Porbandar Travel Guide

Why is Porbandar special?

As a local, I can tell you Porbandar is more than just Gandhi's birthplace; it's a city where spirituality, history, and tranquil beaches converge, offering a unique blend of experiences.

Porbandar exudes a calm, spiritual, and historically rich vibe. The pace is unhurried, reflecting its coastal charm and deep-rooted heritage. It's a city for introspection, cultural immersion, and peaceful relaxation.

• Birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, offering a profound historical connection.
• A significant pilgrimage site with numerous ancient temples and ashrams.
• Beautiful, less crowded beaches providing serene sunset views.
• Rich in Gujarati culture, cuisine, and traditional architecture.
• A blend of spiritual tranquility and coastal relaxation.

What should you see in Porbandar?

• Kirti Mandir (Mahatma Gandhi's Birth Place)

  what locals do

  Locals often visit to pay respects, especially on Gandhi Jayanti, and to educate their children about his life and principles.

  best time

  Morning hours (9 AM - 12 PM) to avoid crowds and experience the peaceful ambiance. Also good in late afternoon.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Spend time in the adjacent museum to understand Gandhi's early life and family history. Don't miss the exact spot of his birth.

  observation

  A humble yet profoundly significant site, preserved with reverence. The atmosphere is quiet and contemplative.

  Google Maps rating

  4.4

  Address

  JJR2+G8X, Kasturba Rd, Bhatia Bazar Old, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

• Shree Hari Temple

  what locals do

  Many locals visit for daily prayers and evening aarti, especially families seeking blessings. It's a spiritual hub.

  best time

  Early morning for darshan or evening for the aarti (prayer ceremony) around sunset.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  The temple complex is part of the Sandipani Vidyaniketan, an educational and spiritual institution. Explore the serene campus.

  observation

  A grand and beautifully maintained temple, radiating peace and devotion. The architecture is impressive.

  Google Maps rating

  4.7

  Address

  Shandipani Ashram, JMPC+2HV, Bapu Nagar, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

• Porbandar Beach

  what locals do

  Evening strolls, enjoying street food from vendors, and watching the sunset are popular local activities.

  best time

  Late afternoon to sunset for pleasant weather and beautiful views.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Try the local snacks like 'bhajiya' and 'dabeli' from the stalls along the promenade.

  observation

  A lively yet relaxing beach, popular with families. The iconic Sudama Temple is nearby, adding to its charm.

  Google Maps rating

  4.6

  Address

  GEB Colony, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

• Planetarium - Tara Mandir

  what locals do

  A favorite educational outing for school children and families, especially on weekends.

  best time

  Afternoons, check show timings in advance.

  cost

  INR 50-100

  local tip

  Arrive a bit early to secure tickets, especially during holidays.

  observation

  Offers an engaging and informative experience about astronomy, a good break from historical sites.

  Google Maps rating

  4.2

  Address

  MJ38+XXQ, Khapat, New Porbandar, Porbandar, Gujarat 360579, India

  View on Google Maps

• Bharat, Temple

  what locals do

  Visited by locals for its unique map of India carved in marble and for quiet contemplation.

  best time

  Morning or late afternoon.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Notice the intricate details of the map and the surrounding sculptures.

  observation

  A distinctive temple dedicated to Mother India, symbolizing unity and patriotism.

  Google Maps rating

  4.3

  Address

  MJ49+F25, Khapat, New Porbandar, Porbandar, Gujarat 360579, India

  View on Google Maps

• Somnath Mahadev Temple

  what locals do

  A significant Shiva temple, locals frequent it for daily prayers and during Shivratri.

  best time

  Early morning for Abhishek or evening for peaceful darshan.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Despite the name, this is a local temple in Porbandar, not the famous Somnath Jyotirlinga. It has its own local significance.

  observation

  A revered local Shiva temple, offering a glimpse into local religious practices.

  Google Maps rating

  4.6

  Address

  Unnamed Road, 360575, Bhatia Bazar Old, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

• Bhutnath Mahadev Mandir

  what locals do

  Another popular Shiva temple, especially during festivals, known for its spiritual ambiance.

  best time

  Morning or evening.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Often hosts local religious events and gatherings.

  observation

  A smaller, more intimate temple compared to Shree Hari, but equally significant to local devotees.

