Rajkot is a city in the state of Gujarat in Western India. Rajkot rather appeals to spiritual tastes. As in Ahmedabad, many ashrams, that offers the teachings of yoga and meditative retreat, are located in the city and its surroundings, amidst forested hills and beautiful lakes. These traditions are not apparent to foreign visitors, especially to those in a hurry.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Rajkot is most famous as the place where Mahatma Gandhi pursued his early education. The city is also famous for traditional sweets and dandiya/garba raas dances. Founded in 1620 by a member of Jadeja clan, whose descendants ruled the city until 1947, Rajkot gained economic importance in the early 19th century, under British protectorate. Farmers' and traders' councils were encouraged to grow under British Rule. Later the city plunged into the industrial Age with the first years dominated by casting industries. Even today Rajkot is a wealthy city that ranks the 22nd-fastest-growing city in the world.
As Rajkot lies in the middle of the Saurashtra region, it is very easy to visit many famous places from here, whose relatives distances from Rajkot are small. Commuting inside the city can be done via BRTS which covers the roads around the city, but the most favorite is using Auto-richshaws (best to negotiate the rate of travel before sitting inside). Rajkot BRTS (Rajpath). (updated Mar 2022) RMTS. Local bus service operated by Rajkot Municipal Corporation. (updated Mar 2022)
1 Watson Museum, Dhebar Rd (in Jubilee Gardens), ☏ +91 97241 03824. 9AM-1PM, 2-6PM, closed on Sun, 2nd/4th Sat, public holidays. The Watson Museum was established in 1888 and was named after the British Political Agent of Kathiwad, Colonel John Watson. The Museum exhibits copies of artifacts from Mohenjodaro, sculptures, costumes of the local tribal people. ₹2 for Indian, ₹50 for foreigners. 2 The Lang Library, Jawahar Road, Lohana Para (Nearby Watson Museum), ☏ +91 281 222 4795, +91 281 2232199. 8AM-4:30PM. The library has an extensive collection of old books and a repository of reference material linked to the colonial era.
1 Krishna Water Park, National Highway 8-B, Kuvadva Village (14 km from the city center), ☏ +91 281 278 4300, +91 281 278 4378. This small amusement park includes a wave pool, a high pendulum slide and a rain discotheque for kids only.
Being the cultural and commerce capital of the Saurashtra district, one can expect to find many unique and delicious foods in Rajkot. For breakfast, generally Ganthiya is a very good option. Ganthiyas here are of many types like Fafda (wide thin strips of Gathiya, generally savored with Jalebi, and Sambhara, a juicy salad mix of grated beets, mangoes and spices), Vanela (bite sized pieces of Gathiya), Bhavnagari (Spicy Gathiya) etc. Ganthiya is made from Besan along with some spices and water which is made into a batter then fried in oil. Khaman and Dhokla are also very famous breakfast options.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Oct, Rajkot typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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