About Porbandar City
Information about the Porbandar city includes the history, things to do in Porbandar, shopping, food, attractions, nightlife and more. Porbandar city of Gujarat is located on the western coast of Saurashtra facing the Arabian Sea. The city is also the connecting path between the two most important religious places of Gujarat, Somnath & Dwarka. The name of Porbandar arrives from two words Porai and Bandar, which refers to the harbor of Porai, the name of the local goddess. Porbandar city is also the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama, the childhood friend of Shri Krishna. Today Porbandar city is an important destination for tourism and industries. Also, there are many things to see and do in the city which is unique in a sense.
Porbandar City Image Gallery
History of Porbandar City
According to the theology, the city of Porbandar is the birthplace of the Sudama, the childhood friend of the Lord Shree Krishna. And that is why the city was also referred to as Sudamapuri. History of the Porbandar city is attached to the time of the Harappan Civilization. There are many pieces of evidence found during the excavations in and around Porbandar city that reflect the Harappan Legacy in the city with maritime trade to many international and national destinations. Also, there is a discovery of ancient jetties over the Porbandar creeks that reflects the importance of the city in the past. The city of Porbandar was ruled by different emperors at different times, starting from the Jethwa clan of Rajputs then the Mughals and lastly by the Marathas & Gaekwad state of Baroda. The Hazoor Palace built on the shore of Porbandar city by Rana Natwarsinhji speaks about the golden history.
Today, Porbandar is popularly known as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the house where he born turned as a historic place and a museum for tourists to explore. It is called Kirti Mandir. One can explore photographs, few possessions of the family and the reading library about Gandhian Philosophy. The city has been the glorious center for business and trade through the sea to other countries of East Africa, the Gulf, and the Persian region for centuries. While the current trend of the city’s core business lies in the business of manufacturing of cement and chemicals and mines.
Things To See & Do In Porbandar: Porbandar has tons of attractions to explore. The list of things to see and do in Porbandar is unlimited. You can explore some of the ancient architecture like Kirti Mandir, Huzoor Palace, Darbargadh Fort, Sartanji Choro, and Daria Rajmahal. These all ancient attractions in Porbandar will mesmerize you with the ultimate beauty and marvelous history of Porbandar. Best of the things to do in Porbandar also includes the Chowpaty Beach. White seashore at the Porbandar is one of the best picnic spots with lots of fun and food to try. Also known as Willington Marina Beach, Porbandar Chowpati Beach is a favorite hangout destination and hotspot for all the locals. Another must-see destination in Porbandar city is the Sartanji Choro or famously known as Darbargadh fort. It was built by Maharaja Sartanji. It is a 3 floors architecture beauty with four entrance gates into different directions; Kathiawadi Gate in the east, Porbandar Gate on the west, Halar Gate on the north and Junagadh Gate on the South. Few other tourist places in Porbandar city are Jambuvan Cave, Tara Mandir, Kirti Mandir, Krishna – Sudama Temple and Harsiddhi Mata Temple.
Porbandar Chowpati Beach: Porbandar Chowpaty Beach is the most enjoyable place in the city. It is also known as Willingdon Marina Beach. It is the preferred location for every traveler to visit once during their tour to Porbandar. One can enjoy the mesmerizing white sand and tranquil water with a morning or evening walk here. Also, it is a joy to see sunrise and sunset at the Porbandar Chowpaty Beach. There are some water sports activities too.
Shopping In Porbandar: With the sightseeing in Porbandar, the best thing to do is to have some street walking and do local shopping. Many famous items of Porbandar will mesmerize you. The most famous of all is the “Bandhani Work”, a kind of textile fabric used by almost every Gujarati women in dressing. Also, you can find rich varieties of accessories and shoes to dress up with a traditional Gujarati dress. Other authentic wears to buy from Porbandar are its cotton material for Gharchola, Odhani, Laharia, Chunri and Chaniya Choli. There is also another shopping list for you to buy from Porbandar like iron utensils, handmade carpet, mirror work; chakada, wall paintings, handicrafts items, etc. Kundan Jewelry of Porbandar is also very famous.
According to the theology, the city of Porbandar is the birthplace of the Sudama, the childhood friend of the Lord Shree Krishna. And that is why the city was also referred to as Sudamapuri. The city has been the glorious center for business and trade through the sea to other countries of East Africa, the Gulf, and the Persian region for centuries.
Food In Porbandar
If you are in Porbandar then you did not have to worry about what to eat and where to eat. There are plenty of good options available for street food sizzling restaurants. Some of the famous food of Porbandar cities are Khajalee, Dhokla, Khandvi, and Gujarati Thali. All famous Gujarati cousins and Kathiawadi cousins are widely available with good quality and at affordable prices.
Education In Porbandar
Porbandar has a rich history of education since last more than 6 decades. Educationist and businessman Nanji Kalidas Mehta has started a girl’s school in Porbandar many years back named Arya Kanya Gurukul. This might be amongst the very few schools in the state. Even today this school serves with the best of education and overall development of the girls’ students. The city has progressed in many ways when it come s to education. It has all the higher studies options like Pharmacy, Engineering, Management, IT and more. Also, there are teachers’ education college for B. Ed. in the Porbandar.
Porbandar Industries & Economy
Shipping and international trade through sea are the main activities for employment in Porbandar. The city has evidence of trade with Arabian and Persian countries several centuries back. Today cement manufacturing and chemical industries are gaining most of the importance. Also, there is a business of handloom and handicrafts in Porbandar. Mining and minerals are other industries that Porbandar is famous for. And not to forget the fishing industries, the most famous part of the employment generation in the unorganized sector in Porbandar.
Today Porbandar is one of the happening cities of Gujarat and an important industrial cluster of the Saurashtra region. Porbandar brings many things for visitors to explore in a basket. The city is best connected through rail, road, and air.