Porbandar

[ Kirti Mandir | Sudama Mandir | Dabargadh | Grishmabhavan | Huzoor Palace ]

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

Top    

Sudama Mandir
There is no Indian, who has not heard of the legendary friendship of king and devotee - Krishna and Sudama - starting from the ashram of Sandipani Rishi and culminating at the court of Lord Krishna, in the city of gold, Dwarika. The story comes alive with the sight of a beautiful temple in the middle of Porbandar town. In whole of India, this is the only temple dedicated to Sudama. The maze on the platform in the campus is an interesting feature.

Top    

Dabargadh
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.

Top    

Grishmabhavan
Grishmabhavan is an impressive pavilion built for the eighteenth-century poet Raja Sartanji Choro. It is built in Rajput style in the midst of the garden. Each side of the garden represents a different season. The pillars with images of musicians, profusely carved foliated arches and a single dome at the top gives an idea of bygone days, when Rana Sartanji used to compose poems in Braj bhasha, sitting under this pavilion.

Top    

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.

Top