Sayla, about 140 kms west of Ahmedabad, was a princely state ruled by the Jhala Rajputs,and is famous for its palaces. The state of Sayla was founded in 1751 by Seshmalji, who is said to have fought many battles and captured Sayla from the Kathi Darbars and made it the capital of his state. He is credited with building the fortified wall around Sayla and founding the Darbargadh or Rajmahal (palace), which is still the residence of the Jhala family.
Sayla is an ideal base to visit the world famous Tarnetar Mela and archeological sites of Sejatpur and is an important pilgrimage place for Jains.

Sayla and its neighbouring villages are famous for its handicrafts. The skilled artisans of pastoral groups are known for their beadwork, weaving, tie and dye, pottery etc. Each village is famous for a particular handicraft.

While Sayla is a centre for ikkat silk weaving, Wadhwan, 37 km from Sayla, is known for its bandhani tie-and-dye, brassware, Than (56 km from Sayla) is known for ceramic and terra-cotta cottage industries, Somasar known for its silk and cotton weaving. And Sejathpur, 20 mins away from Sayla, is a Kathi village known for its beadwork.
Sayla is well off the tourist circuit but the peaceful pastoral villages, the lush surroundings and the colourful pastoral tribes will make the trip a truly memorable one for those looking for an escape from the hectic city life.

Sights and Activities:

The Old Bell Guesthouse is said to have been the British Residency and European Guesthouse of Sayla princely state. This historic building has been restored, renovated and converted into a heritage hotel by the erstwhile ruling family of Sayla.

Sayla is an important pilgrimage place and the Lalji Maharaj's Math, Jain Derasar and Kashi Vishwanath Temple attract many pilgrims to Sayla.

Shri Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal is a Jain spiritual organisation whose Ashram is in Sayla which is actively involved in the development of the district.

There are many places around Sayla known for their impressive palaces and monuments.

Muli and Wadhwan have some impressive old buildings, and attractive temples. The medieval stepwell at Muli and the Hawa Mahal at Wadhwan are worth visiting.
You can also make a trip to the Limdi village and the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary or to Sejathpur to see the Navlakha Temple.

Tarnetar Fair: The Sayla Village swells during the Tarnetar fair. The fair begins at the temple of Trineteshwar, about 60 kms from Sayla in the months of August- September. This is one of the most spectacular fairs of Gujarat where you can see the pastoral groups at their colourful best. There is a carnival like atmosphere with folk music and dance, handicraft stalls, and entertainment along with devotional songs at the temple and ritual bathing in the holy waters.

Getting there:
Sayla is located on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway.. It is also accessible from either Surendranagar or Wadhwan. Frequent buses are available from Ahmedabad and Bhuj.