bigtravelbuzzBhavnagar is a city located in the western state of Gujarat in India. It is situated on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is the fifth largest city in Gujarat. Bhavnagar was founded in 1724 by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the then ruler of the Gohil dynasty.
The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its historic forts, palaces, temples, and museums. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Bhavnagar include the Takhteshwar Temple, Gaurishankar Lake, Barton Library, and the Ganga Deri, among others.
Bhavnagar is also an important industrial hub, with industries such as shipbuilding, cotton textiles, and chemicals. The city has a thriving trade and commerce sector and is home to several large business houses. It is well connected to other parts of Gujarat and India by road, rail, and air, with the nearest airport being Bhavnagar Airport.
Places to Visit in Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is a city with a rich cultural heritage and has many tourist attractions. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Bhavnagar:
Takhteshwar Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located atop a hill, offering a panoramic view of the city.
Gaurishankar Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery, popular for boating and picnicking.
Nilambag Palace: A grand palace built in the 19th century, now converted into a heritage hotel.
Blackbuck National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for its population of blackbucks, a type of antelope found in India.
Barton Library: One of the oldest libraries in Gujarat, known for its rare collection of books and manuscripts.
Gandhi Smriti Museum: A museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, showcasing his life and work.
Velavadar National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for its population of Indian wolves and other rare species.
Ganga Deri: A memorial dedicated to the royal family of Bhavnagar, built in the 19th century.
Alang Ship Breaking Yard: The world’s largest ship-breaking yard, where decommissioned ships are dismantled and recycled.
Nishkalank Mahadev Temple: A unique temple located in the middle of the sea, accessible only during low tide.
Best Time To Visit Bhavnagar
The best time to visit Bhavnagar is during the winter season, which is from November to February. The weather during this time is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C. The days are sunny and comfortable, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer in Bhavnagar is from March to May, and it can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Monsoon season is from June to October, and Bhavnagar receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time. Therefore, it is not the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
So, to avoid extreme weather conditions and enjoy the city’s attractions, it is recommended to visit Bhavnagar during the winter season.
Things to Do in Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is a city with a rich cultural heritage and offers many things to do for tourists. Here are some of the popular things to do in Bhavnagar:
Visit the historic forts and palaces: Bhavnagar has several historic forts and palaces, such as Nilambag Palace and Ganga Deri, that are worth a visit.
Explore the museums: Bhavnagar has many museums, such as Gandhi Smriti Museum and Barton Library, showcasing the city’s history and culture.
Visit the temples: Bhavnagar has several temples, such as Takhteshwar Temple and Nishkalank Mahadev Temple, which are considered sacred by the locals.
Enjoy the nature: Bhavnagar has several natural attractions, such as Gaurishankar Lake and Velavadar National Park, where tourists can enjoy nature and wildlife.
Experience the ship-breaking industry: Bhavnagar is home to the world’s largest ship-breaking yard, Alang Ship Breaking Yard, where tourists can witness the dismantling and recycling of decommissioned ships.
Shop for local handicrafts: Bhavnagar has a rich tradition of handicrafts, such as Bandhani sarees and traditional jewelry, which are available at local markets.
Taste the local cuisine: Bhavnagar has a unique cuisine, influenced by the state of Gujarat and the coastal region, with dishes such as dhokla, khandvi, and seafood.
Attend local festivals: Bhavnagar celebrates several festivals throughout the year, such as Navratri and Diwali, which are a great way to experience the local culture and traditions.
How to get around in Bhavnagar
There are several modes of transportation available in Bhavnagar to get around the city:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Bhavnagar. They are affordable and can be hailed from any part of the city.
City buses: Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation operates a fleet of buses that connect various parts of the city. These buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Taxis: Taxis are also available in Bhavnagar, but they are relatively more expensive than auto-rickshaws and buses.
Bicycle and motorcycle rentals: Several rental shops in Bhavnagar offer bicycles and motorcycles on rent. This is a great way to explore the city at your own pace.
Private cars: Private cars can also be rented from various car rental companies in Bhavnagar. However, it is advisable to have a local driver or guide to navigate the city’s roads.
Overall, auto-rickshaws and buses are the most popular and affordable modes of transportation in Bhavnagar.
where to eat in Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is known for its unique cuisine, influenced by the state of Gujarat and the coastal region. Here are some of the popular places to eat in Bhavnagar:
Kanaiya’s: This vegetarian restaurant is known for its delicious Gujarati thali and serves a variety of vegetarian dishes.
