Gandhi's boyhood home
Kaba Gandhi no Delo is the old family home in Rajkot where Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi spent much of his childhood — named after his father Karamchand (‘Kaba’) Gandhi, who served as diwan (chief minister) of Rajkot state.
The traditional Gujarati house, built around a central courtyard (delo), is now a museum and memorial dedicated to Gandhi, displaying photographs, documents and exhibits tracing his early life in Rajkot, his family and his evolution into the Mahatma. It also houses a small khadi and handicrafts centre, keeping alive Gandhi’s ideals of self-reliance.
Quiet and atmospheric, the house offers an intimate glimpse into the formative years of one of history’s most influential figures, and is a key stop on Rajkot’s Gandhi heritage trail alongside the nearby Alfred High School where he studied. (An active museum/memorial; visit respectfully.)
Inside Kaba Gandhi no Delo.
The house where Gandhi grew up
The family delo, Rajkot.
Karamchand Gandhi, the Mahatma's father, served as diwan of Rajkot state, and the family moved here for the post.
Mohandas spent much of his boyhood in this house, a traditional courtyard delo in the old city.
The house was later preserved as a memorial, retaining its layout rather than being converted into a gallery.
It now holds a Gandhi museum and a khadi and handicraft centre, both of them working rather than ornamental.
Reasons to make the time
Gandhi's home
This is the actual house where Gandhi grew up — not a reconstruction, and modest in a way that tells you something.
Family delo
A delo is a courtyard house, rooms opening onto an open centre, and it is a classic example of the Gujarati form.
Photos & exhibits
The exhibits cover his boyhood and schooling in Rajkot, the least mythologised stretch of his life.
Khadi centre
The khadi centre on the premises is a living expression of the self-reliance he argued for.
Heritage trail
Alfred High School, where he studied, is a short distance away and is now the Mahatma Gandhi Museum.
Intimate history
Together the two make the Rajkot Gandhi trail, which covers his formative years properly.
What to look for inside
THE HOUSEThe delo
A traditional Gujarati courtyard house, kept as it stood.
THE MUSEUMThe exhibits
Photographs and documents covering Gandhi's early years in Rajkot.
How to spend an hour or two
See the house
Walk through the family delo itself, which is the substance of the visit — small rooms around an open courtyard.
View the exhibits
Work through the photographs and documents, which concentrate on his boyhood rather than the famous later years.
Learn his boyhood
Take in the Rajkot chapter specifically; this is where he was schooled and where his father worked.
See the khadi centre
Look at the khadi and handicraft centre, which is a working operation rather than a display.
Reflect on his roots
Consider what shaped him. A provincial official's son in a modest courtyard house is not an obvious start.
Pair with Alfred High
Carry on to Alfred High School, now the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, to complete the trail.
The traditional home.
A courtyard delo
Kaba Gandhi no Delo is a traditional Gujarati courtyard house (delo) in old Rajkot, now a Gandhi memorial museum with galleries of photographs, documents and exhibits on the Mahatma’s early life, plus a small khadi centre. Intimate and atmospheric, it preserves the home where Gandhi spent much of his boyhood. (An active museum; visit respectfully.)
Planning more of the area? Our Rajkot guide covers the whole district.
Traditional courtyard delo
Gandhi memorial museum
Photographs & documents
Khadi & handicrafts centre
When to go
October to March is the comfortable season in Rajkot and the best time for walking the old city around the house.
The monsoon is pleasant enough here, and the visit is indoors in any case.
April to June is hot and dry in Saurashtra; come early in the day and keep the outdoor walking short.
⏰ Pair Kaba Gandhi no Delo with the nearby Mahatma Gandhi Museum (Alfred High School) for the full Rajkot Gandhi trail.
Timings & entry
- Open daytime (check off-day)
- A quiet memorial museum
- Pair with Alfred High
- Allow about 45 minutes
- Free or a nominal fee
- Photography may be limited
- Be quiet and respectful
- On the Gandhi heritage trail
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot airport.
By Rail
Rajkot Junction.
By Road
In old Rajkot city.
At the delo
GANDHI & HOME
The Mahatma's boyhood house
What to shoot
The courtyard at the centre of the house.
Inside
Exhibits, where photography is permitted.
Detail
The khadi and handicraft centre at work.
Best light
Soft daylight through the courtyard, which is the best light here.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Jagat Mandir
A central landmark temple of Rajkot
QUIRKYRotary Dolls Museum
Over 1,500 dolls from across the world
ISKCON Rajkot
A grand modern Krishna temple complex
Randarda Lakeside
Peaceful shrines by the bird lake
Rajkot City
The bustling heart of Saurashtra — Rajkot, a prosperous, energetic city where Mahatma Gandhi spent his…
GANDHIMahatma Gandhi Museum
Where young Mohandas Gandhi studied
Where to eat near Kaba Gandhi no Delo
THALIKathiyawadi Thali
Spicy Saurashtra meals.
FARSANChikki & farsan
Famous Rajkot snacks.
STREETRajkot street food
Lively chowk eats.
Farsan & sweets
Famous for chikki, penda & farsan.
Kaba Gandhi no Delo FAQ
What is Kaba Gandhi no Delo?
The Rajkot family home where Mohandas Gandhi spent much of his childhood, now preserved as a memorial museum with a khadi and handicraft centre.
Who was 'Kaba' Gandhi?
Karamchand Gandhi — known as Kaba Gandhi — the Mahatma's father, who served as diwan of Rajkot state. The house is named for him.
What's a delo?
A traditional Gujarati house built around a central open courtyard, with rooms opening onto it. It is a good example of the form as well as a memorial.
What's inside?
A Gandhi memorial museum with photographs and documents covering his early years, alongside a working khadi and handicraft centre.
Is there an entry fee?
Free or a nominal fee. It is run as a memorial rather than a commercial attraction.
What's nearby?
Alfred High School, where Gandhi studied and which is now the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, and the Watson Museum — both a short distance away.
How long does it take?
About forty-five minutes for the house and exhibits. Allow half a day if you intend to do the full Rajkot Gandhi trail.
When should I visit?
October to March, when Rajkot is comfortable and the surrounding old city can be walked.
Related places across Gujarat
DAMGuhai Dam
Quiet backwaters rich in birdlife
LANDMARKMahatma Mandir
A grand convention & exhibition complex
JAINGirnar Jain Temples
Marble temple cluster high on the mountain
ESTUARYMahi Estuary
Where the Mahi river meets the gulf
NATURENavghan Kuvo
Birdlife and still water below the massif
RIVERFRONTTapi Riverfront
Promenades & gardens along the river
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.
Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026