The heart of Saurashtra
Rajkot, the fourth-largest city of Gujarat and the beating heart of the Saurashtra peninsula, is a prosperous, energetic place that wears its heritage lightly. Founded in the 17th century by the Jadeja Rajputs, it served as a colonial administrative centre and, most famously, as the boyhood home of Mohandas Gandhi, who studied at the Alfred High School here.
The old city preserves a rich colonial-era fabric: the Watson Museum with its eclectic collection, the Lang Library, the Jubilee Garden, the Rashtriya Shala that Gandhi founded to promote khadi and crafts, and the Kaba Gandhi no Delo — the Mahatma’s family home, now a memorial.
Beyond its history, Rajkot is celebrated across Gujarat as a foodie city — its ganthiya, penda and chikki are legendary. Energetic and welcoming, Rajkot is both a destination and the natural gateway to the towns, temples and palaces of Saurashtra.
The colonial-era Watson Museum.
From a riverside experiment to the road to freedom
An old view of Rajkot’s city gate.
Rajkot is founded by the Jadeja Rajputs as a small town on the Saurashtra plains.
It becomes a regional administrative centre under colonial rule, gaining civic institutions.
Young Mohandas Gandhi grows up here and studies at the Alfred High School.
Rajkot is now Saurashtra's largest, most dynamic city and its commercial hub.
Reasons to make the time
Gandhi heritage
His boyhood city and home.
Watson Museum
An eclectic colonial collection.
Rashtriya Shala
Gandhi's khadi institution.
Gardens & library
Jubilee Garden, Lang Library.
Famous food
Penda, ganthiya, chikki.
Saurashtra hub
Gateway to the region.
What to look for inside
Watson Museum
Colonial-era collection.
Rashtriya Shala
Gandhi's khadi centre.
Kaba Gandhi no Delo
The Mahatma's family home, now a memorial.
Jubilee Garden
Green civic gardens with the Lang Library.
Foodie streets
Penda, ganthiya and lively chaat lanes.
Saurashtra base
The natural gateway to the region's towns and temples.
How to spend an hour or two
Visit Watson Museum
Saurashtra's eclectic museum, with its colonial-era collection and antiquities.
See Kaba Gandhi no Delo
The Mahatma's family home, now a quiet memorial to his boyhood.
Tour Rashtriya Shala
Gandhi's khadi institution, still promoting hand-spun cloth and crafts.
Stroll Jubilee Garden
Rajkot's green civic heart, with the historic Lang Library alongside.
Eat the food
Feast on penda, ganthiya and the city's celebrated street chaat.
Base for Saurashtra
Use Rajkot as a hub for Gondal, Wankaner and the region's temples.
The Rajkot cityscape.
Colonial halls and gardens
Rajkot’s heritage lies in its colonial-era civic fabric: the eclectic Watson Museum and Lang Library, the Jubilee Garden, princely and colonial public buildings, and Gandhi-associated sites like Alfred High School and the Kaba Gandhi no Delo.
Around them spreads a busy, modern Saurashtra city of bazaars, industry and a celebrated food culture — heritage and bustle side by side, with the city serving as the region’s commercial and travel hub.
Watson Museum & Lang Library
Jubilee Garden
Gandhi-era sites
Bustling bazaars
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season across Rajkot. Comfortable all day for sightseeing and food trails.
Green countryside; the ravines and dams fill. Occasional showers, but the region turns lush.
Hot and dry — sightsee early or late in the day and keep to shaded, indoor sights at midday.
⏰ Use Rajkot as your Saurashtra base; the cooler months are best, and the city's food is a destination in itself.
Timings & entry
- Museums keep daytime hours (often closed one day)
- Gandhi sites are free or low-cost
- Markets liveliest in the evening
- Allow 1–2 days with day trips
- Many sites free or low-cost
- Museums charge a small fee
- Some sites closed on a weekly day
- A great base for the region
Getting there
By Air
Rajkot has an airport, including the new Hirasar (Rajkot International) airport, with flights from major Indian cities.
By Rail
Rajkot is a major railway junction on the Saurashtra network, well connected to Ahmedabad and beyond.
By Road
Well linked by highway to Ahmedabad and all of Saurashtra, with frequent buses and taxis.
Around the city
HERITAGE & LIFE
A lively Saurashtra capital
What to shoot
The Watson Museum and old colonial buildings around the city centre.
Nature
Jubilee Garden greenery and the city's leafy civic spaces.
Life
Busy bazaars and food streets, buzzing into the evening.
Best light
The cityscape at golden hour, when the old halls glow warm.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Race Course
Rajkot's central grounds, gardens & events
Khambhalida Caves
Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves
Lang Library
A historic 19th-century reading hall
Watson Museum
Saurashtra's history, sculpture & relics
Aji Dam & Lakes
A scenic reservoir & riverside garden
Connaught Hall
Stately British-era civic architecture
Where to eat around the ashram
Kathiawadi Thali
Rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
Ganthiya & fafda
Saurashtra's beloved fried gram-flour snacks.
Chaat & bhajiya
Rajkot's lively street food, best in the evening.
Penda & chikki
Rajkot's famous penda sweets and chikki are must-try local specialities.
Rajkot City FAQ
What is Rajkot known for?
Being Saurashtra's main city, Gandhi's boyhood home, and a famous foodie destination.
What's the Gandhi connection?
Young Mohandas Gandhi grew up here and studied at Alfred High School; his home is now a memorial.
What can I see?
Watson Museum, Rashtriya Shala, Kaba Gandhi no Delo, Jubilee Garden and the bazaars.
What food is Rajkot famous for?
Penda sweets, ganthiya, chikki and lively street food.
Is it a good travel base?
Yes — it's central for Gondal, Wankaner, temples and the region.
How do I reach Rajkot?
By air, rail or road; it's a major junction with its own airport.
How long should I stay?
One to two days, with day trips into the surrounding Saurashtra region.
When should I visit?
October to March, in the cooler and more pleasant season.
Related places across Gujarat
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Where freshwater & marine birds gather
Sahar ki Masjid
The royal mosque of the old citadel
Patola Heritage House
Watch double-ikat silk woven by master families
Dharampur
Green tribal hinterland & ashrams
Dharampur Villages
Living tribal culture deep in the Ghats
Ekta Nursery
A vast green nursery & arboretum
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.