Have you ever wondered what an Indian royal summer home by the sea looks like? Vijay Vilas Palace is a beautiful heritage property in Gujarat, known for its red sandstone architecture, peaceful vibes, and closeness to the Arabian Sea. It was built as a summer house for the royal family of Kutch and is a beautiful mix of Indian and European design aesthetics from the 20th century. In older times, palaces were designed for security, but Vijay Vilas Palace was designed for comfort and peace.
Surrounded by pretty gardens and overlooking a less crowded beach stretch near Mandvi, the palace offers a calm and immersive experience for visitors interested in history, architecture, and beaches. Over the years, it has also gained popularity as a set for Bollywood films, which has increased its cultural importance, making it one of the best places to visit in Kutch.
Today, the palace acts partly as a heritage property open to visitors; a few parts remain closed for privacy. In this blog, you’ll get to know the essential information on location, history, architecture, timings, entry fees, nearby attractions, and travel tips to help plan a well-informed visit.
About Vijay Vilas Palace
Vijay Vilas Palace is a historic summer palace built for the royal family of Kutch during the early 1900s. It is located around 7-8 km west of Mandvi town, Kutch, Gujarat. Designed to provide relief from the rough weather, the palace combines good taste with a systematic plan. It is now a heritage attraction and showcases select rooms, galleries, and outdoor spaces for visitors. Although it is important to note that 100% of the palace is not open to visitors, as some areas are restricted.
Vijay Vilas Palace – Key Facts
Location- Mandvi, Kutch
Vijay Vilas Palace Timings- 9 AM–1 PM, 3–6 PM
Built in the Year- 1929
Built by- Maharao Khengarji III
Significance- Royal summer retreat
Architectural Style- Rajput-Mughal-European
Entry Fee- Rs.20 for Indians, Rs.50 for foreign tourists
Best Time to Visit- October to March
Vijay Vilas Palace History
The history of Vijay Vilas Palace Kutch is closely associated with the royal lineage of the princely state of Kutch and reflects a period of transition when Indian royalty began embracing modern architectural influences. The palace was built under the supervision of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, a forward-thinking king of the Kutch region, during the 1900s. The palace was started building in 1920 and was completed in the year 1929, and became a summer home for the royals.
Unlike fortified palaces built for defence, the Vijay Vilas Palace was planned as a leisure residence where comfort and aesthetics took precedence. Its coastal location near Mandvi allowed the royal family to escape the unbearable heat of the land of Kutch, and the open space with sea-facing design added to the relaxed surroundings.
Over the years, the palace became a symbol of refined royal living and cultural openness, combining Indian craftsmanship with European sensibilities. Though parts of the palace continue to remain private, a lot of areas were eventually opened to the public, allowing visitors to experience its architectural mastery and historical importance. Today, Vijay Vilas Palace stands as a reminder of Kutch’s royal legacy and the changes it went through during the colonial period.
Best Time To Visit Vijay Vilas Palace
The best time to visit Vijay Vilas Palace Kutch is between October and March, when the weather in Kutch remains pleasant and comfortable for tourists. During these months, daytime temperatures are good, making it fun to walk the palace grounds and check out other places without discomfort.
Early mornings and late afternoons are especially recommended, as the soft and natural light shows the palace’s red sandstone architecture sharply and creates excellent conditions for photography.
How To Reach Vijay Vilas Palace
There are multiple ways to reach the Vijay Vilas Palace at your own convenience. Let's see what they are-
By Air
The nearest airport is Bhuj Airport, and it's located around 60–70 kilometres from the palace. From the airport, travellers can hire taxis or private cars to reach Mandvi and the palace.
By Train
Bhuj Railway Station is the nearest major station and is well-connected to nearby cities in Gujarat and other parts of India. From Bhuj, Mandvi can be reached by road using local buses or taxis.
By Road
Mandvi has good connectivity by road to Bhuj and other towns in Kutch through highways. Local buses, taxis, and private cars operate on this route, making road travel the best option for reaching Vijay Vilas Palace.
Things To Do Inside the Vijay Vilas Palace
Inside Vijay Vilas Palace, there is more to see than just the main structure. These activities make the visit better-
Check out the rooms and museum sections
Visitors can check out a few rooms that display period furniture, photographs, and past belongings, offering a look into the royal lifestyle and history of the palace.
Walk through the landscape gardens
The palace is surrounded by well-maintained gardens with walkways and fountains, making it good for long walks while enjoying the symmetry and layout of the estate.
Architectural details and carvings
Take time to notice Vijay Vilas Palace inside, carved jharokhas, stone balconies, domed structures, and coloured glass windows that reflect the palace’s blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European design influences.
Enjoy the private beach views
The palace overlooks a private stretch of beach near Mandvi, offering scenic views of the Arabian Sea and a calm atmosphere away from crowded public beaches.
Take Aesthetic Photos
Photography is allowed in a few areas, and visitors can capture architectural details and surroundings. There’s a Rs.50 fee for general tourist photography, and there are separate prices if someone wants to have a professional shoot.
Places To Visit Near Vijay Vilas Palace
There are several interesting places to visit near Vijay Vilas Palace. These spots are perfect for adding more experiences to your trip-
Mandvi Beach
Mandvi Beach is one of the most popular coastal places near Vijay Vilas Palace. Known for its calm shoreline and pretty sunsets, it is ideal for peaceful sit-downs and walks, and camel rides while enjoying views of the Arabian Sea.
Vijay Vilas Palace Beach
Located just at the side of the palace, this stretch of beach offers a more private experience. It is amazing for peaceful strolls and good photography, with the palace gardens and coastline creating a pretty backdrop.
Mandvi Shipbuilding Yard
The Mandvi Shipbuilding Yard is famous for its traditional wooden shipbuilding techniques. Skilled artisans make huge wooden dhows using old methods, making it an interesting place to observe Kutch’s heritage of the sea.
Windmills Of Mandvi
The windmills near Mandvi showcase the region’s use of renewable energy. These are located among the landscapes and offer an interesting contrast to Mandvi’s historical and coastal attractions.
Kutch Museum, Bhuj
Located in Bhuj, the Kutch Museum is the oldest museum in Gujarat. It houses collections of old artefacts, textiles, coins, and exhibits that provide insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the Kutch region.
Tips For Visiting Vijay Vilas Palace
Planning your visit in advance can make your time at Vijay Vilas Palace more comfortable.
These tips will help you explore the palace with ease-
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and get the best natural light.
Wear comfortable footwear as the palace grounds include sandy paths and stairs.
Follow visitor routes and respect private areas of the royal palace.
Carry water and SPF, especially during warmer months.
Combine the palace visit with Mandvi Beach for a relaxed half-day plan.
Conclusion
Vijay Vilas Palace stands as a beautiful reflection of Kutch’s royal legacy, where architecture and history come together in one place. Built as a summer escape, the palace offers visitors a closer look into the lifestyle of the former rulers while remaining easy and pleasant to explore. Its blend of Rajput, Mughal, and European influences adds to its character. Vijay Vilas Palace remains a worthy stop for travellers looking to explore Kutch’s royal heritage in a peaceful coastal setting.
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