About Rajkot

Rajkot is the fourth-largest city in Gujarat, following Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat, and is centrally located in the Saurashtra region. As of 2021, it has a population exceeding 2 million, making it the 35th-largest metropolitan area in India. Rajkot is also recognized as the 6th cleanest city in India and ranked as the 7th fastest-growing city globally as of March 2021.

Situated in the Saurashtra region, Rajkot is a key industrial hub of Gujarat. Its central location on the Kathiawar peninsula enhances its importance. Rajkot lies within the Rajkot district, contributing significantly to the state’s industrial activities.

The residents of Rajkot are mainly vegetarians and have a deep affinity for jewelry, especially among women. During marriages, festivals, and functions, it is common to see women adorned with large chains, pendants, and heavy gold jewelry. The traditional attire varies with the seasons and festivities, with women typically wearing Gujarati-style sarees and men in flowing kurtas or formal wear. Rajkot is a melting pot of cultures, where languages like Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu, and English are widely spoken and understood.

Places to visit

Rajkot offers several fascinating places to visit. Khambhalida Caves, near Gondal town, are ancient Buddhist caves discovered in 1958, featuring a worn-out stupa in the central cave. Kaba Gandhi no Delo is the childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi, providing insight into his early life. Pradhyuman Zoological Park, near Lalpari Lake, spans 137 acres and is a popular picnic spot with diverse wildlife. 

Khambhalida Caves

Khambhalida Caves, also known as Rajkot Caves, are a set of three Buddhist caves located near Gondal town in the Rajkot district. Discovered in 1958 by archaeologist P.P. Pandya, these caves are a significant historical site. The central cave, called the chaitya, houses a worn-out stupa, showcasing the ancient Buddhist architectural style.

Kaba Gandhi no Delo

Kaba Gandhi no Delo is one of the most significant attractions in Rajkot, as it is the house where Mahatma Gandhi spent his early years when his father was the Diwan of Rajkot. This site offers a glimpse into Gandhi’s childhood and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the life of the Mahatma.

Pradhyuman Zoological Park

Located near Lalpari Lake, Pradhyuman Zoological Park, also known as the Rajkot Prani Sanghralaya, spans 137 acres. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, often visited for picnics, excursions, and school tours. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it an excellent place for nature enthusiasts.

Ranjit Vilas Palace

Ranjit Vilas Palace, built by Maharaja H.H. Amarsinhji of Wankaner, covers 225 acres in Rajkot. Although visitors are generally not allowed inside, special permission can be obtained from High Royal Highness Dr. Digvijay Sinh Zala, a descendant of the Jhala dynasty. The palace is a magnificent example of royal architecture and heritage.

Jagat Mandir

Jagat Mandir is a universal temple that houses idols of various deities from Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. The temple is primarily dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna Paramohansa, whose marble idol is depicted sitting on a lotus flower. The contrast between the white marble deity and the temple walls creates a serene atmosphere.

Ishwariya Park

Opened in 2008 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, Ishwariya Park is a popular recreational spot in Rajkot. The 77-acre park features a large lake where visitors can enjoy boating. Its beautiful landscape and peaceful environment make it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.

Hotels in Rajkot

Rajkot offers a variety of hotels for different budgets. Regenta RPJ Rajkot is located in a quiet suburb with easy access to local shops and fast-food restaurants, costing around ₹2,808 per night. Fortune Park JPS Grand is an upscale hotel situated near shops, just 6 km from the Watson Museum and Kaba Gandhi No Delo, and 9 km from Rajkot Airport, with rooms priced at ₹4,837 per night. The Grand Regency is a 3-star hotel located in a leafy residential area near Shubhash Garden park and D Mart shopping center, with a stay costing around ₹2,620 per night. Hotel Europa Inn Rajkot is a casual hotel on a narrow side street, just a 5-minute walk from the Mahatma Gandhi Museum and 1 km from the Watson Museum, priced at ₹1,278 per night.

Regenta RPJ Rajkot

Quiet suburb with fast-food restaurants on Kalavad Road & local shops on Ambedkar Nagar Road.

₹2,808

3 Star Hotel

Fortune Park JPS Grand

This upscale hotel in an area with shops is 6 km from both the Watson Museum and Kaba Gandhi No Delo.

₹4,837

5 Star Hotel

The Grand Regency

Large residential & administrative area with leafy Shubhash Garden park & D Mart shopping center.

₹2,620

3 Star Hotel

Hotel Europa Inn Rajkot

This casual hotel is a 5-minute walk from memorabilia at Mahatma Gandhi Museum and 1 km from history exhibits at Watson Museum.

