Porbandar, on the western coast of Saurashtra, is known the world over as the birthplace of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, born here on 2 October 1869. In Hindu tradition it is also Sudamapuri, the home of Sudama, Krishna’s childhood friend.
It lies roughly halfway between Somnath and Dwarka on the coast road, which is how most travellers come to it: as a pause of a couple of hours on the temple circuit rather than a destination in itself.
What to see and do at Porbandar
Visit Kirti Mandir
The memorial to Gandhi and Kasturba stands beside the three-storey ancestral house where he was born; the room is marked on the floor. There is a small exhibition of photographs and belongings. Entry is free.
See the Sudama temple
One of the very few temples dedicated to Sudama, in the centre of town, with a maze pattern in the courtyard that pilgrims walk.
Stroll the seafront
The chowpatty and the stretch past the former ruler’s Huzoor Palace are pleasant in the evening.
Look for birds
The town’s creeks and a small bird sanctuary attract flamingos and other waterbirds in winter.
How to get to Porbandar
- Porbandar is about 130 km from Somnath and roughly 150–160 km from Sasan Gir by road, around three hours. Dwarka is a further 100 km or so up the coast.
- The town has a railway station with services towards Rajkot and Ahmedabad, and a small airport whose flights are limited and change with the season.
Practical tips
- Kirti Mandir normally closes in the evening; aim to arrive by mid-afternoon.
- Shoes are removed at both the memorial and the temple.
- Break the Somnath–Dwarka drive here for lunch rather than attempting it in one go.
Best tours for Porbandar
These packages are the easiest way to see Porbandar with transport and a guide sorted:
Multi-day guided tour from US$782 Gujarat Sacred Sites & Wildlife Tour
Six days around Saurashtra taking in Dwarka, Gandhi’s birthplace at Porbandar, Somnath and Gir, with Ahmedabad at either end. The extra days make the driving far more comfortable. Unreviewed so far.
- Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath and Gir National Park
- Ahmedabad’s landmarks at the start or end
- A more relaxed pace than the four-day loop
Multi-day guided tour from US$995 7-Day Gujarat Highlights Tour from Ahmedabad
A week-long sweep of Gujarat from Ahmedabad that folds Gir into a wider circuit of temples, coast and the Statue of Unity. It has a single, top-score review so far.
- The Statue of Unity, sacred temples and Gir wildlife
- Coastal towns and historic cities of Gujarat
- A full week with everything arranged
Private day trip from US$228 From Rajkot: Dwarka Private Day Trip with Guide
A long private day from Rajkot to Krishna’s city and back with a guide. Most of the day is spent on the road, so an overnight tour is more comfortable if you have time. No reviews yet.
- The Dwarkadhish temple
- A guide for the temple town
- Private car from Rajkot
