Rajkot sits at the centre of Gujarat's Saurashtra region, on the banks of the Aji and Nyari rivers, which run dry outside the monsoon months of July to September. It is a largely vegetarian city where Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu and English are well understood, and it is known locally as Rangilu Rajkot, or "Colourful Rajkot".
For a visitor, the useful thing to know is that the city's sights and its accommodation cluster in a fairly compact central belt: the area around Jubilee Garden and the Gandhi-related landmarks, and the commercial streets and chowks nearby.
1. Limda Chowk
It is a central commercial location, and the listings here include budget and cheap options, some with dining on site in the same commercial complex.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be within easy reach of the centre rather than relying on long rides in. Expect mostly small, simple hotels in busy surroundings.
2. Jawahar Road and Panchnath Plot, Sadar
This is the crowded commercial heart of the city, on and around Jawahar Road.
It suits visitors who want to walk to the central landmarks: Jubilee Garden, Connaught Hall, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the Watson Museum and the Rotary Dolls Museum are all in or near the garden area. The trade-off is noise and congestion, so ask for a room away from the street if that matters to you.
3. Dr Yagnik Road and the Race Course area
It suits travellers who want a quieter, more upmarket base while staying within the central area, and it is a reasonable choice for families or anyone prioritising room comfort over proximity to the busiest bazaars.
4. Kalawad Road
Both are well outside the centre, one roughly 12 km and the other about 18 km away.
It suits travellers with their own transport, or those who specifically want a resort-style or heritage stay and are willing to trade convenience to the city sights for space and setting.
5. Gondal Road and Jamnagar Road
They suit travellers arriving or departing by road on those routes, or those who prefer a cottage-style stay outside the city. Both require planning around transport into the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small hotels and guesthouse-style places, often with air-conditioned rooms, hot water and wi-fi, concentrated around Limda Chowk and the busier commercial streets. Rooms tend to be simple, and some locations are noisy.
- Mid-range: larger hotels with air conditioning, satellite television, round-the-clock hot water, wi-fi and an in-house restaurant, found on Jawahar Road, Kanak Road and Dhebar Road.
- Splurge: five-star and heritage properties with upscale room amenities and facilities such as a swimming pool, salon and massage centre, on Dr Yagnik Road and further out along Kalawad Road.
Best area for a first visit
Limda Chowk is the best base for a first visit. It is central, it offers the widest spread of budgets in one place, and it keeps you close to the commercial heart of the city. From there you can reach the Jubilee Garden cluster of landmarks without committing to a long daily commute.
When is the best time of year to visit Rajkot?
November to February is the mildest stretch, with average temperatures around 20 °C and low humidity. Summers from mid-March to mid-June are hot and dry, and the monsoon runs from mid-June to October.
Which area is closest to the main sights?
The area around Jubilee Garden, on and near Jawahar Road, puts you within walking distance of Connaught Hall, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, the Watson Museum and the Rotary Dolls Museum.
Should I stay near the cricket stadium?
The Niranjan Shah Stadium is at Khandheri, about 15 km outside Rajkot, so staying in the central areas means arranging transport on match days rather than being within walking distance.
Do I need a car if I stay on Kalawad Road?
It helps. The properties listed there sit roughly 12 to 18 km from the city centre, so a vehicle or a reliable taxi arrangement makes the daily trip into town considerably easier.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page before you decide.