Monday, 05 October 2009 12:09

Vijay Vilas Palace Mandvi

About:

Mandvi is a beautiful city and a municipality in the district of Kutch in Gujarat. Mandvi was earlier popular as the Paris of Kutch. This is because the Maharajas of Kutch made this place their summer resort because of its pleasant climate. With its rich traditional history, a tour to Mandvi is a must on your visit to the forts and monuments in Gujarat. The Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi is one of the best examples of the city’s glamorous historical background.

 

The Vijay Vilas Palace rises from a multi-acre estate along the coast near the town. This palace of His Highness Maharao Vijay Singhji, who ruled over Kutch in the 1940s, is an eclectic blend of architectural styles. Umbrella-domes like those seen in palaces of Bengal, cupolas that would not look out of place in Mughal buildings, jarokhas and cusp-arches like those seen in Rajput palaces of Rajasthan, Victorian Gothic arches and classical columns make up the ensemble. Yet the architects were skilled enough to make the entire complex look harmonious.

Mandvi’s Vijay Vilas Palace stands majestically amidst the landscaped and beautifully manicured gardens watered by a number of water channels and equally impressive marble fountains. The palace is a brilliant exemplification of Rajput architecture. One look at the palace and it won’t take the knowledgeable ones to understand that there is much similarity between the Vijay Vilas Palace, Mandvi and those of the Orcha and Datia palaces.

Some of the noteworthy features of the palace comprise of central dome supported by pillars, the windows graced with colored glasses, the intricate and exquisite window carvings, the bastions at the corners and the extended porch. Another aspect that makes this place such a hot favorite for the tourists is the private beach that features air-conditioned and tented accommodation. If you claim to be a beach lover, you can’t possibly ignore the appeal of the beach that boasts of a pristine and untainted beauty.



One of the reasons for this is the location of Mandvi i.e. on the banks of the River Rukmavati, near Gulf of Kutch in India. Initially, Mandvi was a fortified town and was enclosed within the fort walls. With time, the walls have disappeared, leaving behind a bastion on the southwest which acts as a lighthouse. During its glorious times, it served as an important trade center.

Vijay vilas palace, erected in the 1940s, with splendid architectural features- umbrella domes and cupolas of the Rajasthani and Bengali styles consort with Gothic arches and Baroque features! The impressive palace is now open to visitors who can see the paintings and trophies inside, and enjoy views of the huge grounds to the sea, from the terrace.

Location info:

Address:Vijay Vilas Palace Mandvi,Kutch,Gujrat,India
District: Kutch
Nearest City:Bhuj
Language: Gujarati, Hindi, and local dialects like Kutchi
Best time to visit: November to April

Climate/Weather:

Weather of Kutch is tropical monsoon with an average annual rainfall of approximately 14 inches. In Summer temperature can reach up to 48°c. In Winter temperature ranges from 12 °c to 27 °c.

History:

Vijay Vilas Palace is a royal palace set in the middle of well laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD.his credit for the design of the palace goes to the indigenous architects and craftsmen of Jaipur.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Bandhni Bazaar:
Mandvi is known for the production of its famous Bandhani (tie-dye) and other country crafts.

 

Kasi Vishvanath Beach:
Kasi Vishvanath Beach, Salaya: This is another beach near Mandvi. It derives its name from a Shiv temple nearby.

Mandvi Traditional Ship Building:
Mandvi was originally a fortified town having a fort wall of about 8m high and 1.2m wide stone masonry. The fort had several gateways and 25 bastions; but at present, most of the wall has disappeared. The bastion on the southwest is largest and acts as a lighthouse.

Rukmavati Bridge:
The bridge on the Rukmavati River was built in 1883; it is the longest existing structure of its kind in India today.

Shyamji Krishna Verma Smarak:
The smarak(monument) is located near Lohana Mahajan Wadi. Shyamji Krishna Verma was a scholar and freedom fighter. He established India House in Britain to support Indian student going UK for studying, eventually India house become a foreign hub of nationalist activity for freedom of India. Shyamji Krishna Verma was born in Mandvi.

Topansar Lake:
Sitting in the heart of the city, this lake forms and important landmark as well as a source of water to the city.

Vijay Vilas Palace:
The center of attractions at Mandvi is the Vijay Vilas Palace, a Royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with coloured glass, carved stone "jalis", domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. The Vijay Vilas Palace has its own private beach which offers air-conditioned tented accommodation. Being private with conditional access it is a must visit for all beach lovers who want to enjoy their solitude and admire its eco-friendly priestine beauty.For these reasons, this palace has been used as the setting in many Hindi films and has now become a popular tourist destination.
Getting there View in map

Wind Farms:
There are a number of windmills on the Mandvi beach, engaged in the generation of power from wind energy.

 

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Bhuj railway station
Nearest Airport:Bhuj is connected by air with Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The Indian Airlines is Jet Airways have daily flights to Mumbai.
Road Transport:The Kutch Mandvi beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws.

Nearest Visiting places:

Lakhpat Fort:
Tomb in Lakhpat Fort, Lakhpat, Kutch, Gujarat Lakhpat is the last town situated at the western end of India, on the India-Pakistan border, at the junction of Kori Creek and Rann of Kutch. Lakhpat probably, derives its name from the prosperous maritime trade which generated a daily income of one Lakh (1,00,000) Kori, an old curency of Kutch State. Another legend says that it was founded by Rao Lakha, so it is named Lakhpat. Lakhpat is fortified town with high walls, several gates and bastions made out of hard stone. After a short period of prosperity, Lakhpat lost is maritime signfincance in 1851 AD, when the Sindhu river changed its course. Once a thriving town with population of 15,000 is today a deserted town with only few families livign here.

 

Narayan Sarovar Temple:
Narayan Sarovar means the Lake of Narayan, a name for Vishnu. There are actually five sacred lakes here. A temple complex is located on one of these. Narayan Sarovar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for orthodox Hindus. The architecture is ancient and awe-inspiring. Narayan Sarovar in Kutch is the most ancient and pious place for Hindus. It is one of the five holy ponds in India. In this place there are temples of Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji. Maharaj Shri Deshalji's Queen had built these temples. Devotee from all over India come to worship the lords here. Narayan Sarovar Temple, Kutch, Gujarat

Bhadreshwar Jain Temple:
Bhadreshwar Jain Temple in Kutch There are a number of temples built by Jain followers in Kutch. The Bhadreshwar temple, one of the most ancient temples situated in Bhadrawati, considered a very holy place is one such. Bhadrawati was ruled by King Sidhsen in 449 B.C (according to the Hindu calendar) who renovated the place. Later it was ruled by The Solankies who were Jains, and they changed the name to Bhadreshwar. Then in 1315, a great famine struck Kutch, after which the place was renovated by Jagadusha.
Near the village of Jalvana, at Koday Bohter Jinalaya is Jain pilgrim's holy place. There are 72 statues of Jain Gods. The main God here is Prabhu Aadeswarji. The divine statue is 73 inches tall. Not only Jains but also people of all religions from all over India and abroad come and visit this temple.

Koteshwar:
In the district of Lakhpat is situated the temple of Koteshwar which is a holy place of pilgrimage in Kutch. There is an ancient story attached with it. They say that King Ravana wanted to be immortal and did tapasya of God Shiva. Lord Shiva gifted him with Ling which he could worship and become immortal. But in arrogance he dropped the ling, which on touching the ground turned into a thousand Lings. King Ravana could not recognize the original ling, and so the boon was lost. There were a thousand lings at that place so the Gods of heaven decided to build this temple and name it Koteshwar.

Anjar:
Anjar which is famous for the Shrine of Jesal and Toral, the folklore duo where in the tough out law Jesal was chastised by Toral, a Kachchhi Woman is also a centre of fairs.

Kandla Port:
Kandla Port, a national port, is one of the eleven most important ports of India. This port is situated on Kandla stream. The first investigation of this stream was undertaken by the British Royal India Navy in 1851 and a detailed survey done in 1922. This port is developed by Joint project of Maharao Shree Khengarji-III and British Government in the 19th century. Standard dry cargo treatment capacity of Kandla Port is 24,000 metric tons per day. Kandla Port, Kutch, Gujarat.
The port is under Ministry of Commerce and is managed by a Port Trust with a Chairman as its head. The Kandla Port Trust is run by a board of trustees. There is an administrator - representative of the ministry of Commerce - appointed for the management a free trade zone known as the Kandla Free Trade Zone placed near the port where hundreds of small and international companies are sited also. Owing to fast progress of Kandla port close city like Gandhidham also developed fast.

Mandavi Port:
Mandavi Port, Kutch, Gujarat. Mandvi Port is developed by Maharao Shree Khengarji-I in 1580 A.D. The kings of Kutch called the commercial people for development of Mandvi. According to Millburn (a writer), Mandvi is one of the great port of Kutch. There is a large amount of ships in Mandvi. Mandvi Port has its individual history.
This port is not in much progress now but many boats and ships are made here nowadays. Today, Mandvi is known for its port and sea.

Mundra Port:
Mundra Port is situated almost 10 Kms far from Mundra city. There are two ports: (1) Old Port (2) Adani Port. These ports are used the whole year. Today, these ports have much traffic of many large ships and steamers of world. These ports have a very bright future. Many people come from other states to work here. Mundra is also known for dry date 'Kharek'. Kharek is exported to the other states. Mudra Port in Kutch

Jakhau Port:
Jakhau Port in Kutch Jakhau Port is also one of the oldest ports of Kutch. Today, this port is only used for fisher men. Jakhau Port has its own importance. This is a very beautiful Port of Kutch. There is a centre for coastguard and water department of B.S.F. in Jakhau Port.

Dholavira:
Above all the Harappan sites, the site of Dholavira nearby known as Kotada, in the Khadir island of Kutch stands separately. It is memorable for its wonderful planning and vastness of area and deposit. Currently, we can say that it is one of the two largest arrangements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent. The others arrangements are: Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Gharo Bhiro (all in Pakistan) and Rakhigarhi (in India).
Dholavira, Kutch, Gujarat.Dholavira enjoys the exclusive characteristic of elastic a dedication of ten large sized signs of the Harappan script that is indeed the oldest sign-board of the world. A variety of used funerals structures is yet another feature of greater than importance throwing new light on the socio-religious beliefs by this means representative the presence of compound national groups in the Indus population of Dholavira.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol Pump:Mandvi, Kutch,Gujrat,India

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Mahir Palace:Bhid Bazar,Mandvi,Kutch,Gujrat,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Trivedi Hospital:Mandvi Kutch, Gujarat
Dr. Kanti Harji Ramjiyani's Hospital, Mandvi,kutch.
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:www.mandvibeach.com

