Darbargadh

Darbargadh, on the bank of Machchhu, is an original residence of Morbi rulers. It can be reached by crossing an imposing gate and arcade façade. Now it is the only heritage hotel at Morbi.

Darbargadh Gallery

Mani Mandir

Mani Mandir is a stunning piece of temple architecture, situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat, in Morbi, Gujarat. Built in 1935, this magnificent structure took shape in Jaipur stone, adorned with exquisitely carved elements-arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. The temple enshrines the images of Lakshmi Narayan, Goddess Kali, Lord Ram, Radha- Krishna and Lord Shiva.

Mani Mandir stands as a testimony to the excellent workmanship and dexterity of its master craftsmen and architects, who had conceived and materialized the structure at the turn of 20th century.
Morbi’s Mani Mandir, an excellent piece of temple architecture and a palace belonging to the erstwhile princely state of Morbi in Saurashtra is going to be renovated and converted into a first of its kind museum showcasing the socio-cultural heritage of the Saurashtra region.
Built by Thakor Saheb Sir Waghji to immortalize his love for a girl named Mani, the building is a symbol of love that stands testimony to excellent workmanship .
After Independence, it was transformed into a government building.In the 2001 earthquake, the palace was damaged to a great extent.The state government, on February 4, handed over the place to the Rajmata and Rajkumari on a 20-year lease at a token rate of Re 1 per year.
The erstwhile royal family has now accepted responsibility of the project to renovate and transform the building into a museum, right from funding to execution.The royal family has set aside funds amounting to a whopping Rs 20 crore for renovating the building and developing a museum which will act as a platform to promote cultural and social heritage of Gujarat with special focus on Saurashtra. The highlight of the museum post-renovation will be tableaux by over 700 erstwhile princely states that made up Kathiawar before Independence. The cultural diversity in attire, food, dances, arts and the like will find place in them.
Mani Mandir is a structure adorned with exquisitely carved arches, brackets, jalis, chhatris and shikhara. At the centre of the temple complex, overlooking the river Machhu is the temple of Radha Krishna. A rectangular double-storied complex with over 130 rooms surrounds the temple. Waghji had completed the structure at a cost of Rs 30 lakh in 1922 and died the same year.
The 25-metre high structure survived the massive flood that hit Morbi town in 1979 when the Machhu Dam broke, but not the earthquake. After the quake, the entire taluka administration, including the courts that the building housed, was moved to a new location.

Mani Mandir | Wagh Mahal Gallery

Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel built at the turn of the century, reflects the progressive and scientific nature of the rulers of Morbi. This was built to give a unique identity to Morbi using the latest technology available in those days, in Europe. It is 1.25 m wide and spans 233 m on the Machchhu River connecting Darbargadh Palace and Lakhdhirji Engineering College.
Hanging Bridge of Morbi (Suspension Bridge) is a very famous tourist place.

News :

Morbi’s historic ‘Julto Pul’ to re-open in last week of Jan

Julto Pul | Hanging Bridge | Suspension Bridge Gallery

Wellington Secretariat

It is an excellent example of the application of principles of Rajput architecture by master craftsmen, at the turn of the century.

How to reach

You can reach Morbi by road from Rajkot within 1 and half hours only. There are buses available run by Gujarat State Road Transport Corporations and also by private travel companies. The nearest railway station is Wankaner from where you can get trains to reach many major cities of Gujarat and even of Maharashtra and few other states. Nearest Airport to reach Morbi is around 67 km away in Rajkot and 247 km away in Ahmedabad. Indian Airlines run regular flights from Mumbai to Rajkot.

Wellington Secretariat Gallery

Green Chowk

Green Chowk is a town square approached by series of three gates. European town planning principles inspired the creation of these gates as landmarks in the town.

Green Chowk Gallery

Nehru Gate

Nehru Gate is located at Morbi, Earlier its name was Nagar Darwaza in which 'Nagar' means 'city' and 'Darwaza' means 'door.' Later the name was changed to 'Nehru Gate' to pay courtesy to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The exotic gate comes with a central clock tower, which still works. The gate is made out of stone and represents Rajput architecture.
The Nehru Gate is made out of stone using elements of Rajput architecture with central clock tower, while another one uses elements of western architecture and is capped by a three-storyed cast iron frame structure with a dome.

Nehru Gate | Nagar Darwaza Gallery

Art Deco Palace

Art Deco Palace (1931–1944) is a marvellous example of influence of last phase of art deco movement of Europe. It is poetry in granite, a low two storey in banded horizontal fenestration, curves and bays, which resembles the London underground stations of Charles Holden. The palace has six drawing rooms, six dining rooms, and fourteen bedrooms. The decorated subterranean bedroom, with many erotic murals and a bathroom made from seashells are also noteworthy.