Places to visit in Rajkot

The first place that springs to mind while considering a vacation here is not the big, busy metropolis of Rajkot in Gujrat’s Saurashtra district. However, there are a lot of attractions to see in Rajkot that can teach you about its history and help you experience its attractiveness.

Gandhi’s boyhood house, a museum that takes you through Rajkot’s history, and a library with a sizable set of books that highlight Gujarati literature are just a few of the must-see Rajkot tourist places. There are dams and lakes just begging to be discovered as you leave the city.

How to Reach Rajkot

By air: The Rajkot Airport is connected to most major cities across India. This is the best way to reach the city as Rajkot Airport is a stone’s throw away from the main town.

By rail: The city’s railway station is linked to major towns such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Coimbatore, Kochi, Bhopal and other cities within the state of Gujarat. One can take a taxi from the pre-paid taxi booth to reach a further destination.

By roadways: The city is well-linked with highways and roadways. Tourists can easily reach Rajkot by hopping on a bus from any of the neighbouring towns like Bhuj, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Una and Bhavnagar. 

Top 15 Places That You Should Visit in Rajkot

This list will give you an idea to not miss these places to visit in Rajkot to get a wonderful trip experience.

Watson Museum

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Numerous princely realms once called Saurashtra home, but it is now home to an industrial metropolis, including Rajkot. The Colonel John Watson Memorial Museum in the Jubilee Garden displays the colonial history of the neighbourhood as well as antiquities from the Indus Valley Civilization that were unearthed in and around the state. 

As a result, it ranks among Rajkot’s most intriguing tourist attractions. Seeing these artefacts from the past transports you back in time and helps you understand Gujarat’s lengthy history.

Distance: 2 km from Rajkot Junction

Timings: 9 AM – 12.45 PM & 3 PM – 6 PM; Closed on Wednesdays, 2nd & 4th Saturdays & Public Holidays

Ticket Price: Rs 5 for Indians, Rs 2 for Indian students and Rs 50 for foreigners

Best Time to Visit: October-February

How to Reach: The museum is situated next to the Dhebar road in the Jubilee Garden neighbourhood. Through the SH-26, which is also the best route to take if travelling by car, this region is connected to Jamnagar. Rajkot and Jamnagar are about 88 kilometres apart. Both bus and cab options are available from Rajkot to the Watson Museum.

Jagat Mandir 

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Do not overlook the Jagat Mandir if you frequently visit religious sites. This mandir houses the statues of several deities of various faiths. 

However, the Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa is the main god to whom the temple is dedicated. The god is seen seated on a lotus flower and is constructed of white marble, which contrasts with the colour of the temple walls. 

Due to the red stone’s contrast with its natural surroundings, the temple shines out both during the day and at night. The temple is sustained by 60 pillars that are each distinctive in their way and constructed of granite and sandstone.

Distance: 4 km from Rajkot Junction

Timings: 5 AM and 07.30 PM for Aarti & 8 AM – 7:30 PM ashram 

How to Reach: Cab/trek/Walk

 

Khambhalida Caves

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The Khambhalida Caves, which date all the way mid-4th or fifth century AD, are home to exquisite sculptures chiselled out of limestone. They consist of three caverns, the central one of which features a chaitya. 

Avalokiteshvara Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara Vajrapani, two life-size statues of Bodhisattvas, flank the chaitya’s entrance. The figurines are the only known representations of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Gujarati cave building, according to the site’s description.

Distance: 66 km from Rajkot 

Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM & 3 PM – 6 PM

Best Time to Visit: October-February

How to Reach: Cab or drive by yourself

 

Gondal 

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The charming city of Gondal is located around 35 kilometres south of Rajkot. The city is renowned for both its extensive collection of vehicles and its effective road system, which was the best in earlier times. 

The Riverside Palace and the Darbargadh contribute to the city’s continued grandeur and regal air. The 1875-built Riverside Palace is currently a historic hotel with sizable grounds that also serve as a woodland preserve where people can occasionally see animals and uncommon bird species. 

On the other side, the Darbargadh is a 17th-century palace known for its stunning arches, which are found all around the grounds. The palace is offered to tourists for a modest price and is also known as the Navlakha Palace. In addition to this, Gondal features a lively market that offers inexpensive items and has meandering lanes that add to the city’s attractiveness.

