Rajkot

Rajkot

A large city of Saurashtra, Rajkot was an important city of the British raj and a major princely state capital. The city has a number of impressive colonial buildings and educational institutions. It is famous for it's Watson museum and association with Mahatma Gandhi who spent much of his childhood here. Handicrafts like silver and textiles are a highlight of Rajkot, which has the National weaving institute which is working to promote traditional weaves.

Rajkot in the heart lands is one of the most important commercial and industrial cities of Saurashtra. This was a childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi who went to school here. The Gandhi house is now a memorial to the Mahatma, the Rashtriya shala is promoting his love for handlooms by teaching and encouraging various kinds of weaving and handicrafts. The prime attraction is Watson museum, with a 19^th century Victoria memorial statue, portraits and photographs of royal princes of Saurashtra and European dignitaries, historic finds and architectural fragments from archeological sites, dioramas of life among the rural, pastoral and tribal people of Saurashtra, handicrafts and princely relics. Lakes around Rajkot-Aji dam, Nardi-offer pleasant spots for picnics, some attract winter birds.

GETTING THERE	5 hours by road. Frequent trains and luxury buses.
PLACES TO STAY
- LUXURY/HERITAGE	Riverside palace/Orchard palace at Gondal(39 kms), Wankaner palace(50 kms), Hingolgadh castle(60 kms)
- DELUXE	Galaxy, Kaveri, Jayson, Samrat, Ruby, Tulsi
- MODERATE
- BUDGET/GUEST HOUSE	Numerous budget hotels and guest houses. Babha, Himalaya etc.
PLACES TO EAT	Hotels like Galaxy, Kaveri, have good restaurants. Havmour(multi-cuisine), Lakshmi lodge(thalis), Rainbow(South Indian), Step-in(fast food, snacks, icecream), Village-the-motel(theme restaurant), Babha(Gujarati), Lord’s banquet(multi-cuisine).