10 Best Places to Visit in Rajkot for History, Food & Culture Lovers

1. Watson Museum

Established during 1888 the Watson Museum carries its name from British political agency Colonel John Watson who governed Kathiawar from 1881 to 1889. In 1893 the museum construction work ended before Lord George Harris inaugurated the facility as governor general of Bombay Presidency. Out of all the museums in Gujarat only the Museum of Baroda came into existence after the Watson Museum. The Watson Museum welcomes guests daily except Wednesdays, second and fourth Saturday of the month and government holidays throughout regular operating hours between 9 AM to 12:45 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM. One can visit the site for minimal costs through admission fees starting at Rs. 5 for Indians or Rs. 2 for Indian students together with their valid identification. A valid student ID serves as the required documentation for getting student discounted rates. The admission price for all foreign travelers amounts to Rs. 50 per individual at the museum entry point. The affordable pricing system enables the establishment to welcome diverse socioeconomic segments which is highly praise-worthy.

The museum presents a collection of diverse cultural items that includes scriptures alongside inscriptions along with manuscripts and paintings and coins and embroidery and textile works and handicraft items and different wood carving and musical instruments and so on. The museum stores its collections through donations from royal families who conveyed numerous paintings and artifacts and manuscripts from across India. All Indian cultural traditions come together as a meeting point to create this space. Some exhibits showcase pieces of British colonial textile and jewelry design. Visitors can find an exciting display of Indus Valley Civilization artefacts at the museum which were extracted from Saurashtra’s different excavation sites. The collection of Mohenjo Daro’s inhabitants contains various statues, currencies, stone engravings alongside the native clothing items.

The museum hosts the Bhartiya Shilp Samruddhi cultural heritage focused event during Indian cultural heritage preserving activities each January during its second week. The event spans one week while drawing visitors from everywhere in India who are interested in art.

Best Time to Visit 

Tourists should plan a visit to Rajkot from October to February since Gujarat exhibits year-round heat and humidity. Vacationers prefer visiting Rajkot during the autumn and winter periods because the temperatures rest at 16 to 20 degrees Celsius while mild breezes accompany the seasons making it more convenient to enjoy a vacation.

2. Rotary Dolls Museum

The Rotary Dolls Museum in Rajkot Gujarat displays an exceptional collection of more than 1600 dolls which represent cultures from above 100 nations. The establishment of the Rotary Dolls Museum took place in 2001 and exhibits traditional costumes on artistically crafted dolls that illustrate global cultures. Different parts of this exhibit display dolls representing wedding traditions in India and festival festivities as well as international cultural customs. This establishment provides educational entertainment through its audio-visual tour and interactive features that attract visitors from different age groups.

The Rotary Dolls Museum exhibits more than 1600 dolls that showcase traditional attires from over 102 different countries together with their cultural customs. Donations of museum dolls have come from rotary clubs operating across the globe. The museum provides short historical records regarding its dolls both for educational purposes and entertainment value. The museum presents guests with a Cinematheque that shows productions from Discovery Channel alongside National Geographic Channel along with Britannica as well as many other organizations. Rocking Zebra and Mobile toy van and FLLC together with other items are displayed at the museum.

History of Rotary Dolls Museum

The Rotary Dolls Museum originated from the mind of Mr Deepak Agarwal. As an honoured Rotarian Mr Deepak Agarwal works to unite cultures while distributing joy to others and establishing new friendships. The development of an educational doll museum suitable for people of all ages started as an idea in 2001. The establishment of Rotary Dolls Museum happened after intensive work to finally open its gates on 24th July 2004.

Tips for Visitors

1. Do not visit the museum from 1 PM to 3:30 PM as it is closed during that time.
2. Eatables, snacks are not allowed inside the museum.
3. Clicking photos without permission is not allowed.

