Rajkot is situated in the Saurashtra region on the banks of the Aji and Nyari Rivers in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Rajkot was founded by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja and Raju Sandhi in 1612 AD. This city was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra and the headquarters of the British Government. The city has been ruled by various rulers at different periods in history. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat state when it was separated from the Bombay on May 1, 1960. Rajkot is also known as the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot.
Today Rajkot is a bustling city and is major centre for trade and commerce. This vibrant city which is the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat is one of the fastest growing cities today in India. The city is a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition. The place known for its rich heritage and history has many historical monuments. Besides Ahmedabad, Rajkot also is famous for the International Kite Festival.
Attractions & Tourist Places in Rajkot
There are many places of tourists interest in Rajkot.
Karba Gandhi No Delo / Mahatma Gandhi House
Karba Gandhi No Delo located on Ghee Kanta Road is the house of the Mahatma Gandhi where he lived from the age of six and grew up. The house is named Kaba no delo which means Kaba Gandhi's house. It is named after the name of Gandhiji's father Karamchand Uttanchand Gandhi who was popularly known as Kaba Gandhi. This now houses the ‘Gandhi Smriti’ which is a memorial museum containing photographs and personal memorabilia of Gandhi.
Watson Museum and Library
The Watson Museum and Library is located in the Jubilee Gardens. This museum was built in honour of Colonel John Watson who was the political agent of Saurashtra from 1886-89. This museum has an excellent collection of traditional and archaeological items like 13th century carvings, silverware, textiles, many portraits, marble statue of Queen Victoria and pictures of royal family and replicas of artefacts of Mohenjo-Daro times.
Rotary Midtown Dolls Museum
This museum was planned and conceived by the prominent Rotarian, Mr. Deepak Agarwal in 2001. The museum houses more than 1400 dolls collected from about 93 countries across the world.
Rashtriya Shala
Rashtriya Shala was founded by Mahatma Gandhi. During Non-Violent Movement people of India under Gandhiji’s leadership boycotted government machinery, judiciary and educational institutions. To execute the non-cooperation movement against the British , Mahatma Gandhi set up a number of educational institutes. Rashtriya Shala is one such institute. Today it imparts education and vocational training to the students and has a centre of patola weaving.
Lang Library
This is the oldest library in Saurashtra. The library was started in 1856 AD in the name of Gungrahak Mandali and in 1864 the library was named as Lang Library in the memory of Colonel Lang who was a political agent of Kathiawad. This library has a great collection of thousands of documents and books.
Ramakrishna Mutt
Ramakrishna Mutt which promotes universal brotherhood and religious harmony was built in the year 1934 on the land donated by Late Shri Dharmendrasinhji who was the then king of Morbi state. It has a public library and an Ayurvedic centre. Different facets of the life of Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa are showcased here in a permanent exhibition.
Lalpari Lake & Randarda Lake
Lalpari Lake & Randarda Lake is situated about 5 kms. from Rajkot. This is a popular picnic spot. the lake is home to a number of birds including some migratory birds and attracts many bird watchers. Some of the species of birds that are found here include rosy pastor, black tailed godwit, pheasant tailed jacan, wigeon, purple moor hen, pelican, common teal and spoon bill.
Aji Dam
It is situated 8 Kilometres from Rajkot and is the main source of water supply to the city of Rajkot. The dam is built across Aji river which is important river of Saurashtra. The name 'Aji' is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning mother. A beautiful step garden, amusement park for children, zoo, bird aviary and crocodile park are some of the attractions near the dam.
Rajkumar College
Established in 1868 this is one of the oldest educational institutions in India. Spread on a sprawling 26 acre campus this college was started by princes and other influential people of Kathiawar for the education of the people who belong to the princely class of society. In 1938 this became a public school.
Swaminarayan Mandir
Swaminarayan Mandir is located on the Kalawad Road in Rajkot. This magnificent temple is built using pink stone and marble. The temple follows the Swaminarayan Sampradaya founded by Bhagwan Swaminarayan is known for its many philanthropic activities. It also runs a charitable trust that helps people in natural calamities.
Places to visit around Rajkot
Ishwariya Temple
Ishwariya Temple is situated at a distance of 10 kms away from Rajkot near Madhapar village. Ishwariya Temple is located in a very scenic locality surrounded by hills and lakes. This famous temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva ling worshipped here is believed to be Swayambhu. An annual fair that is held at this temple is also quite popular.
