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.
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.
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.
