Cactus Garden
A well-maintained cactus garden is located near the entry gate at Kaliyabid, Water Tank Circle. This garden comprises more than 50 varieties of cactus.
In 1890, during the reign of Maharaja Takhtsinhji, His Royal Highness, the late Duke of Clarence and Avondale visited Bhavnagar. The city was buzzing with excitement, and people from nearby villages came to catch a glimpse of the Highnesses.
The visit was celebrated with a number events, including the unveiling of Albert Victor Square, a spectacular fireworks show at the Ganga-Jalia Talav, and the inauguration of Port Albert Victor in Kathivadar.
Right after the visit of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale, there was a grand celebration for Queen Victoria's birthday. The Maharaja made notable gestures to honour her, such as granting twenty life pensions to elderly widows, establishing a fund for nurses, donating a bust of the Queen to Victoria Jubilee Technical Institute in Bombay, and inaugurating Victoria Park in Bhavnagar.
On May 24, 1888, Maharaja Takhtsinhji allocated a tentative four hundred and fifty acres of land to establish a public park named Victoria Park. Recognizing the need for relief work in Bhavnagar, efforts were made to enclose the land, deepen the tank within the enclosure, and construct several intersecting roads from all directions. The total expenditure for these developments during that period exceeded thirty thousand rupees. A large sum for the time.
Victoria Park was designed under the guidance of the former Bhavnagar State engineer, Proctor Sims. The park was named in honour of Queen Victoria by Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar.
Richard Proctor Sims started his professional career as an Assistant Engineer with the Bombay Municipality. He left this position in 1864 to join the engineering team of the Back Bay Reclamation Company. In 1875, at the request of Bhavnagar State Administrators, he served as State Engineer for twenty-five years until his death. During this time, he dedicated himself not only to engineering projects but also to the overall development of Bhavnagar. One of his initial projects included organising the State Public Works Department and implementing a comprehensive Public Works code and accounting system.
As State Engineer, Mr. Proctor Sims had multiple responsibilities, including overseeing the construction of 130 miles of roads and bridges, as well as managing the water supply and sanitation systems of Bhavnagar. Additionally, he was involved in the design or execution of several significant buildings, such as the High School, the High Court, the Anglo-Vernacular School, Nilambag Palace, Samaldas College, and Takhtsinhji Hospital. Mr. Proctor Sims was known for his selflessness, hospitality, and friendly nature. He was loved by all and his sudden passing was mourned by the Maharaja and all of Bhavnagar.
Maharaja Raol Sir Takhtsinhji Jaswantsinhji (6 January 1858 - 29 January 1896), was Maharaja of Bhavnagar in Kathiawar. He succeeded to the throne of Bhavnagar upon the death of his father, Jaswantsinhji, in 1870.
At the young age of twenty, Takhtsinhji assumed the leadership of a vast territory spanning nearly 3,000 square miles (7,800 km2). Takhtsinhji's commitment to a policy of progressive governance led to Bhavnagar thriving under his ruler. Establishment of educational institutions, hospitals, dispensaries, trunk roads, bridges, imposing structures, and other public work projects took place during his reign. Some of these structures, continue to serve their original purpose, standing the testimony of time.
He founded Samaldas Arts College in 1885, which he named after the late Diwan of Bhavnagar, Samaldas Mehta. During his reign, he undertook intensive developments, reformed the revenue department, erected water works and modern docks, extended medical relief, built a port, bridges, hospitals, and schools, and worked to modernise Bhavnagar.
Raol Shree Dharmakumarsinhji (April 1917 - January 1986) popularly known as 'Bapa' was an Indian ornithologist, environmentalist and writer as well as a ruling prince. His elder brother Krishna Kumarsinhji Bhavsinhji was the last Maharaja of Bhavnagar. Orphaned at the age of two, Dharmakumarsinhji studied under an English tutor before attending Rajkumar College in Rajkot. He then joined Harrow School in England, where he became the under-14 fencing champion. In his youth, he was an enthusiastic hunter, a collector of avian eggs, and also a keen falconer with an exquisite collection of birds from the genus Falco. His interest in birds led him to undertake the field study of the Great Indian Bustard and the Lesser Florican.
In 1950, the Government of India appointed him to conduct biogeographical surveys across five Indian states - Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Punjab - and make recommendations on areas suitable for conversion into designated national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Over the next three decades, he held several conservation-related government positions in India. He served as India's first Honorary Wildlife Warden, Vice Chairman of the Indian Board for Wildlife, and a member of the Rajasthan and Gujarat Wildlife Advisory Boards.
