Jamnagar is a little-touristed but interesting city that centres on a beautiful lake with a promenade that buzzes with life each evening, and an absorbing old core brimming with ornate, decaying buildings and colourful bazaars. The city is also a good jumping-off point for visiting nearby Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and Narara Marine National Park.
When exploring the town, look out for examples of Jamnagar's famous, brilliant-coloured bandhani (tie-dye) – produced through a laborious 500-year-old process involving thousands of tiny knots in a piece of folded fabric.
Before Independence, Jamnagar was capital of the Nawanagar princely state. Today, Jamnagar is quite a boom town, with the world’s biggest oil refinery, belonging to Reliance Petroleum, not far west of the city. The central area is one big commercial zone, with more brightly lit shops and stalls at night than you’ll find in many a larger city.
Kotha Bastion The Kotha bastion has an old well from which water can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor.
Solarium Jam Ranjit Singhji constructed the Solarium under the supervision of the French Doctor Jean Saidman. The motorized movement was synchronized with the movement of the sun to provide maximum protection to the patients of TB, skin diseases and rheumatism.
Bala Hanuman Temple At the Bala Hanuman Temple on the southeastern side of the Ranmal lake, there has been continuous chanting of the prayer Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram since 1 August, 1964. This devotion has earned the temple a place in the Guiness Book of World Records. Early evening is a good time to visit as the temple and whole lakeside gets busy.
Khijadiya Bird SanctuaryThe small Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is unique bird sanctuary. This small bird sanctuary encompasses salt and freshwater marshlands. There are lots of cranes here from September to March. The best time to visit this sanctuary is during sunrise.
Marine National Park The Marine National Park was declared as the first marine national park in India in 1982 and covers an area of 458 square kms. The Marine National Park consists of an archipelago of 42 islands. Coral lichen, Coral sponge, Green sponge, Puffer Fish, Crabs, Prawns, Sea anemones, Jelly Fishes, Octopus, Sea hare, Shelled mollusks, Sea slug, Star fish, Dolphins, Sea turtles and various coastal birds like painted storks, herons, egrets, ibises, spoonbills, darters, flamingoes, avocets, ducks, terns, gulls, little cormorants and stints can be seen feeding on the mudflats and rocky shores, nesting on the mangrove canopies and wading in shallow coastal waters. During the monsoon season, 30 different species of migratory birds make their home among the mangrove forests. One of the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard and Chowsingha, the world’s only four-horned antelope is also found in certain protected areas in this island. The best time to visit the Marine national park is from end of October till end of February. More....
Ayurvedic University The India's only Ayurvedic University runs many courses in Ayurvedic medicines, including a full time 12 week introductory course teaching basic theory and medicine preparation, as well as diploma and degree courses. These courses are set up for foreign nationals with medical qualifications. Hatha Yoga, Massage, Steam bath and mud therapy can also be had here. It also has a good library and workshop and had been a place of research and international seminars on Ayurveda.
Bardar Sanctuary - Bardar Sanctuary is situated 16 kms. south of Jamnagar. Bardar Sanctuary is a gentle mountain range filled with crumbling temples and ancient town settlements. It makes for a fabulously isolated, out of the way road trip.
Darbargadh The Darbargadh is the original residence of Jam Sahibs and has evolved over centuries. It reflects the fusion of Rajput and European architectural styles. Jam Rajit Singhji patronized two important urban design projects in front of the Darbargadh, namely Wellingdon Crescent and Chelmsford Market. The market in front of the Darbargadh - Wellingdon Crescent is a two storeyed arcade with semi-circular arches at both levels and decorative plasters terminating in balustrade.
Lakhota Palace and Ranmal Lake - The Lakhota Palace is situated on an island in the middle of the Ranmal lake in the shape of the large bastion. This palace once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. An arched stone bridge with balustrade connects the Lakhota Palace with the town. It was constructed as a famine relief work in 1839-45 AD. The elaborate entrance gateway with carved jharokhas at upper level, overlooking the lake, the stark blank wall at the base, give it a look of invincible fortification. This palace now houses a museum and is a striking building with some fine woodcarving, good collection of sculptures, pottery found in the ruined medieval villages, coins, copper plates and inscriptions. The walls are adorned with frescos depicting scenes of battle fought by Jadeja Rajputs against various enemies. The Renmal lake itself is a scenic breath of fresh air.
Lakhota Palace and Museum
The museum hours are from 10:30am-2pm and 2:30pm-5:30pm. Entry fees for the Indians is Rs.25/- and for Foreigners is Rs.100/-.
LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW - FREE ( ONLY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ) OUTSIDE LAKOTA PALACE ** subject to condition
WEDNESDAY HOLIDAY / 2ND AND 4TH SATURDAY IS HOLIDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Jain Temples - In the thick of Chandi Bazaar are four beautiful Jain temples. The larger two, Shantinath Mandir and Adinath Mandir, dedicated to the 16th and first Tirthankaras, in front of the post office near the Darbar Gadh, explode with fine murals, mirrored domes and elaborate chandeliers. The Shantinath Mandir is particularly beautiful, with coloured columns and a gilt-edged dome of concentric circles.
Rahim Umar Ibrahim Babdhani Tie And Die Work (jamnagar)
+91 288 254 1411
+91 288 267 1505
