Rajkot

Often known as ‘Rangilu Rajkot’(Colourful Rajkot), Rajkot is a city located in the western state of Gujarat. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional handicrafts, and mouth-watering cuisine. The city has a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, with beautiful palaces, temples, and gardens, as well as shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. Rajkot is also home to several educational institutions and is known as an educational hub in the region. It is also known for its contribution to the Indian freedom struggle, with the famous Salt Satyagraha being initiated from here by Mahatma Gandhi. The place is also known for its remarkable bangles and one-of-a-kind and colorful Bandhani Sarees and Dupattas.

• Funnworld – First-ever amusement park in Gujarat, Funnworld is located in Rajkot. Spread across an area of 14 acres, the amusement park features a range of rides such as roller coasters, water rides, thrill rides, and kiddie rides. The park also offers other facilities like food courts, gift shops, lockers, and parking. Funnworld is a popular destination for families and friends looking for a fun-filled escape.
• Khambhalida Caves – Khambhalida Caves are ancient rock-cut caves located near Gondal town in Rajkot. These caves are dated back to the 4th century AD and are known for their beautiful carvings and intricate architecture. The caves contain several stupas, chaityas, and viharas, which represent the ancient Buddhist culture and lifestyle. The Khambhalida Caves are a popular destination for tourists as well as history enthusiasts who want to explore the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.
• Pradhyuman Zoological Park – Located near Lalpari Lake, Pradhyuman Zoological Park is abode to a variety of wildlife including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, and primates. Spread over an area of 137 acres and has a small lake, a children's park, and a cafeteria. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to witness the diverse wildlife of Gujarat in a natural habitat.
• Ranjit Vilas Palace – Built by Bawajiraj Mehrmansinhji (Thakur Sahib of Rajkotback then) in 1870, Ranjit Vilas Palace is a historic palace. Serving as a royal residence, the Ranjit Vilas Palace is of the few palaces that haven’t been opened to the public as heritage hotels. The Palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, combining Indian, Islamic, and European styles. The palace has beautiful gardens, fountains, and a museum showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
• Ishwariya Park – Ishwariya Park is a popular public park located on the outskirts of Rajkot. Spread across an area of 77 acres, Ishwariya Park features beautiful gardens, artificial waterfalls, boating facilities, and children's play areas. The park also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which makes the park a popular destination for both leisure and religious purposes.
• Swaminarayan Mandir – Also known as Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Swaminarayan Mandir is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Swaminarayan known for its architectural design. The temple was built in 1998 by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a socio-spiritual organization that follows the teachings of Lord Swaminarayan.
• Lalpari Lake – Lalpari Lake is a beautiful natural lake located 1 km away from Pradhyuman Zoological Park. Constructed in 1895 by the former rulers of Rajkot. It was part of Victoria Golden Jubilee Water Works. The lake gets its water from the Lalpari River, one of the smaller tributaries of the Aji River. The place is trendy among bird watchers and nature photographers because of the sighting of a large group of birds and picturesque surroundings.
• Nyari Dam – A beautiful and serene place, Nyari Damis one of the major attractions of Rajkot. Built on the Nyari River, the dam is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills. It is a perfect place for picnics and family outings. The serene atmosphere and scenic beauty of the dam make it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. To make it more attractive, a beautiful garden and a children's park are also constructed nearby.
• Aji Dam – Situated on the Aji River, a tributary of the Bhadar River, the Aji Dam is a significant water source for the city of Rajkot and its surrounding areas. Constructed in 1931, the Aji Dam is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. The Dam also added facilities to attract people like boating, fishing, and a stroll along the dam's walk way.
• Analgadh Hill – Analgadh Hill is a popular tourist spot and a historical site located about 20 kilometers away from Rajkot. It is situated near the village of Kotharia and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and forests. The hill is famous for its historical significance as it was a fort during the reign of the Maratha Empire.