His knowledge of falconry was admired. He had a keen eye and even in later years, sitting relaxed on the terrace at Hingolgadh in Jasdan, he would spot a chinkara at the far end of the sanctuary, or point to an eagle high overhead which to us would be a mere speck.
Dharmakumarsinhji's work with the Lesser Florican is reported in the Journal. He was passionate about the preservation and protection of the Lesser Florican and the Great Indian Bustard. His contribution in highlighting the plight of these magnificent species has been acknowledged. The Rajasthan Government even recognised his work on the Great Indian Bustard by awarding him a 'Tamra Patra' (Copper inscription).
Dharmakumarsinhji wrote several notes and articles in the Society's Journal and various magazines. He is the author of the 'Birds of Saurashtra', an ornithologists' bible that now has become a collector's item. He not only has to his credit a large number of excellent photographs but his films are also valuable documentaries which need to be preserved as records of what was, and what might be if we all bestir ourselves a little more. He possessed an artistic flair, with his pastel depicting Great Indian Bustards displayed in a room he frequented during visits to Hingolgadh. His pastel works garnered awards and adorn the homes of prominent individuals.
Few know that he was an aviculturist of repute and that in his aviaries at Bhavnagar, he had bred the Lesser Bird of Paradise for the first time in captivity. For this, he received the Aviculture Society of Britain’s prestigious award for this achievement. He was the President of the Pheasant Trust UK, and the President of the Taraporewala Aquarium, Bombay.
Recognising early in life that the birds and animals he loved and hunted were in danger of extinction, he actively involved himself in promoting conservation concepts and was among the pioneers who helped to frame India's wildlife laws, and from the very beginning till his death, he was on the Indian Board For Wildlife, and the Wildlife Advisory Boards of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The story goes back to 1870 when the daughter of the Nawab of Khambhat got married. On this occasion, Maharaja Takhtsinhji of Bhavnagar, on the advice of a special friend of the Nawab, anchored his ship in Bara of Khambhat, two days before the wedding. He was amazed by the wood carvings that he saw over the cityscape and inquired about the craftsman behind the magnificent work. He learned that the young man responsible for the carving was Mistri Harilal.
After Years, Mistry Harilal came to Bhavnagar with a hundred artisans and was welcomed to the city by the Maharaja, who placed him on the back of an elephant. Mistry Harilal transformed the appearance of the town by designing the architecture of important buildings, such as the Alfred High School, Bhavnagar High Court, Barton Library, Jashonath Temple, Shamaldas College, and Harband Sadas.
Mistri Harilal, revered as the 'Chief Engineer' of the Bhavnagar State, held a unique place in the Takhtsinhji's heart. His daily presence was cherished and his absence felt at the Maharaja's meals. Harilal's significance transcended mere professional duties; he was embraced as a close friend by the Maharaja and his household. His wives were esteemed members of the royal women's retinue, reflecting the deep bond shared between Mistri Harilal and the people of Bhavnagar.
The purpose of the park was for the protection of wildlife, due to the concern of declining wildlife numbers as a result of rinderpest. Victoria Park was declared a reserved forest on 22 December 1965 for the protection and conservation of wildlife, vegetation, and objects of geological, ethnological, historical and scientific interest.
Victoria Park is now also used as a botanical garden and is extended over an area of 500 acres on the southern outskirts of Bhavnagar city. The park was developed by raising such exotics like Prosopis chilensis, Parkinsonia igitata and Dandrocalmus slrictus. Presently Acasia senagal is the dominant species. A deer park and Van Bhojan Shala were added attractions to visitors and picnic goers. Steps are being taken for further development of the park by removing thorny trees and shrubs and replacing them by attractive trees of crown and floral beauty to make it a real centre of recreation for visitors. The wild animals include blue bulls and nilgai, boars, porcupines, jackals, etc. Indian Peafowl and other birds also provide additional attraction to the public.
Of all the factors of the environment, climate has been considered to be the most important in the growth, distribution and development of the types of vegetation. It is the regional climate that paints the general picture of vegetation and therefore the knowledge of the climate is important in vegetational studies in ecology.
The climate of this area is largely semi-arid type and has three main seasons: winter, summer, and monsoon. The winter season lasts from October to February, while the summer season lasts from March to June. The monsoon season usually begins in mid-June and continues until September.