  Google Maps rating

  4.7

  Address

  JJQ5+359, Rani Baug, Panch Hatdi, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

• Kuchhdi Beach

  what locals do

  A quieter alternative to Porbandar Beach for family picnics and peaceful walks.

  best time

  Late afternoon for relaxation and sunset views.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Bring your own snacks and water as facilities might be limited.

  observation

  Less commercialized and more tranquil, offering a serene coastal experience away from the city's bustle.

  Google Maps rating

  4.5

  Address

  MGJM+8F3, Gujarat 360579, India

  View on Google Maps

• THE GREAT ASHOKA BUDDHA VIHARA, PORBANDAR

  what locals do

  Visited by locals interested in Buddhist philosophy and for peaceful meditation.

  best time

  Any time during daylight hours for quiet contemplation.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the place.

  observation

  A serene Buddhist monastery, a unique spiritual spot in a predominantly Hindu city, offering a different cultural perspective.

  Google Maps rating

  4.5

  Address

  Porbandar Airport Area, Porbandar, Dharampur, Gujarat 360550, India

  View on Google Maps

• Shri Satyanarayan Temple

  what locals do

  Locals often visit for special pujas and blessings, particularly for new beginnings or auspicious occasions.

  best time

  Morning or evening aarti.

  cost

  Free

  local tip

  Check for local festival dates, as the temple can be especially vibrant then.

  observation

  A well-maintained and spiritually active temple, reflecting the strong faith of the community.

  Google Maps rating

  4.6

  Address

  JJQC+H79, Manisha Rd, Fishries Colony, Panch Hatdi, Porbandar, Gujarat 360575, India

  View on Google Maps

Ratings and opening hours from Google Maps.

What do most visitors miss in Porbandar?

• Kasturbaa Gandhi House

  description

  Located very close to Kirti Mandir, this is the ancestral home of Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's wife. It offers a glimpse into her life and the family's history.

  how to reach

  It's a short walk from Kirti Mandir in the Bhatia Bazar Old area.

  why locals love it

  It's a quiet, less-visited historical spot that complements the Kirti Mandir experience, offering a more complete picture of the Gandhi family.

  sensory detail

  The quietude of the old house, the smell of aged wood, and the feeling of stepping back in time to a simpler era.

• Sea view point

  description

  A small, unassuming spot offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, perfect for quiet contemplation or watching fishing boats.

  how to reach

  Located in the GEB Colony area, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or a short drive from Porbandar Beach.

  why locals love it

  It's a peaceful escape from the main beach crowds, ideal for enjoying the sea breeze and solitude.

  sensory detail

  The vast expanse of the blue sea, the sound of waves crashing gently, and the salty air on your skin.

• Jadeshwar Mahadev Temple

  description

  A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its serene environment and local religious significance, often less crowded than the main temples.

  how to reach

  Situated in Wadi Plot, Jalaram Colony, accessible by local transport.

  why locals love it

  It's a local spiritual haven, offering a tranquil space for prayer and meditation away from the tourist circuit.

  sensory detail

  The cool, calm interior of the temple, the faint scent of incense, and the rhythmic chanting during prayers.

• Chopaty chowk

  description

  While not a single structure, Chopaty Chowk is a bustling local square near the beach, known for its vibrant street food scene and evening atmosphere.

  how to reach

  Located near Porbandar Beach in the GEB Colony, easily walkable from the beach.

  why locals love it

  It's the heart of local evening life, a place to socialize, enjoy affordable street food, and soak in the city's pulse.

  sensory detail

  The aroma of various street foods, the chatter of people, and the vibrant lights of the stalls.

Where should you eat in Porbandar?

• Hotel Sheetal

  dish

  Gujarati Thali, Kathiyawadi dishes

  cost

  INR 250-400 per person

  area

  Bhatia Bazar Old

  what makes special

  Known for authentic, homely Gujarati and Kathiyawadi cuisine. A local favorite for traditional meals.

  timing hack

  Go for lunch to experience the full Thali spread, which is often more elaborate.

