Located in the western region of the country, Rajkot is the fourth-largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. A commercial city with not many sightseeing options, Rajkot should be visited for its sweets, traditional snacks, Navratri celebrations, handicrafts (silverwork, patola weaving, bandhani) and its maze of narrow alleys with distinct cultural character. Located halfway between Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Rajkot is perfect for a one-day trip.
Rajkot was formed in 1612 by the Jadeja Rajput Clan who ruled over the place till India’s independence in 1947. Located on the banks of the Aji River, Rajkot is most famously known as the place where Mahatma Gandhi pursued his early education.
One of the cleanest cities in India, the major attractions in Rajkot include Jubilee Garden, Lang Library, Watson Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo. This reason, along with it being the former capital of post Independence state of Saurashtra, manages to attract a maximum number of tourists and historians who are deeply interested in India’s past. It was also the administrative centre for Western Indian State Agency of British in India administering Kaccha, Saurashtra and northern parts of Gujarat. When in Rajkot, do not miss out on the scrumptious Gujarati food!
Places to Visit
Khambhalida Caves
Khambhalida Caves, also known as Rajkot Caves, are a set of three Buddhist caves. They are located near the Gondal town in the Rajkot district of Gujarat. They were discovered in the year 1958 by a renowned archaeologist, P.P. Pandya. Out of the three caves, the centre cave is named chaitya and is a worn out stupa. Two sentinel statues (the left one being the stone of Bodhisattva and the right one being that of Vajrapani) also stand guard atop a nearby cliff face which looks down on a hound of Buddhist Caves which date back to the 4th century AD. These caves date back to the 4th century AD and are believed to be the oldest caves in Rajkot and a true architectural wonder. The Khambhalida Caves are being maintained by the Archaeology Department of Gujarat. The caves were cut out of limestone rocks.
Kaba Gandhi No Delo
As the city of Rajkot is best known for being the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent his early years, visiting the Kaba Gandhi no Delo is one of the most important as well as popular attractions. The Kaba Gandhi no Delo is essentially the house where Mahatma Gandhi lived for the duration when his father was the Diwan of Rajkot. The place is now a museum with preserved artefacts and a pictorial tour which depicts the life of Gandhi. An NGO also holds classes on the grounds. These classes are primarily based on sewing and embroidery work for anyone who wishes to learn. The Kaba Gandhi no Delo is just off the Gheekantha Road which is always bustling with life and culture of Rajkot, and spotting this simple museum is an easy task.
Pradhyuman Zoological Park
Pradhyuman Zoological Park is located near Lalpari Lake in Rajkot, Gujarat. It is commonly referred to as the Pradhyuman/Rajkot Prani Sanghralaya. The area covered by the park is 137 acres wide. Many locals and tourists visit this place as a popular picnic destination as an excursion or a school tour visit. The two lakes surrounding the park – Lake Lalpari and Lake Randarda provide a natural habitat for migratory birds along with the variety of flora and over thirty-five thousand trees. There are in-built necessities and cafes. Golf carts are provided for senior citizens. There is an extra charge for availing cameras and video-recorder inside the park.
Ranjit Vilas Palace
Ranjit Vilas Palace is located in Rajkot, Gujarat, and was built by Maharaja of Wankaner H.H. Amarsinhji. It covers an area of 225 acres. There are no visitors allowed inside the palace except for under special circumstances granted that they have permission from the present descendant of the Jhala dynasty – High Royal Highness Dr. Digvijay Sinh Zala. The palace is decorated with a fusion of historic architectural styles borrowed from the Mughal, Dutch, Gothic and Victorian architecture. However, the maintenance of the palace has been the centre of scrutiny by many of its visitors.
