About Rajkot
Rajkot sits in the heart of the Saurashtra peninsula, which makes it the natural base for trips to Somnath, Dwarka, Junagadh, Gir and Diu. It is known for its engineering and auto-parts industries, its gold and silver jewellery markets, and a famously relaxed afternoon pace.
The city's airport moved to Hirasar on the Ahmedabad highway in 2023, about 30 km from the city. Rajkot Junction is the main railway station, with direct trains to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Places to see
- Watson MuseumIn Jubilee Garden, with collections on the history of the princely states of Saurashtra.
- Kaba Gandhi no DeloMahatma Gandhi's childhood home, now a museum.
- Rotary Dolls MuseumDolls from around the world; a favourite with children.
- Ishwariya ParkA large park and lake on the outskirts, popular for evenings.
- Aji Dam and Lalpari LakeQuiet spots on the edge of the city.
- Race Course and Ramakrishna AshramThe city's evening hangout and a peaceful ashram nearby.
- Pradyuman Park ZooA zoo set around a lake, with Asiatic lions.
- Rajkot foodGanthiya, chevdo, dabeli, ice-cream and the city's well-known afternoon nap culture.
Best time to visit
October to March is the most pleasant. Summers are hot and dry; monsoon brings greenery to the lakes and parks.
Getting there from Rajkot
Rajkot International Airport (Hirasar) is about 30 km from the city. Rajkot Junction railway station connects to Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Delhi. By road, Ahmedabad is about 4–4.5 hours away.
Suggested plan
- Rajkot in a dayWatson Museum and Kaba Gandhi no Delo in the morning, lunch, Rotary Dolls Museum, then Ishwariya Park or Race Course in the evening.
- Easy day tripGondal (Naulakha Palace), Virpur (Jalaram Bapa temple) and Khambhalida Buddhist caves, back by evening.
Travel tips
- For a day around the city, a local taxi on a 4- or 8-hour package is the easiest way to get around.
- Many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon; plan shopping in the morning or evening.
- The airport is outside the city; allow 40–60 minutes to reach Hirasar.