3. Kaba Gandhi no Delo

Visiting the Kaba Gandhi no Delo stands among the essential attractions of Rajkot city because it was Mahatma Gandhi’s early childhood residence. Mahatma Gandhi lived in Kaba Gandhi no Delo while his father served as Diwan of Rajkot during that time. A museum with preserved artifacts and pictorial displays tells the life story of Gandhi after transforming the original premise into a historical site. An NGO also holds classes on the grounds. The education program focuses on sewing along with embroidery teaching opportunities for all interested students. Anyone traveling through Gheekantha Road can easily identify the Kaba Gandhi no Delo situated nearby.

The historic house Kaba Gandhi No Delo exists in central Rajkot Gujarat in which Mahatma Gandhi spent his childhood years. Visitors at this historical site gain profound knowledge about the life and core beliefs of Mahatma Gandhi during his time at this location. The specific establishment named Kaba Gandhi No Delo serves as the family residence meaning Kaba Gandhi House named after Mahatma Gandhi’s father Karamchand Gandhi who served as the Diwan of Rajkot.

This ancestral home exists today as a museum that displays photographs together with artifacts and rare personal items from both Gandhi’s childhood years and his development into a great leader.

History

• During his childhood phase Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) stayed at this residence from 1881 to 1887 while his father held the position of Diwan in Rajkot.
• The 19th-century spiritual architecture of Saurashtrian style appeared throughout the house which included wooden carvings as well as spacious courtyards together with uncomplicated but refined interior design.
• At the museum visitors can discover Gandhi’s life journey through letters along with personal possessions and photographs which illustrate his development from boyhood to freedom fighter status.
• The Indian government protects the site because it holds significant cultural and historical importance.

4. Pradhyuman Zoological Park

Rajkot in Gujarat hosts Pradhyuman Zoological Park situated close to Lalpari Lake within its territory. People know this facility by two names; Pradhyuman and Rajkot Prani Sanghralaya. The park stretches across a territorial space of 137 acres. The site attracts visitors from both local and tourist populations who choose it for their picnics in addition to school tours. Migratory birds find their habitat in Lake Lalpari and Lake Randarda while the park maintains over thirty-five thousand trees and various plant species. The park features both built-in facilities and restaurants. Senior citizens can use golf carts as an available amenity. The park’s visitors need to pay additional fees for camera and video-recorder service.

Timings and Entry Fee

The operation hours at Pradhyuman Zoological Park run from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM during each day except Friday. The cost structure for entering Pradhyuman Zoological Park includes INR 5 for children, INR 10 for adults and INR 50 for foreign visitors.

Visitors must pay an additional fee to use cameras and video-recorders within Pradhyuman Zoological Park with video-recorder costs set at INR 200 and camera usage priced at INR 100.

The ideal period for visiting Pradhyuman Zoological Park exists between February and June.

Address

Near Marketing Yard, Lalpari Lake, Rajkot, Gujarat – 360003
Contact details: 7567724236

How To Reach Pradhyuman Zoological Park 

Pradhyuman Zoological Park sits 5 kilometers outside the central area of Rajkot within Gujarat state. The relative distance can be reached by using either autos or personal vehicles. The trip duration to this location takes 15 minutes.

Panoramic Zoo Park neighbors the Rajkot Bus Stand which operates from Patel Nagar and Arya Nagar at a 3.7 km travel range. The destination spans a traveling distance accessible by autos together with private vehicles. On average it takes 10 minutes to travel through this particular distance.

Travelers reaching the Rajkot Railway Station on Junction Plot can find the Rail park located at 5.4 kilometers. The distance to the park can be reached through both private vehicles and auto transport options. The travel duration for this route amounts to 18 minutes.

People visiting the park can reach the Rajkot Airport from Civil Aerodrome through a 7.1 km journey. Guests can reach the airport via the pre-booked or hired cabs available for service. One can reach this location within 23 minutes.

