Vijaya Vilas Palace

Vijaya Vilas Palace is in Kutch part of Gujarat. The Palace is a famous spot in Kutch and it was one time summer residence of Rajas of Kutch. This Palace is located on sea-beach of Mandvi in Kutch in Gujarat State of India.

The Vijaya Vilas Palace in Mandvi has its own private beach providing air-conditioned tented accommodation. The palace has appeared as back drop in many Hindi films and because of this additional factor this place has now become a popular tourist location.

This palace is now the permanent residence of the Royal family of the then Princely State Kutch, while it was only their summer residence earlier. In 2001 Gujarat Earthquake, their other Palace in Bhuj, the Prag Mahal got damaged and since thereafter they moved in here to stay throughout the year.

Vijaya Vilas Palace also maintains a museum which is visited by tourists. In this campus, there a Chhatri of Vijayaraji, who passed away in 1948 and who liked this place very much.

History

Vijaya Vilas Palace was built during the period of Maharaj Shri Khengarji III, the then Maharaj of Kutch, to be kept as summer resort for the use of his son, Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji. He named this palace after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace. The construction work of palace began in the year 1920 and was completed in year 1929. The entire construction of this palace was with red sandstone.

Architecture

Vijaya Vilas Palace has been constructed in such a manner that all the elements of Rajput architecture is applied, drawing largely on the plan of the Orchha and Datia Palaces. The significant features of this building which would attract every visitor’s attention are

• the Bengal domes on the sides
• the central high dome on the pillars
• the carved stone 'jalis'
• extended porch
• the windows with colored glass work
• the domed bastions at the corners and
• Many other exquisitely stone-carved elements

The palace is positioned in the middle of a flower garden equipped with water channels and fountains. The Palace is also adorned with carved stone works of Jalis, Chhatris, Jharokhas, Chhajas and murals besides many other artistic stone carvings. There are colored glass work features on windows and door panels skillfully attended by the architect. For doing this artistic part of building, craftsmen from various places like Saurashtra, Rajasthan, Bengal etc were requisitioned, while local Kutchhi artisans, the Suthars and Mistris were employed throughout. Different styles of architecture from all the regions of the country were applied in construction of this palace.

The balcony at the top portion of the building offers a superb view of the surrounding area. There are tiny intricate windows constructed in the building in order tobring in the gushing sea breeze to the interior parts of the palace.

Visitor Information

Vijaya Vilas Palace is located 7 km from the center of Kutch town and it is open every day from 9 am-1 pm and 3 pm-6 pm for visits.

There is an Entry fee of Rs.20/-per visitor, photography allowed at a cost of Rs.50/-and private vehicle entry is charged Rs.10/-in addition.

How to Reach

Travelling to Bhuj from Ahmadabad is well-situated by road since they are well maintained. A number of public transport buses commute in this area.

As for rail links, there are two daily express trains, the Bhuj Express connecting Bhuj and Ahmedabad and Kutch Express linking Bhuj with Mumbai.

Bhuj has an airport and there are daily flights connecting Bhuj and Mumbai making air travel also easier.

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