| Destination: Rajkot |
| Destination Type: Cities |
| City: Rajkot |
| Country: India |
Air - The Indian Airlines has four direct flights a week between Rajkot and Mumbai.
Rail - A number of broad-gauge express trains connect Rajkot with Ahmedabad, 246km away. Fares are Rs 57/266 in 2nd/lst class, and the trip takes about hours. There are other trains to and from Jamnagar (75km, Rs 25/128 in lst/2nd class), Porbandar (221km, Rs 53/229 in lst/2nd class, and Mumbai (738km, Rs 136/625 in 1st/2nd class). There's a metre-gauge service to Veraval (186km, Rs 47/213 in lst/2nd class).
Road - STC buses connect Rajkot with Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Veraval and Ahmedabad. The trip from Rajkot to Veraval via Junagadh takes about five hours. Rajkot to Jamnagar is a two hour journey. There are also a number of private buses which operate to such places as Ahmedabad, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Una (for Diu), Mt Abu, Udaipur and Mumbai. The offices of these companies are on the road behind the bus stand.
The former capital of the princely state of Saurashtra, Rajkot was founded in the 16th c. by the jadeja Rajputs, who ruled until independence. During the colonial period, the city was the administrative headquarters of the Saurashtra region, and today it is the district headquarters. The city is situated on the Aji River and sprawls with regal architecture. It is also an industrial center and an important hub for the body building of vehicles. The city proudly boasts of its associstion with Gandhiji, who spent his early years in Rajkot while his father was a Diwan to the local ruler. The house where he lived is now a museum. The district is also a handicraft and textile center known for its fine silverwork, Bandhani, Patola saris and beadwork. The towns of Wankaner and Morbi host beautiful royal estate, some of which have been convert into heritage hotels.
This bustling town was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra and is also a former British government headquarters. Mahatma Gandhi spent the early years of his life here. The Gandhi family home, the Kaba Gandhi no Delo, now houses a permanent exhibition of Gandhi items. The prestigious Rajkumar College dates back to the second half of last century and is regarded as one of the best private schools in the country. It was one of five schools set up by the British for the education of the sons of nobility (rajkumar means prince).
Ecotourism :
Bajana
Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary
Gandhi Circuit :
Kaba Gandhi no Delo
Rashtriyashala
Heritage :
Bangdi Bazaar
Gondal
Jetpur
Khambhalida
Khambhalida Caves
Morbi
Wankaner Museum
Museums :
Rajkumar College
Ramkrishna Math
Rotary Dolls Museum
Tankara Museum
The Lang Library
Watson Museum - The Watson Museum & Library in the Jubilee Gardens commemorates Colonel John Watson, Political Agent from 1886-89. The entrance is flanked by two imperial lions and among the exhibits are copies of artefacts from Mohenjodaro, 13th century carvings, silverware, natural history exhibits and textiles as well as dioramas of local Tribal costumes and housing styles. Perhaps the most startling piece is a huge marble statue of Queen Victoria seated on a throne, decidedly not amused. The museum is open daily except Wednesday from 9 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 to 5.30 pm; there's a small entry fee.
Religious Sites :
Virpur
Visit Museum , Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama & Funworld Rajkot