Excursions :
Velavadar National Park (60 kms.) :
An extensive tract of grasslands, with some of India 's greatest herds of blackbuck antelope, some blue bull, wolf, fox, jackal, one of the world's greatest harrier roost and typical grassland birds.
Alang (55 kms.) :
One of the largest ship breaking yards in the world.Alang ship breaking yard located on the western coast of Gulf of Cambay, in the western part of India, is the largest ship-recycling yard in the world. It was inception in 1982. Alang has become as one of the choicest ship-scrapping destinations for the ship owners around the world. Hundreds of ships from all over the world find their final resting place in Alang every year. There are 185 plots to carry out the ship-recycling activities. This activity forms an industry by itself , as it provides around 30,000 jobs in Alang itself and generates steel totaling to millions of tons every year. That too, with minimum consumption of electricity. If we examine these bare facts from the ecological point of view, it amounts to saving of huge amount of non-cyclic and precious mineral reserves like coal, petroleum etc.It is therefore, one of the most profitable industry. It also contributes to ecological balance.
Millions of tons of steel is recycled by re-rolling mills. Many mechanical spares find their applications in one way or other. Various electrical components hold special value for the fixed set of customers. And the list goes on. A truly strong platform then, to Alang holds special significance. Perfectly befitting the noble cause for which it is known and the immense potential it holds. The dedicated office of port officer at Alang and a separate department with committed staff of qualified administrators engineers at head office, manage the day-to-day activities at Alang. A special computerized Alang Information System (AIS) is devised to facilitate speedy communication between Alang and the head office.
Talaja (54 kms.) :
Another historic cluster of Jain temples on a hill.
Sihore (25 kms.) :
The 17th century palace of the Maharajahs of Bhavnagar, with fine paintings and wood carvings.
Takhteshwar Temple Palace :
Situated on a hill, the site provides a panoramic view.
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 magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar 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-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.
The pure mountain air and views of beautifully built temples in white marble is fabulous. Of these temples, the most significant are that of Kumarpal, Vimalshah, Sampritiraja and Cahumukh. Adeshwar temple is devoted to the first Jain saint. Chaumukhi temple has a quadruple faced idol of Adinath. A carved elephant faces the image. Palitana is a living sacred symbol of Jainism. Jainism, with emphasis on non-violence and non-acquisitiveness is a popular religion in the western/central/northern parts of India . The architectural appeal of Palitana transcends religious boundaries and attracts tourists of all faiths.
How to get there:
Various domestic airlines connecting Mumbai ( Bombay ) and Surat . It is on the Western Railway line. It is 761 Kms. from Mumbai ( Bombay ) via Ahmedabad and 788 Kms. via Viramgam. State transport buses and private luxury coaches connect various centres of Gujarat . It is situated 791 Kms. from Mumbai ( Bombay ) via Ahmedabad, 200 Kms from Ahmedabad via Sihor.
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