Ever dream of a lifestyle where you can crisscross India in your own personal train saloon coach?
the Orchard Palace, Gondal
I am quite sure, there are families today who can; however, in the 1900’s, owning one and exploring the country at your own pace was somewhat of a rarity.
This is the 5th post in a series on Gondal’s Royal family. It is all about their passions, and love of preserving the Royalty of the by gone era.
I would love you to visit the series to take a peek, links below …
The Gondal Royal Family Classic car series
| Part 1 – Gondal Royals, Gujarat: Exploring Vintage Cars at the Orchard Palace (1930’s to 1970’s) | https://rb.gy/nv0kf9 |
| Part 2 – Gondal Classic Car Collection: American Cars of the 1940’s | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-37y |
| Part 3 – Classic Car Collection: Explore the 1960’s Era with the Royal Family | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-38R |
| Part 4 Gondal Classic Car Collection: Explore the European Cars at Orchard Palace | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-39w |
| Part 6 Japanese Garden and Royal Splendor at Orchard Palace, Gondal, Gujarat | https://wp.me/pbXnOA-3bw |
This is a tale of the historic and luxurious train carriage that mirrors the affluence and majesty of the royal families of India.
Let us board the coach 🧗
The Grand Carriage
Braving the eastern sun every day, the single saloon stands upright on rails under a shade beside a replica of Gondal’s railway station.
It keeps astounding the visitors with its Royalty.
The saloon coach was used by Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji of the former Royal family of Gondal, an erstwhile princely state in Gujarat, India. 🚆
Royal Saloon Kitchen
foods with deep Kathiawadi roots to satisfy
the maharaja’s culinary wants
Carriage Royal Bathroom
all the modern amenities you can conceive at Gondal, Gujarat
ease the extreme need when the entire family travelled
at Gondal, Gujarat
Carriage Dining Area
carriage. The improved suspension and braking system
ensured the Royals had a smooth ride
Carriage Bar Spot
had fascinating discussions aboard the carriage.
As we walked, the crystal chandeliers jingled
at Orchard Palace, Gujarat
Carriage Sitting Area
the Royal quarters in the saloon at Gondal.
These curtains secured privacy and also stand testimony
to the Royal giggles and laughter
Carriage Royal Bedroom
that kept the Royal passengers in extreme comfort, ready to rule
the next day at the Orchard Palace, Gondal
Gondal Railway Station
the carriage stands at the Orchard Palace, Gujarat
The saloon coach was mainly used for the Royal family’s escapades across the Gujarat state and the country. The carriage served special occasions, such as official visits, and in some cases, hunting excursions, and of course, holidays.
How was the journey? Stepping off at the Gondal platform, did you feel a sense of royalty wrapping you? 👌
Our next stop
Getting off the carriage, we will now amble across the Gondal’s Orchard Palace ground and not to miss, the Japanese garden in Part 6
Inference
- Look for the built in the early 1900’s
- Check the brilliant draperies covered the glazed windows
| Distance from Junagadh to the Orchard Palace | 66 kms |
| Best time to visit | December through early March, avoid summers |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch) Time Required: 2-3 hours Closed on Mondays |
| Parking | The Orchard Palace has its own parking |
| Pocket pinch | Entry Fee: Indians – Rail Carriage INR 30 per person, Camera – Rs.80 Mobile camera – Rs.80 Video Shooting charge: Rs.200 |
| Places to visit around | Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Naulakha Palace Shri Ramanath Dham |
SPITFIRE GAUTAM 