Gondal
Around 35 kilometres south of Rajkot lies the quaint city of Gondal. The city is known for its collection of automobiles as well as its efficient road network which was the best during the olden days. The city retains its grandeur and sense of royalty with the help of the Riverside Palace and the Darbargadh. The Riverside Palace which was built in 1875 is now a heritage hotel whose enormous grounds double into a forest reserve where individuals can occasionally spot deer and rare bird species. The Darbargadh, on the other hand, is a 17th-century palace whose main feature is the excellent arches that are scattered across the grounds. The palace is also known as the Navlakka Palace and is open to visitors for a small fee. Aside from this Gondal also hosts a bustling marketplace which sells humble goods and has winding streets which enhance the cities beauty.
Jagat Mandir
If religious places often make their way to your itinerary, do not miss out on the Jagat Mandir. This mandir is a universal temple which holds the idols of several deities and takes into account religions like Hindu, Christian, Island and Buddhism. However, the chief deity to which the temple is devoted to is Shri Ramakrishna Paramohansa. This deity is made entirely out of white marble which contrasts the temple walls, and the deity is depicted sitting on a lotus flower. Aside from its religious uniqueness, the temple is also known for its architecture. The temple is entirely made of red stone which contrasts with its natural surroundings and stands out during the day as well as night. Aside from this, the temple is supported by 60 pillars which are made of granite and sandstone and are unique in their own right.
Ishwariya Park
shwariya Park is a popular place to visit, which is located in the city of Rajkot. It was opened in 2008, the inauguration of which was done by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. Ever since the beautiful park has attracted a lot of people. The 77 acres park has a vast lake where boating can be enjoyed. Although the lake almost gets drained during summers, it is flourishing and full during winters. The large, spacious park has a very tranquil environment where one can relax in the evening and take some time out of their wrapped up life.Sursagar Lake
Swaminarayan Temple
Situated on the Kalawad Road, at a distance of 4 km from the Rajkot Junction, Swaminarayan Mandir is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Mostly known for its architectural brilliance, the temple is one of the most celebrated temples in Gujarat and is among the top tourist attractions in the city. The temple was set up in 1998 by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha and hence is also known as BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.
The temple belongs to the Vaishnava tradition and it has been built according to the Ancient Vedic Shilpa Shastra techniques. It houses a central deity, a white idol of Lord Swaminarayan who sits in the heart of the temple clad in rich fabric. The architecture of the temple is popular since it is exotic and has been imported from far and white. The temple is a socio-spiritual organization and welcomes people from all faiths and religions. It is also renowned worldwide for its humanitarian services and runs a charitable trust as well.
Lalpari Lake
The Lalpari Lake located at the outskirts of Rajkot is a delightful place where one can spend an afternoon lounging. The lake has a captivating landscape that entices its audience and makes them wish to spend the entire day staring at its beauty. The glimmering lake along with the lush green surroundings makes an excellent picnic spot as well. Another exciting aspect of the lake which brings forth a lot of nature enthusiasts is the fact that it attracts several migratory birds which can be easily spotted from the lakes shore and which add to the mystic beauty of the place.
Must Try Food in Rajkot
1. Thali at The Grand Thakar
2. Fast Food at Big Bite
3. Fast Food at Sargam Food
4. North Indian Food at Apple Bite
5. Gujarati Food at Lords Banquet
6. Barbecue Restaurant Red Pepper
7. South Indian Restaurant Sankalp
8. Mexican Food at Downtown Restro Cafe
9. North Indian Food at Flavours
10. Gujarati Cuisine at Ishwariya Post Restaurant
How To Get Here
By Air
Rajkot has a Domestic Airport which connects to several places in India (except Ahmedabad due to its proximity). Most international travellers land in Mumbai which in turn has several flights flying to and fro from Rajkot.
By Road
Rajkot has a well-connected network of roads that makes it easily accessible by car, cab or bus. Most individuals arriving from Ahmedabad travel to Rajkot by Bus due to its short journey and convenience.
By Train
The central railway station is the Rajkot Junction which has several direct trains from all over India connecting to Rajkot. Booking tickets at the earliest is recommended due to high demand.