Top 12 Things Rajkot Is Famous For - Updated 2024

rajkot is famous for
Melissa
Melissa 
Updated
| 5 min read
Nirja Bhatt
Endorsed by a Rajkot Local Expert
|
Nirja Bhatt

Aside from being known as the city that sleeps in the afternoon, Rajkot is such an interesting place to visit because of its historical sights. The city also boasts a vibrant art and culture scene. They have beautiful textiles and furniture, sarees, embroidery works, and jewelry. It is also a nice place to go shopping. You’ll find lots of bright and colorful handicrafts made by locals, in addition to antiques and traditional items. There are a number of interesting museums here, such as the Watson Museum and Rotary Dolls Museum, wherein you’ll get a lesson in history. The Aji Dam and Jubilee Garden are beautiful recreational areas that you should visit. Plus, the city is one of the cleanest cities in India. For accommodation, you can book rooms in any of the several hotels in Rajkot. If you are looking for luxury, you will find several 5-star hotels. In the meantime, for your upcoming vacation, continue reading to learn more about the top things Rajkot is famous for.

1. Rajkot Bandhani sarees

Bandhani (8356667237)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Piyush Kumar used under CC BY 2.0

Bandhani sarees are certainly one of the famous things to buy in Rajkot. A distinctive and cherished part of India’s rich textile heritage, these sarees are known for their intricate tie-and-dye patterns that create vibrant, eye-catching designs.

Rajkot has gained fame as a prominent hub for the production of these exquisite Bandhani sarees mainly because of its artisans who employ age-old techniques passed down through generations. The process involves tying tiny knots on the fabric with thread before dyeing it, resulting in a striking array of patterns and colors. The city’s Bandhani sarees are celebrated for their quality, artistry, and ability to encapsulate the essence of Gujarat’s cultural traditions.

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2. Watson Museum

Watson Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sneha N Shetty used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Established in 1888, the Watson Museum is named after Colonel John Watson, a British history enthusiast. The museum serves as a treasure trove of historical, archaeological, and cultural relics, showcasing the rich heritage of the Saurashtra region. It boasts a diverse range of exhibits, including sculptures, coins, manuscripts, paintings, and textiles, allowing visitors to delve into the history and traditions of Rajkot and its surrounding areas.

The Watson Museum is not just a repository of the past but also a testament to Rajkot’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.

Watson Museum

Address: Jawahar Rd, Opp BSNL Office, Jubilee Garden, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001, India

Website: Watson Museum

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (closed on Wed, 2nd & 4th Sat)

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3. Iron & Forging Products

Blacksmith
Source: Pexels

Rajkot has made a name in the industry of iron and forging products. The city has been supplying a lot of companies all over the world with their various machines, motors, automobiles, and more. You’ll find a lot of these products being sold around the city and you may even see how they make it themselves.

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4. Silver (businesses)

Necklaces
Source: Unsplash

The city is also known for its silver whether that be for jewelry, accessories, or even industrial reasons. There has been a high demand for silver in the city from almost everywhere across the globe. Due to their extensive skills and jewelry making techniques, there are a lot of businesses that are selling silver jewelry for a reasonable price.

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5. Mahatma Gandhi's School (Alfred High School)

Mahatma Gandhi Fibreglass Statue With Charka - Gandhi Memorial Museum - Barrackpore - Kolkata 2017-03-31 1240
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Biswarup Ganguly used under CC BY 3.0

Alfred High School which was name was later changed to Mahatma Gandhi’s School was an educational institution that lasted 164 years and is where the well-known Mahatma Gandhi studied at. The school was established during the British rule in India, thus, the architecture of the building is unique and foreign. Although this historical site was later on changed to a museum, it’s still a must-see site because of how well Mahatma Gandhi was honored here. The museum tells the story of Gandhi’s teachings, ideas, and his life, which is a great history lesson for many. There is a also a laser and sound show which is quite eye-catching.

Mahatma Gandhi's School (Alfred High School)

Address: Jubilee, Chowk, Jawahar Rd, Lohana Para, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001, India

Website: Mahatma Gandhi’s School - Alfred High School

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 7pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 0.14 - 0.34 USD

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6. Rajkot's Green Chutney

Green Chutney
Source: Pixabay

Not only is the green chutney a hit in Rajkot but it is also famous globally. This condiment paired with some of the famous street foods in Rajkot brings a delicious twist to almost any type of food whether that be potato chips or wafers. The condiment is a mix of spiciness and tanginess, with a hint of a nutty flavor that bursts in your mouth. Don’t go empty-handed and buy a bottle or two before you go home. It has a long shelf life, but it won’t stay on your shelf for long - it’s that delicious!