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Dynamic View

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir
The temple will have an easy access by public transport and will serve as a permanent place of assembly for worship and Gujrati classes of Melbourne have had to use various Scout halls and School halls previously.These halls have not always been available when needed and thus a decision was made by the Mandir to search for an appropriate place that may be available to us when needed,The model of Swaminarayan temple, that will come in existence in sort time, with the hearty help of holy devotees of supreme god Swaminarayan. This mandir falls in Uttar Desh.....more
Kutch Mandvi Beach
Mandvi beach isone of the finest beach of Gujarat and a historic port town of the Maharao of Kutch. The port of Mandvi was an important sea trade post between the near East and the far East which brought prosperity to the Royal family. Mandvi town was an important city for the Maharaos of Bhuj being endowed with some splendid palaces and buildings. The region surrounding the Kutch Mandvi beach was once very active and significant, and one may come across many ruins and historical sites. Some distance away from the pristine Kutch Mandvi Beach is an ancient dock and port, which is still functional today. Though not historically significant, as the dock/port is completely recent, it is unique in that here, the vessels are made using wood and by hand....more
Prag Mahal Bhuj
The Prag Mahal in Bhuj is one of the most interesting palaces amongst the famous monuments in Gujarat India. The Prag Mahal also called the New Palace, was constructed in the year 1979. Every year tourists from far and wide come to see the splendors of this beautiful architectural structure which stands intact till date to narrate the tales from the bygone era.The Prag Mahal in Bhuj is an example of magnificent architecture. The decor of ornate Italian marble and golden sandstone give the palace a unique look and leaves one spellbound. The attractive Corinthian pillars of Prag Mahal, Bhuj and the detailed Jaali work depict the European flora and fauna. You can spend hours after hours studying and admiring the beautiful art work of Prag Mahal, one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat....more
Aina Mahal Bhuj
Aina Mahal was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji, is situated in historic city of Bhuj, Gujarat. The mid eighteenth century Palace was built in traditional Kutchi style showing strong European influence as well. Aina Mahal is part of a large palace complex, with a darbar hall, a hall of mirrors and suites for the royal members. The Hall of Mirrors which is a blend of Indian and European creativity is the main attraction of the palace. The walls of this hall are built of white marble and are covered by mirrors surrounded by gilded decorations.The Aina Mahal in Bhuj is an old palace that was built in the 18th century. The erstwhile palace which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji has now been transformed into a museum that is one of the chief tourist attractions in Bhuj.....more
Durbar Gadh Bhuj
Durbar Gadh is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Bhuj, Gujarat. The monument is located in the heart of the old town of Bhuj. It has immense historical importance. Every year, tourists flock to Durbar Gadh, Bhuj that happens to be one of the most remarkable landmarks in the city.Durbar Gadh is the place where the Maharaja of Nawanagar used to hold meetings with the public audiences. It falls under the headquarters of the Kutch District in Gujarat. This historical building was affected by the massive earthquake of 2001. Some of the distinct features of the fort are the beautiful latticed windows and intricate carvings that adorn its exteriors and interiors. A tour to Durbar Gadh in Bhuj is a must during your visit to Gujarat....more

 

