¤ 10+ minutes Read

Rajkot

A complete tourist and cultural guide

Rajkot, a major city in Gujarat, is renowned as a vibrant center of culture, education, and industry, with deep historical roots in India’s independence movement. Founded in the 17th century, it served as the capital of the erstwhile Saurashtra region and is famously associated with the early life of Mahatma Gandhi. Today, Rajkot blends its royal heritage with modern dynamism, offering visitors insights into Gujarati traditions, craftsmanship, and culinary delights.

Wiki Link: Rajkot wiki page

Must-Visit Attractions in Rajkot

Kaba Gandhi No Delo

Mahatma Gandhi’s childhood home, now a museum preserving his early life with photographs and personal artifacts.

Watson Museum

A museum housing Saurashtra’s history through sculptures, textiles, and artifacts, named after colonial officer John Watson.

Ranjit Villas Palace

The former royal palace of Rajkot, showcasing an Indo-European architectural style set within expansive, landscaped gardens.

Swaminarayan Temple

A spiritually significant and architecturally ornate temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, known for its serene atmosphere.

Major Attractions Nearby Rajkot

Somnath

One of India’s twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, a revered seaside temple with a storied history of devotion and resilience.

Modhera Sun Temple

An 11th-century architectural wonder dedicated to Surya, famous for its intricately carved stepwell and pillared hall.

Little Rann of Kutch

A unique saline desert wilderness and sanctuary for the endangered Indian Wild Ass and migratory birds.

Junagadh

A historical city boasting ancient Uparkot Fort, Buddhist caves, and the ornate Mahabat Maqbara mausoleum.

Things to Do in Rajkot

Experience the historical, cultural, and culinary essence of this royal city. From exploring Gandhi’s legacy to shopping in vibrant markets, Rajkot offers a warm and engaging journey.

Savour a Gujarati Thali

Enjoy an authentic, unlimited platter of traditional Gujarati vegetarian dishes and sweets.

Shop for Traditional Textiles

Explore markets for renowned Bandhani tie-dye fabrics, Patola prints, and embroidered textiles.

Witness Silver Craftsmanship

Observe artisans creating Rajkot’s famous intricate silver jewelry and filigree work.

Experience Navratri Garba

Participate in or watch the vibrant, energetic Garba and Dandiya dances during the Navratri festival.

The Performing Art of Rajkot

Rajkot’s cultural fabric is richly woven with traditional Gujarati folk music and dance, reflecting the region’s agrarian life, devotion, and celebratory spirit. The city is a vibrant hub for these arts, especially during festivals.

Music Forms

Dandiya Raas Music

Bhakti Geet

Saurashtrian Folk Music

Rajkot is a vibrant hub for the folk music traditions of Saurashtra. The city resonates with the devotional rhythms of Bhakti Geet and the poetic recitals of Dayro. Folk forms like Duha and Chhand narrate tales of valor, love, and daily agrarian life, while the energetic beats for Garba and Dandiya Raas define its festive soundscape.

Dance Forms

Garba

Dandiya Raas

Tippani & Hudo

Rajkot is the epicenter of Gujarat’s most iconic dance forms, especially during Navratri. The graceful, circular Garba and the dynamic, stick-clashing Dandiya Raas are performed with immense fervor. Traditional folk dances like the labor-oriented Tippani and the rhythmic Hudo also showcase the region’s rich cultural tapestry and communal spirit.

City Vibes - Royal Heritage & Warm Hospitality

Rajkot resonates with the dignified charm of its princely past and the industrious energy of a modern commercial hub. The city is characterized by wide, clean streets, historic colonial-era buildings, and bustling markets selling exquisite handicrafts. The warmth of its people, the aroma of its distinctive cuisine, and the rhythmic pulse of Garba during festivals create an atmosphere that is both regal and homely.

Heritage of Rajkot

Rajkot’s heritage is a blend of royal, colonial, and Gandhian influences. The city’s historic palaces, civic buildings, and educational institutions preserve its legacy as a princely state capital and crucible of India’s independence movement. The famed silver craftsmanship and Bandhani textile industries thrive here, producing works admired nationwide.

Cuisine of Rajkot

Rajkot’s cuisine is a delectable subset of Saurashtrian and Gujarati vegetarian fare, known for its subtle sweetness, tanginess, and hearty flavors.

Gujarati Thali

An elaborate platter featuring kadhi, dal, 2-3 vegetable shaaks, farsan, rotlis, rice, papad, and sweet dishes.

Fafda-Jalebi

The iconic breakfast or snack combination of crispy, spiced gram flour strips (Fafda) with sweet, syrupy spirals (Jalebi).

Undhiyu

A classic winter specialty, a slow-cooked medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and muthiya (fried dumplings) in a spicy green paste.

Basundi

A rich, slow-cooked condensed milk dessert flavored with cardamom and nuts, similar to a thicker rabdi.

Shopping in Rajkot

Shopping in Rajkot is a delight for those seeking traditional Gujarati textiles, silverwork, and snacks. The city’s markets are known for quality craftsmanship and vibrant goods.

Bandhani & Textiles

World-famous tie-dye textiles, including sarees, dupattas, and dress materials in bright colors and intricate patterns.

Rajkot Silver Jewellery

Exquisitely crafted silver jewelry known for its detailed filigree work, meenakari, and traditional designs.

Traditional Snacks

Pick up famous local snacks like Gathiya, Chavanu, Khaman, and ready-to-mix Undhiyu packets.

Appliqué & Beadwork Handicrafts

Beautifully crafted wall hangings, torans (door hangings), and bags featuring traditional Gujarati appliqué and beadwork.

Tourist's Handbook

The best time to visit Rajkot is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, cool, and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 28°C. This period is ideal for sightseeing and attending festivals like Navratri and Diwali. Summers (April-June) are extremely hot and dry, while the monsoon (July-September) brings moderate rainfall.

Hydration & Sun Protection: Carry water and use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, especially in summer, due to the hot and dry climate.
Festival Crowds: During Navratri, be mindful of large crowds at Garba venues. Keep belongings secure.
Respect Local Customs: As a traditional city, dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Food & Water: Stick to bottled water and eat at reputable establishments to avoid stomach upsets.
Traffic: Be cautious when crossing streets, as traffic can be busy in market areas.

Auto-rickshaws are the most common and affordable mode of transport within the city; ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare beforehand. City buses operated by BRTS and other services connect major areas. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber are readily available. For local touring, cycle-rickshaws are suitable for short distances in market areas, and private taxis can be hired for full-day excursions.

Auto-rickshaw Overcharging: Insist on using the meter. Be wary of drivers suggesting unnecessary detours or specific shops.

Textile & Jewelry Pricing: In wholesale textile markets, always bargain. For silver jewelry, check for hallmark certification to ensure purity.

Fake Guides: At historical sites, use only authorized guides or audio guides to avoid misinformation and overcharging.

Accommodation Touts: Avoid touts at transport hubs offering cheap rooms. Book accommodations in advance through trusted platforms.

Festival Ticket Scams: Purchase official tickets for large Navratri events from authorized counters or websites only.

Explore Gujarat