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7. Siesta

Closed businesses
Source: Pexels

Siesta is known to be an afternoon nap and here in Rajkot, they take siestas very seriously. The locals here have developed the term siesta into their businesses, wherein you’ll find shops often closed from 1 pm to 4 pm and opens at night. There are barely any shops that are opened during siesta time because the city realized that a lot of locals are also sleeping at the same time. Not only will you be avoiding the blazing heat, but you’ll also get to avoid the traffic. So if you’re looking for some retail therapy, it’s best that you either go for it in the morning or at night because most shops would be closed in the afternoon.

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8. Patola Saris ( Mayur Patola Art)

Patola Saris
Source: Pexels

Known for its splendid weaving techniques and complex and beautiful designs, the Patola sari is a specialty of Rajkot. The fabric is quite expensive and unique, often worn by the higher class. You can either buy these at shops around the city or even watch a workshop on it. There are workshops wherein you can watch and learn how the Patola Saris are made. These sarees are very soft, and silky, and you can wear them for any occasion.

Patola Saris ( Mayur Patola Art)

Address: Sarvoday Society, Behind Virani Highschool., Rajkot, Gujarat 360002, India

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9. Tarnetar Fair

Tarnetar Fair 12
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vijay Barot used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With explosive colors, a romantic ambiance, and feel-good music, the Tarnetar Fair is a great place to go as it is a celebration of the unity of Draupadi with Arjuna. The fair is a great event to attend in order to know more about the culture and people of the city. Significant tribes in the nearby region get together and celebrate this occasion. The tribal members participate in fun activities such as dancing, music, and even sports. There are also food stalls and exhibits which you can look in to. You’ll learn a lot about the history of the city because of the traditional dances and music played by various groups. There are a lot of festive activities you’ll surely love.

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10. Fun World

Amusement park005
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gausanchennai used under CC BY-SA 4.0

There are fun amusement rides and amazing entertainment awaiting you here at Fun World, the first-ever amusement park in the city. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the 26 amusement rides will definitely keep you going and happy. Toratora is considered to be one of the main attractions in the park, so if you’re up for a challenge you should try this ride. On special occasions, there are also amazing recreational activities such as picnics, drawing, painting, and games. Feeling peckish? There are food and drinks available at the park. Fun World is definitely a great family-friendly place.

Fun World

Address: In Race Course Ground, Rajkot, Gujarat 360001, India

Website: Fun World

Opening hours: 4:30pm - 11pm (daily)

Price: 3 - 4 USD

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11. Aji Dam

Aji Dem, Rajkot, Gujarat, India - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jashu Ram used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This famous attraction is a captivating dam that is well-maintained. You’ll find yourself at peace when you’re visiting because of the calmness and cleanliness of the area. There are also a lot of birds so you can go birdwatching, but make sure to be careful. The water in the dam is clean and is also the source of water for the people in the city. The views and the fresh air are enough reasons why the dam is a must-visit. Just a few steps away from the dam, there is a beautiful and spacious garden perfect for unwinding. The place is also said to be one of the best places to have a lovely picnic because of the view plus the great weather.

Aji Dam

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm (daily)

Price: Free

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12. Handicrafts

Hanging from India, Honolulu Museum of Art 3984.1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hiart used under CC0

As one of the centers of arts, Rajkot is known for its beautiful and interesting handicrafts. The types of handicrafts range from embroidery, block-printing, metal crafts, wood carving, metalworking, and more. In the city, you can look forward to the beadwork, a type of handicraft in which two to three beads are put together to create a beautiful piece such as necklace, earring, or an ornament. They invest their time in creating eye-catching jewelry pieces. It is also best known for its traditional woodwork and unique furnishings. Don’t forget to buy a thing or two to remind you of the city.

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Explore the wonders of Rajkot

Not just the abundance of natural, cultural, and historical attractions, but the food, art, and fairs make Rajkot a unique and much-loved city. Make sure you get to make the most out of your experiences by checking out the best places to see and things to do in Rajkot. Once you visit this city and explore its wonders, you might keep wanting to come back for more.

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Nirja

Nirja
Rajkot

My dad enjoying his Ginger ice cream Me with dry fruit delight

While in Rajkot, don't miss out on the delicious ice cream at Maganlal Ice Cream. It is a popular ice cream shop located on the famous Race Course Road. This shop is family-owned and passed from one generation of the Maganlal family to the next. It offers signature flavors consisting of dry fruits, some of the must-try are Ginger, Dry fruit Delight, and Maganlal Mix ice cream. The shop serves dry fruit shakes, too. However, if you are allergic to nuts, you can choose from a variety of different options that will leave you satiated on a hot day. 

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Frequently asked questions about things Rajkot is famous for


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This article has been endorsed by Rajkot local expert Nirja Bhatt

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Melissa is a 20-something-year-old storyteller from Manila. She's been to Europe and Asia but still dreams of going around her home, the Philippines. When she's not traveling, you can find her in...Read more

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