Rajkot, the fourth largest city in Gujarat and the erstwhile princely capital of the Saurashtra region, is today an emerging tourism attraction and economic centre, nestled on the shores of the Aji and Nyari Rivers. Rajkot was the administrative seat for over 400 princely states in Saurashtra, Kutch, and northern Gujarat before being established in 1612 as the headquarters of the Western India States Agency. Tourists flock to the city for its closeness to Mahatma Gandhi's life and the finest scenic tours, which are well worth visiting for history aficionados.

The city boasts a number of tourist attractions, including the Jubilee Garden, which is situated in the city centre and contains colonial-era monuments. There are several schools in the area, notably the Mohandas Gandhi High School, where Mahatma Gandhi received his early education. Several museums, like the Rotary Doll Museum, which houses over 1400 dolls from all around the world, the Rashtriya Shala, and the Watson Museum, all tell stories about human history and the city's heritage. The city is also adorned with several holy locations such as temples and ashrams, the most renowned of which is Swaminarayan Temple, which is known for its architectural elegance.

Learn everything there is to know about Rajkot's history 

Thakore Saheb Vibhoji Ajoji Jadeja, a descendant of the Jamnagar royal line, established Rajkot in 1620 AD. Rajkot was named after Raju Sandhi, one of the city's co-founders. For assisting the Mughal emperor in regaining his foothold in Gujarat, Thakore Sahib was granted provinces. In order to strengthen his realm, he also opposed the nearby Kathi tribes and the monarch of Junagadh.

Rajkot became a portion of Gujarat on May 1, 1960. On January 26, 2001, Gujarat was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 on the Richter scale. Today, the city is rapidly urbanising and is recognised as the world's 22nd fastest expanding metropolis.

Take a look at the Rajkoti culture that is ingrained in their hearts

Rajkot is a multicultural city, with residents hailing from all around India. Rajkot residents are easily identifiable by their relaxed demeanor and cheerful demeanor. Rajkot is known as Rangilo Rajkot because of its people's traits. Rajkot's vivacious people are known for their Kathiawari hospitality. People's lives are inextricably linked to the performing arts and music; the Dayro is a music type indigenous to the Kathiyawads, and people avidly engage in theatre productions. Vegetarians make up the vast bulk of the population here. Jewelry is often used by the women in this country to decorate themselves.

Pamper yourself with Gujarati cuisine

The bulk of restaurants in Rajkot only provide vegetarian cuisine. Gujarat's true spirit can only be discovered through vegetarian cuisine and traditional Gujarati delights. So, what should you eat in Rajkot? Undhiyu, Sev Tameta nu Shaak, Dhokla, Puran Puri, Rotlo Oro, Thepla, Sukhdi, Kadhi Khichdi, Khandvi, Poodla, Khichu, Sev Usal, Khakra, Khaman, and so on are only a few examples. These are dishes that can be served as a side dish. Aside from this, the list of main course delights is endless. Almost every restaurant in the city serves the above-mentioned dishes, although Flavours, The Grand Thakur, Lord Banquet Restaurant, Temptations the Food Zone, Apple Bite, Senso, Courtyard, and Sankalp Restaurant are among the best.

