Situated in Gujrat’s Saurashtra region, Rajkot may not be the first place to pop into your mind when planning a trip to the state. Some of you may even assume Rajkot to be a dull place, but things may surprise you. Rich in history, Rajkot has plenty of interesting places to visit. But if you are more inclined to learn the city’s history, Rajkot museums are what you should explore. From the famous Watson Museum to the unique Doll Museum, each site allows you to learn something new about the city. If you ever find yourself in Rajkot, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the popular museums in the city.
5 Rajkot Museums For History Buffs
Here is a list of Rajkot Museums which offer history and culture, start your exploration with these popular museums.
1. Watson Museum
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Watson Museum is located in Jubilee Garden, Watson Museum was established in 1888 in memory of Colonel John Watson, a British political agent. Despite being several decades old, the museum draws a large crowd of people every year. Entering the museum gives you a view of the vast collection of artefacts, paintings, and sculptures from the Mohenjo-Daro Civilisation. Besides that, you will find pieces from the Harappan Civilisation as well as prehistoric times. Offering a mix of ancient relics and colonial-era memorabilia, Watson Museum is a great place for history enthusiasts and tourists.
Location: Jawahar Rd, Opp BSNL Office, Jubilee Garden, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Entry Fees: ₹5
2. Rotary International Dolls Museum
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One of the Best Museums in Rajkot that is not to be missed is the Rotary International Dolls Museum. A unique attraction, the museum opened its doors for the first time in 2004. Since then, it has been a popular attraction among tourists and visitors. Visiting the Dolls Museum allows you to see a huge collection of dolls and figurines from across the world. At present, the museum has over 1,600 dolls from 102 countries and each of them is dressed in traditional attire. From Japan and Europe to Africa and India, you will find dolls from various countries.
Location: 2nd floor, Nagrik Bank Building, Dr Yagnik Rd, opp. Heera-Panna, Jagnath Plot, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹15
3. Mahatma Gandhi Museum
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to Popular Museums in Rajkot, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum ranks at the top of the list. A tribute to the “Father of the Nation,” the museum offers a deep insight into his life and philosophy. Built in 1853, the museum was previously known as Mohandas Gandhi Vidhyalaya, Alfred High School. This is where Gandhi completed his studies as a child. Today, the school has been transformed into a museum featuring his letters, photographs, and other personal artefacts. When visiting the museum, observe the Rajkot Satyagraha exhibit that showcases the protests against Rajkot state’s orders.
Location: Jubilee, Chowk, Jawahar Rd, Lohana Para, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10
4. Regional Science Centre
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When looking for the top museums in Rajkot, you are likely to come across the Regional Science Centre which was built in 2022. An ideal place for science enthusiasts, the science centre mainly focuses on interactive exhibits that make learning an engaging experience for visitors of all age groups. Spread across a vast area, the centre includes various sections, including robotics, space exploration, energy conservation, and more. However, the highlight of the centre is the 3D theatre on the second floor that showcases scientific documentaries and space-related films.
Location: Ishwariya Pk Rd, Gujarat 360006
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fees: ₹20
5. Shri O. V. Sheth Regional Community Science Centre
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When you are out there exploring famous museums in Rajkot, don’t forget to include the Shri O. V. Sheth Regional Community Science Centre in your list. Focusing on science and innovation, the centre hosts various live demonstrations, workshops, and science fairs. This offers a hands-on learning experience to visitors. The goal of the centre is to popularise science among the public, especially young children and students. For those who don’t know, the museum also received a national award from the NCSTC government for its efforts to promote science awareness.
Location: Nehru Udyan, Race Course Ring Road, Rajkot 360 005
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Entry Fees: ₹10
Rajkot museums are not just about learning history, but a handful of them also open up the opportunity to teach about science and technology. When planning to explore the popular museums in the city, make sure you have enough time in hand as there are plenty of things to see and learn. To find out more about the museums before your visit, you can refer to TripXL.
Cover Photo: Vija Rindo Pratama / Pexels / Image For Representation Only