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BHAVNAGAR
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1743 AD, by Bhavsinhji Gohil, on the site of a small
village of Vadva, near the creek, Bhavnagar was once a flourishing
port. Today, however the only activities related to the sea near
Bhavnagar take place at the port of Ghogha and at Alang, which has
also Asia's largest ship breaking facility.
Gandhi Smriti Library, a museum, a gallery and a memorial to the
Father of the Nation are worth seeing. Gaurishankar Lake and Takhteshwar
temple are popular picnic spots lending an enchanting view from
the hilltop. Its coastline is with ports, salt works, shipbuilding
and ship breaking yards along the Bhavnagar coast.Its business today
is vastly different, for it is a premier cotton-exporting seaport
on the southeastern Saurashtra coast.
Palitana
 A
56 kms drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya
Hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south. The sacred
hill rises in a crescendo of magnificient temples numbering 863
in all, soaring in marble splendour to the top of the hill.
The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with
each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines
of Shatrunjaya. The 600-metres climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made
on foot. 'Dolis' or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.
Gaurishankar Lake
It is beautiful lake between small hills. It was made by Shree Gaurishankar
Oza, the Deewan of Bhavnagar. There is Balvatika for Children, and
temple of Lord Shiva. There is a big palace for Highness Family.
It is peaceful and lovely place.
Victoria Park
The south side of city, There is forest near Gaurishankar Lake.
In 100 Hector area, there are peacocks, foxes, hyenas and other
birds and animals. In winter the birds come from various places
to stay at Krishna Kunj Lake. There is small a park and picnic place.
It also contains two nurseries.
Velavadar
On the way towards Ahmedabad, 35 k.m. east from Bhavnagar, Velavadar
is very well known place for "Kaliar-Haran ". With their long feet,
jumping all around 1800 hector wide jungle, makes a worth experience.
They are attractive with their charming body and are not available
outside India. The forest dept. is taking care of the animals, and
provides permission and facilities to visitors.
Hathab
On the west of Bhavnagar, 25 k.m. away from the city there is a
well-known picnic place on a sea-shore called Hathab. A latest research
has found signs of 2000 years back - human - life near Hathab.
Malnath
A picnic point surrounded by small hills. It is 26 k.m. away from
Bhavnagar on Talaja road. On east side, there is Nag-dhaniba, another
popular picnic point with river bank and a temple. This place is
also covered by hill-sides, beautiful and natural looks.
Takhteshwar Temple
In the middle of city, on a hill a temple was built by Maharaja
Takhatsihnji in 1893. This temple provides paqnoramic city view.
The temple and whole compound is made of shining white marble. This
is also a wide place to worship lord Mahadev and also a picnic point.
Gopnath
A temple on the beach having good facility to stay for night makes
this place most popular amount leisure managers. It is 76 k.m. on
the way of Mahuva, surrounded by jungle - and sea views. It is a
place of beauty of nature.
Ghogha
The beach of Ghogha is on west side and about 19 k.m away. There
are Masjid of Hajrat Mohmmed Paigamber's time and Jain temples of
ancient times.
Piram Bet ( 25 Km. East )
This is an island of 6 Km. away from Ghogha. It is said that this
island was created about 35 lacks years ago and is a wonderful place
to visit. There is a broken fort which was built in 1325. There
is no human population on the island. . One can visit on hired boat
from Ghogha Port. Food and night halt should be arranged.
Khodiyar
This is a temple on the bank of a lake, 16 k.m. on Rajkot road.
It was associated as a place of worship for highness family. This
is now a picnic and worship place too, for general public.
ACCESS
Air: Various domestic airlines connecting Bombay and Surat.
Rail: Bhavnagar is on the Western Railway line. It is 761
kms from Bombay via Ahmedabad and 788 kms via Virangam.
Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect
various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 791 kms from Bombay via
Ahmedabad, 200 kms from Ahmedabad via Sihor.
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