Bhavnagar Travel Guide

Discover Bhavnagar, a hidden gem in Gujarat, India. Explore cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, food, and more with our comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Bhavnagar

Located in the western part of India, in the state of Gujarat, Bhavnagar is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. This city has a history that dates back to the 18th century when it was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil, and it has served as an important trading center since then.

Today, Bhavnagar is a vibrant city with a bustling street life, interesting museums, and beautiful natural landscapes. Whether you are looking to explore its cultural heritage, go on an outdoor adventure, or simply relax and enjoy the local cuisine, Bhavnagar has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Bhavnagar

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gandhi Smriti

One of the must-visit places in Bhavnagar is Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum has an impressive collection of photographs, manuscripts, and other belongings of the Father of the Nation.

Takhteshwar Temple

Takhteshwar Temple is a popular attraction in Bhavnagar known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated atop a hill, which makes it a great spot for photography.

Barton Library

Barton Library is another important cultural attraction in Bhavnagar, which boasts a vast collection of books on various subjects, including history, politics, literature, and religion. The library also has some rare documents and manuscripts that are sure to impress history buffs.

Natural Attractions of Bhavnagar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Gaurishankar Lake

Gaurishankar Lake is a serene and picturesque lake located in the heart of Bhavnagar. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the lake, or rent a boat and paddle around the calm waters.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it’s easy to see why. The park has lush green gardens, a small zoo with a variety of animals, and a playground for children.

Velavadar National Park

Velavadar National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This park is home to a range of animals including the blackbuck, jackal, and fox, making it a great place to go on a safari or a guided tour.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar has a lot of scenic routes that are perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some popular routes include:

  • Ghogha Circle to Victoria Park via Khodiyar Mata Temple
  • Takhteshwar Temple to Palitana via Talaja
  • Blackbuck National Park

There are also plenty of adventure sports and activities available in Bhavnagar, such as rock climbing, boating, and trekking.

Best Things to Do in Bhavnagar: Activities and Tours

Palitana Temple Tour

Palitana Temple Tour is a popular tour that takes visitors to the famous Jain temples in Palitana. These temples are considered to be holiest and most important for the Jains, and the tour provides a glimpse into their religious beliefs and culture.

Heritage Walk

A heritage walk is a great way to explore the old city of Bhavnagar and its rich cultural heritage. The walk takes visitors through the narrow streets of the city, where they can see interesting buildings, historic landmarks, and bustling bazaars.

Food Tour

Bhavnagar is known for its delicious food, and a food tour is an excellent way to sample some of the local delicacies. Some must-try dishes include dhokla, khandvi, and farsan, which are all famous snacks in Gujarat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhavnagar

Here’s a sample itinerary for exploring Bhavnagar in a week:

Day Activity
1 Visit Gandhi Smriti and explore the old city of Bhavnagar
2 Go on a safari at Velavadar National Park
3 Take a food tour and sample some of the local delicacies
4 Visit Takhteshwar Temple and go for a boat ride at Gaurishankar Lake
5 Go on a hiking or biking tour
6 Visit Palitana and explore the Jain temples
7 Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Victoria Park

Food and Drink Scene of Bhavnagar

Must-Try Dishes

Bhavnagar is known for its vegetarian cuisine, and some of the must-try dishes include:

  • Dhokla: a savory, steamed cake made from rice flour and gram flour
  • Khandvi: a soft and spicy snack made from gram flour
  • Farsan: a savory snack made from gram flour and spices

Local Beverages

Some popular beverages in Bhavnagar include:

  • Chaas: a refreshing buttermilk drink
  • Jaljeera: a tangy and spicy drink made from cumin seeds and other herbs
  • Aam panna: a sweet and sour drink made from raw mangoes

Where to Stay in Bhavnagar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many options for accommodation in Bhavnagar, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular options include:

  • Nilambag Palace Hotel: a luxury hotel with spacious rooms and excellent amenities
  • Hotel Blue Hill: a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and friendly staff
  • GenX Bhavnagar: a budget-friendly hotel with clean rooms and helpful staff

What to Buy in Bhavnagar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bhavnagar is known for its handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. Some popular souvenir items include:

  • Bandhani and Patola sarees: colorful and intricate hand-woven sarees
  • Kutchi embroidery: an elaborate style of embroidery that is unique to the Kutch region of Gujarat
  • Silver jewelry: Bhavnagar is renowned for its exquisite silver jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Bhavnagar

The people of Bhavnagar are friendly and hospitable, and they take pride in their rich cultural heritage. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or a temple, and to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Bhavnagar

The best time to visit Bhavnagar is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and mild. Summers in Gujarat are extremely hot and humid, and monsoons can be unpredictable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhavnagar

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine
  • Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites

Don’t:

  • Drink tap water
  • Consume street food or food from unhygienic places
  • Wear sleeveless or short clothing when visiting religious sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar is a relatively safe city for tourists, but it is always a good idea to take basic precautions such as avoiding deserted areas at night and being mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Health in Bhavnagar

Gujarat is considered a safe and healthy state for travelers, but it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance and make sure that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations.

Getting to Bhavnagar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bhavnagar has good connectivity with the rest of the country. Here are some transportation options to get to Bhavnagar:

Airports Near Bhavnagar

The nearest airport to Bhavnagar is Bhavnagar Airport, which is well connected to major cities in India.

Bus Stations Near Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar has a well-connected bus station that is well connected to all parts of the state and neighboring states.

Other Options

Trains are also a good option to reach Bhavnagar, as the city has a railway station that connects it to major cities in India.

How to Get Around in Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar has a good network of buses and taxis that can be used to get around the city. You can also rent a car or a bike to explore the city at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Bhavnagar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some popular nearby destinations from Bhavnagar include:

  • Ahmedabad: the commercial capital of Gujarat, known for its colorful culture and delicious food
  • Diu: a beautiful island located off the coast of Gujarat, known for its stunning beaches and colonial architecture
  • Rajkot: a vibrant city known for its textile industry and traditional handicrafts

Conclusion

Bhavnagar is a hidden gem that is waiting to be explored. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, delicious food, and warm hospitality, it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Gujarat.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Takhteswar Temple Takhteswar Temple Khaman, Fafada and Jalebi are favorite snacks of Bhavnagar. Khaman, Fafada and Jalebi are favorite snacks of Bhavnagar. View of Bhavnagar View of Bhavnagar