Waghai Botanical Gardens

2 km past Waghai, the nearest town, the garden and Bio-Diversity Conservation center have a wide range of native and exotic plant samples from which you can learn to identify plants, learn how they are used for food and medicine, and how much we depend on them. There is a nature education trail which leads you to and from Vansda Park. You might not find people to welcome and orient you, but there is plenty of written information about the plants posted around the center. The garden is open from 8am-6pm and entry is free.

Transport

By road: The park lies close to National Highway 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. The nearest town is Waghai, 4km away. It is 28 km from Ahwa, 40 km from Billimora, and 60 km from Saputara. The area is easiest explored with a private vehicle, but public transport is available, though less convenient. There are buses from Surat, Billimora, and Valsad to Vansda village, and from there you can hire a jeep to the park for about Rs 50/- per person. There are no taxi operations close to Vansda, but you can also get a cab from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad.

By ST bus, Ahwa, the district headquarters and on a plateau from which begins the ascenscion from Waghai to Saputara, is often the most convenient place to arrive in the Dangs.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai. The narrow gauge rail link connecting Ahwa to Billimora runs through the park, but ask around to check if its still functioning when you come here.

By air: The nearest airport is in Surat, 120 km away.

Kilad Nature Education Campsite

This education center is in the south east part of the park along the Ambika river. It is located at the Dang Forest Division on the way to the Waghai Botanical Garden. It offers visitors a unique and exciting opportunity to stay in the forest and make friends with it. After an evening campfire under the stars you can spend the night at the center. In the morning you can hire a guide (Rs. 50) to take you through the forest and tell you the names of trees and their uses, show you leopard tracks, how to recognize birds by their song, and other such secrets. There is a fantastic 3-story tree house made of bamboo which is perfect for early morning birdwatching. Entry to the center is free. Visitors must get permission a few days in advance from the Range Forest Officer, Tel: +91 230 230057. There are basic bath and toilet facilities.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
4 Cottages
10 Tented Accomodations with separate bathing & toilet facilites
3 Huts
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Nature Education Camp
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
The Camsite has a Solar Electricity Supply, hence the tourists are requested to use the electricity only when and where it is required
Food is availabe with the help of ETC (Eco Tourism Committee)

Transport

By road: The park lies close to National Highway 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. The nearest town is Waghai, 4km away. It is 28 km from Ahwa, 40 km from Billimora, and 60 km from Saputara. The area is easiest explored with a private vehicle, but public transport is available, though less convenient. There are buses from Surat, Billimora, and Valsad to Vansda village, and from there you can hire a jeep to the park for about Rs 50/- per person. There are no taxi operations close to Vansda, but you can also get a cab from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad.

By ST bus, Ahwa, the district headquarters and on a plateau from which begins the ascenscion from Waghai to Saputara, is often the most convenient place to arrive in the Dangs.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai. The narrow gauge rail link connecting Ahwa to Billimora runs through the park, but ask around to check if its still functioning when you come here.

By air: The nearest airport is in Surat, 120 km away.

Padamdungari Eco Camping

Padamdungari is a campsite located at about 30 km from Vyara town, and 8 km from Unai village. It is situated amongst the Sahyadri ranges, by the river Ambica. Treks, trails, winding up and down the hillocks, sunset activity, observation towers, relaxing woodlands, and medicinal groves are proposed attractions when you visit Padamdungari. The scenic site has deep, dense, multi-storied forests, genetic diversity, rocky, undulating, & enriched landscapes. The fauna consists of big cats, lesser canines, herbivores, birds, reptiles, aquatic animals.

The campsite consists of Tourist huts, a Reception cum interpretation centre, other Facilities / utilities, nature trails, good approach roads and capacity buildings for local people. A visit to nearby religious places like Chand-surya, Unai Hot Springs & Ghusmaai temples, Waghai botanical gardens, timber workshop, Vansda National Park & Shabri Dham is also possible. Activities like tubing, rafting, floating etc. on river Ambika can also be planned.

