Located on the banks of the Aji and Nyari Rivers, Rajkot is known as the fourth largest city in the state of Gujarat. This old city was once the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra from 1948 to 1956 before merging in bilingual Bombay state on 1956. Rajkot was merged into Gujarat from Bombay on May 1, 1960. The city has been ruled by various rulers since it was founded.
Rajkot is one of the most prominent cities of Gujarat and a major centre for trade and commerce. The city houses the famous Gandhi family home, the Kaba Gandhi No Delo, which now has a permanent exhibition of Gandhi items. Mahatma Gandhi has spent his early years in this house when his father was a Diwan to the king of Rajkot. So take a Rajkot tour and explore the city of Rajkot.
How to Reach Rajkot?
By Air : Rajkot is served by Rajkot Airport that is 4 kms away from the main city. This domestic airport mainly serves the Rajkot to Mumbai sector and operates multiple daily flights on this route.
By Rail : Rajkot has frequent trains to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, Kochi, Bhopal and other cities within the state of Gujarat.
By Road : You can easily travel in state run buses that connect Rajkot with Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh and Veraval. The trip from Rajkot to Veraval via Junagadh takes about five hours. Rajkot to Jamnagar is a two hour journey.
Best Time to Visit Rajkot
The best time to visit Rajkot is during winters (October to January) when the climate remains cold and dry with temperatures ranging from 10 to 22 degrees Celsius. The month of February receives the maximum tourist influx and is pleasant enough to enjoy the city. Other good time to visit Rajkot is monsoon (late-June to September) that is accompanied by moderate rainfall and cool air. You can visit Rajkot during this season, provided you carry gear to shield yourself from the rain.
The summers (March to early June) here are very hot and dry with temperatures ranging between 24 to 42 degrees Celsius. This is not an ideal time to visit Rajkot, as the weather can get too hot for your comfort.
Things to do in Rajkot
Being in Rajkot one can try various things to do. Take a glimpse into the history by visiting the Watson Museum and Library or Mahatma Gandhi's childhood house. Enjoy a cup of thick traditional chai (tea) that is more like a sweet syrup or enjoy delicious Gujarati thali served with love. Shop till you drop for famous Bandhani sarees and take some traditional handmade and hand embroided patchworks back home for friends. Rajkot offers a fun-filled break from typical city life.
Places Near Rajkot
After you have explored the city you can visit the places near Rajkot.Some of the places you can visit are Lal Pari Lake and Rendherda.
Lal Pari Lake is a popular picnic spot and are located at a distance of five kilometres from Rajkot. This spot it known as the most exotic natural spots on the outskirts of the city and is popular for bird watching. You can see a variety of species of birds including rare migratory birds like black tailed godwit, rosy pastor, and pheasant tailed jacan, purple moor hen, spoon bill among others.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast then head for Rampara Wildlife Sanctuary located 47 Kms from Rajkot airport. You will get to enjoy major wildlife species like Nilgai (bluebull), Chinkara, wolf, and fox.
Aji dam, situated at a distance of 8 Kms, is the main source of water supply to the city of Rajkot. One can enjoy a beautiful step garden, amusement park, zoo, bird aviary or crocodile park which is situated near this dam.
Hotels in Rajkot – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Rajkot ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.