About Huzoor Palace
The Last Maharaja’s Seaside Palace
Huzoor Palace — also spelled Huzar Palace and once known as Raj Mahal — stands at the edge of the Arabian Sea on Marine Drive, right beside Porbandar’s Chowpaty. It was built in the early years of the 20th century by Rana Natwarsinhji, the last ruler of the princely state of Porbandar and a scion of the Jethwa dynasty.
The palace remains the private property of the Maharaja’s successors, who reside in London, so its interiors are closed to visitors — but its sprawling seafront facade remains one of Porbandar’s most photographed sights.
European Neo-classical
Semi-circular porticos on neo-classical columns, sloping roofs and multiple wings - a clear departure from older Rajput palace styles.
Built to Frame the Sea
Unusually large windows face the Arabian Sea; wings are arranged around gardens and working fountains.
The Last Maharaja
Rana Natwarsinhji ascended the throne in 1920 and ruled until the 1948 merger of the princely state with India.
Navratri Nazar
During Navratri, townspeople traditionally gather at the palace grounds to pay nazar - respect - to the former royal family.
Royal Timeline
The Jethwa Dynasty’s Final Chapter
Porbandar was ruled by the Jethwa Rajputs, one of Saurashtra’s oldest ruling houses, with a princely state of roughly 642 square miles.
Early 1900s
Construction on the Seafront
Rana Natwarsinhji commissions a residence with clear European influences on Marine Drive, facing the Arabian Sea.
1920
Accession
Natwarsinhji ascends the throne of Porbandar; the palace serves the ruling family through the final princely decades.
1948
Merger with India
The princely state joins the Indian Union; the palace continues as the family’s private home.
Today
Private Heritage Landmark
Maintained by the Maharaja’s successors; admired from outside as a symbol of Porbandar’s royal past.
Highlights
What to Look For
01
The Sea-facing Facade
Best viewed from Chowpaty Beach - porticos, columns and rows of great windows over the promenade.
02
Gardens & Fountains
The wings front onto ornamental gardens with fountains, glimpsed along the boundary.
03
Marine Drive Promenade
Walk the seafront from the beach to the palace - the classic Porbandar evening stroll.
04
Sunset Silhouette
Late golden light on the limestone facade is the photograph everyone comes for.
Plan the Hour
When to Come
Interiors
Closed to Public
Private residence - no tickets, no tours
Exterior Viewing
Any daylight hour
Best combined with a Chowpaty walk
Best Light
Late afternoon – sunset
Sea light on the facade
Navratri
Grounds open for nazar
The one traditional public occasion
Around the Palace
Combine Your Visit
Getting There
Reaching Huzoor Palace
By Air
Porbandar Airport ~5–7 km
Taxis and autos available from the terminal.
By Train
Porbandar Station ~2–3 km
A short auto ride to the seafront.
On Foot
From Chowpaty
The palace anchors the southern end of the beach promenade.
Before You Go
Do’s & Don’ts
Photograph the facade from the beach side - the full sea-facing view.
Come in the golden hour and stay for sunset on the promenade.
Do not attempt to enter - it is a guarded private residence.
No drone photography over the palace grounds.