Facilities:

Orientation Centre
2 AC & 8 Non AC Cottages
Tented Accomodations with separate bathing & toilet facilites
Separate Kitchen & Dining places
Beautifully, Well-Designed Amphitheatre
Separate area for Campfire
Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
A small rescue centre for injured wildlife animals

Transport

By road: The park lies close to National Highway 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. The nearest town is Waghai, 4km away. It is 28 km from Ahwa, 40 km from Billimora, and 60 km from Saputara. The area is easiest explored with a private vehicle, but public transport is available, though less convenient. There are buses from Surat, Billimora, and Valsad to Vansda village, and from there you can hire a jeep to the park for about Rs 50/- per person. There are no taxi operations close to Vansda, but you can also get a cab from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad.

By ST bus, Ahwa, the district headquarters and on a plateau from which begins the ascenscion from Waghai to Saputara, is often the most convenient place to arrive in the Dangs.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai. The narrow gauge rail link connecting Ahwa to Billimora runs through the park, but ask around to check if its still functioning when you come here.

By air: The nearest airport is in Surat, 120 km away.

Unai Hot Springs

Unai hot water spring in Gujarat is one of the tourist places situated in the beautiful village of Unai. This village is located in the district of Surat, which a major part of Gujarat. This village houses the hot water spring named after the village. The hot spring has the unusual power of curing several skin diseases that can’t be cured by the allopathic medicines. Sulphur and phosphorous naturally dissolved in these waters are effective for the human body.

Transport

By road: The park lies close to National Highway 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. The nearest town is Waghai, 4km away. It is 28 km from Ahwa, 40 km from Billimora, and 60 km from Saputara. The area is easiest explored with a private vehicle, but public transport is available, though less convenient. There are buses from Surat, Billimora, and Valsad to Vansda village, and from there you can hire a jeep to the park for about Rs 50/- per person. There are no taxi operations close to Vansda, but you can also get a cab from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad.

By ST bus, Ahwa, the district headquarters and on a plateau from which begins the ascenscion from Waghai to Saputara, is often the most convenient place to arrive in the Dangs.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai. The narrow gauge rail link connecting Ahwa to Billimora runs through the park, but ask around to check if its still functioning when you come here.

By air: The nearest airport is in Surat, 120 km away.

Vansda National Park

With trees reaching a height of 120 ft. the forests of Vansda are dense and varied. With the rain gods being generous (over 2,000 mm rainfall), parts of the Park have moist deciduous forest with kaatas bamboo. Dry deciduous forest occurring in other areas has 'manvel' bamboo and adds to the diversity of habitats.

The variety of plants (over 450 species) keeps our eyes searching for more and leaves us content at the end of the day. Beautiful Orchids are a sight to behold thanks to their dainty and pretty flowers. Even a rotting log is decorated with ferns and mushrooms. The 'bracket fungus' on logs and tree trunks will definitely catch your attention. You may also come across a wild relative of the banana plant.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but in Vansda it's everywhere in different forms. Small creatures with their amazing diversity are the real treasures. Among these are over 60 species of butterflies and 121 species of spiders. The largest of the spiders of Gujarat - the Giant wood spider is common here. In fact, recently 8 new species of spiders were reported from Vansda. A trip here means getting lost in observing myriads of insects, centipedes, millipedes and snails. And to stop you in your tracks are the elusive snakes of which there are over 30 species. About 11 types of frogs and toads ensure that the snakes continue to thrive here.

For the bird-watcher too there are 115 species of birds including those found only in the Western Ghats like the Great Black Woodpecker, Malabar Trogon, Shama and Emerald Dove. Other noteworthy avian wonders include the Grey Hornbill, Racket-Tailed Drongo, Paradise Flycatcher, Leaf birds, Thrushes and Sunbirds. Although Vansda has lost the Tiger, Wild Dog, Otter, Sambar and Sloth bear; it still boasts a good diversity of mammals such as the Leopard, Hyena, Jungle Cat, Civets, Mongooses, Macaques, Barking Deer, Four-horned antelopes and the only herd of Spotted Deer in this part of the State.

Visitors must get permission a few days in advance, and it is advisable to call before you make the journey to make sure that the park is not closed due to bad weather and road conditions. There is no camping allowed. Entrance fee is Rs. 20/- per person for Indians, 5 USD per person for Foreigners, and Rs 200/- per vehicle (light motor vehicle), though these fees are subject to change.

