Palace is the
oldest and most beautiful of the Gondal palaces. The beauty of the structure
is enhanced by exquisitely carved jharokhas (balconies), pillared courtyard,
delicately carved arches and a unique spiral staircase. The huge windows
of the Durbar Hall open into a long balcony which overlooks the river.
The Durbar Hall has large chandeliers, stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture
and antique Belgian mirrors. The palace has a private museum with an impressive
display of silver caskets.
Orchard Palace is the other grand attraction of Gondal. It is now a heritage
hotel. The palace is so named as it is located amidst a complex of fruit
orchards, lawns and gardens. It is a part of the Huzoor palace where the
ruling family of Gondal used to entertain its royal guests. It has a 'room
of miniatures' which is a sitting room with a collection of miniature
paintings, brass and antique furniture.
The Riverside Palace located at the edge of the Gondali river is another
palace that has been converted into a heritage hotel. It is built in a
colonial style of architecture. The rooms are decorated in both European
and Indian style. While the European living rooms are furnished in typical
colonial style with chandelier, antique wooden furniture and framed paintings,
the Indian rooms are decorated with beadwork, brassware and paintings.
The structure is comprised of a series of galleries and terraces.
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