HERITAGE
The princely state of Wankaner was founded in 1605 AD by Sartanji,
a member of the Jhala Rajput clan that came to Patdi in
northwestern Saurashtra from Sindh in the 12th century and shifted
capital to Halwad in the 15th century.
HH Amar Bane Singh, who introduced wide-ranging reforms in
Wankaner, founded the Ranjit Vilas Palace in 1907 AD, half way up
a hill and in the Precints of the 1880s Residency. It was
Inaugrated by and named for his friend, Jam Sahib Ranjit Singhji
of Nawanagar. In fact, Wankaner is one of the few princely
capitals where most of the properties were named for rulers of
different princely states.
EXPERIENCE
The palace is a stupendous work of Venetian gothic architecture in
an Orietalising vein, with arches, balconies, marble Biradaris and
pillared porticoes. The interiors are equally delightful in their
profusion of Italian marble, stained glass windows, European
chandeliers, French crystal, Belgian glass, Burma Teak furniture,
Persian rugs, custom woven Mirzapur carpets, magnificent drawing
room and spiral staircases.
Accommodations are in the 19th century Residency, which once
housed the British resident of Wankaner and the early - 20th
century royal oasis, the former European Guesthouse. The
properties are owned and family run by the son and grandson of HH
Amer Sinh.
SIGHTSEEING
The Palace Museum
The Ranjit Vilas Palace has a memorable collection of swords,
shields and daggers, 95 species of stuffed animals, duelling
pistols, pigsticking spears, silver, linen chests, silver plated
howdahs, thrones, paintings and portraits. The palace has
magnificent spiralling marble staircase, stained glass galleries,
chandeliers and period furniture.
Outside, one can see the garages with vintage cars like the 1921
Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, some imposing American cars and horse
drawn carriages. The palace has a stable of Kathiawadi horses.
There are large grounds with beautiful Italianette fountains.
Stepwell
In the Royal Oasis Complex, the 3 storeyed stepwell, has 2
underground floors with cool subterranean marble rooms, fine
sculpture and a fountain.
Wakener Town
Wankaner town is known for it's brick makers, potteries, town is
known for it's brick makers potteries, town gates, bazaars, old
palace, playhouse cinema, memorial of Sartanji and his Sati wife,
town gates and numerous royal initiatives.
EXCURSIONS
Morbi (27km)
Morbi is picturesque princely town, with fine palaces, gateways
and cottage industries like pottery, brick making, clock making
ceramics etc.
Halwad (approx. 75-km) The medieval seat of power of the
jhala rajput clan, halwad has a lakeshore palace and oryal
cenotaphs (chattries) with fine wood carvings and stone sculpture.
Tarnetar (approx. 45-km)
A historic temple site famous for its colourful bethoral fair
(August/September) is among the places to visit in Saurashtra.
Maliya Miyana
It's a beautiful creek with thousands of wading birds and eagles
at entrance to Kutch.
GETTING THERE
Wankaner railway station is connected by trains to Mumbai. The
palace is a 1 hour distance from Rajkot airport and a popular
stopover midway of Ahmedabad & Bhuj kutch.