Wankaner
Wankaner is 50 km from Rajkot. Ranjit Vilas Palace here which is located on a hill top was built by King Amarsinhji. This palace took seven years to complete and was designed by Amarsinhji himself. This grand palace is a blend of many architectural styles which is evident from its Gothic arches, Mughal dome and Franco-Italian window panes. A section of the palace now have been converted into a museum and has a memorable collection of swords, linen chests, silver-plated howdahs, thrones, paintings and portraits, shields and daggers, many species of stuffed animals etc. Two guest houses of the palace, The Royal Residency and the Royal Oasis are now Heritage Hotels.
Morvi
Morvi is a pretty riverside town situated on the river Machhu. It is 67 km from Rajkot. The main attractions here include Darbargarh, Mani Mandir, Wellingdon Secretariat, Art Deco Palace, suspension bridge etc. The suspension bridge is a technological marvel which is 1.25m wide and 233m long and is built using European technology. Darbargarh which was residence of the royalty was built in 1791. It overlooks the Aji river in the east and houses two important temples- Hatkesh Temple and Haveli Temple. This has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Mani Mandir is a Hindu shrine where the deities worshipped include Laxmi-Narayan, Shiva, Mahakali, Ramachandraji and Radha Krishna. It is situated in the courtyard of Wellingdon Secretariat.
The Wellingdon Secretariat building is a fine example of Rajput architecture.
The Art Deco Palace was constructed in 1931. The palace shows the influence of last phase of art deco movement of Europe. This sprawling palace is known for its vibrant interiors. The bedrooms are decorated with gorgeous murals and bathrooms made from seashells.
Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary
Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 47 kms from Rajkot. The sanctuary was declared as a ‘Reserve Forest’ in the year 1983 and prior to the year 1975 this Sanctuary was the shooting reserve of the former princely state of Wankaner. The sanctuary is a home to different species of plants & trees. The sanctuary is famous for the Indian Blue Bulls, popularly addressed by the name 'Nilgai'. There are many other species of mammals and reptiles like fox, wolf, jackal, hyena, chinkara, cobra, lizards etc. More than 130 species of birds are also found here. There is a Watch-Tower in the sanctuary that presents a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary.
Tarnetar
Tarnetar is about 75 kilometres from Rajkot. This small hamlet is famous for the Trinetreshwar Mahadev Fair popularly called the Tarnetar Mela. The fair is held every year on the 4th, 5th and 6th day of the Shukla Paksha near Thangadi, Saurashtra. According to Gregorian calendar it falls in the period between August to September. The Tarnetar fair is a three day fair that is held at the Shiva Temple, also known as Trinetreshwar. This 14th century temple is believed to be the site where Arjun won the hand of Draupadi after defeating other suitors. Tribes from the adjoining areas of Koli, Bharwad, Rabari, Khant, Kanbi, Kathi, and Charan take part in the fair. The fair is primarily a 'betrothal fair' and is centred around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners. The wonderful Tarnetar “Chhatris”- umbrellas with intricate embroidery and mirror work, traditional costumes, glittering ornaments and lively folk dances like 'ras garba', the 'hudo' dance and 'rasada' are the major attractions of the fair.
Gondal
Gondal is 38 km away from Rajkot and is located on the banks of river Gondali. Gondal is famous for the Swaminarayan temple. Navlakha palace complex situated on a river bank is a magnificent palace and a major attraction here. Private palace museum here exhibits gifts, artefacts and messages received by Sir Bhagwat Singhji on his 50th birth anniversary.
Riverside Palace which was constructed in 1875 by Maharaja Bhagwat Singhji has been converted into a heritage hotel. Royal Garage is known to possess a huge collection of classic and vintage cars. Orchard Palace is the wing of the Huzoor Palace at Gondal. This has now been converted into a heritage hotel which is run by the royal family. Some of the other sites for tourism at Gondal are Bhuvaneshwari Stud Farm, Bhuvaneshwari Ayurvedic Pharmacy etc.
How to Reach Rajkot
Rajkot has a domestic airport that has flights to Mumbai and Kandala. Rajkot falls on the Western Railway broad gauge line. Rajkot is well connected with frequent trains to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, Kochi, Bhopal and other cities in the state. The city has a good network of roads and is connected to cities like Jamnagar, Udaipur, Junagarh, Porbandar, Veraval, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bhavnagar, Una, Mt Abu and Bhuj. State Transport Corporation buses ply regularly between Rajkot and different cities and towns of the state.
Accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Rajkot which tourists can choose from according to their comfort and convenience. There are many budget hotels, economy hotels, luxury hotels and resorts available in Rajkot which are well furnished with all modern facilities.