Nestled on the pristine shores of the Arabian Sea lies the coastal city of Porbandar, a hidden gem in Gujarat that has not yet been explored to its fullest potential. But that may soon change with the city's ambitious plans to transform the Gosabara-Mokarsagar wetland complex into a sustainable eco-tourism destination.
The wetland, one of the most thriving sites in Porbandar in terms of nature and wildlife, is set to become the focal point of the city's tourism industry, drawing in nature enthusiasts from far and wide. The state government hopes this move will boost tourism and address the issue of increasing salinity in the water, a major concern in the region.
As per reports, developing the Gosabara-Mokarsagar wetland complex will create and improve habitat for resident and migratory birds, with over 186 species already calling this place home. The project also aims to provide better irrigation water to the local people by controlling the salinity of the water, thereby benefiting both the environment and the community.
Spread over an area of approximately 90 sq km, the Mokarsagar wetland complex comprises various regions, such as Kuchhadi, Subhashnagar, Zavar, Kurly I, Kurly II, Vanana, Dharampur, Gosabara, Mokarsagar, and Amipur. The development plans include creating an interpretation zone, guesthouses, eateries, parking lots, watchtowers, and nature trails around the wetland, making it an all-encompassing tourist destination.
With its rich cultural heritage and history, Porbandar has always been a place of interest for travellers. However, with the development of the Gosabara-Mokarsagar wetland complex, the city is poised to become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a closer connection with nature. This unexplored destination is on the verge of an exciting transformation, and it's only a matter of time before it takes its rightful place among the top eco-tourism destinations in the country.
Porbandar is easily accessible via rail, road and air transportation, with good connectivity to major cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Below are the different ways to reach Porbandar
By air The city is well-connected by air, with regular flights from Mumbai and Diu. The airport is approximately 4 km from the city centre, and several options are available such as cabs, buses, and private vehicles, to reach the town.
By train Porbandar is easily accessible by train, with a well-maintained road network in Gujarat, especially to and from Porbandar. The city is connected to important cities such as Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bhuj, Junagadh, Dwarka, Somnath, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Diu.
By road Porbandar railway station is just over 3 km from the city centre and well-connected to cities such as Mumbai, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and Vadodara. There are rickshaws, buses, and taxis available to reach the city.