₹1,278

3 Star Hotel

Hotels at Rajkot near railway station

Rajkot offers a variety of accommodations for different budgets. Hotel Upasana is a budget-friendly option with good service, located in a great area for sightseeing and dining, costing around ₹616 per night. Hotel Tej Palace is situated in a busy area near Rajkot Central Bus Station, offering simple lodging and priced at ₹1,240 per night. Hotel Europa Inn Rajkot is a casual hotel 1 km from the Watson Museum and 3 km from Rajkot Junction railway station, costing around ₹1,278 per night. Hotel Classique is located in an upscale area near Race Course Ground and Fun World amusement park, with rooms priced at ₹1,530 per night.

Hotel Upasana

Great location overall for sightseeing, recreation, dining and getting around. Nice service good staff.

₹616

1 Star Hotel

Hotel Tej Palace

Busy area with Indian food, simple lodging & statewide travel from Rajkot Central Bus Station.

₹1,240

3 Star Hotel

The Evergrand Palace

this casual hotel is a 1 km from history exhibits at Watson Museum. Rajkot Junction railway station is 3 km away.

₹2,283

4 Star Hotel

Hotel Classique

Upmarket area with parks & sports fields at the Race Course Ground, plus Fun World amusement park.

₹1,530

3 Star Hotel

Restaurants in Rajkot

Rajkot offers a range of delightful dining options. Wok On Fire serves delicious Thai Green Curry, Som Tam Salad, and Hakka Noodles, with a meal for two costing around ₹1,000. The Imperial Palace is known for its excellent food and breakfast, providing great value at approximately ₹500 for two people. Saraza boasts fantastic decoration, clean and hygienic surroundings, and delicious food, with meals priced at ₹1,000 for two. Temptations Restaurant offers a great ambience, an elaborate menu, and customizable fresh food, costing around ₹600 for two people.

Wok On Fire

Thai Green Curry, Som Tam Salad, Spring Roll, Hakka Noodles, Rice

₹1,000 for two people (approx.)

The Imperial Palace

Perfect Packing, Breakfast, Wonderful Presentation, Great Food, Excellent Food, Best Place

₹500 for two people (approx.)

Saraza

Fantastic Decoration, Clean and Hygienic Place, Wonderful Presentation, Food Presentation, Ambience, Delicious Food

₹1,000 for two people (approx.)

Temptations Restaurant

Ambience, Elaborate Menu, Customizable Food, Fresh Food, Good Quality, Taste

₹600 for two people (approx.)

How to Reach Rajkot

Rajkot is well-connected by train, with daily express, super-fast, and passenger trains to major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Porbandar, and Mumbai. The Rajkot Airport offers domestic flights operated by Air India and Jet Airways, with connections to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The city is also accessible by road, with buses available from neighboring towns such as Bhuj, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Una, and Bhavnagar.

things to do in Maharashtra

By Train

Rajkot Railway Station is under the Western Railway Zone of the Indian Railways and the division is Rajkot division. Daily trains are available for major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Porbandar and Mumbai. 

things to do in Maharashtra

By Flight

The Rajkot Airport is a domestic airport located at an easily accessible location from the city. Air India and Jet Airways are airlines operating here for the cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

things to do in Maharashtra

By Road

City is well versed with highways and roadways. Tourist can easily reach Rajkot by hopping in a bus from any of the neighbouring towns like Bhuj, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Una and Bhavnagar.

Local Transport in Rajkot

By Bus

GSRTC bus services in Rajkot offer numerous convenient dropping points for passengers. These points ensure that passengers can easily find a nearby location for hassle-free travel within the city. Booking a bus from Bhavnagar to Rajkot allows passengers to select their preferred dropping point for added convenience.

Starting at Only 26₹/km

things to do in Maharashtra

By Cab

Getting around Rajkot by cab is convenient and efficient. Cabs are readily available and can be booked through various ride-hailing apps or local taxi services, making it easy to travel to different parts of the city comfortably.

Starting at only 9₹/KM

things to do in Maharashtra

By Auto-rikshaw

The transport in the city is easy because of the availability of auto rickshaw for short distances within the city limits. The mobile application based service of Ola Cabs is also available in Rajkot providing for comfortable transport to all.

Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10.Rs

things to do in Maharashtra

Renting Vehicle

Travellers visiting Rajkot can go around the city to various tourist spots by using the services of renting cab on a time basis. It is easy and hassles free option for tourist’s unknown to the city routes.

Starting at only ₹1499.