The latitudinal range of the area makes it a tropical zone. The Tropic of Cancer passes from, just north of Saurashtra and here, the winters are very cool and summers, hot.
The forest area is triangular, with the majority being flat terrain, while the western side is characterised by hills and rugged terrain. Low-lying areas are present in blocks VI & VIII, where Prosopis juliflora thrives as the dominant species.
A small lake named 'Krishna Kunj Talav' is situated in the area, accompanied by two small ponds nearby. These ponds sustain a significant amount of aquatic plants, particularly during the rainy season.
A Bhojanshala (food hall), constructed in 1886, was established to observe the deer housed in the park. It was dedicated to Mistri Harilal, in recognition of his service to the people of Bhavnagar.
Near Krishna Kunj Talao lies a hillock named 'Burki Hill', providing an excellent vantage point for observing birds found in and around Gaurishankar Lake and Krishnakunj Talav.
Two nurseries are maintained for the 'Van Mahotsav Programme', located near Bhojanshala and Mango Lemon plot, respectively. They provide young seedlings to farmers, villagers, gardeners, and various agencies. Additionally, four wells supply water to the seedling plots in the nurseries and botanical garden.
Within Victoria Park, there is a nature education site comprising five cottages, an open-air amphitheatre, and other facilities. The Forest Department conducts Nature Education Camps, subject to availability (limited quota), on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing for one-night and two-day stays
During these camps, volunteers are educated about various aspects of nature, wildlife, environmental pollution, global warming, and the importance of trees.
School children participate in nature walks within the park, with prior approval required from the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Bhavnagar to carry out this activity.
Various universities and institutions have conducted research on topics related to the flora and fauna of Victoria Park. Additionally, research studies can be conducted within the park with prior approval from the competent authority.
A trekking trail of approximately 10 km is spread throughout Victoria Park.
Wildlife enthusiasts and school/college students can engage in birding inside Victoria Park for photography and videography. However, prior permission must be obtained from the DCF Bhavnagar.
A well-maintained cactus garden is located near the entry gate at Kaliyabid, Water Tank Circle. This garden comprises more than 50 varieties of cactus.
A newly added Butterfly Park, spread over an area of 0.5 hectares within Victoria Park, features floral species that are well-suited for butterflies.
The Nature Education site consists of five cottages with attached toilet and bathroom facilities. Additionally, there is an amphitheater, solar lights, and fencing provided. These amenities are aimed at educating school children about the environment, wildlife, forests, ecology, and related topics.
A plant nursery operated by the Social Forestry Division is situated within Victoria Park. Seedlings are made available to people at nominal prices according to the Government of Gujarat's GR. The rates of seedlings vary from Rs. 5 to Rs. 100 per plant, depending on the size.
A well-maintained cactus garden is located near the entry gate at Kaliyabid, Water Tank Circle. This garden comprises more than 50 varieties of cactus.
A well-maintained cactus garden is located near the entry gate at Kaliyabid, Water Tank Circle. This garden comprises more than 50 varieties of cactus.
A newly added Butterfly Park, spread over an area of 0.5 hectares within Victoria Park, features floral species that are well-suited for butterflies.
A newly added Butterfly Park, spread over an area of 0.5 hectares within Victoria Park, features floral species that are well-suited for butterflies.
The Nature Education site consists of five cottages with attached toilet and bathroom facilities. Additionally, there is an amphitheater, solar lights, and fencing provided. These amenities are aimed at educating school children about the environment, wildlife, forests, ecology, and related topics.
The Nature Education site consists of five cottages with attached toilet and bathroom facilities. Additionally, there is an amphitheater, solar lights, and fencing provided. These amenities are aimed at educating school children about the environment, wildlife, forests, ecology, and related topics.
A plant nursery operated by the Social Forestry Division is situated within Victoria Park. Seedlings are made available to people at nominal prices according to the Government of Gujarat's GR. The rates of seedlings vary from Rs. 5 to Rs. 100 per plant, depending on the size.
A plant nursery operated by the Social Forestry Division is situated within Victoria Park. Seedlings are made available to people at nominal prices according to the Government of Gujarat's GR. The rates of seedlings vary from Rs. 5 to Rs. 100 per plant, depending on the size.
Natural Heritage of Bhavnagar (Short Documentary by Bhavnagar Forest Dept.)