Distance: 40 km from Rajkot 

Best Time to Visit: Winters and late monsoons

How to Reach: The cheapest way to get from Rajkot to Gondal is to line the 09513 train, which costs Rs 90 – Rs 600 and takes 39 min. The fastest way to get from Rajkot to Gondal is by taxi, which takes 30 min and costs Rs 1,300 – Rs 1,600.

Lang Library

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The Lang Library is one of the greatest Rajkot tourist places and the surrounding area for bibliophiles who enjoy the heady aroma of books and being surrounded by them. 

Kathiyawadi and Gujarati literature, fiction, and reference books may be found there. 

Some are bound in antique leather, while others are inscribed in gold on handmade paper. You’ll have a great time browsing the more than three lakh books here.

Distance: Located in the city centre

Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM 

Membership: Rs 2,000 for lifetime membership

 

Pradhyuman Zoological Park

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In Rajkot, Gujarat, Pradhyuman Zoological Park is close to Lalpari Lake. The Pradhyuman/Rajkot Prani Sangrahalaya is the name given to it most frequently. The park’s perimeter is 137 acres wide. 

This location is frequented by many residents and visitors who come here for picnics, excursions, or school tours. Along with the variety of flora and more than 35,000 trees, the two lakes that surround the park, Lake Lalpari and Lake Randarda, offer a natural habitat for migrating birds. 

There are eateries and built-in necessities. Senior folks are given access to golf carts. The use of cameras and video recorders inside the park is subject to an additional fee.

Distance: 4 km from city centre

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM closed on Fridays

Ticket Price: Rs. 20 for Adults, Rs. 10 for children, Rs. 50 for Foreigners, Rs. 100 for Camera & Rs. 350 for Battery Car

How to Reach: Pradhyuman Zoological Park has located 5 km from the city centre of Rajkot, Gujarat. You can reach via autos and private vehicles. The estimated time required to cover this distance is 15 minutes.

 

Aji Dam

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The Aji River, one of the most significant in the area, divides Rajkot along its east-west axis. It is sometimes described as Rajkot’s “lifeline” and provides a sizable amount of water for both agricultural and drinking needs. 

Four dams bridge the Aji River, which was finished in 1954; the garden and zoo were inaugurated by the Prime Minister in June 2017. 

The most significant of them is the Aji dam, which lies on the river’s downstream side and is situated 8 kilometres outside of Rajkot’s city centre. This dam, along with the Nyari Dam, provides Rajkot with a vital source of water.

The addition of a zoo and a park close to the Aji dam gives it an even more alluring tourist attraction.

Distance: 2 km from city centre

Best Time to Visit: October- early March

How to Reach: The Aji Lake is located in the outskirts of Rajkot, and since the distance is not a lot, it generally takes around 10 to 15 minutes for one to reach the place from any place in the heart of the city via roadways. There are also connecting buses plying daily between the Aji Dam and the city of Rajkot.

 

Lalpari Lake 

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A pleasant area to spend a day relaxing is Lalpari Lake, which lies outside of Rajkot. The lake’s alluring scenery draws in viewers and tempts them to want to spend the entire day admiring it. 

The glistening lake and the surrounding lush vegetation provide a wonderful picnic location. The lake’s ability to draw in a variety of migrating birds, which can be observed from the lake’s shore and contribute to the area’s ethereal beauty, is another intriguing feature that draws many nature lovers.

Distance: 6 km from Rajkot junction

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM 

How to Reach: Auto/Rickshaw/Cab

 

Nyari Dam

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Five kms from Rajkot, Nyari Dam is a picturesque picnic spot that is very popular with visitors. Additionally, it is a famous destination for birdwatchers since a lot of migrating birds visit the region, mostly in winter. 

A kids’ area was also built to provide entertainment for youngsters. Additionally, a few food stands nearby to get snacks and drinks.

Distance: 14km from Rajkot Junction

Best Time to Visit: Monsoon

How to Reach: Cab/Auto/Drive

 

Ramakrishna Ashram

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The cultural and historical characteristics of the city are on display here. The Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math’s ninth president, Swami Madhavanandaji Maharaj, visited this location in 1926, which led to the construction of this ashram. You may learn more about his ideas and important life choices here.

Location: Jagnath Plot, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001

Entry Fees: Free

Ideal for: History, culture

Timings: 5 AM – 2 PM and 4 PM to 5:40 PM

 

Swaminarayan Mandir

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The Swaminarayan Mandir is a prominent temple devoted to Lord Swaminarayan and is located on Kalawad Road, 4 km from the Rajkot Junction. The temple, one of the most well-known in Gujarat and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, is particularly well-known for its magnificent architecture. 

