Rajkot -Tourism

Gujarat is one of the most developed states of India. The state is endowed with vast reserves of mineral and characterized by high industrialization. It features high rate of GDP growth and contributes almost 20% to India overall industrial output. Power, construction and trade contribute a major share to the prosperity of the state. A Gujarat stand 5th is the contribution towards the total GDP of the nation.

Gujarat, with its mission to make itself a vibrant place to live and work, has been implementing several structural reforms in the recent past. With its growing industrialization, presently, the state is all set to achieve an exponential growth curve. To facilitate such economic growth, increasing needs of the people for better quality of life and to cater the burgeoning trade through the hinterland, the state has also drawn an infrastructure road map and intends to develop a world class infrastructure to sustain the rapid pace of economic growth. Gujarat has experienced a rapid rate of urbanization in last four decades.

There are 8 municipal corporations and 9 urban Development Authorities within the state of Gujarat. Rajkot is the one of the largest city in Gujarat in terms of population as well as in area. Rajkot is also the Rajkot is the 28th urban agglomeration in India and is ranked as 22nd in "World's fastest growing cities & urban areas" for the period 2006 to 2020. Looking at its growth rate and rapid expansion, there is a pressing need to reconsider and redirect the development and growth patterns in the next decade.

Rajkot, since its foundation has been major urban centre, it is the centre for social, cultural, commercial, educational, political and industrial activities for the whole of Saurashtra region.In 1646 AD a permanent settlement had begun further the city was ruled by various Hindu and Muslim kings. In 1822 AD East India Company established a khothi for the first time, first railway line in Kathiawar was establish during 1872-73 AD in Rajkot. The Golden period of Rajkot started from the time of Sir Lakhajiraj (i.e. 1905 AD) which shows institutions, residential areas and markets being developed, special school and libraries for girls were established.

Rajkot became the capital of Saurashtra region with the end of the British rule and the most prosperous period of Rajkot began. The decade since 1947 A.D. saw a phenomenal increase in the population and size of Rajkot and its all round development in education, industry, commerce, culture, etc. Today, it is a major small scale industrial & trade hub in the whole Saurashtra region.

Places to See- Some of the places to see in the city are

Mahatma Gandhi House- The Karba Gandhi No Delo or the Mahatma Gandhi House is the place where Gandhi lived since the age of six. A small weaving school also runs in the house.

Watson Museum- The Watson Museum, established in 1888 in the fond memory of Colonel John Watson, is located in the Jubilee Gardens of Rajkot. On display at the museum are a collection of the things from the colonial period, and the history of Rajkot.

Rotary Midtown Dolls Museum- Located in the heart of the city, this is a unique museum that gives an overview of the culture and traditions of the world through the medium of dolls. There is a collection of more than 1600 dolls from about 102 countries. 

Rajkumar College- Regarded as one of the best private colleges in India, its history dates back to the 19th century. It was established by Lt. Col R H Keatinge during the British rule in India. Earlier, members of the royal families were only admitted to the college but now it is open for all Indian citizens.

Jagat Mandir- It is a beautifully carved temple made of red stones and is dedicated to Ramkrishna Paramhansa.

Other important places to see in Rajkot include Aji Dam, Lal Pari Lake and Randerda and Lang Library to name a few.

How to Reach There

By Road- Rajkot is well connected by road to most of the major cities of Gujarat and other neighboring states. State Transport buses are regularly available from Rajkot to other cities of Gujarat. The ST bus stand is 2 km, west of Bedi Gate on the other side of Ranmal Lake. Auto rickshaws are the best way into the town, though one might also choose to walk in. Private buses are also available for Ahmedabad, Baroda, Mumbai, Bhuj, Bhavnagar, Una, Mount Abu and Udaipur.

By Rail- Rajkot is a junction on the Western Railway Ahmedabad-Hapa broad gauge line. Inter City Express, Saurashtra Mail and Sau Janata Express are some of the few trains that pass through the station. The railway station known commonly as the Rajkot Junction is almost 6 km away from the Teen Batti triple gateway. Rajkot is well connected with important cities in Gujarat and India by rail. Trains for Delhi, Mumbai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Amritsar, Patna and Bhopal are available from Rajkot.

By Air- Reaching Rajkot by air is quite a possible option as the city has a domestic airport linking it to Mumbai. Air India has daily flights from Mumbai, while Jet have daily flights. A rickshaw ride into the city from the airport costs approximately Rs 40/-.