Things to do at Rajkot 

• Hike up to Osam Hill: Hiking is a fantastic opportunity to see Rajkot's green side, and there's no better location to go than Osam Hill near Patanvav. It has religious relevance, despite its small size, because it is thought that the Pandavas stayed here during their banishment. When you reach the top, you can examine the Pandavas' fort, which is now in ruins.
• Observe Mayur Patola's art at the workshops: Patola saris are noted for their sophisticated weaving techniques and beautiful motifs. One of the greatest things to do in Rajkot Gujarat is to observe how they're created at Mayur Patola Art, just next to Virani High School and Sarvodaya Society. They're justifiably costly and were once only worn by elite families. You can also buy them in nearby shops like Pooja Patola Saree as well as further away at Sindhoi Patola Art (Dr Yagnik Road) and Gohil Patola Art (Pedak Road).
• Visit Khambhalida Caves for a Heritage Drive: Khambhalida Caves, located 66 kilometres from Rajkot, are ancient rock turned into Buddhist caves. They are a collection of three Buddhist caves dating from the 4th and 5th centuries AD. Prof. Pandya, a well-known archaeologist, discovered them in 1958. According to folklore, the caverns were formed out of limestone rocks, and numerous Buddha Saints from Junagadh visited to contemplate. The powerful king Asoka, according to an engraving on a stone, must have also entered this grotto for meditation.
• Encounter entertainment and thrill at Fun World: Travel to Race Course Ground to see Fun World, a large and expansive amusement park. When Fun World opened in 1990, it was the first of its type. From exciting thrills like the roller coasters, Harakiri, and Sky Train, where shouting and exhilaration are both endless, to terrifying rides like the Raging Bull and Horror House, where your terror factor is sorely tested.
• Go Bird-watching at Lal Pari Lake: Lal Pari Lake is another lovely spot perfect for a picnic. It is a few kilometres outside of the city and hence away from the bustle. It stands out because it is a popular stopover for migratory birds. There are lots of possibilities to see wigeons, rosy pastors, and purple moorhens if you're a birdwatcher.

Shop in the name of love at Rajkot

Rajkot is known for its handcrafted traditional and ethnic items. Rajkot's local marketplaces are vibrant and full with traditional products. The quantity of things available in these markets is practically unlimited, therefore marketplaces are extremely busy in the evening. The must-have products are bandhni sarees, glass and bead items, and embroidered clothing materials. Rajkot is home to some massive shopping complexes. If you want to purchase branded things, these malls can provide a large selection. Famous retail areas in Rajkot include Gujari Bazar, Crystal Mall, Gundawadi, Dr. Yagnik Road, Ravivari Bazar, Bangdi Bazar, Dharmendra Road, Dhebar Road, and Iscon Prozone Mall.

Places to visit

• Kaba Gandhi No Delo: Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the residence where Gandhi spent his youth, is one of Rajkot's most popular tourist attractions. It was his ancestral home, which has now been transformed into the Gandhi Smriti, a photography-based museum dedicated to his life. The facility is utilised for sewing and embroidery lessons for young girls in addition to being a museum.
• Rotary Dolls Museum: The Rotary Dolls Museum is a popular visitor sight and one of Rajkot's most enjoyable destinations. It features approximately 1,000 dolls from different countries dressed in various outfits. Unlike most museums, which show you the world's traditions through historical objects and treasures, the Rotary Dolls Museum shows you the globe through wonderfully created dolls set against backgrounds that highlight their origins.
• Swaminarayan Temple: Lord Swaminarayan is honoured at Swaminarayan Mandir, a prominent Hindu shrine devoted to him. The temple, which is well recognised for its architectural magnificence, is one of Gujarat's most well-known temples and one of the city's top tourist attractions. The temple, also referred as BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, was founded in 1998 by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha.
• Aji Dam: The Aji river, which runs east-west through Rajkot, is one of the most major rivers in the region. It is known as the 'support system of Rajkot' since it provides a significant amount of water for both drinkable and agricultural needs. There are four dams across the Aji River, which were constructed in 1954; the garden and zoo were later opened by the Prime Minister in June 2017.
• Pradhyuman Zoological Park: The park has a 137-acre footprint. Lake Lalpari and Lake Randarda, which encircle the park, provide a natural habitat for migrating birds, as well as a diverse flora and over 35,000 trees. There are eateries and conveniences built-in. For senior persons, golf carts are available.

How to reach? 

By Air: The city of Rajkot has an airport that links it to the rest of the country. The airport has frequent flights to all of the major cities and locations. To get to the airport and other locations, you can take cabs, taxis, or public transportation.

By Road: By well-maintained highways, Rajkot is well connected to other cities in Gujarat and India. Buses run on a variety of routes to and from the city. From big cities such as Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Gandhinagar, Surat, and New Delhi, it is easily accessible by bus, vehicle, and taxi.

By Rail: The Rajkot Railway Junction is a significant rail route that connects the metropolis to other parts of the city. Daily trains run on all important lines, stopping in towns such as Mumbai, Ahemdabad, Surat, Delhi, Jodhpur, and Agra