Tomb of Jesal Toral
Anjar, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Gujarat, houses some of the most attractive forts and monuments. The Tomb of Jesal Toral is one of the famed tourist attractions in Anjar. It is basically a samadhi of Jesal Toral. There is also a bungalow of James Mcmurdo here. It has now been converted into a veritable museum that displays Kutch art.Anjar is also famed for its beautiful block printing work, scissors, nutcrackers and penknives. These are some of the artworks which you will come across in the museum at the Tomb of Jesal Toral in Anjar. On your visit to the city, a tour to Jesal Toral Tomb is highly recommended as it is one of the premier attractions of Gujarat. The tomb is also a centre for fairs.....more
Dholavira Ruins Kutch
Kutch is spelt as Kachchh also, It is a beautiful district of western state of Gujarat in India. It is said to be the most extensive district in the state of Gujarat and the 2nd largest district of India succeeding Leh. The meaning of the word Kutch stands for something that becomes wet and dry intermittently. On tour to Gujarat you must stop at this magnificent travel destination for a while. Here you will get to see various types of interesting sites of which forts and monuments top the chart. In fact Dholavira Ruins in Kutch has been acclaimed massively among all the forts and monuments in Gujarat.Dholavira is an ancient town situated in the state of Gujarat. It lies on the North West corner of the Khadir Island and stands surrounded by water in the monsoons. It was discovered in the year 1967 AD.....more
Tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba
he tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba in Lakhpat is amongst the best tourist attractions in Gujarat, India. The town of Lakhpat is at a distance of 151 km from the Bhuj airport. The town has an amazing landscape. It is also known for its rich historical splendors, which you can see in the form of old temples, gurudwaras and mosques. The tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba is very famous and attracts a lot of tourists.From the vantage point on the wall of the tomb, a breathtaking view of the sea and the Rann of Kutch can be enjoyed. The town of Lakhpat is now deserted and uninhabited. Amongst the ruins of the town, the one that stands prominent is the Gurudwara or the holy shrine of the Sikhs. The tomb of Ghosh Mohammed Kaba is about 200 years old. It is a gigantic tomb that still stands to narrate stories from the bygone era....more
Kutch Museums
Kutch Museum, formerly known as the Fergusson Museum, is situated in the ancient city of Bhuj, in Kutch , it is the oldest of its kind in Gujarat. The museum, constructed in the Italian Gothic style, is located in the picturesque surroundings on the bank of Hamirsar Lake just opposite to the Nazar Bagh Garden.The Kachchh Museum in Bhuj, India, is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. Built during the period of British Rule in India, the Museum of Kachchh in Bhuj is the most significant among all other Museums in Bhuj as it displays the articles that take the visitors to those ages to which they belonged....more
Folk Museum Bhuj
The Folk Museum in Bhuj, India, is also known as Bharatiya Sanskruti Darshan, Bhuj.This museum has an interesting collection of artifacts including textiles which are displayed at typical village habitat. The Bhuj area has tribal people namely the Rabaries,Jats and Ahir to name a few. Therefore the museum here is rich in folk culture and art and is a must see.One of the chief attractions of Folk Museum, Bhuj which you will hardly find in any of the other Museums in Bhuj, is a rare fossil of a Crocodilian which is which is an extinct species of the crocodile of the modern age. This creature was double the size of a crocodile of today measuring as much as 9 meters as compared to the modern species which measures only 3 to 4 meters in length.Apart from this, a wide range of textiles and artifacts belonging to the members of the royal families of Bhuj have been elaborately displayed in Folk Museum, Bhuj. These timeless items have become hallmark of the glorious past when Bhuj was under the rule of the Rajputs. The private collections of the rulers arouse interest and amazement among visitors of all ages. The Museum also houses models of villages of this part of the world....more
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary
Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary of Gujarat has vast area of sun baked mud flats that are salt impregnated. Some of the area around Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat have small patches of uplands and the hilly islands of the sanctuary are called bets. Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary has marine calcareous grit and oyster bed in the shore bordering the Arabian sea.Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat houses some of the rare wild animals like striped hyena, porcupine, fox, small Indian civet, Indian pangolin and a large number of reptiles. You will find both venomous and non venomous snakes, monitor lizards, star tortoise in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary at Gujarat. Some of the rare species of birds are found in the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary at Gujarat.....more
Narayan Sarovar Sancuary
Located about only 2 kms away from the Kutch district in Gujarat, the Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary is considered as one of the most unique wildlife sanctuaries in India. The sanctuary is also known as the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary and is mainly dedicated at preserving and conserving the endangered species of Chinkara or the Indian Gazelle. The sanctuary was established in April, 1981 and has been holding a special place among the nature lovers all over the world, since then.It covers a huge area of 444 sq. km.The Narayan Sarovar Chinkara Sanctuary has a unique eco-system. A part of the sanctuary is a seasonal wetland in the arid zone that play mother to 15 threatened wildlife species.....more
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary
The Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is one of the great wonders of wildlife in Gujarat. With amazing geographical features, flora and fauna, the sanctuary simply leaves you spellbound with its wild splendors. Spread over an area of 2 sq km, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary is located in proximity to Naliya which is under the district of Kutch in Gujarat India. The sanctuary was established with an aim to protect the great Indian Bustard.The total population of the species of Indian Bustards has reduced considerably since the last few years due to various reasons like poaching, hunting and others.....more