|
Porbandar
| India City: 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 state of Gujarat, India. Porbandar is 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. The summer temperature ranges between 24ºC and 42ºC and the winter temperature range from 10ºC to 24ºC.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
