PORTBANDER is about an hour and a half's drive from here and is the town where Mahatma Ghandi was born and therefore is a special place in the heart of many Indian people.

The building on the right with a pink facade is the entrance to a large courtyard surrounded by a museum and gallery and a small shop. Items and personal effects from his life, including all his lifetime's journals are displayed here. Many photographs have been enlarged and are displayed here. His autobiography and other writings about his life and beliefs are sold here. No one is allowed to take photographs inside the building. Because of this I think it would be a good idea if postcards were available for sale, but India (at least not in this area) does not seem to realise what a good idea postcards are for the encouragement of tourism and India wants very much to encourage tourism.

An archway in a far corner of the courtyard leads to the house where Ghandi was born and brought up. His great-grandfather purchased a single story home here in 1777. His grandparents built another story and his parents added another one.

I found the whole place fascinating, beautiful and peaceful. I have purchased a copy of his autobiography which I have started to read. Many,many years ago I was able to visit Ghandi's resting place in Delhi, so feel now as if I have come full circle.