Wankaner
Ranjit Vilas Palace, begun in 1899 and expanded over subsequent decades, mixes Rajput. Mughal, Gothic and Italianate elements into a single sprawling structure overlooking the Machhu. River, reflecting the eclectic tastes of Wankaner’s Jhala rulers. Part of the palace remains a private royal residence while other sections. Stables are open to visitors, who can also see the family’s preserved collection. Of vintage cars and carriages accumulated over the early 20th century. Wankaner sits at an elevation of 81 m. Is typically explored in about 2-3 hours.
Wankaner at a Glance
Essential information about Wankaner.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Ranjit Vilas Palace, begun in 1899 and expanded over subsequent decades, mixes Rajput, Mughal, Gothic and Italianate elements into a single sprawling structure overlooking the Machhu river, reflecting the eclectic tastes of Wankaner’s Jhala rulers. Part of the palace remains a private royal residence while other sections and stables are open to visitors, who can also see the family’s preserved collection of vintage cars and carriages accumulated over the early 20th century. Wankaner sits at an elevation of 81 m and is typically explored in about 2-3 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include ranjit Vilas Palace’s Indo-Saracenic clock tower, vintage Rolls-Royce and Cadillac collection tour, and riverside ghats at Machhu River. It falls within Morbi, Morbi district, and Gujarat, India.
Highlights
- Ranjit Vilas Palace’s Indo-Saracenic clock tower
- Vintage Rolls-Royce and Cadillac collection tour
- Riverside ghats at Machhu River
- Chandravati stepwell’s carved pillars
- Palace’s Italian mosaic floor and Belgian glass
- Sunset view from palace ramparts over town
Getting There
Things To Do
Visit the Chandravati stepwell (Kotha Vav)
Descend into this 17th-century, multi-storeyed stepwell located near the old town, with intricately carved pillars and a cool, echoing atmosphere. It’s a short walk from the palace, but the steps are uneven, so take care.
30 minutes
See the royal cenotaphs (Chhatris) on the riverbank
Walk along the Machchhu River to view the cluster of domed cenotaphs honouring the former rulers of Wankaner. These sandstone and marble memorials feature detailed carvings and offer a quiet spot for photography.
45 minutes
Watch the sunset from the palace rooftop terrace
Ask the palace staff for permission to access the flat rooftop, which offers panoramic views over the town, the lake, and the distant hills. This is a prime spot for golden-hour photography, especially during winter months.
1 hour
Explore the Ranjit Vilas Palace interiors
Walk through the ornate durbar hall, private chambers, and the famous 'Jubilee Clock' tower, all blending Indo-Saracenic and European styles. The palace still houses family memorabilia, including rare photographs and hunting trophies.
2 hours
Vintage car collection tour at the palace garage
See the royal family’s preserved fleet, including a 1938 Cadillac, a 1924 Rolls-Royce, and a vintage Mercedes, many still in running condition. The garage is a private collection, so confirm viewing times with the palace caretaker on arrival.
45 minutes
Stroll through the palace gardens and lakefront
Walk the manicured lawns around the palace, which slope down to the artificial lake (Wankaner Lake). Look for resident peacocks and egrets, and enjoy the quiet, shaded paths away from the town bustle.
1 hour
Travel Tips
Plan around the palace visiting hours
The Wankaner Palace and its museum are open only from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a lunch break around 1–2 PM. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and to have enough time for a leisurely walk through the palace grounds.
Book a local guide for the heritage walk
The old town’s narrow lanes, havelis, and the riverfront are best explored with a guide who can narrate stories and help with uneven steps. Ask your hotel or the palace office to arrange a guide who speaks Hindi or Gujarati slowly, and agree on a flat fee before starting.
Carry your own water and light snacks
Wankaner has few clean, tourist-friendly eateries, especially near the palace and the cenotaphs. Pack a refillable bottle, ORS packets, and some biscuits or fruit, as the nearest decent restaurant may be a 10–15 minute drive away.
Check the weather and avoid the summer afternoons
From March to June, temperatures cross 40°C, making outdoor sightseeing risky for seniors. Visit between November and February, and if you must go in summer, start at 7 AM, take a long midday break indoors, and resume only after 4 PM.
