Whenever we have heard of museums, the one thing that has always popped on our minds is that of prachin artifacts and ancient history of India or of that particular place where the museum is located. However, if I tell you that there is a place or rather a museum which does not have ancient artifacts but it has dolls and there are different cultural folks that take place at this museum.
Did it ring a bell in your head or just increased your curiosity to know the name of the place! To answer your question, the name of the museum is The Doll Museum, Rajkot, Gujarat. The Doll Museum is a delightful surprise for families and culture enthusiasts as this vibrant place offers an interesting insight into the world of dolls who represent cultures from across the globe under one roof.
What Makes the Doll Museum in Rajkot So Special?
This Doll Museum in Rajkot was opened to the public for educating and entertaining the young minds. The idea behind this Doll Museum was to teach the young minds that the world is united and not divided. The authorities at the Doll Museum impart this knowledge to the young kids through different traditional shows which they conduct using dolls and dressing these dolls in different traditional dresses that belong to the different cities or countries of the world.
Almost 90 countries in the world have been shown through these doll shows. One of a kind of museum that is used to promote global unity and understanding amongst the younger children. The basic idea behind the construction of the Doll Museum is so simple yet powerful. They have used dolls as the cultural ambassadors of those countries.
Inside the Museum: What to Expect
The things that you can expect at the Doll museum is that of seeing dolls dressed in the traditional attires of the 90+ countries. These dolls are then arranged in a country wise order and are also sectioned according to the continents they belong to. There are more than 160 dolls in the museum. As soon as you enter the Doll Museum, you will get teleported to a kaleidoscopic world.
Highlights inside the museum include:
- The main highlight of the museum is that of seeing more than 160 dolls in traditional attires of countries like Japan, Germany, Spain, etc.
- There are exceptional cultural information cards that are displayed next to each set of dolls at the Doll Museum, which explain the traditional attires of that particular country.
- When you reach the Indian Section, you will see the dolls representing each state and celebrating India’s incredible diversity.
- You will have some sections that will be seen where the dolls are wearing miniature accessories and scenes which recreate weddings, festivals and cultural scenes in miniature versions.
Activities and Engagement at the Doll Museum, Rajkot
The Doll Museum in Rajkot is a small place where there would not be much to do, but there can be some activities that can be carried out or can be attended at the Museum.
- There are guided tours for schools who bring their students to this Doll Museum, Rajkot so that the students can have an amazing trip at the museum.
- The Doll Museum, Rajkot has a photography-friendly environment so that the visitors can document their visit and take back memories along with them.
- There are different events and workshops that take place at the Doll Museum, Rajkot during the children’s day or during international cultural days.
Best Time to Visit the Doll Museum, Rajkot
- You can visit the Doll Museum, Rajkot all year around.
- Winter Season is the most preferable time to explore Rajkot and the Doll Museum as the temperatures and the climate are cool.
- Apart from winters, early summers and late monsoons are also a time when you can plan your visit as the climate and the temperature are pleasant and favourable.
Timings and Entry Fee at the Doll Museum, Rajkot
- Timings: Morning timings: 9 am to 1 pm
Evening timings: 3 pm – 6 pm
Imp Note: This Doll Museum in Rajkot is closed on Wednesdays.
- Entry Fee: INR 10/- for children
INR 20/- for adults
Imp Note: The above prices are subject to change.
How to Reach the Doll Museum in Rajkot
- By Air: The nearest hawai adda is Rajkot Airport (3 kms).
- By Train: The closest railway station is the Rajkot Railway Station and you can take a cab or auto rickshaw to reach the Doll Museum, Rajkot.
- By Road: Rajkot is well connected to SHs and NHs. You can take a state-run or private run bus ride from major cities of Gujarat to reach Rajkot.
Nearby Attractions to the Doll Museum, Rajkot
After having a fun trip to the Doll Museum, Rajkot; you can explore the nearby places.
- Watson Museum: This is another museum in Rajkot that offers you an insight into the royal past of Rajkot and their colonial history.
- Kaba Gandhi No Delo: This is another museum which you can visit for sightings of Mahatma Gandhi’s life teachings. The name of the museum is given after the childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi.
- Race Course Grounds: you can relax and enjoy the local snacks available here.
- Rotary Dolls Museum Gift Shop: This is a shop from where you can take back some books, souvenirs and dolls as memories from this trip.
Accommodation Options in Rajkot
From luxury stay options to budgeted stays, Rajkot has accommodation options for everyone.
- The Grand Regency: This is a 3 star hotel that provides comfortable stays and services at mid-range prices.
- Hotel Nova Park: It is a 2 star hotel providing clean and affordable stays. It also provides an airport shuttle and has free breakfast or rather complimentary breakfast with the rooms.
- Lords Inn Rajkot: The hotel with modern facilities and amenities provides you with a comfortable stay and comfortable experience at affordable prices.
- Palm Suite With Sky Terrace on 11th floor Fortune Serenity: It is an apartment in Rajkot with 2 bedrooms and allows a total of 6 guests in a single visit and has all the amenities and services which are needed in a society.
Food to Try Nearby the Doll Museum
After having a good and entertaining tour at the Doll Museum. You will want to explore the various dining places that serve delicious local delicacies. So below are some places from where you can try getting some yummy eatables.
- Downtown Restro Cafe: This is a restaurant in a cafe setting providing all types of cuisines. The most popular cuisine is Italian cuisine. The visitors at this restaurant have highly recommended this cuisine as their go to options.
- The Great Punjabi Dhaba, Rajkot: It is a one stop destination for all as it has a great ambience and yummy food. The visitors to this Dhaba have highly recommended this place for its cleanliness, the quality and the taste of the dishes that are served here. You can visit this Dhaba with your kids too as there is a play area for the kids. This dhaba also offers you three types of sitting areas.
- House of Size Zero: This is a cafe with good ambience and allows you to enjoy good ravioli pasta along with cheese garlic bread. The customers are highly satisfied with the ambience and service of the cafe.
Travel Tips for Visitors going to Doll Museum
- It is advisable to go in for an early visit to the Doll Museum especially during the school times.
- When you visit the Doll Museum with your kids, make sure that you encourage your kids into reading the cultural info boards so that they can have a better understanding of the dolls and their attires.
- Though the Doll Museum is a small place, it is advised to wear comfortable shoes as you might be standing and walking for a long time.
- Always be on your best behavior and respect the display restrictions as the dolls are delicate and are not to be touched.
- It will be always advisable to have a list of places prepared to explore after exploring the Doll Museum.
Unlike the other museums in Gujarat, this Doll Museum in Rajkot will take you by surprise as it is a collective representation of more than 85 countries with each country having dolls wearing their traditional dresses. So if you are a person who loves and appreciates the diversity and craftsmanship of the artisans and the storytellers, then you should definitely visit the Doll Museum in Rajkot, Gujarat. Therefore, the next time you plan a trip to Rajkot, do not miss out on your traditional wear mini world tour- One doll or let’s say one country at a time.
Next Stop: Udaipur – Where Lakes Whisper and Palaces Glow
There is no need of an introduction to any places when it comes to “Rajao ka sthan” basically meaning Rajasthan. After a wonderful trip to Gujarat and much needed rest at the comfort of your homes, you should get back to planning your next trip to Rajasthan. As this is how it should be, meaning life to be always happening and exciting. Rajasthan has many places which can be explored by you.
Since Rajasthan is such a huge piece of land in India, it will minimally take you a span of 15 days to explore the most visited sites in Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, you will find maximum places to be visited in and around Udaipur. So start or end your trip with visiting Udaipur as per your travelling arrangements.
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