Gondal is a major town situated about 60 km south of
Junagadh, in
Rajkot District,
Gujarat. Ruled by Jadeja Rajput, it was the erstwhile capital of the former princely state of Gondal. The town was renovated and the present look was framed during the reign of Maharaja Bhagwatsinhiji. Gondal is about 40 km south of
Rajkot, the district headquarters.
Gondal is famous for its handloom industry; the town has a number of shopping areas selling bead worked and embroidered saris, silverwares and other handicrafts.
Major point of attraction is the Riverside Palace, built in 1875, set in lawns and gardens beside the Gondali River. The 17th century Naulakha Palace, the oldest palace in Gondal is another point of attraction. Sangramsinhji High School, built in Gothic style, which resembles the Eton in England, is worth-visiting. Other places of tourist interest include the Bhuvaneswari Temple and Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Gondal is also a paradise for bird watchers. The
Veri Lake which flows through the town attracts great flocks of flamingoes and other migratory birds. October to March is the best time to visit Gondal.
Rajkot Airport (40 km) serves Gondal. Gondal Railway Station is a major railhead of the Western Railways in Gujarat. National Highway 8B passes through Gondal. By road, the town is well linked with Rajkot, Jetpur (30 km), Dhoraji, Upleta and Babra.
