Porbandar: Gandhi Heritage, Coast and Birdlife

Porbandar brings together the history of the Gandhi family, temples, coastal views and a bird sanctuary in the heart of the city. There are also different reasons to visit beyond the city limits: the Barda Hills offer trekking trails, while Madhavpur is known for its sandy beach and an annual festival.

Gandhi Heritage, Temples and Caves

Right next to Kirti Mandir is the Gandhi family’s ancestral home, where Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869. Kirti Mandir is a memorial shrine to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. A spacious courtyard and a photographic exhibition along its sides about Gandhi’s life give the visit a distinctive focus.

The Sudama Temple is located in the centre of Porbandar. It is dedicated to Sudama, Lord Krishna’s childhood friend, and was built between 1902 and 1907. The temple’s story brings together a centrally located site and a religious tradition.

Jambuvan Cave is in Ranavav Taluka in Porbandar district, near the Suarashtra Cement Factory and about 15 kilometres from Porbandar. When water drips from the ceiling, a Shiv Ling made of sand forms inside the cave; natural rock formations can also be seen. Outside the cave are a Lord Shiva temple and the Samadhi of Guru Ramdasji.

Birdlife and Trails in the Barda Hills

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary is a one-square-kilometre nature reserve in the city. It was established in 1988 to protect numerous bird species. As winter approaches, the sanctuary welcomes millions of migratory birds. Visitors can watch waterbirds at the freshwater lake, including flamingos, pelicans, grebes and ducks.

The Barda Hills offer a different nature experience, with trekking trails crossing varied terrain. Check local access arrangements before setting out. Barda Hills Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected area in February 1979 and covers 192.31 square kilometres of forest. It is about 15 kilometres from the coast of Porbandar city, in Porbandar district.

Coastal Views and the Madhavpur Fair

Chowpatty Beach is within walking distance of the Porbandar urban area. It offers views of boats and ships at sea; at night, the seaport can be seen. Madhavpur Beach has a different coastal landscape: its sandy shore is lined with coconut palms. Madhavpur Beach is connected by road to Porbandar, Somnath and Rajkot.

The Madhavpur Fair is celebrated every year in the village of Madhavpur in Porbandar district. The festival draws on the traditional story of the wedding of Lord Krishna and Rukmini, which is said to have taken place in Madhavpur. Crafts and food from Northeast and West India are presented. If you plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Porbandar Airport is a public airport in Porbandar, Gujarat. Check the airport’s status and service availability before travelling. Porbandar is on the Western Railway network and is served daily by express and local trains. As schedules are subject to change, it is worth checking the latest times. State Transport Corporation buses connect Porbandar with major cities and towns in Gujarat and other Indian states; bus services and timetables may also change.

For orientation in the wider area: Harshiddhi Mata Temple, also known as Harshal Mata Temple, is in Miani, about 30 kilometres from Porbandar on the route to Dwarka. Shri Hari Mandir in Sandipani is 5 kilometres from Porbandar, opposite the airport. The sights, the coast and the seasonal birdlife give your trip different points of focus; plan according to which of these experiences interests you most.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Porbandar, Surendranagar, Amreli, Tapi, Mehsana, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar, Navsari.

For the broader travel overview: Gujarat.