Use a private vehicle or pre-arranged taxi for all trips
Public transport is sparse and auto-rickshaws are not comfortable for older travellers. Hire a car with a driver for the day (costing around ₹1,500–2,000) so you can stop at the Chandrashekhar Azad Park, the royal cenotaphs, and the railway station without rushing.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Wankaner — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Pir Mashayakh Sarvajanik Hospital0.5 km
- Bandhu Samaj Hospital0.8 km
- Zala Hospital0.8 km
- Government Hospital1.2 km
- Nr Doshi Eye Hospital(Devdaya Cheritable Trust)1.6 km
Frequently Asked Questions
The main highlight is the Ranjit Vilas Palace, a stunning Indo-Saracenic palace with a museum, vintage car collection, and beautiful gardens; the palace offers guided tours with wheelchair access to the ground floor. Other sights include the Chandravati Lake and the old city’s stepwells, but these require walking on uneven ground, so plan for short visits. For a group, the palace tour can be tailored to a slower pace, and rest areas are available.
Wankaner offers traditional Gujarati thalis at small local restaurants and dhabas, which are vegetarian, mild, and wholesome—ideal for most seniors. At the palace, you can arrange for a home-style Gujarati meal with softer preparations and less spice, but it’s best to pre-order. Carry your own water bottle and any digestive aids, as options are limited; also, ensure your hotel or host can cater to dietary restrictions like low-salt or no-oil meals.
The ideal time to visit Wankaner is between November and February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. Summers (April to June) are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C, while the monsoon (July to September) brings moderate rainfall that can make travel slightly inconvenient. For senior travellers, the winter months are safest and most comfortable for sightseeing.
Wankaner is well-connected by rail, with its own railway station on the Rajkot–Surendranagar line; trains from Rajkot take about 1.5 hours and from Ahmedabad around 4 hours. By road, it’s a 60 km drive from Rajkot (about 1.5 hours) and roughly 180 km from Ahmedabad (about 4 hours) via NH27. For groups, hiring a private taxi or a comfortable AC coach is recommended for ease and flexibility.
Wankaner has limited but decent options, including the heritage stay at the Ranjit Vilas Palace itself, which offers royal rooms and a quiet, historic ambiance suitable for groups. For more mainstream comfort, many travellers choose to stay in Rajkot (about 1.5 hours away) and do a day trip to Wankaner, as it has a wider range of hotels with elevators and medical facilities. If you prefer a relaxed pace, booking a palace suite for one night is a memorable and convenient choice.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Wankaner
Day 1
Begin your exploration of Wankaner with the town’s crown jewel, the Ranjit Vilas Palace, a fascinating mix of European and Indian architectural styles. Spend the afternoon wandering the palace grounds and its vintage car collection, then take a slow evening walk through the local bazaar to absorb the old-world charm. This day is deliberately unhurried, allowing you to settle into the pace of a princely town.
- Visit Ranjit Vilas Palace: Tour the ornate durbar hall, private rooms, and the clock tower, noting the eclectic blend of Gothic, Mughal, and Rajput influences.
- Explore the Vintage Car Collection: See the gleaming Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, and a rare 1924 Bentley, many still in running condition, housed in the palace’s old garages.
- Stroll through Wankaner Market: Walk past old havelis, spice shops, and textile stalls, ending at the small riverside ghat by the Machhu River for sunset views.
Day 2
Dedicate the second day to the nearby town of Morbi, just 45 minutes away, known for its ceramic industry and royal heritage. Visit the Mani Mandir palace complex and the famous suspension bridge, then watch artisans at work in local pottery and tile factories. Return to Wankaner in the late afternoon for a relaxed final evening.
- Tour Mani Mandir Palace in Morbi: Admire the intricate mirror-work and frescoes in this 19th-century palace, set on a hill overlooking the town.
- Walk across the Jubilee Bridge: Cross the historic suspension bridge over the Machhu River, built in 1887, for panoramic views of the riverbed and old city.
- Visit a Ceramic & Tile Workshop: See how Morbi’s famous tiles, sanitaryware, and pottery are handcrafted in small factories; many allow visitors to watch the kiln-firing process.
- Return to Wankaner for a quiet evening at the palace gardens (if open) or a cup of chai at a local tea stall.
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Tour Packages for Wankaner
Morbi
Gujarat
2 place(s) covered within Morbi
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