Incredible India! Porbandar (Gujarat) - The Birthplace of Mahatama Gandhi

Porbandar is a coastal city in the state of Gujarat, perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (Friend of Lord Krishna). Onshore explorations in and around Porbandar brought to light for the first time the remains of a late Harappan settlement dating back to the 16th - 14th century BC, which is similar to that from Dwarka. This is another evidence to suggest that the Harappan legacy of maritime activity continued till the late Harappan period on the Saurashtra coast.

The discovery of ancient jetties along the Porbandar creek signifies the importance of Porbandar as an active centre of maritime activities in the past. The Indian mythology says its the birthplace of Sudhaama (Friend of Lord Krishna), hence its being referred to as Sudhaamapuri or Sudhamapuri. Porbandar was also formerly the seat of the eponymous princely state in British India. It is believed that Porbandar was discovered on Rakshabandhan day.

A picturesque sea port, it has various places of sightseeing interest, including a pleasant beach with beach villas. Other places of interests are Gandhiji's Kirti Mandir, Sudama Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Planetarium, Chowpati, Arya Kanya Gurukul etc. The Sudama Mandir is in reverence to the childhood friend of Lord Krishna, this temple was constructed between 1902 and 1907. It is said that funds were exhausted while this temple was being constructed and the people of Sudamapuri decided to raise the required funds by hosting various drama shows.

Madhavpura lies 60 kms. from Porbandar. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Rukmini got married overhere. A large fair is held in March - April.

Daily bus service is available form Porbandar to Rajkot, Dwarka, Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Surat & Mumbai. Daily trains link to Rajkot (via Jamnagar), Bhanwad, Okha and Mumbai (Via Ahmedabad, Vadodra and Surat). There are also trains to Delhi, Motihari and Howrah. It lies 395 kms from Ahmedabad and 178 kms from Rajkot. Airport Authority of India has built a new terminal building at Porbandar. The Porbandar Airport has daily flight to Mumbai operated by Jet Airways.

Kolkata - The Cultural Capital of India

Quick Facts

Situated at: West Bengal
Also Known As: Capital of West Bengal, Cultural Capital of India, City of Joy
Major Attractions : Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Birla Planetarium, Indian Museum, Eden Garden, Zoological Garden, Dalhousie Square, St.Paul's Cathedral, Nakhoda Mosque and Sunderbans.
Suitable Season To Visit: October to April

Previously known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal state. Set on the banks of the River Hoogly, Kolkata is one of the four metropolitan cities of India. Kolkata has also served as the capital of India during the British rule till 1911 and even one can see the colonial imprints on streets of the city. Fondly referred to as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’, Kolkata is famous for its old culture and traditions, delectable Bengali cuisines and colourful festivals. Kolkata is also famous for its dazzling markets, where shoppers can buy shoes, clothes and several other items at reasonable rate.

Kolkata is well-connected by air, rail and road with important places of West Bengal and rest of the country. For accommodation the hotel has numerous hotels ranging from five stars to economic hotels. Also called the city of joy and offers a lot to please the visitors.


Some of the tourist attractions of the city are:
Victoria Memorial: Victoria Memorial is an elegant edifice built in while-marble. Victoria Memorial was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Constructed in the year 1921, with an attempt to match the Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial presents an excellent combination of classical European architecture and Mughal architectural style. The white marble memorial has a fine collection of rare items belonging to the British Raj.

Howrah Bridge: An engineering marvel, Howrah Bridge is a hanging bridge, without any pylon in the river. Hawrah Bridge is the principle landmark of the city, runs over the Hoogly River and connects the Hawrah Junction with the city.

Birla Planetarium: One of the biggest planetariums of Inda, Birla Planetarium is a fine place for entertainment and infotainment. Birla Planetarium hosts regular astronomical shows in Hindi, Bengali and English. Astronomical shows are held on held on all weekday (closed on Mondays).

Indian Museum: Indian Museum was constructed in 1875, in the Italian style of architecture. The museum has six sections for Art, Archeology, Anthropology, Geology, Zoology and Industry (Economic Botany). The museum has a rare collection of antiques including more than 54000 coins, some over 2400 years old.

Eden Garden: Eden Garden one of the biggest cricketing ground of the world is one of the prime attractions of Kolkata. Supposed to be the largest in Asia, Eden Gardens has a seating capacity of more than one lakh spectators.

Alipore Zoological Garden: Alipore Zoological Garden, popularly known as Chidiakhana is situated near the National Library at Belvedre Road. The Chidiakhana is home to Lions, tigers, giraffe and other anima specias. Avian species also live in the zoo.

Dalhousie Square & Writers' Building: Dalhousie Square is the administrative centre of the city, having a lake at its centre. Writer's building is the prime attraction here, which represents rare Gothic-style architecture. Till the mid-19th century, the Writer's building was the place of residence for the junior servants of the East India Company. Presntly the Writers building houses the Secretariat of West Bengal Government.