Transport

By road: The park lies close to National Highway 8 and is bisected by the Waghai-Vansda State Highway. The nearest town is Waghai, 4km away. It is 28 km from Ahwa, 40 km from Billimora, and 60 km from Saputara. The area is easiest explored with a private vehicle, but public transport is available, though less convenient. There are buses from Surat, Billimora, and Valsad to Vansda village, and from there you can hire a jeep to the park for about Rs 50/- per person. There are no taxi operations close to Vansda, but you can also get a cab from Surat, Bilimora or Valsad.

By ST bus, Ahwa, the district headquarters and on a plateau from which begins the ascenscion from Waghai to Saputara, is often the most convenient place to arrive in the Dangs.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai. The narrow gauge rail link connecting Ahwa to Billimora runs through the park, but ask around to check if its still functioning when you come here.

By air: The nearest airport is in Surat, 120 km away.

Shabari Dham

Filled with fascinating mythology, this serene temple is supposed to have been where Lord Rama met Shabari while searching for his wife Sita and ate the berries she offered him, after tasting each one to make sure it was good. Three stones on which Lord Rama, his brother Lakshman and Shabari are said to have sat are still worshipped. Pampa lake, about 6 km from Shabari Dham, is a water source associated with a story of Lord Rama’s bathing.

Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km. 186 Km - Distance from Saputara Hill-Station to shabri dham via mahal.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Nageshwar Mahadev

Nageshwar Mahadev Temple Built in the Dravidian style of temple construction, this temple is not only an architectural masterpiece but also one of the most revered holy places of the region.

Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Saputara Tribal Museum

Saputara Tribal Museum is a small museum with a tribal theme, displaying the lifestyle, ornaments, musical instruments, agricultural implements, house objects of day-to-day use of native Dangis. It provides an insight into the tribes of Dang. Timings: 10.30am to 05.00pm. Entry fees: for students – Re 1, adults – Rs 2 and for foreigners Rs 50.

Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Pandava Gufa

The Pandav Gufas are believed to be the caves which Pandavas used during their vanavasa to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.





Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Sitavan

The green woods of Saputara have history and mythology as dense as their foliage. The name means "Sita's forest". Legend goes that Lord Ram spent 11 of his 14 years in exile traversing these forests.

Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Gira Waterfalls

Breathtakingly beautiful around monsoon, these seasonal (only after rains) falls are among the most picturesque sights in the district. Located about 3 km from Waghai town, the Gira waterfall is a 30 m natural drop into the Ambica River. It is open to public and accessible by jeeps on hire.

Transport

By road: The town of Waghai is 51 km away. Ahmedabad: 409 km. Surat: 164 km. Mumbai: 250 km. Vadodara: 309 km.

There are State Transport buses and private luxury coaches from Waghai and Ahmedabad. If you are coming by a private car, than National Highway might be quicker, but the state highway will offers a stunningly scenic drive.

By rail: The nearest railway station is Waghai, on the Billimora-Waghai narrow gauge section of the Western Railway. For those coming from Gujarat via Surat or Ahmedabad or even from Mumbai, Billimora is the more convenient rail head, and a direct bus service is available from there.

By air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.

Saputara

Saputara is a city and a hill station municipality in the Dang district of Gujarat state in India.

In winter, at the spill of dawn, trek up to the Gandhi Shikhar as the river of light bathes the streams over undulating mountains and the drifting birds, into a magical dance of awakening.

In rains, breathe in the rolling hills of Saputara, echoing green hues, lush with flowers, and watch the meditating rain drops sitting still on sloping leaves. Some of the thickest forest cover in the state envelops you.

In summer, walk carefree on the expanse of the Governor’s hill and see the sun dip into the Saputara lake as the sky begins to shimmer with stars.

As your bus chugs uphill, crisscrossing over the Ambika river, you leave all the congestion of towns and cities far below you and enter the spirit world of tribal people. Nestled in the Sahyadri range, at an altitude of about 1000 m, this Dangi enclave derives its name from the Snake god revered by the tribals and translates as ‘the abode of serpents’, Saputara.

