Tourist Places Rajkot Division RAJKOT The town of Rajkot was founded by Thakur Saheb Vibbaji Ajoji Jadeja of the Jadeja clan and Raju Sandhi in the year 1612 A.D. Rajkot is the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat. Rajkot is located on the banks of the Aji River & Nyari River. Rajkot is famous for being an important industrial center for the state of Gujarat. The city is a major exporter of Diesel Engine components, Watch parts and bearings. It has deep rooted connections with Mahatma Gandhi. Than near Rajkot is famous for the Tarnetar fair. The fair is held 8 km from the town of Thangadh, in Surendranagar District for 3-4 days in August/September. Being the most important fair of Saurashtra, Tarnetar is attended by more than 50,000 people. Here the many colorful costumes, glittering ornaments and free-spirited movements of folk dances, all combine to create a memorable scene. KABA GANDHI NO DELO In this house Gandhiji’s father (Kaba Gandhi) had lived while in Rajkot, serving as Diwan (Prime Minister) to the King. Gandhiji himself spent a few years of his early life here from 1881 to 1887. This is a typical Saurashtra ‘Dela’ type house with a central approach from an arched gateway. It was built in 1880-81 A.D. Today, the place houses an interesting photo essay of his life. SWAMI NARAYAN TEMPLE The Swaminarayan Temple is famous as the most notable holy place in Rajkot. It was set by the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) in 1998-99. BAPS is a spiritual and humanitarian organization with its roots in the Vedas. RAM-KRISHNA ASHRAM The ashram was established in 1927 by Ramkrishna Paramhansa Mission on the Yagnik Road in Rajkot. The Ashram illustrates the life of Ram-Krishna and promotes universal brotherhood and religious harmony. It is constructed with red stones and is involved in various social welfare activities. The Ramakrishna Ashram is a math and centre for universal teachings of Vedanta. Best Buy: It is well known for gold and silver ornaments and textile Nearest Rail Head: Rakjot DWARKA Dwarka also known as Dwarawati in Sanskrit literature is rated as one of the seven most ancient cities in the country. It is believed that the legendary city of Dwarka was the dwelling place of Lord Krishna. A bevy of lovely temples that display flamboyant structural designs and marvelous architecture are the signature destinations in Dwarka. DWARKADHEESH TEMPLE & BEYT DWARKA Dwarakadheesh temple possesses a long history of 2500 years This temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir or the temple of the world. The temple was constructed over 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna. It is one of the most famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Other shrines are dedicated to Sathybhama Devi, Subhadra, Balarama and Revathy, Jambavathi Devi, Vasudeva, Rukmini Devi and Devaki. Beyt Dwarka is an island, situated at a distance of 30 km from the main town. This island is surrounded by few temples, white beach and coral reefs. The main temple at Beyt Dwarka is that of Lord Krishna, which is believed to be located at a site that was once the residence of Lord Krishna and his family. This temple is over 500 years old and was built by Sri Vallabhacharya. Apart from the tranquil ambiance of the holy shrines, Dwarka offers some of the appealing beaches, where the glittering waters and the warm weather tempts the beholder with its inherent charm. Shopping is an inevitable pastime in this historic city. A variety of shops supply excellent Gujarati artifacts at reasonable price and are worth visiting. Nearest Rail Head: Dwarka 224 kms from Rajkot 470 kms from Ahmedabad JAMNAGAR The founder of the princely state of Jamnagar was the Great Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of Kathiawar in 1535 A.D. Until its merger with the Indian Union after independence, Nawanagar was one of the more important princely states of Saurashtra. The capital was Jamnagar, which now gives the district its name. Jamnagar, an ancient city with great history, is situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat around 302 km from Ahmedabad and 92 Kms from Rajkot. The city lies to the south of the Gulf of Kutch and is 337 km west of the state capital, Gandhinagar. Jamnagar is a charming blend of the old and the new, with its ancient monuments and broad streets, imposing facades, and squares. Jamnagar is renowned for its silk, gold embroidery, silver ware, bandhani (tie-and-dye) fabrics that are renowned the world over. Nutcrackers (especially the ones made for betel nuts) made in Jamnagar are in great demand all over India. KHIJADIA BIRD SANCTUARY Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is located 10 km northeast of Jamnagar and represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, creeks, saltpans, inter-tidal mudflats, saline land and mangrove scrub. The place is highly recognized as the breeding ground of the great crested grebe. It is also a major breeding ground of purple moorhen, little grebe, black-winged stilt, coot and pheasant-tailed Jacana. LAKHOTA FORT & MUSUEM Once a Palace of Maharaja of Nawanagar, this Fort today stands as a Museum with unique collection of Sculpture of the bygone era from 9th to 18th century A.D. This fort like palace has semi-circular bastions, turrets, a pavilion with guard rooms housing swords, powder flasks and musket loops. An arched stone bridge with balustrade connects the Lakhota Palace with the town. Best Buy: Silk, gold embroidery, silver Nearest Rail Head: Jamnagar 85 kms from Rajkot ware, bandhani (tie-and-dye) fabrics 331 kms from Ahmedabad MORBI Morbi was the capital of the formerly princely state of Morbi, ruled by the Jadeja Rajput clan. The beautiful town of Morbi is located on the banks of the Machchhu River. It is situated on the Kathiawar peninsula. Morbi produces 80% of the country's gross ceramic production, around 80% of compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) production and is the largest producer of wall clocks in India. There are around 600 ceramic manufacturing units. The railway station of Morbi is a beautiful example of Railway architecture, combining Indian and European elements. RANJIT VILAS PALACE This palace was designed and constructed by Amarsinhji to be a lookout over the Wankaner Town which is only 35 kms from Morbi. The palace design is an amalgam of different architectural styles. The palace has a Mughal dome, Victorian style windows with stained glass, Gothic arches and a large central Dutch style roof. The palace houses a collection of antique weapons like daggers, numerous swords and shields. Best Buy: Famous for wall clocks & Nearest Rail Head: Morbi on Ahmedabad - Gandhidham section ceramic tiles 71kms from Rajkot 234 kms from Ahmedabad .