Trailing after Ahmedabad, Surat and Vadodara, Rajkot is the fourth largest Gujarat city in size and population. The agglomeration ranks twenty-second amongst the most rapidly developing urban centres of the world. Sprawled along the meandering Aji and Nyari rivers banks, this stunning city wears cleanliness like a crown. It served as the administrative capital of Saurashtra region and managed to retain some of the old world charms. Princely history and emerging modernity create a baffling collage in the streets of Rajkot, adding to its distinctive appeal.
Best time to visit Rajkot
Winters are delightful with the beauty of the city. Hence, December to March is perhaps the best time to visit the place. You can find below a complete breakdown of all the seasons to help you plan your trip better.
Spoken languages in Rajkot
Gujarati is the official language of Rajkot. However, Hindi, Urdu, Sindhi and English are frequently used. Sometimes, one might hear bits of Bengali, Tamil and Marathi from the cosmopolitan crowd.
How to reach Rajkot
Rajkot is not your textbook tourist destination. It has marvels lurking in every nook and corner of the city waiting to be explored by curious travellers.
Kaba Gandhi No Delo is probably the most visited place in Rajkot. This place is of historical importance since Mahatma Gandhi resided here during the early years of his life. Christened after the name of Mahatma Gandhi's father Karamchand Gandhi, this site has been transformed into a museum to preserve the traces of the great leader.
Keeping aside the platter of sightseeing options, Rajkot is also regarded for its culinary delights. For a tryst with Gujarat's authentic flavours, one must head to the city and savour the local delicacies like khichdi kadhi and bhakri-shak.
Once in Rajkot, there will be no shortage of shopping options. The city has opened its arms to a substantial assortment of gleaming shopping malls and local markets. The street shacks explode with a riot of colours from bangles, bandhani, beadwork and embroidered fabrics.
Most Rajkot hotels are conveniently located and installed with the latest technological equipment, thereby attracting business travellers. There are also plenty of budget hotels positioned across the city. Listed below are some of the famous accommodations that one can check out while in Rajkot.
Rajkot is not a place with nightclubs or places for partygoers. However, the city's nightlife is lively with the most sites operating till late hours of the night. Ring Road is a popular place where one can find various food stalls open till the night. Visitors from outside Gujarat can enjoy drinks at hotels and restaurants.
Rajkot is amongst the lesser-explored vacation destinations of India. A town steeped in history, it is synonymous with museums, memorabilia and the great Mahatma. Among the spectrum of endless activities that can cram your itinerary, here are a few more reasons for you to visit this city.
The flourishing city is a melting pot of cultures, religions and diversity. Hindus, Zoroastrians, Parsis and Muslims reside in absolute harmony influencing each other. Festivals of each community are celebrated with excessive exuberance and merriment.
This festival is popularly known as Uttarayan in India and occurs in the middle of January. Tourists hailing from all corners of the globe visit Rajkot to observe this colourful and rather competitive fiesta.
It is the most prominently celebrated festival of Gujarat. Its religious implication is associated with the victory of 'Shakti' over evil power. The citizens get decked up in embellished outfits and perform Garba to perform a sequence dance. It lasts for nine days and invokes untainted glee in the atmosphere.
This festival is also celebrated in January at Modhera Sun Temple. The indigenous dance performed by localities eludes rich Gujarati tradition.
The entire state awaits this festival with bated breath. A five-day boisterous mela or fair is set up to honour the birth of Lord Krishna.