Rajkot, Gujarat

Rajkot is a vibrant city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat, serving as the administrative headquarters of Rajkot District. It is the fourth-largest city in Gujarat, following Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara, and is situated in the heart of the Saurashtra region

Historical Significance

Founded in 1612 by Thakur Saheb Vibhaji Ajoji Jadeja and Raju Sandhi, Rajkot has a rich historical legacy. The city’s name is believed to be derived from its co-founder, Raju Sandhi. Rajkot played a notable role during the British colonial period and was the capital of the Saurashtra State from 1948 until its merger with Bombay State in 1956. It became part of Gujarat State in 1960. The city is also known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi, who spent his early years here; his childhood residence, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, is now a museum.

Geography and Climate

Rajkot is situated near the center of the Kathiawar Peninsula, approximately 72 km southeast of Jamnagar. The city lies on the banks of the Aji and Nyari rivers. Covering an area of about 170 square kilometers, Rajkot experiences a hot semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and a monsoon season from mid-June to October. The average annual temperature is around 26°C, and the city receives approximately 590 mm of rainfall annually.

Demographics and Urban Growth

As of the 2021 census, Rajkot has a population exceeding 2 million, making it the 28th-largest urban agglomeration in India. The city has been recognized as one of the world’s fastest-growing urban areas, ranked 22nd globally between 2006 and 2020.

Culture and Heritage

Rajkot is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as “Rangilu Rajkot” (Colorful Rajkot). The city boasts a blend of traditional and modern lifestyles, with influences from various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Jainism. Festivals like Navratri, Diwali, and Janmashtami are celebrated with great enthusiasm. The city is also known for its contributions to arts, music, and literature.

Economy and Industry

Rajkot is a significant industrial hub in Gujarat, particularly known for its engineering and manufacturing industries. The city has a strong presence in the production of machine tools, auto parts, and casting industries. Additionally, Rajkot is famous for its textile industry and traditional handicrafts, including silver jewelry and bandhani textiles.

Tourism and Landmarks

Rajkot offers several attractions for tourists:

Kaba Gandhi No Delo: The childhood home of Mahatma Gandhi, now a museum showcasing his early life.
Watson Museum: Located in Jubilee Garden, it exhibits artifacts from the colonial period and the history of Rajkot.
Rotary Dolls Museum: Houses a unique collection of dolls from around the world, representing various cultures.
Mahatma Gandhi Museum: Formerly Alfred High School, where Gandhi studied, now a museum dedicated to his life and teachings.
Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium: A modern cricket stadium hosting national and international matches.

Here’s how you can reach Rajkot:

1. By Air

Rajkot International Airport (Hirasar) (new airport, 30 km from the city) and Rajkot Airport (domestic, inside the city) serve the region.

You can get direct domestic flights from major cities like:

Mumbai
Delhi
Ahmedabad
Bangalore

From the new Rajkot International Airport, you can take taxis, cabs, or buses to reach the city center (around 35–40 minutes by road).

2. By Train

Rajkot Junction (RJT) is a major railway station.
It is well-connected to:
- Mumbai (via Saurashtra Mail, Rajkot Express)
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
- Surat
- Jaipur
Trains are frequent and convenient if you are traveling from within Gujarat or nearby states.

3. By Road

Highway connections are very good:
- Rajkot is connected via National Highway 27 (NH 27).
- You can drive or take buses from Ahmedabad (around 220 km, ~4 hours), Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, or even Mumbai.
Bus services:
- State-run GSRTC buses
- Private luxury and sleeper buses
- AC Volvo buses from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai