Porbandar

About Porbandar

Porbandar is a historic port city in Gujarat, known for its coastal location, maritime history, traditional architecture, and strong association with Mahatma Gandhi. Porbandar is situated on the Arabian Sea in Saurashtra, and for centuries, it was a significant port and trading centre, influenced by the merchants, seafarers and the erstwhile princely state of Porbandar.
The city is famous as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, and Kirti Mandir is one of the most significant landmarks of Porbandar, constructed at the site where Gandhi was born. The city is also well known for its historic buildings, palaces, temples and traditional neighbourhoods, which bear witness to its royal and business history.
As a coastal city, Porbandar also has beaches and seaside promenades, allowing residents to unwind and capture some stunning photographs while enjoying the stunning view of the ocean. Here, visitors can learn more about the early life of Gandhi and his heritage, the seafaring traditions of the city and taste Gujarati and Kathiyawadi dishes. Porbandar is particularly attractive to history enthusiasts, culture lovers, architects, spiritualists, photographers and beachgoers.

Best Time to Visit Porbandar

The best time to visit Porbandar is between October and March when the climate is cooler and more conducive for sightseeing, exploring the heritage sites and enjoying the coast. Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir and the beaches nearby are a delight to visit during the winter season. April – June is a hot period of the summer season (particularly in the afternoon), and early mornings and evenings are more pleasant for sightseeing outdoors. Monsoon (July to September) is a rainy season with a greener environment, but sometimes rough coastal conditions.

Porbandar: Places, Experiences & Food

Places to Visit in Porbandar

Kirti Mandir
Sudama Mandir
Porbandar Beach
Bharat Mandir
Sandipani Vidyaniketan
Huzoor Palace
Darbargadh
Shri Hari Mandir
Rokhadia Hanuman Temple
Chowpatty
Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Rangbai Mata Temple
Nehru Planetarium
Gita Mandir
Madhavpur Beach
Madhavpur Ghed
Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Sudama Temple
Ghumli
Krishna Temple, Madhavpur

Things to Do in Porbandar

Mandir and learn about Mahatma Gandhi's early life
Historic streets around Kirti Mandir
Visit Sudama Mandir
Porbandar's royal and maritime heritage
Explore Darbargadh and historic buildings
Huzoor Palace from the outside and admire its architecture
Spend time at Porbandar Beach
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the coastline
Visit the Porbandar Bird Sanctuary
Photograph the city's historic architecture and coastal scenery
Explore local temples
Discover traditional markets and shops
Learn about the city's former princely-state heritage
Visit nearby Madhavpur Beach
Explore the historic village of Ghumli
Visit Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Take a day trip around the Saurashtra coastline
Local handicrafts and traditional Gujarati products
Enjoy Gujarati and Kathiyawadi cuisine
Experience local festivals and cultural celebrations
Watch the sunset by the Arabian Sea
Stories and traditions associated with Porbandar's historic communities

What to Eat in Porbandar

Gujarati Thali
Kathiyawadi Thali
Bajra Rotla
Jowar Rotla
Thepla
Khakhra
Khaman
Dhokla
Khandvi
Patra
Fafda
Jalebi
Dal Dhokli
Gujarati Kadhi
Khichdi
Undhiyu
Sev Tameta
Lasaniya Bateta
Ringna Bateta
Bateta Nu Shaak
Dabeli
Bhajiya
Gota
Sev Usal
Lilva Kachori
Pyaaz Kachori
Samosa
Farsan
Shrikhand
Basundi
Mohanthal
Ghevar
Chaas
Lassi
Masala Chai

How To Get There

By Air

The city of Porbandar is well-connected with major Indian cities.

By Road

Various towns and cities in Gujarat are connected with Porbandar through good motorable roads and highways.

By Rail

Porbandar, a major railhead, is connected with major cities in India.

Barda Lion Sanctuary

An emerald green expanse of lush forests and verdant hills, Barda Lion Sanctuary lies facing the Arabian Sea . Criss-crossed by various rivulets and streams, it also hosts Khambala and Fodara dams that increase the charm of the world . Home to a various sort of fauna like lion, crocodile, sambar, chinkara, leopard, wolf, chameleon, crested hawk-eagle and spotted eagle, the sanctuary also shelte...

Bharat Mandir

A step from Porbandar, Bharat Mandir is understood for being the storehouse of Indian heritage. Constructed over two floors, the temple features a map of India that has been created with white marble. It also carries a comprehensive guide to the traditions and heroes of Hindu mythology that has been showcased through ancient murals and delightful sculptures on the temple’s pillars. The te...

Bhuleshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the favored Bhuleshwar Temple holds immense historical and mythological importance. it’s been declared as a protected monument and is noted for the adornments of classical carvings on its walls. It houses an idol of Lord Ganesha who are often seen wearing a female attire. The idol is popularly called Ganeshwari or Ganeshyani. there is a popular folk tale associate...

Ghumli

Situated within the lap of Barda Hills, on the outskirts of Porbandar, this village is flocked by visitors for its magnificent Navlakha Temple, which was built during the reign of the Solanki dynasty (940-1244 CE). one among the oldest and therefore the largest temples within the state, it’s dedicated to Lord Surya. Boasting a gorgeous architecture, it’s been named so because it cos...

Harsiddhi Mata Temple

Situated on the outskirts of the town of Porbandar, the Harsiddhi Mata Temple or Harshal Mata Temple is one among the foremost visited sites within the state of Gujarat. it’s believed that the most temple was originally nestled on a hilltop facing the ocean . Legend has it that Lord Krishna had worshipped the goddess during his lifetime and ever since has been living at a hill called Koyl...

Kirti Mandir

Possibly the foremost important tourist stopover of Porbandar, Kirti Mandir was inbuilt the honour of Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, right next to their ancestral range in the town . it’s now been converted into alittle museum that displays items employed by Gandhiji, along side some really old photographs. The museum houses a library that has books either written by him or concerni...

Madhavpur

Nestled along a sandy coastline, Madhavpur may be a picturesque little town lying on the outskirts of Porbandar. the most attraction is that the famous Madhavraiji Haveli Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balrama. This 150-year-old shrine has been built along the lines of a grand haveli by the then Maharaja of Madhavpur. Visiting it’s like taking a step back to history and theref...

Miyani Beach

Gujarat is blessed some amazing beaches and therefore the Miyani Beach is among the foremost beautiful treasures of the state. This serene beach is one among the quieter and unspoilt beaches near Porbandar and lies at a walking distance from Miyani village. Visiting the beach may be a blissful experience, because of its clean water and finely textured sand. The beach provides the right ambience...

Mul-Dwarka

The ancient coastal village of Mul-Dwarka, near Kodinar, is understood for a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. consistent with legend, Lord Krishna had stopped in Porbandar at the village of Visaavda on his thanks to Dwarka. In its remembrance in Visavda (Mul Dwarka) Lord Krishna’s “paduka” (footprint) are often seen during this temple. A grand fair is organise...

Sudama Mandir

One of the foremost revered sites within the state of Gujarat, Sudama Mandir is that the only temple in India to be dedicated to the childhood friend and devotee of Lord Krishna, Sudama. The temple’s architecture is straightforward yet imposing. Open from all sides, the structure has been inbuilt white marble and boasts intricately carved pillars. Their arches are beautifully decorated wi...