This traditional haveli in Rajkot’s old city was the residence of Karamchand "Kaba" Gandhi, Diwan (chief minister) of the princely state of Rajkot, and the childhood home of his son Mohandas, who attended Rajkot’s Alfred High School and was married to Kasturba here. Preserved as a modest memorial rather than a grand museum, the house displays photographs and panels tracing Gandhi’s early years before he left for law studies in London. It offers a quieter, more domestic counterpart to the larger Gandhi memorials at Porbandar and Sabarmati. Kaba Gandhi No Delo sits at an elevation of 130 m and is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include original childhood room with personal memorabilia, rare photos of young Mohandas with father, and marriage hall where he wed Kasturba at 13. It falls within Gujarat, India.
State: Gujarat
Ideal Duration: 30-60 Minutes
January, November, December, February
There is no strict dress code, but modest, comfortable clothing is recommended out of respect for the site's spiritual significance. You must remove your shoes before entering the main building, and photography is allowed in most areas but avoid using flash near the personal artefacts and photographs on display.
Kaba Gandhi No Delo is located in the heart of the old city, so you can easily walk to the nearby Rashtriya Shala (a khadi and handicraft centre) or visit the Watson Museum, which is about 2 kilometres away. For a local treat, stop at a traditional Gujarati thali restaurant in the same area, and if you have time, the Rajkot Bhoot Bhavan (haunted house) is a fun, light-hearted addition for a group.
Most visitors spend about 45 minutes to an hour exploring the rooms, exhibits, and the small garden. The building has stairs and no lift, so it can be challenging for those with mobility issues, but the ground floor is accessible, and staff are usually helpful if you need to rest; plan for a slower pace.
This is the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi, where he lived as a child from age 6 to 12 after his family moved to Rajkot. It is a well-preserved, three-story building that offers a glimpse into his early life and the environment that shaped his values, making it a deeply moving pilgrimage site for those interested in India's freedom struggle.
Entry is completely free for all visitors, which is a pleasant surprise. The site is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Tuesday to Sunday; it remains closed on Mondays and public holidays, so check before you plan your day.