Best Time to Visit Rajkot

The most suitable time to visit Surat is during the months of October to March. The weather conditions of Surat are like that of any other city in the western region of India. The summer season here is warm, can get extremely hot and the temperature can shoot up to 40-45 degrees centigrade. The days can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. The nights are usually pleasant. The mild winters here, are a sigh of relief for the town with the temperatures dropping down to 15-20 degrees centigrade. Winters, that begin around October all the way up till March, are the perfect time to plan a trip to Surat. Also during October-November, Navaratri is celebrated here with a lot of enthusiasm and dances like Garba and Dandiya can be enjoyed all over the town.

Distance of other cities from Rajkot

a large building next to a body of water

Mumbai

The Distance of Rajkot to Mumbai is (691.4 km) via NH 48.

View more

things to do in Maharashtra

Delhi

The Distance of Rajkot to Delhi is (1,167.9 km) via NH 48.

View more

things to do in Maharashtra

Bengalore

The Distance of Rajkot to Bengalore is (1,662.3 km) via NH 48.

View more

things to do in Maharashtra

Chennai

The Distance of Rajkot to Chennai is (1,990.5 km) via NH 16.

View more

Tips and Advice for Rajkot

The first thing you need to take care of is your bookings. It’s wise to book your tickets and hotel in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. Rajkot, like many Indian cities, can get quite busy, and securing your accommodations early will ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Rajkot is known for its rich culture and traditions, and it’s important to respect these. The people here are humble and kind, and they expect their guests to be courteous. Avoid using vulgar or abusive language, as it can be offensive and could even get you into trouble. Adhering to local customs and being respectful will make your stay more pleasant and harmonious. While traveling in Rajkot, be vigilant about forgery and scams. From porters to rickshaw drivers, some may try to overcharge you or mislead you to earn extra commissions. Always agree on a price before starting your journey and try to get recommendations from trusted sources to avoid being cheated.

Maintaining the city’s decorum is crucial, so avoid any unethical actions like damaging heritage buildings or monuments. Such acts are punishable offenses, and it’s important to preserve the city’s historical sites for future generations. Respecting these sites will also enrich your travel experience.

Health is another important aspect to consider. Make sure to choose clean and reputable places to eat. Avoid unhygienic food, raw, processed, or uncooked items to prevent stomach issues that could ruin your trip. Enjoy the local cuisine, but be cautious about where you dine to ensure a healthy and enjoyable stay.

FAQs About Rajkot

The people of the city of Rajkot belong to a variety of religions and cultures – however, despite their varied origins, they live harmoniously and function as a community. The citizens are predominantly vegetarians, owing to strong influences from the Hindu and Jain culture.

Rajkot⁩ has a population of ⁨1.2 million⁩ people (⁨2020⁩) and an estimated GDP per capita of $⁨9.3 thousand⁩. Out of the ⁨348⁩ cities covered in ⁨Asia⁩, ⁨Rajkot⁩ ranks as the ⁨112th⁩ most populated, and displays the ⁨282nd⁩ highest GDP per capita.

Rajkot is known for its traditional handicrafts (silver work, embroidery, and patola weaving).The manufacture of cotton and woolen textiles is a major activity; ceramics, diesel engines, and water pump sets are also produced in the city.

Snack items, or farsan, such as khaman, dhokla, and fafda, also play a pivotal role in the food culture of Rajkot.

At the time of the 2011 Census of India, 96.31% of the population in the district spoke Gujarati and 1.95% Hindi as their first language. Gujarati, English and Sindhi are the predominantly spoken languages in Rajkot. Gujarati in itself has over eleven different dialects, most of which are spoken in Rajkot.

Jasdan is the biggest Taluka place in Rajkot district and has 103 villages.

Rajkot is the 35th-largest metropolitan area in India, with a population of more than 2 million as of 2021. Rajkot is the 6th cleanest city of India, and it is the 7th fastest-growing city in the world as of March 2021.

Rajkot is a wealthy city that ranks the 22nd-fastest-growing city in the world. It's also one of the cleanest cities of India. Rajkot lies in the middle of Kathiawar peninsula, halfway between Ahmedabad and Porbandar.

Rajkot is the 26th largest city in India and the 22nd fastest-growing urban area in the world. Rajkot was the capital of Saurashtra state from 15 April 1948 to 31 October 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay State on 1 November 1956.

The Major rivers flowing through Rajkot district are Bhadar, Aji, Machhu, Demai and their tributaries. Some other small streams are Phulki, Jhinjhora and Ghodadroi.

Cities Around Rajkot

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, in western India, is the largest city in the state of Gujarat.

View more

Surat

Surat is a large city beside the Tapi River in the west Indian state of Gujarat.

View more

Vadodara

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is a major city in the Indian state of Gujarat.

View more

Gandhinagar

Gandhinagar is a planned city in the western Indian state of Gujarat.

View more