Bhavnagar is a city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was capital of Bhavnagar State which was the first princely state to merge with the democratic Indian Union in 1948. The current royal family of bhavnagar resides in the Nilambagh Palace and comprises the Maharaja Vijayraj Singh Gohil, Maharani Samyukta Kumari, Prince Jaiveerraj Singh Gohil and Princess Brijeshwari Kumari.

The History of Bhavnagar goes back a lot further then the city itself. It begins in the 12th-13th century, when the Gohil Rajputs of the Surya Vanshi clan, facing severe competition in Marwar, moved down to the Gujarat coast and finally settled at Gogha port, near present-day Bhavnagar.

Bhavnagar was founded by Bhavsinhji Gohil, the rulers of Sihor in 1723 AD. It was the time of persistent Maratha raids of the States of Saurashtra. The last princely ruler Late Sir Krishnakumarsinhji handed over the administration of his State to the people's representative in 1948 on the advice of Gandhiji. The Gohil Rajputs came to Gujarat from Marwar in 1260 AD and had 3 capitals- Sejakpur, Umrala and Sihor; before finally establishing Bhavnagar as their capital.

Places of Interest in Bhavnagar :

Velavadar Black Buck Sanctuary , Gaurishankar Lake, Lakes, Parks, Gardens , Gangajaha , Takhteshwar Temple , Other temples , Mosques , Lock Gate , Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute , Samaldas College.