In spite of being the only hill station of Gujarat, it is minimally commercialized, still unspoiled.

Sight-seeing

Artist Village : This is a place to not only see and buy the tribal artifacts on display, but also to get your hands to work. You will feel welcomed and inspired to try out warli painting or craft tribal objects. Run by Chandrakant Parmar and Surya Goswami, it is a good place to learn about the culture of this region, especially for school groups. The community also provides simple accommodation for a very reasonable cost.

Vansda National park : Originally, a private forest of maharaja of Vansada, the park now covers on area of 24 km². Despite its small size the park harbours tiger, leopard, pangolin, Rusty-spotted Cat, python, giant squirrel, four-horned antelope etc. Prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden, or DFO, Ahwa, is required before visiting the park.

Purna Sanctuary: Covering an area of 160 km², Purna Sanctuary is a part of a dense moist deciduous forest in the Western Ghat of Gujarat. Situated at Mahal, 60 km north of Dangs, the sanctuary is crossed by Purna and Gira rivers. There are bamboo-lined pathways for trekkers. Prior permission is necessary for visiting.

Boating: The Saputara Lake surrounded by greenery makes it pleasurable to sail in the lake in a row or paddle boat.

Sunrise Point: It is a point which offers the best view of Saputara and adjoining Malegoan could be reached after a walk of 1.5 km in the direction of Waghai. The naming restricts the tourist traffic to this best place as tourists believe that the point should only be visited at sun rise, however, one may visit it at any time of the day to catch a panoramic view. The Tata Consultancy Services has suggested renaming this point as Valley View Point to enhance tourist traffic.

Sunset Point: Gives a breathtaking view of a vast spans of Dang Forest. It provides an aerial view of distant villages in forest. This thick forest around Saputara is dotted with Adivasi (tribal) villages.

The Ropeway: A ten minutes ride across the valley to the sunset point organised by Hotel Vaity.

Gira falls: Makes an excellent excursion option from Saputara. Just 52 km away from Saputara the Gira Waterfalls should not be missed especially during the months of June to November.

Gardens: Rose Garden, as the name suggests, is a spectacular garden with many variety of Roses. Step Garden is a garden set up in steps. On the steps are laid beautiful plants and flower pots. Another garden is Lake Garden on the banks of Saputara Lake, which is an excellent picnic spot. All these gardens make Saputara a beautiful place. Gardens: One another attractive place in Saputara, step garden has the unique feature of a garden set up in steps. Well laid out steps are adorned with beautiful plants, flower pots ... (more) One another attractive place in Saputara, step garden has the unique feature of a garden set up in steps. Well laid out steps are adorned with beautiful plants, flower pots and in the midst of nice woods. There is a forest hut for the comfortable stay of the visitors, placed amidst the garden. The Garden is well maintained and offer many varieties of flowers and plants. Garden has open space for children to roam around. This is a nice place to spend the evenings away from town bustle and hustle.

The hill resort of Saputara promises to refresh the tourists throughout the year with its cool weather. Saputara does not experience any extreme temperature variations and is an ideal getaway for the sun-scorched souls of the plains. The monsoon rains add to the magic of Saputara. Thus you may plan your trip to the Saputara hills any time of the year the best time is from middle of March to middle of November.

Transport

Saputara is 172 km from Surat, 80 km from Nashik, 280 km from Mumbai, 80 km from Bilimora 420 km from Ahmedabad, 300 km from Vadodara, 589 km from Bhavnagar, 603 km from Rajkot.

Air: Surat is the nearest airport, 172 km away, Mumbai is the nearest international airport 225 km away.
Rail: Bilimora is the nearest railway station on Western Railways. There is a narrow gauge (0.7 m) (small train) from Bilimora to Vaghai.
Road : Bus facility is available from Chikhli, Bilimora, Nasik and Surat.

Tara Mandir

The Tara Mandir, in Porbandar belies its name as it not a temple at all but a planetarium, built solely by the donation of Shri Nanjibhai. ‘Tara’ is actually Gujarati for stars. What lends further regard to the place is that it is one of the maiden two planetariums in India to be started by the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Housed within the Mandir is an overhead round screen, adeptly projected on which are detailed renditions of the moon, stars and other heavenly bodies.