5. Mahatma Gandhi Museum

The city of Rajkot houses Gandhi Museum under its commonly used name of Mahatma Gandhi Museum. The museum carries its name precisely because it displays biographical and creative works of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. One of India’s origin activists moved against British rule through peaceful methods which created an example for worldwide freedom fighters.

The historical Gandhi Museum stands among preferred attractions for touring visitors in the area because it presents a detailed picture of Indian culture while sharing the mental aspects and historical facts of the nation. Visitors can find 39 galleries at the museum which contains interesting and enriching information about Gandhi and his ideologies. Tourists visiting the museum will find that in addition to the exhibition galleries the space contains a souvenir shop along with a food court and a pleasant garden with necessary amenities including guide services and parking facilities in addition to restrooms and financial services and library resources and an information center for assistance.

Entry Fee

INR 10 (Indian citizens age 3 – 12)
INR 25 (Indian citizens above age 12)
INR 400 (foreigners)

History of Gandhi Museum

The Gandhi Museum stands on the same site as Alfred High School that operated as Mohandas Gandhi High School during October 17, 1853. During British colonial rule Kernel Singh constructed the elite English language educational facility which served as a premier institution. Gandhi himself enrolled at the educational establishment in 1887.

A decision to establish the museum at this historical site was made in 2017 and the project materialized on Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary date of September 30, 2018. The museum received its official induction from Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India) and Vijay Rupani (Chief Minister of Gujarat) and Nitin Patel (Deputy Chief Minister) during their supervision of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) and Gujarat Tourism department.

Tips for Visitors

1. The museum provides entry ticket booking which operates between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
2. The museum offers ticket purchase through its official website portal.
3. Guests should enter before 5:00 PM because access is denied after this time.
4. Pets are not allowed.
5. All outside food remains prohibited inside the museum premises.

6. Jubilee Garden

Lohana Para stands as the central area of Rajkot city’s perpetual activity where Jubilee Garden finds its home. The open garden provides lush green grass fields as its primary feature which makes it suitable for both families who want to picnic and small groups of friends gathering. Alongside the Garden stands the museum together with the auditorium and the library known as Lang Library and children can find amusement through fairground rides. Every age group selects Jubilee Garden as their recreational haven since it provides activities for walkers during mornings with the same benefits offered to families going on picnics and children seeking entertainment. The pathways throughout Jubilee Garden feature small plant life and bush arrangements. The combination of shady trees along the path with unusual bird sightings draws natural lovers to spend their recreation time in the Garden.

Timings to Jubilee Garden

• Any individual can freely visit Jubilee Garden through all daily hours. The practical hours of availability span throughout 24 hours though visiting during 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM offers the most suitable conditions for spending time at the site.
• The lang library remains accessible to visitors between 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
  Watson Museum remains accessible to visitors from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.
• Watson Museum takes half an hour daily between 1PM to 3PM as its running break. Access to the Arvindbhai Maniyar Auditorium entrance requires both registration or official invitation from the beginning.

Entry Fee to Jubilee Garden

Visitors to the Garden may participate without charge yet Watson Museum entry requires a ticket of INR 5 for each person. People can access the Lang Library without charge but they must obtain membership for book rentals at INR 2000 for a lifetime

Location and Nearby Places

The central location of Rajkot City gives Jubilee Garden better accessibility to visitors visiting the area. Arvindbhai Maniyar hall and Lang Library and Watson Museum are located within the Garden premises.

Cannaut Hall (properly known as Arvindbhai Maniyar Auditorium) stands as an ancient hall serving the town. Local residents flock to the Garden through the year because Arvindbhai Maniyar Hall organizes diverse events such as annual shows and theatrical and musical performances.

The Princely state of Rajkot’s remaining essential collections from its royal period are protected in Watson Museum which includes sculpture, painting, manuscript, folk embroidery and handicraft. Lang Library maintains more than 300,000 books while acting as a key institution that maintains interest in Gujarati Literature.

