Bhavnagar is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1723 AD by
Bhavsinhji Gohil (1703-64 AD) and was named after its founder and ruler. It was
capital of Bhavnagar State which was the first princely state to merge with
democratic Indian Union in 1948.
Now it is administrative headquarters of Bhavnagar District. It is the fifth-largest city
of Gujarat
The Gohil Rajputs of the Surya Vanshi clan, facing severe competition in Marwar,
moved down to the Gujarat coast around 1260 AD and established three capitals -
Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor (then known as Sirohi).
In 1822-1823, Sihor was raided by Khanthaji Kadani and Pilaji Gaekwad, but they
were repulsed by Bhanvsinhji Gohil. After great losses in the battle, he realized the
weakness in location of Sihor. In 1823, he established a new capital near Vadva
village, 20 km away from Sihor, and named it Bhavnagar. It was a carefully chosen
strategic location having potential of maritime trade. Naturally, Bhavnagar became
the capital of Bhavnagar State.
PLACE TO VISIT
Blackbuck National Park - at Velavadar is situated in the Bhavnagar District of Gujarat state, India.
Established in 1976 in the Bhal region of Saurashtra, the park is located around 72
km from the district headquarter city of Bhavnagar. Hugging the coasts of the Gulf of
Khambhat on the south, it is spread over an area of 34.08 km², which was primarily a
"vidi" (grassland) of the Maharaja of the princely state of Bhavnagar
Flat land, dry grasses and herds of antelopes have always attracted visitors to this
park which has a unique grassland ecosystem running a successful conservation
program of the Blackbuck, the Wolf and the Lesser Florican (a bustard) among
others
Takhteshwar Temple
Nilambag Palace
Seashore at Ghogha (About 22 km. from Bhavangar)
Victoria Park
Nava Bandar (New Port)
Barton Library
Darbargadh
Ganga Deri (Ganga Jalia Talav)
Gaurishankar Lake/Bor Talav
HOW TO REACH
Bhavnagar is connected by daily flights to Mumbai. The airlines are Indian, Air
Deccan and Jet Airways. Most people in Gujarat travel by private buses (these are
excellent modes of transport as the roads are among the best in India.