There are no particular timings for visiting the planetarium.

Transport

Tara Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Bharat Mandir

The Bharat Mandir, also known as temple of India, is one of its kind in India as it is dedicated to the country ‘Bharat’. The temple is located opposite to Nehru Planetarium called ‘Tara Mandir’ in a garden. The hall of this temple has a huge relief map of India on the floor. The temple houses stone carvings and brass reliefs of heroes from Hindu mythology on the pillars. The place is filled with pictures and sculptures representing Indian culture and religion.





Transport

Bharat Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Sudama Mandir

Sudama Puri, the earlier name of Porbandar in the State of Gujarat, India is famous for the shrine by the same name.

The Sudama Mandir at Porbandar, constructed between 1902 and 1907, holds a great historic and religious significance. It is said that due to the depletion of funds during the time of its construction, the devotees collected money by organizing drama shows.





The Sudama Mandir is a beautiful shrine dedicated to Sudama, the best friend and devotee of Lord Krishna. The temple, located in the center of the Porbandar city, is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to this ardent devotee of Lord Krishna.

Story Of Sudama

Sudama was from a poor family. His father's name is Matuka and His mother is Rocana-devi. Krishna was from the royal family. But this difference in social status did not come in the way of their friendship. They lost contact over the years and while Krishna became a military leader and King of great repute at Dwaraka, Sudama stayed as a humble and somewhat impoverished villager.

Some time later when Sudama was going through some bad times, not even having enough money to feed his children, his wife Susheela reminded him of his friendship with Krishna.

Though initially reluctant to go to his friend for help, Sudama finally agrees to go. He leaves with nothing but some beaten rice tied in a cloth as a present. He remembers that beaten rice (Chirha/Chirhe in Bengali, avalakki in Kannada, avil in Tamil and Malayalam, powa/poha/Chewda in Hindi, pohe in Marathi and atukulu in Telugu) is Krishna's favorite and decided to give this as a gift to the Lord.

Krishna is greatly pleased to see his old friend. He treats him royally and with much love. Overwhelmed by all this Sudama forgets to ask for what he actually came for. But the Lord realises what His friend needs, and the Lord's consort Rukmini, incarnation of Lakshmi, gifts him with his desires. On his return journey, Sudama ponders his circumstances and is thankful for the great friend he has in Lord Krishna. When Sudama finally returns to his home, he finds a palatial mansion instead of the hut he had left. He also finds his family dressed in extremely nice garb and waiting for him. He lives an austere life after that, always thankful to the Lord.

Sudama was Lord Krishna’s classmate and a very intimate friend. Lord Krishna was a king. Sudama was a moneyless, poor Brahmin. This difference did not come in way of their true friendship. Sudama went to Dwarka to meet Krishna. He carried a very humble gift to be presented to Lord Krishna. What did he carry? Some books say he carried pohe (beaten rice), while some books and movies say he carried sattu powder (peeth). This confusing difference is because Sudama carried neither sattu nor pohe. He carried with him a combination of sattu and pohe called “sattu-peeth pohe”.[citation needed] It is an exclusive speciality of Samvadi Lad Brahmins to which Sudama belonged. That Sudhama was a Samvadi Lad Brahmin is more or less widely accepted; whether his home town was Bhurgakacha (Bhadoch) or Porbander is a point on which minor difference of opinion exist.

Shri Krishna-Sudama is an immortal example of real, non-materialistic friendship. It is a perpetual symbolic definition of real friendship. Sattu-peeth pohe is a very tasty, ready-to-serve, easy-to-carry food. In it poha (beaten rice) is smeared with sattu while it is fried. Sattu peeth is prepared from grama (phutana) and wheat flour.

Lord Brahma replied, "O Tulasi, Sudama was a partial expansion of Krsna and was one of Krsna's cowherd boyfriends in Goloka. As a result of a curse by Radharani, he is presently living on earth among the Danavas (demons). His name is Sankhacuda. He is very energetic and no one can compare with him in strength. While living in Goloka, he was very attracted to you and wanted to marry you. But because he feared Radharani, he did not make any overtures.

