Silversea Luxury Cruises A Porbandar

Explore the spiritual side of India during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to an Ashram Hermitage.

Porbandar, Shri Hari Mandir, Ashram Hermitage

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Shri Hari Mandir, an Ashram Hermitage run by Shri Rameshbhai Ozha. Addressed as 'Bhaishri' by his disciples, his divine message is enshrined in the Hindu scriptures. Born in a small village in the western state Gujarat, he moved to Mumbai to complete his education. Having started from humble beginnings with his first discourse at the age of 13, Bhaishri has gone on to capture the hearts and minds of millions across India and the world, guiding and enriching lives with spirituality.

Temple, Sculpted Hindu Gods, Yagnashala, Fire Sacrifice

Spread across 85 acres (35 hectares) of land donated by the state government, the Ashram houses a temple, school and many other in-house facilities to make it self-sufficient. A large number of projects are initiated on a continual basis to help serve mankind during natural calamities, provide educational support to the underprivileged, medical relief to the poor, preserving Mother Nature, developing rural areas, and providing aid to the underprivileged. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the grounds. In the intricately-carved temple, see idols of various Hindu gods, beautifully adorned and sculpted to perfection. From here, continue on-foot to a Yagnashala to observe a Yagya (fire sacrifice), one of the oldest rites in Hindu culture. This rite is performed daily by the children of the school.

Gaushala Cowshed, School and Hostel Facilities

Afterward, continue on-foot to the Gaushala Cowshed. Built to house and breed the approximately 200 'Gir' species of cow, it also provides milk to the hundreds of students studying at the school. Your last stop is at the Vidyaniketan, a school and hostel built for 500 students with an emphasis to rekindle humanity through education based on traditional Indian values and culture. Following your visit to the school and hostel, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.5 miles (about 0.8 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and hills, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection, and wear a heavy pair of socks because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. Proper attire is required to enter the church; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. The infrastructure in Porbandar is basic. Coaches, guides and equipment are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temple. Photography/videography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

Experience the highlights of the 14th-century city in which Mahatma Gandhi was born during this picturesque, half-day excursion to Porbandar.

Porbandar & Kirti Mandir

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Kirti Mandir, birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of The Indian Nation'. The city's most visited site, Kirti Mandir is the three-storey ancestral home where Gandhi lived until he was twelve years of age. A 'swastik' (a holy Indian sign) on the floor of a small room in the house marks the actual spot where he was born. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of Kirti Mandir. Along the way, explore Gandhian memorabilia, including an exhibit of photographs and a small bookshop.

Sudama Town & Sudama Mandir Temple

Sudama Town is noted in the Hindu epics as the hometown of Sudama, a beloved friend and class-fellow of Lord Krishna. As a result, Sudama Town is often been referred to as 'Sudamapuri'. A stop is made here at Sudama Mandir, a temple dedicated to him. Take a walk trhough the local market to catch glimpses of local life. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Bharat Mandir Temple

Next, re-board your coach and head to Bharat Mandir, a religious and cultural shrine. The temple's construction began in 1937, and was completed in 1957. It exhibits the rich culture of India under one roof, depicting great men, religious preceptors, patriots and poets of India.

After your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30 minute drive back to th epier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 657 yards (about 600 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, five steps at Bharat Mandir, five steps at Tara Mandir, five steps at Sudama Mandir and 40 steps at Kirti Mandir. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Please dress conservatively when going ashore. Proper attire is required to enter the temples; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should not wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear a shirt and trousers in public. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches and guides are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Flash photography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum of Bharat Mandir and Sudama Mandir, and Mahatma Gandhi's room at Kirti Mandir.

Discover the abundant natural beauty, wildlife and bird species of the Mokarsagar Wetland complex during this panoramic, half-day trekking excursion.

Porbandar, Mokarsagar Wetland Complex, Flora and Fauna, Wildlife

Depart the pier aboard an off-road vehicle for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to the Mokarsagar Wetland Complex a cluster of wetlands situated in-and-around many villages of the Porbandar District. Upon arrival, begin your guided nature trek. This wetland complex is a lifeline for both the local community as well as the dependent biodiversity, including flora and fauna. As a mega biodiverse district spread over numerous villages, the Mokorsagar Wetland Complex contains four species of amphibians, 22 species of mammals, 39 species of reptiles, 55 species of butterflies, and 261 species of birds. There are also 759 species of flora found in this region, including mangroves, macro-algae and aquatic plants.

Diverse Bird Species

During your guided nature trek, see an abundance of bird species, including grebes, pelicans, herons, egrets, bitterns, storks, ibis and spoonbills, kingfishers, cranes, snipes, godwits, sandpipers, harrier, jacanas, lesser and greater flamingos, and a large variety of ducks and geese, including the garganey. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your off-road vehicle and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of off-road driving and an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven and muddy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the off-road vehicle. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe, and non-slip walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. The infrastructure in Porbandar is basic. Coaches, guides and equipment are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.