okay so i ended up in rajkot because my dumbass booked the cheapest flight out of mumbai and somehow landed here with a laptop and no plan. this place is hot. like, really hot. and humid. i'm sitting here with sweat literally dripping onto my keyboard as i type this. someone told me it's always like this, but they weren't kidding. my phone says it's 31°C but feels like 34°C which basically means my brain is melting while i try to work. no a/c in my hostel room because apparently that's a luxury here or something.

quick answers

q: is this place worth visiting?
a: only if you're into extreme heat and want to experience real india away from tourist traps. it's authentic but prepare to sweat a lot. if you're looking for comfort, maybe skip it.

q: is it expensive?
a: surprisingly cheap for india. my hostel bed costs about $8/night and street food is ridiculously affordable. just don't expect fancy restaurants unless you're willing to pay premium prices.

q: who would hate it here?
a: people who need a/c, fancy coffee shops, and organized tourist spots. if you're not okay with random power outages and dusty streets, stay away. this place is raw and unfiltered.

q: best time to visit?
a: avoid april to june unless you enjoy feeling like a human puddle. winter months (november to february) are more bearable, though still warm. monsoon season brings rain but also humidity nightmares.

the locals here are either super friendly or completely ignore you. yesterday i got lost trying to find decent coffee and ended up at a tea stall run by this old guy who just stared at me while i struggled with hindi. he eventually pointed me to a wifi spot where i could work, but not before charging me triple for a chai. the vibe is mixed - some areas feel safe, others sketchy after dark. heard from a local that pickpocketing happens near the market, so i've been keeping my wallet in my front pocket instead of back.

working remotely here is both a blessing and a curse. the internet is decent most of the time, but power cuts happen at least once a day without warning. i've learned to carry a power bank everywhere. found this co-working space that's basically just a room with chairs and decent wifi, but no a/c. the owner keeps staring at me like i'm weird for wanting to work instead of socializing. digital nomad life isn't always glamorous, folks.

"you're crazy for coming here in april," said the guy at the hotel reception while handing me a fan. "this city doesn't cool down until november." he wasn't wrong. my clothes are constantly damp.

the food scene is interesting but not for the faint-hearted. tried some local dish that looked like orange paste and regretted it immediately. my stomach has been in rebellion mode since yesterday. street food is cheap but risky if you have a sensitive system like me. found one decent thali place though - simple food but cooked fresh. costs about $2 and actually fills you up without making you regret life choices afterward.

transportation here is chaotic. auto-rickshaw drivers seem to make up prices on the spot. learned to use this local app where you can book rides at fixed rates, but still got overcharged once. buses are crowded and smell like something died in there. walking is the worst option because of the heat and pollution. my feet are constantly covered in dust and sweat no matter what i do. someone told me the dust gets everywhere, including inside your laptop vents. they weren't kidding - already had to clean mine twice.

tourists come here expecting comfortable hotels and organized tours. they leave with stories of heat exhaustion and questionable stomach experiences. that's rajkot for you.

the city has some historical spots but they're not well-maintained. went to some old fort that basically just looked like dusty ruins with broken stairs. entrance fee was cheap though, about $0.50. the real gems are the hidden areas where locals hang out - those small parks where people actually relax despite the heat. found one such place near a temple where old men play chess and women chat under trees. those moments make the heat bearable.

if you're coming here as a digital nomad, bring your own everything - adapters, mosquito repellent, painkillers for the inevitable headaches from dehydration. the pharmacies have basic meds but the language barrier makes explaining symptoms a challenge. i've been surviving on electrolyte powder mixed with water. dehydration is real in this heat, folks. don't be like me and forget to drink water until you're dizzy.

the coworking scene is basically nonexistent beyond that one hot room i mentioned. most people work from cafes that have wifi, but good luck finding one with power outlets. been working from my hostel room mostly, which means i'm essentially trapped during the hottest parts of the day. productivity has dropped by about 70% since arrival. not ideal for someone trying to maintain their freelance income while traveling.

a local warned me about the water situation. "don't drink it unless it's boiled," she said while handing me bottled water. "your stomach won't survive our tap water." she wasn't wrong.

nighttime is surprisingly better. the temperature drops slightly, making it possible to actually walk around without feeling like you're melting. found this night market that's chaotic but fascinating. sells everything from knockoff electronics to street food that somehow doesn't make you sick (mostly). the energy is different at night - locals are more relaxed, tourists are scarce. it's when the city actually feels alive, despite the heat.

overall, rajkot is an experience. not a comfortable one, but definitely authentic. if you're looking for a place that tests your limits while giving you glimpses of real indian life outside the tourist bubble, this might be it. just bring a fan, lots of water, and low expectations about air conditioning. maybe also some antacids just in case. traveler tip: download the offline map before you arrive - the wifi is sketchy when you need it most. this hostel saved my life with its working a/c some digital nomads actually love it here more about what to expect

burning my feet in rajkot: a digital nomad's sweaty escape

quick answers

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