The city of Porbander is mythologically linked to Lord Krishna and Sudama. A historic port and capital of the Jetwa Rajputs, a dynasty that ruled this area for 2000 years, the capital was moved as they faced defeat, they came back to power and finally settled in Porbandar in the 18th century. It is now famous for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi family were the hereditary Diwans of Porbandar. On October 2, 1869, Karamchand Gandhi, prime minister to the Jetwas had a son, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. But Mahatma Gandhi was not the only mahatma associated with Porbandar. Swami Vivekanand had done much of his research in Porbandar, and Rabindranath Tagore visited the city for a considerable period in 1923.

Huzoor Palace is a massive structure like a European mansion, sprawling, with a large garden at the edge of the sea. A short walk from the Huzoor Palace leads to Daria Rajmahal, Probandar’s sea facing city palace, built in a style that blends Arabic, Indian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The mid 19th century Haveli of the Gandhi family has three stories around a courtyard with a kitchen, 17 rooms and a wooden shrine. Next to the Haveli is the Kirti Mandir, built in 1950 by Nanaji Bhai Kalidas as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. This monument has paintings of the Mahatma and his wife Kasturba with a pictorial display and library of books of the life of the Mahatma and his part in the struggle for India’s freedom. Walking down from Kirti Mandir is Darbargadh Palace, built in 1784 by Maharana Sartanji in the typical wood and stone carved style of Gujarat. Porbandar is a paradise for bird watchers. Great flocks of flamingoes, both greater and lesser, can be seen at a remarkably close range around the coastal marshes.