Pehle Gujarat Dekho

About us

The Princely Heritage of Gujarat

Contrary to popular belief, the princes’ lives were not just about entertainment, games, hunts, and revelry. They were also renowned for their reforms, civic works, and evolved mindsets towards society and communities. Their vision extended beyond social reforms to nurturing Gujarat’s rich culture and heritage. They were instrumental in preserving historical sites, promoting traditional arts, and encouraging tourism. Their contributions laid the foundation for a progressive and culturally rich Gujarat that continues to thrive today. Taking their initiatives further, The Heritage Tourism Association showcases the cultural splendour of Gujarat to the world, making it a vibrant destination for travellers seeking both historical depth and contemporary charm.

Dear Guests,

Gujarat’s long history and diverse culture are reflected in its heritage sites, archaeological excavations, monuments, holy places, palaces, forts and havelis. A hidden gem with a rich history and vibrant art scene, it has opened up to tourism with its stunning heritage hotels. These properties, ranging from forts and palaces to colonial villas, homes and rural estates, offer a unique blend of historical charm and modern comforts. The heritage stays of Gujarat are set in diverse landscapes—orchards, gardens, forests, coastal areas, hills, and the countryside. Visitors can walk through grand halls adorned with teakwood furniture, European chandeliers, ancestral portraits, and historical memorabilia that will transport you back in time. Rooms once reserved for maharajas and royal guests now welcome travellers.
The Heritage Tourism Association (HTA) plays a pivotal role in preserving Gujarat’s rich heritage. Our mission is to work closely with the owners and custodians of these magnificent heritage properties, encouraging them to transform these gems into landmarks of tourism. We aim to provide experiential stays that allow visitors to truly connect with Gujarat’s history and culture. Our efforts also extend to influencing policies and regulations that protect and promote heritage tourism, ensuring that these treasures can be enjoyed by future generations.
We invite you to take a journey through Gujarat’s past, staying in its grand palaces, forts, and estates and immersing yourself in the stories that make this region so special. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply someone seeking a unique and enriching travel experience, Gujarat’s heritage hotels promise to offer a personal connection with history and culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Warm regards,
Heritage Tourism Association

Heritage Hotels in Gujarat: A Journey Through Time

Gujarat, a state known for its mercantile heritage, is home to a wealth of stunning architectural marvels. Prosperous merchants and industrialists have built beautiful private homes and contributed to creating impressive public buildings, infrastructure, and institutions of great architectural significance.

The pre-independence era

In the pre-independence era, Gujarat had more princely states than any other region in India. This legacy has left behind a rich concentration of grand princely residences, including forts, palaces, darbargadhs, havelis, and colonial guesthouses. Each heritage property tells a unique story of the bygone era, offering guests a chance to step back and experience the grandeur of royal life.

The Legacy of the Princely States

Today, staying in a heritage hotel in Gujarat offers not only luxurious accommodations but also an opportunity to experience the state’s cultural diversity. Many of these properties are located in tribal, rural, and semi-urban areas, providing guests with a unique insight into the lives of the local communities. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the region’s culture, traditions, and cuisine, making their stay an enriching and authentic experience.

HTA Today: Guardians of Gujarat's Heritage

The Heritage Tourism Association (HTA) represents an extraordinary collection of heritage properties, each reflecting the diverse cultures of Gujarat. From the valorous Rajputs and the mighty Marathas to the industrious Patidars and the devout Jain, Vaishnav, Nagar, and Parsi communities, HTA properties showcase the rich cultural mosaic of the state.

Meet Our Founding Members

HH Maharaja Saheb Samarjit Sinhji Gaekwad, Baroda

HH Maharaja Samarjitsinh Gaekwad of Baroda is the 17th Descendant of the Gaekwad Dynasty of Baroda. He has built the first private golf course in Gujarat and now manages the Maharaja Fatehsinh Museum and the conversion of the famed Lukshmi Villas Palace into star hotel.

Yuvraj Saheb Jaiveerraj Sinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar

Yuvraj Saheb Jaiveerraj Sinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar. Graduated from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management Switzerland and trained as a chef du patisserie in Burgundy France.

Yuvraj Saheb Ranjit Sinhji Parmar, Muli

Yuvraj Saheb Ranjitsinh Parmar belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Muli in Saurashtra. He founded the PALACES OF INDIA, a hotel company specializing in Hotel Projects, Management, Consulting, Hotel Technology, Sales & Marketing for Heritage Properties in India. He has represented over 75 Heritage properties over the last 2 decades. He presently runs the Ambika Nivas Palace in Muli, Dist. Surendranagar, Gujarat.

Sh. Abhay Mangaldas, Ahmedabad

Abhay Mangaldas has used the canvas of his ancestral home over the years to paint his rich legacy with multiple layers and this has made The House of MG a historical as well as a cultural icon of Ahmedabad.

