Overivew:
Called the Harbour city but better known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar is as rich in history as it is in natural resources. Picturesque and quite a scenic place, Porbandar has a lengthy seashore, rivers, lakes, hills and valleys, plains and grasslands. Also famous the temple of Sudama, the faithful childhood friend of Lord Krishna.
Today's Porbandar bustles with mansions of the Parsi business community, wood-carved havelis, crumbling palace ruins and crowded bazaars. Famous for its high-quality ghee (clarified butter) and creamy coloured building stones, it earned the name 'white city'. Porbandar's artisans were also experts at hand building dhows (boats), which in turn gave birth to an entire industry of vessel building.
Porbandar is also a bird watcher's paradise, with bright coloured flamingos spotting the scenery.
Population: About 536,854
Climate: Porbandar's summers (March to June) are hot with temperatures crossing 40°C. Winters (October to February) are far more pleasant. Monsoons are unpredictable with strong winds, heavy rains and the occasional thunderstorm due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea.
Main Language(s): Gujarati, Hindi and English
Time Zone: GMT + 05:30
Phone Area Code: 0286
Best Time To Visit: Porbandar's summers (March to June) are hot with temperatures crossing 40°C. Winters (October to February) are far more pleasant. Monsoons are unpredictable with strong winds, heavy rains and the occasional thunderstorm due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea.
Airport Distance from City Center: 5 kms
Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Private taxi service available to city centre
Places To Visit:
Gondal
This seat of the erstwhile State of Gondal is famous for its Naulakha Palace and the Riverside Palace of the Maharaja, which are now Heritage Hotels. Maharaja Bhagwatsinhji built the Riverside Palace for his son Yuvraj Bhojraji. Its high ceilings and lavishly furnished 11 double rooms speak of style and splendour.
Also visit the oldest existent palace in Gondal, the 17th century Naulakha Palace, where you can see some of the most exquisite jarokha balconies, a fabulous pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier lit Darbar hall has stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture and antique mirrors.
For vintage car lovers, the Orchard Palace houses in its Royal Garage an extensive collection of vintage cars. A 1910 New Engine, a Delage and a Daimler from the 1920s, a 1935 Mercedes and Packard two door convertible, Cadillac's of 40s are some of the beauties you will see.
The Huzoor Palace
A sprawling structure with a large garden at the edge of the sea, the Huzoor palace has various wings in a zigzag formation, which lent itself to the many forecourts and rear courtyards. Modern in style it is crowned by trussed timber roofs with its balustrade terraces offering a fabulous view of the beach and the sea.
The Gandhi home
The mid-19th century Haveli of the Gandhi family sees more visitors than any other monument or place of interest in and around Porbandar. The mansion has three stories around a courtyard with a kitchen, 17 rooms and a wooden shrine. Next to the Haveli is the Kirti Mandir, built in 1950 by Nanaji Bhai Kalidas as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. The Kirti Mandir contains paintings of the Mahatma and his wife Kasturba. A moving pictorial display of the life of the Mahatma and his part in the struggle for India's freedom gives you a glimpse of the man himself and you will also find here, a library of books related to the Mahatma's life and philosophies.
Kuchdi
Porbandar is quite a paradise for bird watchers. Flamingos, both greater and lesser, flock around the coastal marshes and can be seen at a really close range. Kuchdi is a 20-minute drive away from the city center and has a bird sanctuary, which is quite popular with the bird lovers and photographers.
Sudama Mandir
There is a story of a friendship between two boys, one who was the avatar of God and the other the epitome of all that is best in man. This temple is dedicated to Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna in memory of this divine friendship. Sudama Mandir is situated in the heart of the city and attracts more than its share of visitors.
