Ranjit Vilas Palace (Wankaner)

Ranjit Vilas Palace looms over the cramped streets of Wankaner like a tired aristocrat who forgot to retire, its white‑washed façades and domed columns a faded echo of Gujarat’s princely past. The palace, still owned by the erstwhile royal family, opens its grand ballroom and marble staircases to visitors on weekdays between 10 am and 4 pm, but the entry fee is steep enough to make you wonder whether you’re paying for heritage or a private club. The real draw is the 30‑room heritage hotel on the west wing; a night in the saffron‑stained suite, complete with hand‑woven dhurries and a crackling fireplace, is worth the splurge if you have a day to spare after a morning at the nearby Jain temple. Skip the over‑touristed guided tour that rattles through the Hall of Mirrors – you’ll see the intricate latticework and the faded frescoes for free if you slip in during the late‑afternoon lull. Stay in the modest guesthouse on Laxmi Road rather than the opulent annex; you’ll get the same courtyard view without the pretentious concierge. Visit in winter (November‑February) when the sandstone cools and the mango orchard behind the palace is in blossom; the scorching summer months turn the courtyards into an oven and the staff retreats to the air‑conditioned lounge.

Source · Wikipedia · Ranjit Vilas Palace (Wankaner) · CC-BY-SA

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