Rajkot

Rajkot, in the heart of Saurashtra, blends trading city buzz with pockets of heritage linked to Mahatma Gandhi and princely states. Once the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Saurashtra, it still carries reminders of that era in old buildings, markets and institutions. Gandhi spent part of his early life here, and Kaba Gandhi No Delo – his childhood home – has been converted into a small museum. Modern Rajkot has wide roads, flyovers and shopping streets, yet old bazaars like Soni Bazaar and Bangdi Bazaar continue to fascinate travellers who enjoy traditional jewellery and textiles. The city is also known for its sweets, snacks and Kathiyawadi thali. With an expanding airport and highway network, Rajkot serves as an important base for trips across Saurashtra – towards Dwarka, Somnath, Gir, Junagadh and Porbandar. It’s a convenient overnight halt that lets visitors experience local culture before heading to coastal or wildlife destinations. New developments like high-rise residential and commercial projects signal Rajkot’s future as a growing urban centre, while its cultural roots keep it grounded in Saurashtrian identity.