Vijay Vilas Palace

Brief History

This weathered 1920s palace lies 7 km west of Mandvi, amid extensive orchards along a private beach. Originally a summer abode for the Kutch rulers, its first floor is now the main residence of the elderly Maharajah of Bhuj. The view from the roof is impressive and the rooms, with their stuffed wildlife and faded grand furniture, are worth a peek. The sandstone structure has extensive jali work, coloured glass, domed bastions and murals and the influence of the Kutch community of artisans and their unique style is evident.

The palace was built in the reign of Maharao Shri Khengarji III, who was the Maharao of Kutch. It was meant to be a summer resort for his son and heir to the kingdom, Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji. The palace is named ‘Vijaya Vilas Palace’ after him. The construction of palace started in year in 1920 and completed in 1929. Shri Vijayaraji died in 1948. A chhatri (decorative tombstone) in his memory stands on the premises of the palace.