This ancient port on the Saurashtra peninsula, on the Arabian Sea is mentioned in Skanda Purana as Sudamapuri and Ashmavati. It is the city of a mythological story about the great friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. Porbandar was the last capital of the Jethwa Rajputs, who ruled this area for about 1200 years- shifting capitals from Ghumli, Ranpur and Chhaya.

Present day Porbandar was established as a capital by Rana Sartanji in 1785 AD. Porbandar, originally a fortified town. with high rampart walls, bastions and five gates, lost its fortification by the order of Colonel Lally in 1888 AD. Even today, a ritual to circumambulate the fortification is performed by Hindus.

Bharat Mandir : The large Bharat Mandir hall is in a charming irrigated garden opposite the planetarium. On the floor inside is a huge relief map of India and the building's pillars are brilliantly painted with bas-reliefs of over 100 religious figures and legendary persons from Hindu epics. The verandah's six distorting mirrors are popular with children.

Kirti Mandir :  Kirti Mandir is built next to the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born here in 1869 AD. Lacs of Indian tourists visit the house of the Mahatma and Kasturba, his wife. Kirti Mandir has a Gandhian library and a prayer hall.

Darbargadh : Rana Sartanji built Darbargadh, the fortified palace, with a huge carved stone entrance gate flanked by high turrets and massive wooden doors. It is a typical example of such royal enclosures situated within the town of Gujarat. The nearby edifices on the left of the entrance are also good examples of large mansions with courtyards and intricately carved wooden elements.

Huzoor Palace : Huzoor Palace is located at the end of Marine Drive, in a huge campus. The sprawling palace, built in the European style with sloping roofs is a horizontal structure with several wings and big windows, overlooking the sea. The wings are interspersed with the back and front yards, bringing nature and the building together by gardens and fountains. The semi-circular porticos with neo-classical pillars, decorated entrance gate and commanding view makes it a must for the visitor. Other such examples of Royal and Public heritage buildings from the colonial period are public library, old Raj Mahal (now a college), Victoria Jubilee Madresa, Collectorate, Bhavsinhji High School, Natwarsinhji Sports Club.

How to get there

Air : Gujrat Air connects Porbandar 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 Gujrat and western India. The Saurashtra Express links Porbandar with Mumbai.

Road : Luxury bus services to Rajkot, Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Junagadh etc.