Pehle Gujarat Dekho

Bhavani Villa

North Gujarat, Gujarat, India

Situated on a hilltop with panoramic views of the countryside.

Partially converted by Chandra Kumari, wife of the late HH Mahipendra Sinh Parmar, into a heritage homestay.

Ideal for those who love horses and pets. The owners have horses, pedigreed dogs, cattle, and aviary birds.
Perched on a hill overlooking Danta village and the rolling Aravalli hills, Bhavani Villa is a visually striking property. Its multi-domed structure is visible from miles around. The road to the villa winds through the village before ascending to the hilltop estate. The main building, still home to the family, features walls adorned with stuffed animals, trophies, old photographs, and memorabilia.

History

Built by Maharaja Jashwant Sinh of Danta (1876-1908) for his chief minister, Bhavani Villa later served as a residence for the ministers of his successor, Maharaja Hammir Singh. In the 1940s and 50s, Maharana Prithvirajsinh began using it as a country retreat, and it eventually became the home of Maharana Mahipendra Sinh Parmar, who moved from the old palace. Rajmata Chandra Kumari, Maharaja Riddhiraj Singh, Maharani Divyajyoti Devi, and their children today occupy the villa.
HTA Exclusive: A welcome drink for you when you book through HTA website.
By Air: The nearest airport to Bhavani Villa is in Ahmedabad, about 120 km away. HTA and the hotel concierge can arrange a private transfer to and from the airport for you.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Darbargadh Kadval is Palanpur Junction, about 80 km away.
By Road: By road, Bhavani Villa is accessible from Ahmedabad, about 130 kilometres away.
Rooms: The five spacious and thoughtfully appointed rooms here reflect the property’s history. Modern bathrooms feature hot-and-cold showers and Western fittings. All rooms offer stunning views of the valley, including the imposing old palace and village. From the rooms, you can access verandas or terraces for breathtaking views.

Restaurants: Guests can enjoy meals with the family either on a covered terrace overlooking the surrounding landscape or indoors in the private dining room of Bhavani Villa. The cuisine primarily features regional vegetarian and non-vegetarian Rajasthani and Gujarati dishes and home-style Indian food. While some Western dishes are available, prior meal arrangements are necessary, and guests can specify dietary restrictions.

57. Experience -Garasia tribal-min

Farm Tour

One of the highlights of staying at Bhavani Villa is visiting the family's 108-acre farm. Today, the farm is used for cultivation but still features large wooded areas perfect for nature walks. The owner also maintains a beautiful garden with roses and other plants, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic tea.

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The Stables

Visitors can see the family’s prized Marwari horses at the farm, who are welcome to help with grooming, exercising, and feeding. Horse lovers can also enjoy trail rides and learn about indigenous breeds of Gujarat and Rajasthan from the family. The nearby dairy farm houses around 25 cows.

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Nature Walks

The farm's walking and off-road driving trails offer nature enthusiasts a chance to explore the sprawling trees and spot various bird species, including hornbills, barbets, grey francolins, flycatchers, drongos, and bee-eaters. Keep an eye out for francolins, quails, and nilgai, or blue bull. Some guests have even been fortunate to spot leopards in the surrounding hills.

HTA Exclusive: A welcome drink for you when you book through HTA website.

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