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There are several places of tourist attractions in Rajkot and Near Rajkot
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 artifacts 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.
Weekend Trips/Excursions
There are several places to see and visit near Rajkot too.
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.
Lal Pan Lake and Randerda
About 5 km from Rajkot, Lal Pan Lake and Randerda are picturesque
picnic spots that attract a lot of tourists around the year.
Aji Dam
Aji Dam is situated 8 km from Rajkot and supplies the town with
water.
Morvi
Morvi, an off-track tourist destination, is situated around 65
km north of Rajkot. There is an interesting swinging bridge here
and it actually shakes, creaks, and rocks as one passes through
it.
Surendranagar
Surendranagar is situated on the Rajkot-Ahmedabad main route and
houses the ancient temple of Ranik Devi.
Tarnetar
Tarnetar is around 65 km northeast of Rajkot and hosts the Tarnetar
Fair every year around September at the Trineteshwar Temple.
Gondal
Gondal is 39 km south of Rajkot on the River Gondali and famous
for some impressive buildings like the Naulakha Darbargadh Palace.
Jamnagar
Eighty-eight kilometers west of Rajkot, situated a little off
the Gulf of Kutch, is the 450-year-old city of Jamnagar. At the
centre of the city is a lake around which are located two majestic
buildings-the Kotha Bastion and the Lakhota Palace. The Kotha Bastion
is an arsenal while the Lakhota Palace is a museum with collections
of art, craft, and sculpture.
Celebrated for its
colorful tie and dye fabrics, it is also an important centre for
brocade embroidery (zardozi), pearl fishing, hand printing and gold
and silver jewellery.
Bhavnagar
One hundred and seventy-eight kilometres to the south-east of Rajkot
is the city of Bhavnagar, originally the capital of a state by the
same name and ruled by Suryavanshi Rajputs from Marwar. The prime
attraction here is the Takteshwar Mahadev Temple.
Porbandar
Porbandar,
the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, is 187 km away from Rajkot. The
great leader's ancestral home-Kirti Mandir is almost 200 years old
and houses his personal effects, a photo exhibition, and a library.
In ancient times, the place was known as Sudamapuri and brisk trade
with Persia and Africa was carried on from its port. A temple dedicated
to Sudama, a compatriot of Krishna, is still found here, and bears
testimony to the city's ancient roots.
Events and Festivals
There are several events and festivals that are celebrated with
much pomp and show in Rajkot.
International Kite Festival
Besides Ahmedabad, Rajkot, too celebrates the International Kite
Festival. This festival is held every year in the month of January
and kite-flying enthusiasts from all over the country participate
in it.
Navratri Festival
The Navratri Festival is celebrated throughout Gujarat with great
fervour. It precedes the Dussehra festival for nine nights. During
the festival, people participate in the Dandiya dance.
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Tourist
Attraction
info@thegalaxyhotelrajkot.com