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THE LAND OF THE MAHATMA
Porbandar, situated at the end of Saurashtra is a picturesque seaport on
the Arabian Sea having pleasant beaches with beach villas. Birthplace of
the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is an intermediate
seaport on the southwest coast of Saurashtra. To commemorate the birth of
Gandhiji, a 79 feet high imposing building has been built in an otherwise
simple lane of the city where Bapu was born in 1869 AD.
It is also known as "White City" because of its white stone
construction. Visitors are also attracted to Bharat Mandir, depicting
great men and religious preceptors of India, and to the Chowpaty, which
offers a beautiful view of the beachfront. Modern villas have come up
lately and there is also a small parlour serving refreshments.
HISTORICAL NUANCES
If you prefer to combine a holiday by the sea with city facilities and
seeing historic monuments, visit
Porbandar by the sea. The very name evokes visions of Mahatma Gandhi who
was born in this prosperous princely city on October 2, 1869. But the
history of Porbandar goes back many centuries to Sudamapuri mentioned in
the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, as the home of lord Krishna's friend, Sudama,
and almost certainly the Paureliva, mentioned in the 9th century
inscriptions at Ghumli.
Porbandar is a paradise for bird watchers. Great flocks of flamingoes,
both greater and lesser, can be seen at a remarkably close range around
the coastal marshes.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Kirti
Mandir: The Kirti Mandir's premises is a three storeyed ancestral
house of Gandhiji wherein the exact place where Putlibai, Gandhiji's
mother, had given birth to the child Gandhi marked with a 'swastik'.
Narrow wooden staircase leads the visitor to upper storey, in particular
to Gandhiji's reading-room.
The adjoining new building, Kirti Mandir, houses a Gandhian library, a
prayer hall, a nursery and a steeple decorated with episodes from
Gandhiji's life. Behind Kirti Mandir is Navi Khadki, where Kasturba,
Gandhiji's wife was born.
Huzoor Palace: The Huzoor Palace is a massive structure like a
European mansion, sprawling, with a large garden at the edge of the sea.
The palace has various wings in a zigzag formation, which created space
for numerous forecourts and rear courtyards, which were used for gardens
and fountains.
The structure is of a very modern style, crowned by trussed timber roofs
and balustraded terraces offering a fabulous view of the beach and the
sea. Semi-circular porticos on neo-classical pillars offer entry to the
palace from different sides.
Daria Rajmahal: A short walk from the Huzoor Palace leads to Daria
Rajmahal, Probandar's sea facing city palace, built in a style that blends
Arabic, Indian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The entrance is
through a Gothic style archway, crowned by a tall tower that offers a
marvelous view of the palace courtyards, the beach beyond, and the sea.
Nothing remains of the Darbar Hall now, and the palace has now been turned
into a college.
Morvi: The town is famous for its clocks, tiles and the ceramic
manufacture. The erstwhile ruler of the State constructed a temple with
adjoining secretariat, which is known as Wag Palace or Wellingdon
Secretariat. The Suspension Bridge is an important landmark of the town.
The bridge, 765 ft. long and 4.5 ft. wide, receives its support only from
the pillars on the banks. The roadway is hung across the river on iron
ropes passing over towers and anchored.
EXCURSIONS
Gondal:
Prettily situated on the bank of the Gondli River, this seat of
erstwhile State of Gondal, is famous for its Naulakha Palace and the
Riverside Palace of the erstwhile Maharaja, which have now been made into
Heritage Hotels.
Kuchdi: It is a 20-minute drive away from the city centre. The
place has a bird
sanctuary and is quite popular with the bird lovers and
photographers.
Ghumli: It was the capital of the Jetwas long before they moved to
Porbandar. The place is famous for its
Naulakha temple, considered to be the oldest Sun Temple in India built
around the 8th century, and the 12th century Vikia Vav (step well), with
numerous flights of steps and string-coursed carvings.
Gope:
50 km northeast of Porbandar, Gope has a 6th century temple with a
sanctuary on a platform and the usual pyramidal 'shikhar' roof. The temple
is in a terribly dilapidated condition but is important, as it is one of
the first to have a roof of this design.
Barda Hills: A 30-minute drive from Porbandar takes one to Barda
Hills covered with forests where one can find the Khambala Dam with its
intricate, decorated kiosks.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
How To Get There
Air:
Porbandar is connected with
Ahmedabad .
From Ahmedabad, one can take flights to other important cities of India
such as Delhi and
Mumbai .
Rail: Porbandar is a railway
station and is connected to many places in Gujarat
and western India. The Saurashtra Express links Porbandar with Mumbai.
Road: State transport corporation buses operate to most of the
important centres of Gujarat. Private operators have regular luxury bus
services to Rajkot,
Jamnagar,
Ahmedabad ,
Junagadh etc. from Porbandar. A bus
journey to Mumbai
would take over 24 hours and is not recommended.
Local Transport: Auto rickshaws are convenient and cheap for local
transport. They are useful when visiting places like Kirti Mandir where
parking is a problem. Taxis can be hired locally for excursions, as can
cycles, which can be rented near the State Transport bus stand.
For Travel
Agents & Tour Operators in Gujarat - Click here
WHERE TO STAY
Porbandar has an adequate range of hotels. Those in town are generally
better quality but noisier while the two seaside hotels have marine views
to make up for their shortcomings.
For
Hotels & Restaurants in Porbandar - Click here
Click Here for District Map Of
Porbandar City
Click Here for Road Map Of
Porbandar City
Click Here for Railway
Network Map Of Porbandar City