Situated on the southern coast of Gujarat, Porbandar surrounds itself with the Arabian Sea. The city’s foundation dates back to Junagadh, and it holds significant importance as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Porbandar now features various places associated with his life, transformed into tourist attractions. In the 10th century, Porbandar was recognized by the name Pauravelakul; subsequently, it underwent a transformation, acquiring the name Sudamapuri.
Geographical Location: Porbandar, a historical district in the state of Gujarat, borders Jamnagar to the north, Junagadh to the east, Rajkot to the west, and the Arabian Sea to the south. This part of Saurashtra encompasses Porbandar.
Historical Significance: In the 16th century, the area now renowned as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi was under the control of the Jethwa Rajputs. Before Porbandar became a district, it served as the capital of the former Porbandar State from 1785 to 1948.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthplace: Porbandar houses the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi, named Kirti Mandir, with a swastika symbol marking the exact spot of his birth. A wooden spiral staircase leads to the upper floor, which accommodates Gandhi’s study. To immortalize the memory of Gandhi’s birth, the same lane where he was born on October 2, 1869, saw the construction of a 79-foot tall building.
Behind Kirti Mandir lies Navji Kothari Khadi, the birthplace of Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi.
Tourism: Porbandar stands out as a significant tourism destination in Gujarat, showcasing several historical structures. The city, adorned with numerous places of interest associated with his life, holds significance as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Additionally, Porbandar boasts Gujarat’s finest coastline.
How To Reach To Porbandar
- Air Travel: Porbandar has an airport that provides regular flights to major cities such as Mumbai and Delhi.
- Rail Travel: The Porbandar Railway Station, situated on the Porbandar-Ahmedabad railway line, connects the city to various parts of India.
- Road Travel: State transport buses connect Porbandar to other parts of the district and the state, offering road travel options from nearly all major cities in India.
