Vijaya Vilas Palace

Built during the reign of prince Patel, the Maharao of Kutch, as a summer resort for the use of his son and heir to the kingdom, the Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji, it was named after him as Vijaya Vilas Palace. The construction of the palace started in 1920[3] and was completed in 1929.[1][2][3] The palace was built with red sandstone. Its distinctive Rajput architecture largely refers to the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. It is designed with a central high dome on pillars, Bengal domes on the sides, windows with colored glass, carved stone 'jalis', domed bastions at the corners, an extended porch and other stone-carved elements. The palace is set in the middle of gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The carved stone works of Jalis, Jharokas, Chhatris, Chhajas, murals and other stone carvings, colored glass work on windows and door panels have all been meticulously crafted by the architect and craftsmen from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Bengal and Saurashtra, and local Kutchi artisan community, the Mistris of Kutch and Suthars.[1][2][3] The balcony at top offers a complete view of the surrounding area. The windows ensure the feeling of being in the open space, with sea winds passing through.[1][2][3]

The campus also houses a Chhatri of Vijayaraji, who died in 1948.

Vijaya Vilas Palace has its own private beach. It offers overnight accommodation. The royal family of Kutch State now reside permanently in the palace after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake in which one of the wings of another palace at Bhuj - the Ranjit Vilas - was heavily damaged. The Palace also houses a museum.[2]

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  Front View Vijay Vilas Palace
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  Vijaya Vilas Palace standing at sea shore of Mandavi
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  A closer view of gate, one can see name plate - Vijaya Vilas - on top of entrance
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  Inside the palace
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  On the top

Scenes from the Bollywood movies Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, and Commando as well as a number of Gujarati films, were filmed in this palace.[4]