Darbar Saheb Punja Wala, Mandavgadh

Darbar Saheb Punja Wala, educated at Rajkumar College of Rajkot (Senior Cambridge with a First Class) and the treasurer of the Heritage Hotels Association, one of the 3 Founder Members of the Gujarat Vintage & Classic Car Club.

HH Maharana Paranjayaditya Sinhji Parmar, Santrampur

HH Maharana Paranjayaditya Sinhji Parmar of Santrampur belongs to the Santrampur royal family. He has restored and now manages his Shri Joraver Vilas, a heritage homestay in Santrampur which is amongst the most preferred heritage destinations in Gujarat for the discerning traveller. He wishes to restore and develop his other ancestral properties in Santrampur.

Yuvraj Saheb Karmaveer Sinhji Rana, Jambughoda

Yuvraj Karmaveer Sinhji belongs to the erstwhile 9- Gun Salute state of Jambughoda in the present Panchmahal district of Gujarat. Educated at the prestigious Doon School (Dehradun) and Sydenham College (Mumbai), he along with his family has restored his 250 year old heritage home and hosts travellers across the globe.

Nawabzada Salauddin Khan Babi, Balasinor

Nawab Salauddinkhan Babi, is the 10th titular Nawab of Balasinor and runs the Garden Palace Heritage Homestays Balasinor along with his family. He is the backbone of running operations of the Garden Palace. He leaves no stone unturned to ensure that each guest feels at home here!

HH Maharana Kesri Sinh Jhala, Wankaner

HH Maharana Kesri Sinh Jhala has done his degree from Tourism and Leisure Management at the University of Huddersfield in Yorkshire, United Kingdom. He is an environmentalist, heritage conversationalist and a sports enthusiast.

HH Thakor Saheb Somraj Sinhji Jhala, Sayla

Somraj Singh Jhala (Maharana Thakore Saheb of SAYLA). Having taken a VRS from the Corporate world, he started development on Old Bell Guest House Sayla in the year in 1998 and opened in 2001. Currently he runs it as a Heritage Homestay.

HH Rajmata Chandra Kumari, Danta

Rajmata Chandra Kumari of Danta runs the century-old Bhavani Villa in Danta. Her multifarious interests in the arts, her in-depth knowledge of culinary techniques of both Gujarat and Rajasthan, and her experience in agriculture and equestrian husbandry have informed her curation of a uniquely holistic and authentic heritage experience.

Sh. Tushar Dalal, Mani Mansion

Sh. Tushar Dalal, a visionary and an accomplished businessman, holds the reins as the owner of Mani Mansion Heritage Hotel, with a keen eye for heritage preservation and a passion for hospitality, he had envisioned the transformation of Mani Mansion into a splendid heritage hotel.

Meet Our Present HTA Office Bearers

Yuvraj Saheb Jaiveerraj Sinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar

(Chairman)

Yuvraj Saheb Jaiveerraj Sinhji Gohil, Bhavnagar. Graduated from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management Switzerland and trained as a chef du patisserie in Burgundy France.

Yuvraj Saheb Ranjit Sinhji Parmar, Muli

(Vice Chairman)

Yuvraj Saheb Ranjitsinh Parmar belongs to the erstwhile royal family of Muli in Saurashtra. He founded the PALACES OF INDIA, a hotel company specializing in Hotel Projects, Management, Consulting, Hotel Technology, Sales & Marketing for Heritage Properties in India. He has represented over 75 Heritage properties over the last 2 decades. He presently runs the Ambika Nivas Palace in Muli, Dist. Surendranagar, Gujarat.

Darbar Saheb Raghavendra Singh Gohil of Dared

(Secretary)

Darbar Saheb Raghavendra Singh Gohil hails from the esteemed royal family of Dared in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat. With a background in hotel management and business development, he leverages his skills to foster meaningful connections across diverse communities including a significant role in public service and empowering communities.

Shraddha Dilipsinh Rana

(Joint Secretary)

Shraddha Dilipsinh Rana has done the schooling from Mayo college girls school, Ajmer post which she went on to complete her graduation from Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad. She joined Heritage Khirasara Palace in 2015 after completing her apprenticeship under her father. She is a Director of the company and has been managing the business.

Nawabzada Salauddin Khan Babi, Balasinor

(Treasurer)

Nawab Salauddinkhan Babi, is the 10th titular Nawab of Balasinor and runs the Garden Palace Heritage Homestays Balasinor along with his family. He is the backbone of running operations of the Garden Palace. He leaves no stone unturned to ensure that each guest feels at home here!

A Journey Through Gujarat's Heritage

Explore the charm of traditional Gujarati cuisine, admire vintage cars, and ride Marwari and Kathiawadi horses at a heritage hotel in Gujarat. Each experience is a story waiting to be told.
Stay at a heritage hotel in Gujarat and embark on a journey through time, where every corner whispers tales of a glorious past, and every experience enriches your understanding of this culturally vibrant state.