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Porbandar
Population : 1,83,000
Languages : Gujarati, Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit : October to March
STD Codes : 0286
Porbandar is situated along the Arabian Sea in the western
Indian state of Gujarat. Famous as the birthplace of Mahatma
Gandhi, the city is well connected to the other parts of the
country by rail, road, and air.
The climate of Porbandar is generally pleasant. The summer
season continues from March to June with the daytime temperature
crossing 42ºC. The monsoons enter this region in July and
remain there till September. Winter comes in from October
and stays till February. Due to the cyclonic storms or depressions
in the Arabian Sea in the post monsoon months, and to a lesser
extent in May and June, the city faces strong winds, heavy
rain, and occasional thunderstorms. The summer temperature
ranges between 24ºC and 42ºC and the winter temperature range
from 10ºC to 24ºC.
Places of Interest
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 porticoes on neo-classical pillars offer entry
to the palace from different sides.
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.
The mid 19th century Haveli of the Gandhi family 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.
Walking down from Kirti Mandir one comes to Darbargadh Palace,
built in 1784 by Maharana Sartanji in the typical wood and
stone carved style of Gujarat.
SITES NEARBY
Kuchdi is a 20-minute drive away from the city center.
The place has a bird sanctuary and is quite popular with the
bird lovers and photographers.
Ghumli 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 stringcoursed carvings.
Gope, 50 km northeast of Porbandar has a 6th century
temple with a sanctuary on a platform and the usual pyramidal
shikhara 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.
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.
WHERE TO STAY
There are a good number of hotels in Porbandar that provide
quality service to their guests. Some of the standard hotels
have a beautiful sea view.
HOW TO REACH
By Air
Gujrat Air connects Porbandar with Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad,
one can take flights to other important cities of India such
as Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail
Porbandar is a railway station and is connected to many places
in Gujrat and western India. The Saurashtra Express links
Porbandar with Mumbai.
By 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 Bombay 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 ST bus stand.
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