Fort William: Fort William is one of the most impressive edifices of British Raj in Kolkata. Built of brick-and-mortar in the shape of an irregular octagon, the fort has six gates namely Chowringhee, Plassey, Calcutta, Water gate, St Georges and Treasury Gate. Fort William also has a museum with a fine collection of arms, armours, swords, muskets and machine guns. Now the fort serves as main hub of the Indian army in Eastern India.

Sunderbans Tiger Reserve: Situated at a distance of 112 kms from Kolkata, Sunderbans is World's largest mangrove forests and delta. Sunderbans houses the biggest colony of the Royal Bengal Tigers. The Tiger Reserve also houses Chital Deer, Rhesus Monkey, Ridley Sea Turtle, King Cobra, Rock Python, Crocodiles Water Monitor and several other bird species.

Weekend getaways from Hyderabad

Hyderabad the capital of South India state of Andhra Pradesh is popularly known as ‘City of Nizams’. A historical city, Hyderabad is known all over the country for its centuries old culture and traditions, which is visible in dressing and foods of city people. Hyderabad is home to a number of tourist attractions including the Chraminar, Hussain Sagar Lake, NTR Gardens, Salarganj Museum, Mecca Masjid and much more. From Hyderabad you take short excursion to a number of interesting places. Some of the famous getaways from Hyderabad are :

Golconda Fort (11 kms) : A massive fort, Golconda Fort is 11 kms west of old Hyderabad, noted for its heritage wealth. Set 122 m above the plain, Golconda Fort was the capital of the erstwhile Qutub Shahi Kings from 1518 to 1590 AD. One of the most impressive forts in India, Golconda Fort is in ruins now as many structures inside the citadel have destroyed due to battles or other reasons. Despite the severe damages, the ruins of the fort provides a fair idea of the original structure. Sound and Light held daily in the fort is the major attraction and provides good information about the fort history. Buses are offered at regular interval by the Hyderabad Tourist Office to the fort.

Ramoji Film City (35 kms, 1 hour) : India’s biggest film city, Ramoji Film City is just 35 kms away from Hyderabad. Set amidst the hills, Ramoji film city has a number of scenic locations and film sets. You will really get fascinated after entering the film city, as it looks like a fairy world. If you are lucky enough, you may also see the shooting of Tamil or Hindi films. Ramoji Film City offer shuttle services for visitors, which took you to every nook and corner of the film city. So, visit the film city to lose yourself in a dream world of cinema and glitz.

Nagarjunakonda (150 kms,5 Hours) : A holy place for Buddhists, Nagarjunakonda is 150 kms south-east of Hyderabad. Nagarjunakonda is an ancient place having religious importance. It is said that around the 2nd century BC, the Buddhist sage Nagarjuna lived here and spread the philosophy of Shunyata (the void). In 1920s the excavations unearthed the ruins of Buddist stupas and chaityas. At the original site of Nagarjunakonda you can see monasteries, stupas and an Aswamedha sacrificial altar.

Other major attractions are a 14th century fort, medieval temples and a museum looking like a Buddhist vihara. The museum has a fine collection of Buddhist relics, friezes, jewellery, coins and statues, including a partially ruined statue of the Buddha. A tooth and an ear-ring that belonged to the Sakyamunni are major highlights of the museum. From the viewpoint near the dam, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the valley and feel the soothing spray from the Ethipothala waterfalls. Also visit Anupu, which is home to ancient Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas and Viharas. During your Nagarjunakonda tour, make an excursion to Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, a Project Tiger reserve the sanctuary provides shelter to diverse reptiles, birds and animals.

Warangal (157kms, 4 hours) : If you are interested in historical sites, then Warangal is a must visit place for you from Hyderabad. Once the capital of Kakatiyas in the 12th to 14th centuries,Warangal is home to a number of stone temples and forts. The Warangal Fort now mostly in ruin was erected by Ganapati Deva and his daughter Rudramma. There are four massive stone gateways to enter the fort and move inside the fort to see a number of ruined structures including the crumbling Swayambhu temple, a shrine dedicated to Shiva. Next visit the Thousand Pillared Temple an excellent example of ornate Kakatiya architecture, while the Bhadrakali Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. From Warangal you can also visit the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary (50 kms) which is a reserve for tigers, panthers, sambhars and other wildlife. Palampet, 60 km from Warangal, is home to the magnificent Ramappa Temple and the Ramappa Cheruvu lake.

Srisailam (232 kms, 6 hours) : A famous getaway from Hyderabad, Srisailam offers a unique combination of a pilgrimage centre and wildlife sanctuary. Situated on the banks of the river Krishna amidst the Nallamalai Hills, Srisailam is an interesting place having immense historical and religious importance. Srisailam in home to a Shiva temple that is considered to be one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas. The Shiva temple is open for people of all religion and everyone is allowed to pray here and touch the Lord's feet. Srisailam wildlife sanctuary, India's largest tiger reserve, spreads over an area of 3568 sq km. Here you can see blackbuck, chinkara, spotted deer, nilgai, pangolins, panthers,tigers, leopards, soft-shelled turtles, porcupines, crocodiles, and a variety of animal and avian species.