Rajkot India Travel Guide

Rajkot also known as the city of princes is situated in Gujarat, the western state of India. The city is basically landlocked, except a small strip that connects to the sea.

Rajkot History

Rajkot was settled in the early 17th century by Thakur Saheb Ajoji Vibhaji Jadeja and Raju Sandhi. Vibhaji had ingratiated himself to the Mughals, and had received many towns and lands in return, Rajkot being one of them. Control of Rajkot went from the Mughals to the Marathas to the British, over the course of Indian history. Rajkot, under the British, was the capital of the then formed state of Saurashtra and was an important administrative center, as well as the childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi. Infact, Rajkot was where Mahatma Gandhi was married and from where he conducted the Satyagraha movement. After independence, Rajkot was merged into the state of Gujarat.

Rajkot Today

Rajkot is famous for being an important industrial centre for the state of Gujarat. It is well known for its abundance of silver, and for its textile expertise. The city is also a major exporter of diesel engines, watch parts and bearing equipments. Moreover it is also recognized for its connection with the Mahatma. Also the city is immensely popular for housing the international kite festival.

Rajkot Things To Do and Attractions

Since Rajkot has such an important link to Mahatma Gandhi, its best to visit the Kaba Gandhi na Delo first, Gandhi's ancestral home that has been converted to a memorial. The nearby Alfred High School, renamed to the M.K Gandhi School, was where Gandhi attended school. The Watson Museum and Library, is another popular Rajkot attraction for visitors. Here you will be able to see artifacts dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Portraits of princes and British dignitaries, along with an extraordinary anthology of silverware, ancient coins, and statues are on display. Another historical place is the Rashtrita Shala, where Mahatma Gandhi took up the famous hunger strike that galvanized the Indian peace movement.Jagat Mandir is an ancient temple located in Rajkot that has exquisite carvings of red stone. The Sana Caves is an excellent archeological site, with more than 60 caves to be explored. Hingolgadh is a splendid wildlife sanctuary which has more than 300 species of birds apart from giving natural eco-system education.

Rajkot Excursions

Five kilometers from Rajkot, is a perfect picnic spot known as Lal Pari Lake and Randerda. The Naulakha Darbagandh Palace famous for its unique architecture is situated forty kilometers from the city in Gondal. About fifty kilometers from the city is the Wankaner palace, which has been turned into a hotel now. Its roman-gothic architecture is very appealing and beautiful. Two-hundred-and-fifty kilometers from the city is Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat. 70 KMS from the city, is Jetpur where textile traders from all over the world come into this bustling town for its quality and rates.

Rajkot Shopping

Rajkot is not yet a major metropolis, but it is has a number of quality malls, where you get all the popular brands. The city has many bazaars exclusively for silverwares and textiles, which are offered at fairly reasonable prices. Make sure to check out the Bandhani sarees, which are made in the city, and are very striking.

Rajkot Restaurants

Rajkot has got a good collection of multi-cuisine restaurants. The traditional Gujarati Thali is worth trying, which is a lot of different dishes served in one colorful plate. The city’s specialties also lies in sweets like nankhatis, a kind of cookie, and the saglu baglu mithai, a kind of a sweet.

Rajkot Nightlife

Like the other cities of Gujarat, booze is prohibited here. You can get to drink however at the Rajkot hotels, though at fairly expensive prices.

Rajkot Getting There and Around

Rajkot is easily accessible by a domestic airport in the city, which is connected to all major cities of India. The railways and roadways also connect the city very well to other cities.

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