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Rajkot travel guide

Rajkot is the largest city of the Saurashtra region in Gujarat and a lively, practical place to break a journey across the peninsula. It was founded in the early 17th century by Vibhoji Jadeja, from the Jamnagar ruling family, and is said to take its name from Raju Sandhi. Mahatma Gandhi spent part of his boyhood here, and the city is also known for its snacks, bazaars and colonial-era buildings.

Watson Museum
Best time
October to March
Ideal time needed
2 days
Nearest railway station
Rajkot Junction
Nearest airport
Rajkot
Famous market
Bangdi Bazaar

A short history

Around 1720 the Mughal governor of Sorath, Masum Khan, captured the town, briefly renamed it Masumabad and strengthened it with thick walls and spiked gates. The Jadejas later won it back, and in the British period Rajkot became the seat of the political agency for the Kathiawar states. That era brought schools, public buildings and a strong interest in education that still shows in the city today.

What to see

Kaba Gandhi no Delo, the house where Gandhi's father lived and where the young Mohandas grew up, is now a small museum with photographs and panels on his life. The Watson Museum in Jubilee Garden holds Harappan finds from nearby sites, tribal crafts, royal portraits and a large marble statue of Queen Victoria. Rajkumar College, founded in 1870 to educate the sons of princely families, can be seen from its grounds.

Food and shopping

Rajkot is a good place to try Kathiawadi food: fafda, khaman, dhokla and other farsan for breakfast, and a full thali at lunch. Bangdi Bazaar, known for bangles, is the busiest market for shopping, and the old city lanes are full of sweet shops and snack counters.

When to go

The cooler months from October to March suit sightseeing best, with warm days and cool evenings. Summers are very hot. The monsoon is relatively short and less humid than on the coast, but sightseeing is easiest in winter.

How to reach

Rajkot has its own airport with domestic flights to Mumbai, Delhi and other cities; international travellers usually connect through Mumbai or Ahmedabad. Rajkot Junction has direct trains to major Indian cities. By road, Ahmedabad is about four hours away on a good highway. Two days are enough for the main sights.

Also nearby

Kaba Gandhi no DeloWatson MuseumJubilee GardenRajkumar CollegeRashtriya ShalaSwaminarayan TempleLady Wilson MuseumRadha Krishna TempleSai Baba TempleRotary Dolls MuseumBangdi BazaarAhmedabadJamnagarJunagadh

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