Sartanji Choro, Porbandar
Dwarka, Gujarat · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Tucked into the lanes of Porbandar's old town, a short walk behind the Sudama temple, Sartanji Choro is one of the quiet architectural treasures of Gujarat's Kathiawar coast. The name "choro" refers to a raised community or leisure pavilion, and this one was conceived as a Grishmabhuvan, a summer retreat, where the ruler and his court could gather in the cooler upper storeys away from the coastal heat. It is an easy, rewarding detour on the Dwarka pilgrimage circuit for travellers who enjoy stepping off the main temple trail to find carved stone and layered local history.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses near the Sudama temple
- ✦Pure-veg snack counters for dhokla, khaman and fafda in the old-town bazaar
- ✦Simple vegetarian bhojanalayas near Kirti Mandir
About
Tucked into the lanes of Porbandar's old town, a short walk behind the Sudama temple, Sartanji Choro is one of the quiet architectural treasures of Gujarat's Kathiawar coast.
- The name "choro" refers to a raised community or leisure pavilion, and this one was conceived as a Grishmabhuvan, a summer retreat, where the ruler and his court could gather in the cooler upper storeys away from the coastal heat.
- It is an easy, rewarding detour on the Dwarka pilgrimage circuit for travellers who enjoy stepping off the main temple trail to find carved stone and layered local history.
- By tradition the pavilion is attributed to Rana Sartanji of the Jethwa Rajput dynasty, the line that ruled Porbandar state for centuries.
- Sartanji is remembered locally not only as a ruler but as a poet and patron of the arts, and the structure reflects that sensibility.
- Rising three storeys in honey-toned local stone, it carries finely worked arches, bracketed balconies and slender pillars decorated with figural and musician motifs, an ornamental vocabulary that blends Rajput palace design with the maritime craft traditions of the Saurashtra coast.
- The open galleries were built to catch the sea breeze, and the surrounding garden setting once framed the pavilion as a genteel escape.
- Today Sartanji Choro is a modest, atmospheric heritage stop rather than a grand palace, and that is part of its charm.
- Photographers linger over the play of light through its arches, while history-minded visitors read it alongside Porbandar's other landmarks, chiefly the Kirti Mandir and Gandhi's birthplace nearby, to trace the town's princely past.
- A short, unhurried visit of half an hour is usually enough; pair it with the Sudama temple and the old bazaar lanes.
- For food, Porbandar is comfortably pure-vegetarian territory.
- Near the Sudama temple and Kirti Mandir you will find pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses serving unlimited rotli, shaak, dal-bhaat, farsan and jaggery-sweetened Kathiawadi curries, along with simple bhojanalayas and snack counters for dhokla, khaman, fafda and masala chai.
- Stick to the well-run pilgrim-belt thali restaurants for a wholesome, satisfying vegetarian meal.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Near Sudama Temple, old town, Porbandar, Dwarka, Gujarat, 360575
How to Reach: Sartanji Choro sits in Porbandar's old town, a short walk behind the Sudama temple. Porbandar is well connected by rail and by its domestic airport, and lies roughly 100 km south of Dwarka along the coast, making it an easy day trip. Autorickshaws from the Porbandar bus stand or railway station reach the Sudama temple area, from where the pavilion is within walking distance through the bazaar lanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sartanji Choro and who built it?
It is a three-storey Rajput-style stone summer pavilion (Grishmabhuvan) in Porbandar's old town, attributed by tradition to Rana Sartanji of the Jethwa dynasty, who ruled the princely state and is remembered as a poet-patron.
Why is it worth visiting?
It showcases fine Saurashtra stonework, carved arches and pillars with musician motifs, and offers a quiet glimpse into Porbandar's princely past just steps from the Sudama temple.
How much time do I need?
About 30 minutes is usually enough. It pairs well with the nearby Sudama temple, Kirti Mandir and Gandhi's birthplace for a compact old-town heritage walk.
How do I reach it from Dwarka?
Porbandar is about 100 km south of Dwarka by road along the coast, an easy day trip. Once in Porbandar, head to the Sudama temple area; the pavilion is a short walk away through the old bazaar.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Sartanji Choro?
Porbandar is comfortably pure-vegetarian. Around the Sudama temple and Kirti Mandir you will find pure-veg Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali houses and snack counters serving dhokla, khaman, fafda, thali meals and masala chai.
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