Mandvi was established by Rao Khengarji in 1580, But even before Mandvi recognaised the “Maddi” was famous for salve trade. Slaves from Africa brought to Maddai by Parisian. Mandvi was at the junction of two famous trade routes the maritime spice trade-route and the desert camel caravan route. In 18th century Mandvi was a major port of entry for the inland trade with Malwa, Marwar and Sindh. In 1780, the biggest ship Britanica was builded at Mandvi. From 1780 passanger ferry services started to Malabar (Now known as Mumbai).
The center of attractions at Mandvi is the Vijay Vilas Palace, a Royal abode set in the middle of well-laid gardens with water channels and marble fountains. The architect and craftsmen from Jaipur designed and constructed the palace in 1920 AD. The palace has all the elements of Rajput architecture and draws largely on the plan of palaces of Orchha and Datia. The central high dome on the pillars, the Bengal domes on the sides, the windows with coloured glass, carved stone 'jalis', domed bastions at the corners, extended porch and other exquisitely stone-carved elements, make the palace worth visiting. The Vijay Vilas Palace has its own private beach which offers air-conditioned tented accommodation. Being private with conditional access it is a must visit for all beach lovers who want to enjoy their solitude and admire its eco-friendly priestine beauty.For these reasons, this palace has been used as the setting in many Hindi films and has now become a popular tourist destination. Vijay Vilas Palace was shown in Hindi film 'Lagaan' as the headquarters of the United Kingdom. The song 'Chaand Chhupa Baadal Mein' from the Hindi film 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' was shot at the Vijay Vilas Palace of Mandvi.
This beach is clean & near to town (7km). Pleasant experience to swim. Have Camel Ride fun on the beach. Gives nice coastline view. The beach is also known as Kashi Vishwanath Beach due to nearby temple of Kashi Vishwanath. Windfarm generates electricity at coastline of the beach.
Kutchi Freedom Fighter Shyamji Krishna Verma was born in mandvi. In his memory, a copy of India House is recently built. He established India House in UK, a place from where activity were carried out for freedom of India.
Mandvi is also a 400 year old ship building centre. The ships built here used to sail up to England and return back. Even today, master carpenters build fishing boats by traditional techniques. Once Mandvi was famous for Ship Building. The people build wood boats for clients & their craftsmanship is appreciated. It’s a lifetime memorable view to see handmade boats are being built by skilled people.
A temple with a museum where creation of magnificent views in form of model art for scene from the mythology are created giving a glimpse to visitors of events that turned history in the bygone era quite interesting display of dolls used to depict the stories and a thrill to watch and read the notations described for it.