Transport

Sudama Mandir is located in middle of Porbandar City. So you will reach by Bus,Auto,Private Vehicle etc.

Sandipani Vidyaniketan

On the grounds of the Sandipani Vidyaniketan, stands the monumental and breathtaking structure of the Shri Hari Mandir. Measuring 105 ft, held up by 66 pillars, capped by beautifully carved domes, it is the hallmark of Sandipani. The temple is incomparable in its exquisitely designed architecture and aesthetic precision. While the structure is a visual delight, the deities residing within are the personification of Pujya Bhaishri’s faith and ardent devotion. In accordance with Pujya Bhaishri’s vision the Mandir has been built to provide Rishikul students practical training in performing rituals and for the mandir to become an epicentre of culture and spirituality. The Shri Hari Mandir was completed in 2006 and a grand event, ‘Sandipani Mandir Mahotsav’, marked the opening of the Mandir.

The Shri Hari Mandir has the deities of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Bhagavan, Shri Radha Krishna Bhagavan, Shri Janki Vallabh Bhagavan, Shri Karunamayi Maa, Shri Chandramauleshwar Bhagavan, Shri Hanumanji, Shri Ganeshji and Shri Veda Bhagavan.

An oasis of peace and harmony, the mandir also has an auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2000, which is the hub of numerous spiritual and cultural activities. The mandir complex sits in beautifully landscaped scenery making it a wondrous sight to behold. With a special play area for children and seating areas, families love to visit the mandir, partake in the aarti in the evenings and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of Sandipani.

Transport

Shri Hari Mandir in Sandipani is situated 5 km from the city of Porbandar, opposite the airport.

Porbandar is well connected by road, rail and air. Flights to Porbandar depart from Mumbai six days a week. Other nearby airports include Rajkot and Jamnagar. Trains and buses arrive every morning and evening from all nearby cities in Gujarat. Porbandar is 400km from Ahmedabad, 180km from Rajkot and 120km from Jamnagar. Rikshaws are available from the airport to Sandipani campus.

Kirti Mandir

Let us begin our journey where Gandhi began his. On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a 3-storey blue haveli in the city of Porbandar, where his father, uncle and grandfather had all been prime ministers to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state.

The site of Gandhi’s birth, now called Kirti Mandir, has been converted into a small museum about him, with an exhibit of old photographs, some of his very few possessions and a nice library of books either by him or relating to Gandhian philosophy and practice.

The original three storied house is built like a Haveli, purchased by the great grand father of Mahatmaji, Shri Harjivan Raidas Gandhi, some two hundred years before, in the seventeenth century, from a local woman and the upper stories were added over the years. It was this house where Gandhiji's father Karamchand, uncle, Tulsidas and grandfather Uttamchand lived, who had all been Prime Ministers (Dewan) to the Jethwa Rajput rulers of the princely state of Porbandar.

The foundation stone of modern structure and attractive Kirti Mandir was laid in 1947 during the lifetime of Gandhiji by Shree Darbar Gopaldas Desai. The whole credit of constructing this national memorial of Mahatma Gandhiji goes to the famous industrialist, Nanjibahi Kalidas Mehta, who not only initiated the idea to build a memorial but also donated the whole money purchase the ancestral house and also to build new complex called Kirti Mandir.

The memorial was completed in 1950, by which time Gandhiji was no more. The memorial was named Kirti Mandir and then Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inaugurated and declared open this place for public on May 27, 1950. Afterwards this beautiful memorial was handed over to the Central Government of India.
The height of the temple is of 79 feet symbolizes the 79 years of lifespan of Gandhiji. The monument Kirti Mandir is symbol of religious integration of six religions, the architectural elements of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi temple, Church and Mosque are symbolized at Kirti Mandir integrate, which symbolize Gandhiji’s respect towards all religion.
The whole the architecture of the Kirti Mandir was done by Shri Prushottambhai Mistry, a resident of Porbandar.[1][2] He completed construction within two years of time limit by working for days and night himself.