• Kathiyawadi King’s Gujarati Restaurant

  dish

  Kathiyawadi Thali, Undhiyu, Bajra Rotla

  cost

  INR 200-350 per person

  area

  MG Rd, Khojakhana

  what makes special

  Specializes in the robust and spicy flavors of Kathiyawadi cuisine, a regional specialty of Gujarat.

  timing hack

  Dinner is a popular time, but try to go slightly before peak hours (7:30 PM) to avoid waiting.

• The Grand Chamunda Restaurant

  dish

  Multi-cuisine, North Indian, Chinese

  cost

  INR 300-500 per person

  area

  Bokhira, Porbandar Dwarka Highway

  what makes special

  A good option for a wider variety of dishes beyond traditional Gujarati, with a comfortable dining experience.

  timing hack

  Ideal for a relaxed dinner after a day of sightseeing outside the main city.

• Saffron Restaurant The Multi Cuisine

  dish

  North Indian, Continental, Gujarati

  cost

  INR 350-600 per person

  area

  Panch Hatdi

  what makes special

  Offers a more upscale dining experience with a diverse menu, suitable for families.

  timing hack

  Reservations might be helpful on weekends, especially for dinner.

• Swagat Restaurant - Best Punjabi and Gujrati Food Restaurant in Porbandar

  dish

  Punjabi curries, Gujarati snacks, Dal Makhani

  cost

  INR 250-450 per person

  area

  MG Rd, Panch Hatdi

  what makes special

  A popular spot for both Punjabi and Gujarati dishes, providing a good balance of flavors.

  timing hack

  Their lunch thali is a great value option.

• Shree Kansar Restaurant

  dish

  Gujarati Thali, Farsan (snacks)

  cost

  INR 200-350 per person

  area

  Panch Hatdi

  what makes special

  Known for its authentic and unlimited Gujarati Thali, offering a true taste of local cuisine.

  timing hack

  Go with an empty stomach to fully enjoy the unlimited thali experience.

• SaltWater Restaurant - Best Non-Veg Restaurant in Porbandar | Best Chicken Restaurant and Seafood Restaurant in Porbandar

  dish

  Seafood (fish, prawns), Chicken dishes

  cost

  INR 400-700 per person

  area

  Bokhira

  what makes special

  One of the few places in Porbandar offering a dedicated non-vegetarian menu, especially fresh seafood.

  timing hack

  Best for dinner to enjoy the fresh catch of the day.

• Lords Inn Porbandar

  dish

  Buffet, Multi-cuisine

  cost

  INR 500-800 per person

  area

  GEB Colony

  what makes special

  Offers a comfortable, modern dining setting within a hotel, good for a reliable multi-cuisine meal.

  timing hack

  Their breakfast buffet is often highly rated if you're staying nearby or looking for an early start.

Gujarati meals are typically lighter for dinner, with lunch being the main, more elaborate meal. Many restaurants close between 3 PM and 7 PM, so plan your meals accordingly.

How much does a day in Porbandar cost?

How do you get around Porbandar?

• Auto-rickshaws

  details

  The most common and convenient mode for short distances within the city. Negotiate fares or ensure meter usage.

  cost

  INR 50-150 per ride

• Local Buses

  details

  Connects various parts of the city and nearby towns. Economical but can be crowded.

  cost

  INR 10-50 per ride

• Taxis/Cabs

  details

  Available for longer distances or day hires. Can be booked through hotels or local operators.

  cost

  INR 1500-3000 for a full day (8 hours/80 km)

• Walking

  details

  Many attractions in the old city area (like Kirti Mandir, markets) are best explored on foot.

  cost

  Free

When is the best time to visit Porbandar?

• October to March offers the most pleasant weather, with cool breezes and comfortable temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and beach activities. Summers (April to June) are hot and humid, while monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rainfall, making outdoor exploration challenging.

What should you pack for Porbandar?

• Light cotton clothing for comfort in the warm climate.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring temples and historical sites.
• A light shawl or scarf for women to cover shoulders/head when visiting religious places.
• Insect repellent, especially if spending evenings near the beach.
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

What does a trip to Porbandar look like?