Porbandar is a city which is nestled along the Arabian Sea in the Western Coast of Saurashtra. It is a harbour city in the Gujarat state of India. Porbandar was originally a fortified town with high rampart walls, bastions and five gates. Though it had lost its fortification by the order of Colonel Lally in 1888 AD, yet even in the present days, it is a ritual of the Hindus to circumambulate the fortification. This thriving port of the Mughal period attracts tourists from all over the country.

Tourism in Porbandar has expanded as the city houses impressive features of planned city and the stone buildings with ashlar masonry and rich carving. Tourists can enjoy the facades of the houses on either side of the streets with carved gateways detailed with eclectic architectural language. In addition to that the city provides the tourists an opportunity to witness the striking temples and beautiful public buildings and edifices overlooking the sea on Marine Drive. The city can be identified as on the list of coastal heritage towns of Gujarat.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Porbandar
The pilgrim spots of the city include the various religious places that dot the city. There are various temples around the district. The shrine at Purnagiri, 20 kilometres from Tanakpur, is a magnificent place to visit. There is also a Sikh shrine near Lohaghat called Ritha Sahib, associated with the visit of Guru Nanak. Kirti Mandir in Porbandar is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi. It is a sacred place visited by the pilgrim tourists. This monument is known for its elegance and speaks about Gandhi family and its prosperity.

Other important temples include Bharat Mandir and Rokadia Hanuman Temple. Bharat Mandir displays pictures, sculptures and symbols portraying Indian culture and religion. This temple is the mirror of Indian tradition. In addition to these temples, the city is incomplete without the visit to the Sudama Mandir and Tara Mandir. The white Manu temple is also most visited site in the city. A powerful goddess who is known to bring rain to these mountains is found to be seated here.

Leisure Tourism in Porbandar
Tourism in Porbandar means the beautiful lakes, monuments as well as museums. Leisure Tourism in Porbandar includes visit to the art and sculpture centres of the city. Rana Sultanji`s Grishma Ghar Hajur Palace, Darbargarh (Chaya), Darbarghar (Shitla Chowk), Rajmahal (Chowpatty), Hajur Court (Revenue office of taluka), Victoria Jubilee Maddressa (School), Old Rajmahal (B. Ed., College), Jubilee Hall (Public Library) and Kirti Mandir are the places visited for their beautiful sculptures. Kirti Mandir has a wonderful Museum as well as a library and a book stall.

Other beautiful sculptures which are admired by the tourists include the Natraj Statue of Arya-Kanya Gurukul and Krishna and a hunter`s statue in the Hindu Crematorium. Shravan`s statue in Rupali Baug (Garden) reflects the artistry of Mr. Jagannath Adivasi and Mr. Arsinh Rana from Porbandar.

The tourists can pay a visit to the Hazur Palace. The palace is a massive European mansion structure which has a large garden at the edge of the sea. The palace has various wings in a zigzag formation that create space for numerous forecourts and rear courtyards. These places were used for gardens and fountains. The structure presents a modern style. It is crowned by trussed timber roofs and balustrade terraces offering a fabulous view of the beach and the sea. The main attraction of the palace is its semi-circular porticoes on neo-classical pillars which offer entry from different sides of the palace.

Daria Rajmahal is another most visited site. It is built in a style that blends Arabic, Indian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The entrance is matchless as it is through a Gothic style archway, crowned by a tall tower that offers a marvelous view of the palace courtyards. The beach beyond, and the sea also presents an exceptional sight. At present though nothing remains of the Durbar Hall yet the palace captivates the tourists` attraction as a palace turned college.

The Darbargadh Palace, built in 1784 by Maharana Sartanji in the typical wood and stone carved style of Gujarat. The beautiful architecture of this period is the Grishmabhuvan, there are pleasure pavilion with impressive domes, exquisite pillars and delicate arches, set in a pleasant garden enhances the landscapes. This pavilion is called Sartanji Choro because of its four part that represent different seasons.

Nature Tourism in Porbandar
Tourism in Porbandar involves bird watching too. The city is a heaven for bird watchers. Great flocks of flamingoes can be watched at a close range around the coastal marshes of Porbandar. Besides bird watching, a tour around the number of lakes around can be a pleasurable activity. Jolingkong and Anchherital are situated at a height of 4,634 meters and 3,658 meters, respectively. Excursions from Porbandar to the places around the city offer unique experience to the tourists.

Shopping in Porbandar
Shopping in Porbandar is yet another leisure activity besides sightseeing. Visitors can procure the handicrafts as well as local fabric of the land.

Connectivity of Porbandar
October to March is the best time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty as well as the historical places of importance in the city. Porbandar is well connected to the other cities of the country. Porbandar to Mumbai daily service is available by Jet Airways. Tourists can travel by train on the Porbandar- Ahmedabad railway line. Roadways are also the convenient way to travel to Porbandar. The city has non-metered auto rickshaws and local buses as local transports.