As a result of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan (BAPS) Sanstha’s establishment of the temple in 1998, it is also referred to as BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.

The temple’s unusual, foreign-imported building is well-known for its distinctive design. 

People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome in the temple, which is a socio-spiritual organisation. It is also highly known around the world for its humanitarian efforts and manages a charity trust.

Distance: 1km from city centre

Timings : 7:30 AM – 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM – 12:00 noon, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM; Mangla Aarti – 6:00 AM

 

Kaba Gandhi Na Delo

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Rajkot was where Mahatma Gandhi passed his formative years. Kaba Gandhi No Delo is another name for the house his father owned and where he had lived with his folks. The location has been transformed into the Smriti Museum. 

The location is significant historically since it allows visitors to witness and comprehend Mahatma Gandhi’s early years. It is a visual portrayal of Gandhiji and his family’s way of life.

Distance: 2km from Rajkot Junction

Timings: 9 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 6 PM

 

Rotary Dolls Museum

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One of Rajkot’s exciting tourist destinations and a major draw is the Rotary Dolls Museum. It has more than a thousand dolls from different nations dressed in various outfits. 

The Rotary Dolls Museum, in contrast to most others, uses exquisitely crafted dolls displayed against backgrounds illuminating their civilizations to give visitors a taste of the world’s cultures.

Distance: 2 km from city centre

Entry Fees: Rs 25 for adults, Rs 15 for children above 15, Rs 35 for camera

Ideal for: Culture, Leisure

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 1 pm; 4 pm to 7:30 pm (Closed on Mon)

How to reach: Rajkot, Gujarat, is home to the Rotary Dolls Museum. The closest bus stops to the museum are the ones at the Jagannath Mandir and Dharmendrasinhji College, which can be reached by foot in 190 and 500 metres, respectively.

The railroad station with the closest proximity to the Rotary Dolls Museum is Bhakti Nagar Railway Station, which is 1.7 kilometres away. In addition to private cabs, the city’s local transportation options also include buses and rickshaws. The Rajkot Airport is 2.7 kilometres away from the museum.

 

Jubilee Garden

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The Jubilee Garden is located in Lohana Para, the centre of Rajkot’s always buzzing and congested city. It is a spacious area that is surrounded by a field of vibrant green grasses and is perfect for a picnic with the family or a day out with friends. 

A museum, an auditorium, the Lang Library, as well as a few fairground attractions for kids’ entertainment, are all located in the Garden area. 

It is well-known among people of all ages since it is appropriate for everyone’s leisure, whether it be for a leisurely picnic, a morning stroll, or the delight of youngsters. Jubilee Gardens walkways are ornamented with little plants and shrubs.

Nature enthusiasts like spending their free time in the Garden because of the avenue of shaded trees and the sporadic sightings of unusual birds.

Distance: 2km from city centre

Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entry Fee: Watson Museum entry tickets cost Rs 5 per person. The Lang Library is open to everyone for free. However, if you want to borrow a book, you must purchase a lifetime membership, which costs Rs 2,000 per person.

How to reach: Jubilee Garden is approximately 1.8 kilometres away from Rajkot Junction, which is the closest railway station. You can hire a local cab since there are no buses that go along that route.

 

Race Course Ground 

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Race Course, which is simply a wide area amid Rajkot, is great for morning and evening strolls. 

This location has several tourist attractions, including Bal Bhavan, Fun World, and Children’s Traffic Park, making it one of the best locations to visit in Rajkot, Gujarat, for spending time with your kids. You may also spend time at the gym or swimming pool while playing volleyball, football, hockey, or cricket.

Location: Airport Main Rd, Race Course, Maruti Nagar, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001

Entry Fees: Depends on the activity you choose

Ideal for: Leisure

Opening Hours: 24 hours

 

FAQs

For what is Rajkot renowned?

Gujarat's industrial town of Rajkot is well-known for both its shopping and industry. Gujarati traditional clothing and goods are available for purchase. Additionally, Rajkot has a lot of wonderful locations to see, which contributes to its popularity.

When is Rajkot at its most beautiful?

Rajkot is at its most beautiful between October and January. However, Rajkot has a lovely temperature all year long, so you may arrange your trip anytime you wish.

Is Rajkot a pricey city?

Rajkot is unquestionably an expensive city. Even though everything is pricey here—food, shopping, and hotels—it is still worthwhile.