History of Jubilee Garden

The establishment of Jubilee Garden first became known in the 17th Century. No one can verify exactly when the Garden was built because its original structure resembles 17th Century Mandapa design yet its foundation remains uncertain but inside the garden stands a miniature Mandapa. The Lang Library alongside several other Garden buildings exist from the British Era because they display classic Victorian architecture characteristics.

7. Ranjit Vilas Palace

Ranjit Vilas Palace exists in Rajkot within Gujarat where H.H. Amarsinhji built the palace as Maharaja of Wankaner. This real estate spans over 225 acres. Special permission for visitors at the palace can only be granted by the current Jhala dynasty descendant High Royal Highness Dr. Digvijay Sinh Zala under limited circumstances. The palace design uses elements of Mughal architecture together with Dutch and Gothic structures and Victorian decorations. Several visitors maintain criticism toward how the palace is being repaired.

History and Architecture

The construction work for Ranjit Vilas palace finished during the 1940s. H.H. Amarsinhji of Wankaner constructed this site for surveillance of the town as the ruler of Wankaner.

The entire area occupied by Ranjit Vilas Palace reaches 225 acres. The town presents vital historical architectural elements in its construction. The town reflects multiple design influences that came from Mughal architecture alongside Dutch and Gothic and Victorian styles.

Extended hallways and high ceiling walls with occasional glass decorations cover the interior of this building. The walls are also decorated with latticed windows. The hill contains a watchtower as one of its features. People who stay at Ranjit Vilas Palace can utilize the built-in guest accommodation space named Chandra Bhavan.

Parts of the Bhuj palace collapsed because of the Gujarat earthquake in 2001

Collections

The weapons of the Jhala dynasty contained within Ranjit Vilas Palace form a substantial part of its collection. Royalty shows its wealth through intricate dining weapons and swords along with other beautiful knives.

Throughout the premises visitors find paintings as well as vintage cars which occupy dedicated spaces.

8. Lalpari Lake

People usually enjoy spending their afternoons at Lalpari Lake as it is situated beyond the Rajkot city limits. Lalpari Lake presents an enchanting view which lures visitors to remain there for the whole day observing its splendor. One can enjoy a pleasant picnic at this glittering lake which rests within its verdant natural environment. Nature lovers are drawn to Lalpari Lake because it serves as a habitat for numerous migratory birds who fly to the lake during migrations. These birds can be seen from the lakes perimeter thus adding to its magic.

Timings : 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

9. Ishwariya Park

Timings : 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Time Required : 1-2 hours

Entry Fee : INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children

In 2008 Narendra Modi officially started Ishwariya Park which exists in Rajkot within Gujarat. This 77-acre park contains an expansive lake which becomes suitable for boating visits since counts back when water reaches its highest point during winter months. Evening relaxation blends effortlessly with leisure activities in the park because of its extensive greenery coupled with its peaceful atmosphere. People visit the park because of its peaceful surroundings coupled with excellent preservation of amenities.

Timings and Entry Fee

Ishwariya park welcomes visitors between 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM during Monday to Saturday.
The grounds of Ishwariya park welcome visitors between 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sundays. Only Tuesdays find the park in a closed state.

Admission to Square Garden costs INR 20 for everyone older than eighteen years old while children under eighteen years pay INR 10.

Attractions within the Park

• Ishwariya park provides an excellent picnic destination for family and friend outings while its golf course area enhances the experience. At Ishwariya Mahadev people conduct worships to Lord Shiva because this shrine serves as a place of veneration towards the deity. Visitors can choose from multiple adult walking trails and child-oriented playgrounds that exist in the park. The musical fountain stands out as the primary attraction of the park because it glows with lights during evening hours. People spend time playing golf at the premises together with boating activities on the lake.
• Places to visit Nearby
• A variety of temples and churches located nearby the park offer tourists the opportunity to visit them. The Ghanteshwar Park located directly across from the park serves delectable Chinese and Punjabi menu at its alluring facility. Visitors can find Fun World within an 8-kilometer distance from the park. Guests visiting the park can enjoy various thrilling rides at this exciting attraction which offers food services at its location.

