Vijaya Vilas Palace, Palace and garden in Mandvi Taluka, India
Vijaya Vilas Palace is a large sandstone structure with a central dome, smaller cupolas, and corner towers overlooking sprawling gardens filled with trees and flowering plants. The building features colored glass windows, carved stone screens, open verandas with fountains, and water channels that run through manicured grounds designed for walking and relaxation.
Construction started in 1920 when Maharaja Khengarji III commissioned it as a summer retreat for his son Vijayaraji, taking more than a decade to complete. The palace remained the family's retreat until the 2001 earthquake damaged their main residence in Bhuj, prompting the family to relocate here permanently.
The palace blends architectural traditions from Rajasthan, Bengal, and Saurashtra, reflecting how rulers drew inspiration from distant craftspeople and design traditions. This mix remains visible in the carved stonework, colored glass, and painted interiors that visitors encounter while walking through the rooms today.
The property is located roughly 8 kilometers west of Mandvi town and is most easily reached by car or arranged transport. The grounds are comfortable to explore on foot, with shaded areas beneath trees and under verandas offering relief during the hottest parts of the day.
The palace grounds include a protected wildlife sanctuary where visitors can observe blue bulls, peacocks, and chinkara gazelles living in their natural habitat within the estate. This ecological zone shows how the royal family has maintained the land to support local fauna alongside the main structures.
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