Here’s a 2-Day Travel Itinerary for Gondal along with a table of key attractions (with popularity, approximate visit times, and known fees).
Day 1 – Heritage, Palaces & Local Culture
- 08:30 AM – Breakfast in Gondal
- Start your day with a local Gujarati thali or breakfast.
- Recommended near Naulakha Palace area.
- 09:00 AM – Visit Naulakha Palace & Museum (Darbar Complex)
- Gondal’s top attraction; explore royal rooms, furniture, and museum artifacts.
- Time required: 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
- 11:30 AM – Visit Orchard Palace & Royal Garages (Vintage Car Collection)
- Home to the Maharaja’s personal vintage cars and royal garages.
- See Rolls Royce, Packard, and American classics.
- Time required: 1 – 1.5 hours.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch Break
- Enjoy local cuisine in a nearby restaurant or dhaba.
- Try Kathiyawadi dishes or Gujarati thali.
- 02:00 PM – Visit Riverside Palace
- A scenic heritage palace by the river.
- Features gardens, colonial architecture, and antique furnishings.
- Time required: 30 – 45 minutes.
- 03:00 PM – Visit Akshar Deri (Swaminarayan Shrine)
- Sacred memorial shrine dedicated to Gunatitanand Swami.
- Peaceful spiritual spot for reflection.
- Time required: 20 – 30 minutes.
- 03:45 PM – Visit Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy
- Explore a century-old herbal medicine workshop still in use.
- Learn about Ayurveda preparation methods.
- Time required: 20 – 30 minutes.
- 04:30 PM – Explore Local Bazaar / Handicraft Shopping
- Shop for Gondal’s famous beadwork, embroidery, brassware, and silver jewelry.
- Time required: 30 – 60 minutes.
- 05:30 PM – Evening Walk or Revisit Favorite Spot
- Optional return to Naulakha Palace or Riverside Palace for sunset photography.
- 07:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight Stay
- Stay in a heritage hotel like Orchard Palace or Riverside Palace for royal vibes.
Day 2 – Temples, Heritage, and Offbeat Experiences
- 08:00 AM – Breakfast
- Early start with a light breakfast.
- 08:30 AM – Visit Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Main Temple)
- A beautiful temple known for its architecture and devotion.
- Time required: 30 – 45 minutes.
- 09:30 AM – Visit Dasi Jeevan Mandir (Ghoghavadar, 6 km away)
- A spiritual place dedicated to saint Dasi Jeevan.
- Peaceful rural surroundings.
- Time required: 30 minutes.
- 10:30 AM – Visit Khodaldham Temple (Optional)
- A well-known regional temple; optional if time allows.
- Time required: 30 – 45 minutes.
- 11:30 AM – Visit Rojdi Archaeological Site
- An ancient Indus Valley Civilization site located near Gondal.
- For history lovers and offbeat explorers.
- Time required: 30 – 45 minutes.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch Break
- Return to Gondal or stop at a local eatery nearby.
- 02:00 PM – Visit Keerti Stambh (Victory Tower)
- Historic monument with great photo opportunities.
- Time required: 15 – 30 minutes.
- 02:45 PM – Visit Sureshwar Mahadev / Dhareshwar Mahadev / Bhuvneshwari Mandir
- Local temple circuit; serene and culturally rich.
- Time required: 15 – 30 minutes each.
- 03:45 PM – Free Time / Local Walks / Café Stop
- Relax or revisit the marketplace.
- 05:00 PM – Wrap-Up & Depart Gondal
- End your 2-day trip with a peaceful drive or train journey back.
Gondal Tourist Attractions – Summary Table
| No. | Place / Attraction | Popularity Rank | Avg. Time Spent | Entry Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naulakha Palace & Museum | ⭐ #1 | 1.5 – 2.5 hrs | Free / nominal | Gondal’s main heritage palace; includes royal museum. |
| 2 | Orchard Palace & Royal Garages (Vintage Cars) | ⭐ #2 | 1 – 1.5 hrs | ₹120 + camera fee | Vintage car collection with classic Rolls Royce and 1940s cars. |
| 3 | Riverside Palace | ⭐ #3 | 30 – 45 min | Nominal | Heritage hotel + scenic palace gardens. |
| 4 | Akshar Deri (Swaminarayan Shrine) | ⭐ #4 | 20 – 30 min | Free | Sacred memorial of Gunatitanand Swami. |
| 5 | Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy | ⭐ #5 | 20 – 30 min | Free / donation | Historic Ayurveda center founded by Gondal royals. |
| 6 | Local Bazaar & Handicraft Shops | ⭐ #6 | 30 – 60 min | Free | Beadwork, brassware, embroidery crafts. |
| 7 | Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (Main Temple) | ⭐ #7 | 30 – 45 min | Free | Main Swaminarayan temple in Gondal. |
| 8 | Dasi Jeevan Mandir (Ghoghavadar) | ⭐ #8 | 30 min | Free | Temple dedicated to saint Dasi Jeevan. |
| 9 | Rojdi Archaeological Site | ⭐ #9 | 30 – 45 min | Minimal | Ancient Indus Valley site near Gondal. |
| 10 | Keerti Stambh (Victory Tower) | ⭐ #10 | 15 – 30 min | Free | Local monument; good photo point. |
| 11 | Sureshwar / Dhareshwar / Bhuvneshwari Mandir | ⭐ #11 | 15 – 30 min | Free | Local spiritual temples of Gondal. |
Travel Tips for Gondal
- Best Season: October – March (pleasant weather).
- Avoid Mondays: Some palaces/museums are closed.
- Camera Charges: ₹80–₹200 at palaces or museums.
- Guides Recommended: Adds great historical insight at Naulakha and Orchard Palaces.
- Food Tip: Try Kathiyawadi thali and Gujarati farsan at local restaurants.
- Stay Suggestion: Heritage hotels – Orchard Palace or Riverside Palace.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis easily available; rent a car for Day 2 outskirts.