• Patria Suites – Patria Suites is a luxurious hotel with a rich legacy. Known for its incomparable hospitality, Patria Suites provides 94 palatial suites with splendid views of the city and the airport runway from the rooftop. Apart from this, the property has a complete HD-3D theatre with an Atmos sound system.
• The Imperial Palace – A grandiose hotel, The Imperial Palace is an exemplar of true luxury. Located at a distance of 2.5 km from the airport, and nearly 2 km from the Funworld, The Palace features lavish rooms, with a stunning courtyard atrium, restaurants, a grand deep blue pool, and other top-notch amenities.
• Sayaji Rajkot – A 5-star rated hotel, Sayaji Rajkot offers an exceptional experience. The hotel provides 76 spacious rooms and suites with amenities including two restaurants, large banquet halls, a party area, a restaurant, a full-service spa, a 24-hour front desk, and room service.
• Regency Lagoo Resort – Legency Lagoon Resort is a rejuvenating escape with its architectural beauty and luxurious comfort. The resort provides modern amenities like the Infinity Swimming Pool, Wine Shop, Club House, Fitness Zone, Spa, etc. With a blend of charm and elegance, the resort offers a refreshing setting for tourists from all over.
• Aarivaa – Aarivaa is a lavish stay with scenic views and contemporary architectural design. The hotel offers modern facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, daily housekeeping service, in-room breakfast, and relaxing spa sessions.
• Bizz The Hotel – Bizz the Hotel is a high-class hotel located at a distance of nearly 2 km from Funworld. Offering palatial rooms with impressive interiors, the hotel provides modern amenities like a minibar and a flat-screen TV. Bizz The Hotel has a premium vegetarian restaurant serving a range of options in continental, Indian, and Chinese cuisines.

• Lords Banquet Restaurants – Lords Banquet Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant with a spacious area and enough seating sections. Serving an array of North Indian cuisine, the restaurant is known for its variety of Veg Sizzlers.
• Flavours – A high-end restaurant, Flavours is known for its wide variety of options in food and sleek interiors. The restaurant offers an array of North Indian, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines along with a menu of Desserts and Beverages.
• Waves – Waves is a multi-cuisine restaurant with elegant interiors and trendy painted walls. The restaurant serves an array of North Indian, Street Food, Fast Food, and Chinese cuisines along with a range of Beverages.
• Apple Bite – Apple Bite is a Multi cuisine restaurant with stylish and impressive décor. The restaurant offers an array of North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Street Food, Fast Food, and Mexican cuisines along with a range of Desserts, and Beverages.
• Ambrosia – A multi-cuisine restaurant, Ambrosia is a spacious restaurant with stylish and sleek interiors. The restaurant serves an array of North Indian, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisines along with a range of options in Fast Food, Desserts, and Beverages.

Mall :

• Crystal Mall – Crystal Mall is home to many top brands and offers its customers the best quality of fashion and products. The mall offers popular brands like Pepe jeans, W, Nike, Gini&Jony, etc. Along with offering Thai Spa services inside the mall campus, the mall also has a food court area and fitness area. For entertainment purposes, the mall has a multiplex featuring the latest movies.
• Iscon Prozone Mall Rajkot – Iscon Prozone mall is one of the first malls in Rajkot and also the most visited one. Spread across an area of 8.33 lakh sq ft the mall provides a variety of options in clothing, accessories, electronics, home decor, and more. It also has a multiplex cinema, a food court, and various restaurants and cafes. The mall is owned and operated by Iscon Group, which has several other commercial and residential projects in Gujarat.
• Rurban Organic Mall – Rurban Organic Mall is a one-stop destination for all organic products, ranging from organic food products, clothing, personal care items, home decor, and much more. The mall claims to offer high-quality organic products that are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
• Anmol Mall – Anmol Mall is a popular shopping destination in Rajkot, offering a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall has several anchor stores, including lifestyle and Big Bazaar, as well as a range of branded and local stores offering clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, and more. Anmol Mall also has a food court area with a variety of cuisine options, a multiplex cinema, and a gaming zone for entertainment purposes.

Marketplaces :

• Gujari Bazaar – Known for its collection of traditional and ethnic clothing, footwear, handicrafts, and accessories, Gujari Bazar is a popular street market located on Gujari Bazaar Road, Old Wallet City in Rajkot city. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of products at affordable prices. Here one can get a large collection of Badhni Sarees and dupattas with an array of colors.
• Gundawadi – Gundawadi is one of the popular shopping places in Rajkot, and is a go-to place forbudget-friendly shopping. Known for its local and traditional fabrics and garments, Gundawadi is a famous place for dandiya shopping.
• Bangdi Bazaar – Featuring narrow lanes and dead-end alleys, Bangdi Bazaar is one of the oldest markets in Rajkot. The market offers awide variety of bangles, dupattas, beadworks, and embroidered fabric. The bazaar is famous for an old shopin the Soni community, a well-known gold, and silversmith in the region.
• Ravivari Bazaar – Set up every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Ravivari Bazar has everything including new and old products. Here, one can find all types of products including clothes, furniture, and bags, home décor, and small accessories at affordable prices. This Ravivar Bazaar also offers Gujarat’s cheapest live cloth auction where shopkeepers and buyers trade products in large quantities at wholesale rates.
• Dhebar Road – Rajkot is famous for its bangles and Badhni print but apart from this, the region is also known for its Meenakari art furniture. On Dhebar Road, one can easily find multiple furniture shops which sell brass and wooden temples made with remarkable and sophisticated Meenakari art.

