Rajkot Gujarat, India Travel Guide
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter India. Options include the e-Tourist Visa (eTV) for short-term leisure (up to 60 days, double entry), available to over 160 countries with an online application at IVisa.com or VisaHQ.com. For longer stays, an Ordinary Tourist Visa from an Indian Embassy is the route. India also has Business Visas, Medical Visas, and others.
The e-Tourist Visa application is online at indiavisaonline.gov.in, requiring a passport photo and scanned bio page, plus an online fee. An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) arrives by email; print and carry it. For a Regular Visa, apply through the embassy or consulate, submitting forms and documents in person or by mail.
E-Tourist Visa Charges vary by nationality and duration, generally from USD 10 to USD 80 (late 2023). Upon arrival at designated airports (Rajkot International if processing e-Visas), immigration officials record biometrics and a photo.
Rajkot itself typically does not call for Protected Arean Authorizations (PAP) or Restricted Area Permits (RAP). However, certain tribal or border regions within Gujarat or other parts of The republic of india might. Visiting Gir National Park for a safari needs permits; book these online ahead of time.
Yellow Fever Certificate
Travelers from or transiting through Yellow Fever endemic countries need this. Administer the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival. It remains valid for life. Keep it accessible.
Rules can change. Confirm the most current visa requirements well before your trip on the official Indian government visa website.
Currency and Exchange
Official currency. Exchange at authorized dealers, banks, or airports. Avoid unofficial changers. ATMs accept Visa/MasterCard. Carry cash for small purchases.
Rates vary. Early 2024: 1 USD ≈ 83 INR, 1 EUR ≈ 90 INR, 1 GBP ≈ 105 INR. Check current rates before your visit.
Gratuity Expectations
For good service, tipping is a thoughtful gesture. Restaurants: 5-10%. Hotels: INR 50-100 for porters/room service. Drivers: round up fare or INR 10-20 for longer journeys.
At local markets and for auto-rickshaw fares (if not metered), polite bargaining is common. Agree on a fare before beginning.
Rajkot offers experiences all over a wide price spectrum. Budget travelers might spend INR 1000-2800 (USD 12-34) daily on guesthouses, street food, and public transport. Mid-range visitors could budget INR 3400-8100 (USD 41-98) for 3-star hotels, mid-range dining, and ride-sharing. Luxury travel starts from INR 11000-33000+ (USD 133-398+) for 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, and private cars.
Eat local street food and thali restaurants for authentic, inexpensive meals. These give great value and a true taste of Rajkot. Utilize public buses and shared auto-rickshaws for transport; they cost far less than private taxis. Bargain in local markets and for non-metered auto-rickshaw fares. Stay in guesthouses or budget hotels. Drink filtered water from larger bottles to save money and lessen plastic waste. Carry small INR cash for street vendors and auto-rickshaws.
Hostels/Guesthouses: INR 500-1500; Luxury Hotels: INR 7000-20000+.
Street Food: INR 100-300; Fine Dining: INR 800-2000+.
Local Bus: INR 10-50; Auto-rickshaw: INR 50-200; Private Taxi: INR 1500-3000 (full day).
Museums/Sites: INR 20-100 (Indian), INR 100-500 (Foreign).
Highly recommended for medical, evacuation, trip changes, and baggage. Visit World Nomads or SafetyWing.
Prioritize your health and safety during your Rajkot trip for a nice journey.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a necessity if you arrive from or transit through a Yellow Fever endemic region. Receive this vaccine at least ABOUT a week and a half before arrival, confirming its validity. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before your trip for specific travel-related vaccinations.
Traveler's Diarrhea is common. Prevent it by drinking only bottled or purified water (check seals). Shun ice, raw fruits/vegetables washed in tap water, and undercooked food. Carry Anti-diarrheal medication.
Travel insurance is highly recommended. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss, and personal liability. Carefully peruse the policy details to understand your coverage.
Rajkot offers experiences across a wide price spectrum, matching diverse travel styles.
These estimates cover typical daily expenses for one person, with specific ranges for budget, mid-range, and travelers seeking luxury. Prices reflect the varied available alternatives in the city.
Expect accommodation, meals, transportation, and attraction entry fees to scale with your chosen travel type. Always keep local currency (INR) on hand for smaller purchases and services.
Experience Rajkot affordably. Focus on local eats and a well-run transport network. Accommodation: guesthouses. Meals: street food, local eateries. Transport: public buses, shared auto-rickshaws.
Estimated daily: INR 1000-2800 (USD 12-34)
Luxury hotel stays will exceed this budget significantly.
Enjoy comfort without excess. Explore tours with a guide and comfortable dining. Accommodation: 3-star hotels. Meals: mid-range restaurants. Transport: auto-rickshaws, ride-sharing.
Estimated daily: INR 3400-8100 (USD 41-98)
Personal drivers for all journeys will elevate costs.
Indulge in premium experiences. Features fine dining and private transport. Accommodation: 4-5 star hotels. Meals: fine dining, room service. Transport: private car with driver.
Estimated daily: INR 11000-33000+ (USD 133-398+)
Exclusive experiences and comprehensive shopping can exceed this.
| Activity | Local/Indian National Price | Foreign National Price |
|---|---|---|
| Museum/Historical Site Entry | INR 20-100 | INR 100-500 |
| Local Bus Ride | INR 10-50 | INR 10-50 |
| Auto-rickshaw (short ride) | INR 50-200 | INR 50-200 |
Rajkot takes health and safety seriously, with robust healthcare infrastructure and general city security.
Several private hospitals with good facilities, including multi-specialty and super-specialty units. Sterling Hospital, Wockhardt Hospital, and HCG Cancer Centre are prominent examples.
Government hospitals also give medical services, often at lower costs, though facilities may vary.
Widely available throughout the city, many operating late into the evening for urgent needs.
National Emergency Number: 112
This integrated number provides police, fire, and ambulance services across India, streamlining access to aid in critical situations. Always dial 112 for urgent assistance.
Additionally, direct numbers for specific services are: Police (100), Ambulance (108), and Combustion (101). Keep these handy.
Local Tourist Police numbers may be available; inquire upon arrival or through Gujarat Tourism for specific assistance.
Rajkot generally is a reputation as a safe city for visitors.
Minor incidents like pickpocketing or bag snatching can happen in crowded areas (markets, bus/train stations).
No specific neighborhoods are noted as especially dangerous for tourists. General caution always applies.
Gujarat lies in a seismic zone, meaning earthquakes can occur, though major ones are rare. It makes sense to familiarize yourself with earthquake safety procedures. During heavy monsoon rains (July-October), low-lying areas can experience temporary flooding. Monitor local weather reports and adjust plans if needed.
Travel insurance is a strong suggestion for your journey. Your policy should cover medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage loss, and personal liability. Read the policy details carefully to understand your coverage. Popular providers include World Nomads and SafetyWing.
Keep contact info for your country’s embassy (Delhi) or consulate (Mumbai) accessible. They assist with lost passports or other emergencies.
Save all emergency numbers and travel insurance details on your phone and in written form. Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home.
Inquire locally or through Gujarat Tourism for specific visitor police contact information upon arrival.
