Tourist Places To Visit In Jamnagar

Jamnagar is one of the top tourist destinations in Gujarat. The city is economically and traditionally important to the state. Popularly known as the “Oil City”, Jamnagar has everything to surprise you. From stunning beaches to amazing palaces, temples to bird sanctuaries forests and marine national park, you just can't avoid exploring more about the city. Surprisingly, the city is an under-rated destination, not explored much by globetrotters. So let’s try to know more about the city by listing some of the best places to visit in Jamnagar.

Lakhota Palace is undoubtedly the top tourist attraction in Jamnagar. Constructed in the 19th century, it’s a stunning monument that is built right at the center of Lakhota Lake. Being surrounded by water on all sides, there’s a marvelous arched stone bridge built to connect the palace with the city. This elegant fort-like palace has now been converted into a museum. Visitors can enjoy the splendid relics and artifacts from the 9th to the 18th century at the display. Amongst others, witnessing the pottery from medieval times and the skeleton of a whale is also a worthwhile sight. At the entrance of the palace, the first things that will attract your attention are the turrets and powder flasks, guardroom with musket loops, and swords of all sizes.

Address: Lakhota Lake

Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian nationals

Time: 10:30 am - 2pm & 2:30pm - 5:30pm from Thursday to Tuesday

Bhujio Kotho is situated on the bank of Lakhota Lake, near the Khambhaliya Gate. It was constructed by the rulers of that time to protect it from invasions. However, after the earthquake that hit Bhuj and other cities in Gujarat, Bhujio Kotho took a major hit. Since then, it is closed to visitors. It’s however famous for its architecture, height, and holes for rifles in the walls. It still grabs the attention of visitors or anyone who happens to pass by.

Address: Shankar Tekri, Jamnagar

Entry Fee: Not accessible

Jamnagar is known for being home to more than 300 different species of birds in its unique Khijadia Bird Sanctuary. Situated at about 12 km from the Jamnagar city center, the sanctuary stretches over an area of 6 sq. km, encircling fresh and seawater marshlands. Its real beauty comes to light between October and March, especially during sunrise and sunset. If you are lucky, you can sight some endangered species such as black-headed ibis, dalmatian pelican, Asian bill storks, darters, and painted storks.

Due to unavailability of restaurants in the area, it’s suggested to carry your own drinks and food. A small interactive museum within its vicinity gives you an opportunity to explore the various bird varieties and check out the different bird sounds.

Address: Ganjiwada, Jamnagar

Entry Fee: INR 100

Time: All days 4:30 am to  6 pm, enquire if operational on public holidays

Narara Marine National Park enjoys the privilege of being India’s first marine national park. At a mere distance of 30 km from the city center, the park is home to numerous birds, various marine life forms, coral reefs, and mangroves. It’s a rare and one of a kind beautiful example of marine life in their natural environment. The only place in the country, this marine park has a visible coral which doesn’t require you to dive or snorkel as the water levels are as low as 50 cm. Some of the beaches around its vicinity are shallow and therefore you can only reach there during high tides. Ensure to spare a minimum of 4 hours for a trip to this place and carry your own food. There are no restaurants around the area and visit the place between October to February for the best experience. Also, wear Crocs or footwear with hard soles as walking barefoot is difficult in the sea.

Address: Narara, Gujarat

Entry Fee: INR 150

Time: Based on high tide and changes every day, closed on Tuesdays and public holidays

Towards the south-east corner of the Lakhota lake, there’s Jamnagar’s most famous temple known by the name Bala Hanuman temple. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is separated from the lake by a broad road. The temple houses idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Goddess Sita, and Hanuman. The temple is famous for the continuous chanting of  “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1, 1964. For this, the temple is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Along with the temple, you can also enjoy walking at the lake. It will be a peaceful experience worth remembering for a long time.

Address: Near Navkar Novelty, Gulabnagar, Jamnagar

Entry Fee: Free

Time: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm all days

At a mere distance of 27 km from the Jamnagar city center, the Balachadi beach offers perfect tranquillity along the coast of Jamnagar. It’s very famous amongst tourists and the most popular beach in the city, away from the city’s bustling life. Being at this beach especially on the weekends and public holidays is the best thing amongst locals and travellers  The sunrise and sunset are the best sights. Moreover, a full moon night is a great occasion for people to witness the beautiful scene where the amazing moonlight bounces off the sand and reflects the seawater.

Jamnagar was ruled by many kings. Amongst those, Jam Ranjit Singhji was one of the most famous rulers who ruled Nawanagar (back then). He was the pioneer of the massive Pratap Vilas Palace. It is an astounding spot in the city and very popular amongst tourists. The royal residence has a seamless blend of European engineering and Indian carvings. The architecture of this royal palace is similar to the Victoria Memorial Building in Kolkata. The difference is that the vaults of this royal residence were worked by Indian engineering. The use of glass looks very prominent in the three vaults of the Pratap Vilas Palace. The carvings of feathered creatures, blossoms, creepers, leaves, and creatures on the segments add more value to the beauty of the palace.

The disastrous earthquake which shook Gujarat in 2001 severely damaged a few parapets. Moreover, the partition of some upper dividers at the rooftop level of the royal residence was again the result of the tremors. However, the palace still looks elegant and grabs the attention of numerous visitors.