The distance from the destination to Chouki Dhani Resort measures 11 kilometers. The beautiful resort offers numerous amenities for its visitors. The park offers diverse room types that feature distinct amenities within the package rates. Pradyuman Zoological Park serves as a renowned destination within Rajkot due to 14.5 kilometres from Ishwariya Park.

Best Time to Visit Ishwariya Park

• People should visit the park during October to February because the climate becomes pleasant while remaining airy at this time. Moving to visit the expansive park from October through February yields the best experience since the pleasant climate prevails during this period. Summer visits to this park are not possible because the lake requires draining.

10. Gondal

Gondal exists approximately 35 kilometers south of Rajkot as a peaceful municipal area. During the previous era Gondal possessed both an outstanding transportation system and significant reputation as a car city. The city retains its grandeur and sense of royalty with the help of the Riverside Palace and the Darbargadh. Since 1875 the Riverside Palace has transformed into a heritage hotel that operates as both a forest reserve and lodging facility in which visitors occasionally observe deer and uncommon birds. Visitors find the main attraction of Darbargadh Palace in its elegant arches that spread across the estate grounds dating back to the 17th century. People can visit the palace both through its common name of Navlakka Palace and its admission with a small entrance fee. Besides a busy market Gondal presents winding streets that add charm to the aesthetic of the town.

About Gondal

Gondal exists 35 kms distant from Rajkot within the Gujarat state. Gujarat lists Gondal among its top popular destinations because it was a princely state following Indian independence. Traversing through the city lets travelers experience the previous historical period. One will discover multiple sites across the city which comprise a combination of palaces and museums. Road systems in the area were built before independence gave the place exceptional connectivity. Tourism development in Gujarat became possible after Gondal transformed itself into a premier tourism destination. The collection of automobiles originally belongs to palaces and now resides as museum exhibits.

Kathiawad association of Gujarat includes this urban area as a part of its territory. Road construction in this city includes robust networks for neighboring cities. People continue to inhabit residences from both the vintage period and the post-independence raw housing structures. Antique colonial style furniture together with chandeliers and other ornate details are distributed throughout the urban area. Lord Swami Narayana takes central position as the main deity in numerous temples throughout the area. Guests visit three important places of royal origin: Naulakha Palace and Gondal Palace as well as Riverside Palace.

History of Gondal

Gondal originated as a settlement in 1643 through the establishment of Thakore Shri Kumbhoji from Jadeja dynasty. Since 1643 the town has stayed under ruling power of Jadeja dynasty. Royals considered Bhagvant Singhji to be one of the most outstanding and renowned rulers who governed Gondal. During his leadership Gondal experienced rapid growth through advanced medical infrastructure and railway service development and public facilities construction. The city started acquiring fame as a commercial hub. After independence the city maintained its status as a princely state. The historical palaces and forts now function as museum and hotel spaces to welcome tourist visitors who come to this city.

Places to Visit in Gondal

Historic palaces located within Gondal are the main attractions of the city. History dates the Naulakha palace in Gondal as the oldest construction which began in the 18th century. The architectural masterpiece features staircase, courtyard together with stone carvings and balconies. The second significant palace found in Gondal falls to the Gondal palace. Visitors mainly recognize Gondal for its automobile showcase that contains traditional vintage automobiles alongside state-of-the-art sporting models. The museum maintained within the palace exhibits these rare automobiles among its other exhibits.

Consumers can visit temples throughout Gondal which refer to Lord Swami Narayana. Shri Ramnath Dham stands as a religious site in the city dedicated to worship Shri Amba Mata through its statue. Many people seek either religious or mental illumination and have been drawn to it.