Porbandar is a common name for every student in India as it is famous for being Mahatma Gandhi‘s birthplace. But what I didn’t know till our driver told us was that Porbandar is also believed to be the birthplace of Sudama. As per Hindu mythology, Sudama was a Brahmin childhood friend of Lord Krishna and both of them had studied together. While the story of Sudama visiting Krishna in Dwarka is a common tale, what is not common knowledge is the fact that Sudama hailed from Porbandar. There are some quite important places in Porbandar from a historical and religious standpoint. And hence, Porbandar sightseeing with kids and family can actually turn into a good educational trip.
Kirti Mandir: Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace
What I was expecting was a modest house as I walked through the narrow road surrounded by jewelry shops, as Mahatma Gandhi is associated with simplicity and modesty. However, I was intrigued to find a three-storied haveli that used to be the ancestral house of the Gandhi family.
The memorial has two parts. The older portion of the memorial is the house that Gandhiji’s grandfather bought in the 17th century and later the upper floors were added later. As you step through the courtyard into the house, you get a glimpse of how traditional Gujarati houses looked centuries ago. The haveli looks beautiful and welcoming with its dark green windows and doorways.
You can see the room where Mahatma Gandhi was born, infact the exact spot is marked with a swastika where his mother’s bed was placed. There are thick ropes suspended from the ceiling that can be used for support as you climb the steep stairs to the higher floors. Not much is there in the rooms now except an occasional trunk and some utensils in the kitchen.
What fascinated me though were traditional mosaic designs that were painted on the walls in the upper floor rooms. There aren’t many descriptions inside the house, so it is more like taking a tour of the house on your own, which is fun too.
The other part of the complex is the modern building that was built by the donations of the people of Porbandar. The memorial has life-size paintings of the Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi. The rooms on either side of the memorial have personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi and his family members.
The exhibition gallery on the first floor has many black and white photographs from Gandhiji’s lifetime. It took me about an hour to look at and read about these important chapters of Gandhiji’s life, his friends and followers. It is a wonder to see so many historical events come to life in these photographs, like a refresher course in India’s struggle for freedom.
If you have more time during your Porbandar sightseeing trip, do walk to the other side of Kirti Mandir through the gateway into the marketplace surrounded by the old neighborhood. Many of these houses look centuries old and this busy chowk in the heart of the town is a good place to look for some souvenirs.
Sudama temple
An ancient temple built in the early 20th century, Sudamapuri is believed to be the birthplace of Sudama. Hundreds of devotees visit this temple that is dedicated to Sudama, Krishna’s friend and devotee. You will see many newlyweds here as the locals believe that it is very auspicious to visit this temple and seek blessings after marriage.
“Pass the maze and you will attain moksha” said the gentleman sitting next to me as I smiled. Nothing grand but a modest temple truly signifying the simple and poor brahmin, Sudama who unconditionally loved his friend, Krishna.
Huzoor Palace
The next recommendation for Porbandar sightseeing with kids was the Huzoor Palace built by Rana Natwarsinhji, the last Maharaja of the princely state of Porbandar. Located on the beach, it is also one of the most perfect place to witness the sunset across the Arabian sea.
The palace is not open to the public but you can still see the grandeur of the palace standing from the beach. A strong reminder of the glorious days it would have seen, Huzoor Palace is a must inclusion in your Porbandar sightseeing trip if you are a heritage traveler.
Porbandar beach
A clean and beautiful beach and a great place to spend your evening while Porbandar sightseeing with kids and family. There is a children’s park that is mostly crowded with kids. Some street food and tea stalls are set up, right next to the road to the beach.
We halted on the beach while returning from Junagadh and had a lovely time. However, do pack up before dark as the area doesn’t seem to be well lit up at night.
