We will continue our tour of this mammoth palace. It is filled with objects, artefacts of several generations.
The diverse collection is out of the world.
of the palace. We pressed on to catch a glimpse of the western
section, which wound its way into the interior
of Naulakha Palace, Gondal
In Part 1, we have seen the palace, its grounds, the ‘jharokas’ and its imposing structure overlooking the Gondal River.
Part 2 of the Naulakha Palace series, gave us a glimpse of the outstanding objects, the library and the Royal family’s love for ships and seas. ⚓🤴
In Part 3, you will see the exceptional Royal customs, and objects that they used. One of them being the Royal kitchen, which the Queen herself managed.
In Part 4, you have seen the majestic collection of crockeries and chandeliers at the Royal Palace of Naulakha🍽️🔪
Part 5, will take you through those times of 19th century where you can see a superb collection of horse drawn carriages of that era 🐎
Part 6 gives a visitor a brilliant tour of the Royal collection of toys, that include, scale models of cars, trains and airplanes 🚃🚗✈️
Where’s Naulakha Palace?
Let’s quickly find out where is this Palace. Specially for the first-time readers who did not get a chance till now to visit the Part 1 and Part 2.
through the lanes and slender roads towards the river Gondal.
Fascinating Royal Artefacts
palace located on the southwestern side of the expansive
grounds of Naulakha Palace in Gondal
Weighing in Gold
of the Gondal king. The king would sit on one side, while an equivalent
number of gold bars, matching his weight, were placed on the other. This
act demonstrated the king’s power, his rule, and his commitment to his subjects.
Additionally, the royal family used this occasion to donate the gold to the
poor and needy, signifying their generosity towards their people
Palace, Gondal. Customized furniture for the Royal family
included, spring loaded, slanting chair, a
glass laden table, and artefacts of regular use
Royal Dental Chair
pedestal, neck rest, and foldable arms featuring a tray on the left.
This piece served the dental needs of the Royal family within the
Naulakha Palace in Gondal. Far away a leopard’s head and skin
sprawled across the floor reminded the Royals
of their positions and power
Fabulous furniture collection
It reminded me of my grandfather’s house at Calcutta, which has similar old
furniture. There was a table with a wide green mat, globular legs,
and drawers that echoed the design of the 18th century. An artistic glass light
of yester years stood on the table. A glass cabinet with a hinged
top, likely made of Mahogany, built to endure for generations. Indeed,
no modern decor can rival the elegance of this craftsmanship
Amazing Queen’s Kitchen
personally tended to the kitchen. Every item you observe
here is crafted from brass or copper, chosen for their health benefits.
A copper water decanter, a perforated brass tumbler rests beside a curtain.
A stone grinder joins the display too. All processes are
manual, devoid of any chemicals or machinery
Brass and Copper utensils were used. A brass stool accompanied by copper
vessels for water and food, three mud-brick kilns, an iron hand grinder,
and a wheat bread roller completed the collection for visitors
at Naulakha Palace, Gondal
A perforated soap holder up front drained the excess water.
Two neatly angled brass taps looked down into the basin.
A regal chair with drawers made of Mahogony rested.
Naulakha Palace, Gondal brings alive the by gone era
The Queen
Maharaja Bhagwatsinhjee, the painting portrays her
as a humble and grounded woman not particularly touched
by the opulence. We observed her kitchen
above at Naulakha Palace, Gondal
For us it was an exhilarating experience of walking a palace where you will find the fusion of opulence, heritage and evolving culture 👑
Part 4
The Naulakha Palace is so vast that it took us four hours to complete it at a cursory level.
In Part 4, you will see the Royal family’s diverse collection of international crockery sets that they acquired all across the world.
Hope you are enjoying the Palace 🏰 tour with us.
Inference
- Anyone who loves museums will be riveted to the Palace relics
- Remember, not to use camera everywhere as restrictions to photograph apply within the palace
- Take a guide, if possible
| Distance from Orchard Palace to the Naulakha Palace | 1.7 kms |
| Best time to visit | December through early March, avoid summers. Wear cotton clothes as Gujarat does not have any winters |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed from 2.30 pm to 3 pm for lunch) Time Required: 4 hours Closed on Sunday |
| Parking | The Naulakha Palace has its own parking |
| Pocket pinch | Entry Fee: Indians – Orchard Palace Rs.150 when we went, perhaps Rs.200 now Camera – Rs.150 Mobile camera – Rs.100 Video Shooting charge: Rs.200 Palace Guide Cost – Rs.200 for 2 hours |
| Places to visit around | Shri Swaminarayan Mandir The Orchard Palace Shri Ramanath Dham |
SPITFIRE GAUTAM 