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Rajkot Vacation Tour

Rajkot is situated in the Saurashtra region of the western Indian state of Gujarat. The city extends from latitude 23°32 in the North to longitude 70°4 in the East. Rajkot, now a major industrial town, was once the capital of a princely State. It has the rich heritage of ancient civilization and freedom struggle. Rajkot shares many memories with the political as well as cultural history of India. Gandhi has rightly called the city a priceless laboratory for the freedom struggle based on non-violence.

Rajkot is a part of the Jamnagar Circuit comprising places like Dwarka, Jamnagar, Pirotam Island, and Rajkot.

For today's generation, Gandhian philosophy may seem to be a fable told by an idiot. However, Rajkot offers you an insight into the life of the Mahatma who almost single-handedly led a great nation and shaped India's destiny. All you need is to go through the Kaba Gandhi No Delo and Rashtriya Shala where exhibits of Gandhi and his philosophy are practically carried on. The Watson Museum offers a good insight into the past.

Rajkot also gives an opportunity to buy Gujarati handlooms and handicrafts, which are famous all over India. The Gujarati dishes, which are known for their sweet and sour tinge, are not to be missed.

Tourists arriving here in January can participate in the International Kite Festival. If you are planning to visit Rajkot before Dussehra, the Dandiya dance is an occasion to cherish.
 

Tourist Attractions of Rajkot India:

» Watson Museum and Library - Located in the Jubilee Gardens, the Watson Museum and Library is a memorial dedicated to Colonel James Watson, who was a political agent of Saurashtra from 1886-89. Two imperial lions flank the entrance of the museum. Among the exhibits are copies of artefacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th-century carvings, temple statues, natural history exhibits, and dioramas of local tribal costumes and housing styles. There is a huge marble statue of Queen Victoria seated on a throne. Some other exhibits here are impressive collections of statues, silverware, textiles, ancient coins and rare books, which provide a glimpse of the cultural traditions of Saurashtra.

» Jagat Mandir - Jagat Mandir is the beautiful carved temple of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. Built of red stones, it is a replica of Belurmath.

» Kaba Gandhi No Delo - Kaba Gandhi No Delo is the house where Mahatma Gandhi grew up. It now holds a permanent exhibition of Gandhian items. It is within the old city on Ghee Kanta Road.

» Alfred School/Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya - When Gandhiji's father shifted to Rajkot as Diwan of the local ruler, the young Gandhi was sent to Alfred School in the town, now known as Mohandas Gandhi Vidyalaya. The famous incident of Gandhi not copying the spelling of "kettle", despite his class teacher repeatedly prompting him to do so during the visit of a school inspector, took place here.

» Rajkumar College - The British built the Rajkumar College for the education of princes of Indian state in 1870. It is still regarded as one of the best private institutions in the country.

» Rashtriya Shala  - The Rashtriya Shala founded by Gandhi is also worth visiting. It is from here that Gandhi undertook his fast unto death during his Rajkot Satyagraha. It is now a centre of village industry. All these memorials are well preserved.

» Wankaner - About 50 km from Rajkot, on the way to Kutch, is the Royal Palace of Wankaner. The palace has been converted into a hotel and is one of the more exotic holiday resorts in the state. A museum, a game reserve, and the erstwhile Maharana's vintage car collection are the other attractions here.