Pankaj Restaurant: This restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including seafood and chicken specialties.
New Rasraj: This restaurant is known for its lip-smacking chaats, such as pani puri, sev puri, and dahi puri.
Himalaya Bakery: This bakery is famous for its freshly baked cakes, pastries, and snacks.
Toran Dining Hall: This restaurant serves authentic Gujarati cuisine, including thali and other traditional dishes.
Patang Restaurant: This multi-cuisine restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine and has a rooftop seating area with a beautiful view of the city.
Sanjay Restaurant: This restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes, especially pomfret fry and prawn curry.
Jay Bhavani Vadapav: This small eatery is known for its delicious vada pav, a popular street food in India.
Overall, Bhavnagar has many options for foodies to explore, from traditional Gujarati thali to seafood specialties and street food.
famous street stalls in Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar is a food lover’s paradise, with many street stalls offering a variety of snacks and delicacies. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Bhavnagar:
Chetna Farsan: This street stall is famous for its delicious farsan, a type of snack made from gram flour, such as dhokla, khandvi, and fafda.
Jay Bhavani Vadapav: This small eatery is known for its delicious vada pav, a popular street food in India.
Lalitkumar Chat Bhandar: This street stall is known for its lip-smacking chaats, such as pani puri, sev puri, and dahi puri.
Kirti Ice Cream: This ice cream stall is famous for its unique ice cream flavors, such as sitaphal, chikoo, and kesar pista.
Shree Krishna Faluda: This street stall is famous for its faluda, a popular dessert made with vermicelli, milk, and rose syrup.
Hari Om Sandwich: This street stall is known for its delicious grilled sandwiches, made with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, paneer, and vegetables.
Ambika Kulfi: This street stall is famous for its kulfi, a traditional Indian frozen dessert made with milk and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios.
Overall, these street stalls offer a unique culinary experience and are a must-visit for foodies exploring Bhavnagar.
where to stay in Bhavnagar
luxury accomodation
Bhavnagar offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, including luxury hotels and resorts. Here are some of the best luxury accommodation options in Bhavnagar:
Nilambag Palace Hotel: This heritage hotel is set in a 19th-century palace and offers luxurious rooms and suites with antique furnishings, modern amenities, and lush gardens.
The Fern Bhavnagar: This contemporary hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
GenX Bhavnagar: This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a rooftop restaurant.
EFCEE Sarovar Portico Bhavnagar: This modern hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
Top3 Lords Resorts Bhavnagar: This resort-style hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities, an outdoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
Overall, these luxury accommodation options in Bhavnagar offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay for travelers.
where to stay in Bhavnagar
budget accomodation
Bhavnagar offers a range of accommodation options for travelers, including budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. Here are some of the best budget accommodation options in Bhavnagar:
Hotel Apollo: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, and attached bathroom.
Hotel Sun ‘N’ Shine: This budget hotel offers basic yet comfortable rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and attached bathroom.
Hotel Mausam: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, and attached bathroom.
Hotel Bluehill: This budget hotel offers comfortable rooms with amenities such as air conditioning, TV, and attached bathroom, and also has an in-house restaurant.
Hotel Virgo Sumeru: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, and attached bathroom.
Overall, these budget accommodation options in Bhavnagar offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices, making them a great option for travelers on a tight budget.
Travel Tips Bhavnagar
Here are some travel tips for visiting Bhavnagar:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bhavnagar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Local transportation: Bhavnagar has a well-connected network of local transportation, including auto-rickshaws and taxis, which are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation.
Food: Bhavnagar is famous for its local cuisine, including farsan, chaats, and sweets. Make sure to try out the local street food and delicacies.
Clothing: Bhavnagar has a warm and humid climate, so it is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing. However, when visiting religious places, it is important to dress conservatively and cover your head.
Language: Gujarati is the primary language spoken in Bhavnagar. However, most people can understand and communicate in Hindi and English as well.
Safety: Bhavnagar is a safe city to travel to, but it is important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.
Tourist attractions: Bhavnagar has a rich history and culture, with many tourist attractions such as the Takhteshwar Temple, Nilambag Palace, and Gaurishankar Lake. Plan your itinerary accordingly to cover all the must-visit places.
Overall, Bhavnagar is a beautiful city to visit with a rich culture and heritage. Follow these travel tips to make the most of your trip and have a memorable experience.