Bhavnagar Taluka List

An interactive overview of the talukas in Bhavnagar district

This page provides a complete list and details of talukas in the Bhavnagar district. The Bhavnagar taluka list includes Bhavnagar, Gariyadhar, Ghogha, Jesar, Mahuva, Palitana, Sihor, Talaja, Umarala, and Vallabhipur.

Bhavnagar

Includes Bhavnagar City (the district headquarters) and Bhavnagar Rural. The rural taluka is the largest by area and population, located in the northeastern part of the district.

  • Key Features: District Capital, Major Port, Industrial Hub
  • Approx. Population: 650,000 (City + Rural)
  • Total Villages: ~120 (Rural)
Gariyadhar

Covers around 498 km² and is notable for its local snack specialty “Kali” and religious heritage tied to saint Valamram.

  • Key Features: Kali Snack, Religious Heritage
  • Approx. Population: 140,000
  • Total Villages: ~55
Ghogha

A historic coastal area once an important commercial port. It is now known for the Ro-Ro ferry service to Hazira.

  • Key Features: Ro-Ro Ferry, Historic Port, Coastal Area
  • Approx. Population: 110,000
  • Total Villages: ~50
Jesar

Was formerly a princely state capital and is a small administrative region within the district, known for its surrounding rural communities.

  • Key Features: Former Princely State, Rural Economy
  • Approx. Population: 80,000
  • Total Villages: ~40
Mahuva

Known as the “Kashmir of Saurashtra,” this taluka is rich in agriculture, famous for Jamadar mangoes and coconut plantations. It has the largest area and many villages.

  • Key Features: “Kashmir of Saurashtra”, Mangoes, Coconuts
  • Approx. Population: 280,000
  • Total Villages: ~100
Palitana

World-famous for the Shatrunjaya hill temples, a major Jain pilgrimage site with over 800 temples. Palitana was the first city in the world to be declared legally vegetarian.

  • Key Features: Jain Temples, Shatrunjaya Hill, Vegetarian City
  • Approx. Population: 180,000
  • Total Villages: ~90
Sihor

Includes the historic town of Sihor, the former capital of the Gohil Rajput dynasty. It is known for its many temples, old fortifications, and brass-working industry.

  • Key Features: Former Capital, Brass Industry, Old Forts
  • Approx. Population: 230,000
  • Total Villages: ~80
Talaja

A coastal taluka that hosts the world-renowned Alang ship-breaking industry. It also features ancient Buddhist caves and Jain temples on a small hill.

  • Key Features: Alang Ship-breaking Yard, Buddhist Caves
  • Approx. Population: 260,000
  • Total Villages: ~95
Umarala

The smallest taluka in the district by both area and population. It is a primarily agrarian region bordering several other talukas.

  • Key Features: Smallest Taluka, Agrarian Economy
  • Approx. Population: 75,000
  • Total Villages: ~40
Vallabhipur

Named after the ancient capital of the Maitraka dynasty, which was a famous center of learning. It is a significant historic area northwest of Bhavnagar city.

  • Key Features: Ancient Capital, Historic Site, Education Center
  • Approx. Population: 90,000
  • Total Villages: ~50

About Bhavnagar District

Geography & Climate

Bhavnagar is a coastal district in the Saurashtra (Kathiawar) peninsula of Gujarat, with the Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay) to its east. The district’s flat terrain is dotted with small hills, and it experiences a hot semi-arid climate. Summers (March-June) are hot, while winters (November-February) are pleasant. The monsoon season lasts from July to September.

Economy

The district has a diverse economy. Agriculture is a primary occupation, known for crops like cotton, groundnuts, and onions. Industrially, Bhavnagar is a major hub. It is globally famous for the Alang ship-breaking yard, one of the world’s largest. Adjacent to this massive industrial operation is the Alang Market, a unique marketplace famous for second hand items. Other key industries include diamond cutting and polishing, salt production, plastics, and cement manufacturing.

Tourism & Culture

Bhavnagar is rich in cultural and natural attractions:

  • Palitana Jain Temples: A massive pilgrimage complex of over 800 temples atop Shatrunjaya hill.
  • Blackbuck National Park (Velavadar): A unique grassland reserve protecting the native blackbuck antelope.
  • Takhteshwar Temple: A prominent marble temple in Bhavnagar city, offering panoramic views.
  • Ghogha Beach: A popular local seaside destination.
  • Kathiawari Cuisine: The district is famous for its snacks, especially “Gathiya”.

How to Reach

  • Air: Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) offers flights connecting to Mumbai and other major Indian cities.
  • Rail: Bhavnagar Terminus (BVC) is well-connected by rail to Ahmedabad, Mumbai, and other parts of Gujarat and India.
  • Road: The district is linked by a strong network of National and State Highways to major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Vadodara. GSRTC and private buses operate frequently.

Historical Context

Bhavnagar district’s history is intertwined with the Gohil Rajput dynasty. The district’s capital was founded in the mid-18th century after shifting from Sihor due to vulnerability. It was a prominent princely state during the British Raj and one of the first to merge with independent India peacefully.

Administrative Significance

The talukas play a vital role in local administration through their Mamlatdar offices, responsible for revenue and governance at the sub-district level. Altogether, Bhavnagar district includes approximately 783 villages governed under the Panchayat Raj system.

This diverse district balances urban centers, coastal regions, religious sites, and agricultural areas, reflecting the broad cultural and economic fabric of the Saurashtra region.

Information as of October 2025.

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