• Dhokla – Dhokla is a popular Indian snack that originated in the state of Gujarat. Made with a batter of fermented rice and chickpeas, which is steamed and then cut into small pieces, Dhokla is garnished with mustard seeds and coriander leaves. Dhokla tastes best when served with green chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.
• Handvo – Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made with a combination of rice flour, lentils, and vegetables like a bottled gourd, carrots, and green peas. Spiced with ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves, the batter is baked in a pressure cooker or oven until golden and crispy. It is typically served with a side of green chutney or yogurt.
• Thepla – Thepla is a popular Indian flatbread that can be seen in every other house in Gujarat. It is made with a dough of wheat flour, yogurt, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The dough is rolled out into thin circles and cooked on a hot griddle until golden and crisp. Thepla is usually served with a side of pickle, yogurt, or chutney.
• Sev Usal – Originating from Vadodara, Sev Usal is a popular street food in Gujarat. It is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful dish made with a base of boiled potatoes, peas, and a medley of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Topped with crunchy sev, chopped onions, and coriander leaves, Sev Usal is usually served with pav (bun) and a side of sweet and sour tamarind chutney.
• Khandvi – Khandvi is a popular Gujarati snack made with gram flour (besan) and buttermilk. The batter is spiced with ginger, and green chilies, and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves before being steamed and rolled into thin bite-sized rolls. Khandvi is usually served with a garnish of grated coconut, coriander leaves, and a drizzle of spicy tempered oil.
• Khakra – Khakra is a crispy and crunchy Gujarati snack made with wheat flour, oil, and spices. The dough is rolled out into thin discs and cooked on a hot griddle until golden and crispy. Khakra comes in various flavors, such as plain, methi, jeera, and masala, and is usually served with a side of pickle, yogurt, or chutney. It is a popular snack for traveling and is often packed as a snack for picnics or road trips.
• Fafda – A popular Gujarati snack, Fafda is made with a mixture of gram flour (besan), turmeric, carom seeds, and oil. The dough is rolled out into thin strips and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Fafda is usually served with a side of hot and spicy green chutney and sweet and tangy tamarind chutney. It is a popular breakfast and tea-time snack in Gujarat.
• Patra – Also known as alu vadi, Patra is a traditional Gujarati snack made with colocasia (taro) leaves and a spiced gram flour (besan) filling. The leaves are coated with the batter and then steamed until cooked through. Once cooled, the Patra is sliced into thin pieces and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
• Ghughra – Ghughra, also known as gujiya or karanji, is a popular sweet snack from Gujarat. Made up of dough of refined flour, semolina, and ghee, along with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder, the dough is then shaped into half-moon shapes and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Ghughra is usually served during festivals and special occasions.

• Mahatma Gandhi Museum – The Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot is a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum is located in the ancestral house of Mahatma Gandhi, known as the Kaba Gandhi No Delo. Established in 1955, Mahatma Gandhi Museum hosts a large collection of artifacts and archives related to the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The exhibits include photographs, letters, books, and personal belongings of Gandhi, such as his spectacles, walking stick, and spinning wheel (Charkha).
• Watson Museum – Named after Colonel James Watson, a British political agent in the region during the colonial period, Watson Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums of Gujarat. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts related to the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Some of the highlights of the museum's collection include sculptures, coins, paintings, photographs, and textiles from the region. One of the highlights of the museum is the replica of the Mohenjo-Daro civilization, one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world.
• Rotary Doll Museum – Rotary Doll Museum is home to a vast collection of dolls and puppets from various parts of the world. Dressed in traditional costumes, each doll in this museum showcases different cultures and traditions of the regions from all around the world. Established by the Rotary Club of Rajkot Midtown in 2001, the museum aims to promote cultural understanding and appreciation of different countries and their customs.

• By Air – The nearest airport Rajkot Airport situated at a distance of 2.5 km.
• By Train – The nearest Railway Station is situated at a distance of 1 km from Rajkot.
• By Road –The nearest bus stand is situated at a distance of 1.5km from Rajkot.

The Rangilu Rajkot can be visited anytime during the year although the preferred time is during the winter season. During this time the temperature remains between 22°C to 10°C.