Top Places to visit in Jamnagar, Gujarat

Jamnagar is known as Chhoti Kashi. Jamnagar town has many famous religious places.

Bala Hanuman Mandir is on bank of Lakhota Lake

Sidhdhnath Mandir is in Nageswar area

Ancient Nagnath Mandir is in Nageswar area

Kashivishwanath Mandir is on KV road

Bhidbhanjan Mahadev Mandir is near Town Hall

Khijda Mandir is near Khambhalia Gate

Parsi Agiyari is near Town Hall

Gurudwara is near Lal Bunglow

Jama Jamsjid is near Chandi Bazar

Jain Derasar is at Chandi Bazar

Moksh Dham near to Subhash Bridge

Swaminarayan Mandir is 4 KM from the town on Khambhalia Highway

Ranmal Lake (Lakhota Lake) in the middle of Jamnagar city spreaded over 5 lakh square meters and is divided into three parts. The lake promotes the beauty of the city, and provides ideal shelter for tourists and migratory birds as well. Ranmal or Lakhota Lake is said to be constructed by Jam Ranmalji II between 1820 to 1852. This circular lake spreaded around 5 lakh sq meters is a unique identity. Resting places like pavilions, bastions, artistic gardens, etc. have been placed around the lake. The exquisite architectural fort of architecture known as Lakkhota built at a cost of millions is in the middle of the lake. Both of these monuments does not only describe the art but also the state’s kind, affectionate, loving nature.

Marine National Park and Sanctuary Pirotan is located in the inter-tidal zone along the coastal area of Jamnagar. The Marine Sanctuary was declared in August 1980 and the Marine National Park in July 1982. Total 10.ll.sq. km of the National Park area and 1.11 sq. km of the Sanctuary area have been notified as reserved forests.

Pirotan island is 18 NM from Bedi port, can be reached through boat.

October to March is the fair period to visit the Sanctuary.

The PA has a great diversity of habitats. The mangroves, coral reefs, degraded reefs, inter-tidal mudflats (lower and higher), creeks, estuaries, sandy strands, saline grassland, marshy areas and rocky islands represent the diversity that harbour a great variety of sea life. The life system here is intricately woven. The diversity of life creates a scene straight from any one’s dreams. The colourful sponges and corals, giant sea anemone, tube anemone, jelly fish, sea horse, octopus, oyster, pearl oyster, sabela, Portugese man of war, starfish, bonellia, sepia, lobster, varieties of crabs and prawns, sea turtle, dolphin, dugongs, porpoise, shark and other fish keep the life pulsating in perfect harmony.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is at the distance of about 10 km northeast from Jamnagar on the south coast of Gulf of Kutch which represents combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter tidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrub. Total area of the Sanctuary is 605 ha, which covers three freshwater lakes of the entire wetland complex. Area of the Marine Sanctuary Jamnagar constitutes the boundary of the Sanctuary towards the Gulf of Kutch.

The Sanctuary is located in the western-most part of the country and falls on the traditional route of the migratory birds. Consequently, the Sanctuary supports a variety of migratory birds including the waterfowl. This is an extremely important staging and wintering area for a wide variety of waterfowl. Almost 200 species of birds are recorded in the Sanctuary , including over 90 species of waterfowl. It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. it is a unique wetland complex, representing a mosaic of several types of wetlands, including freshwater shallow lakes, inter tidal mudflats, creeks, salt pans, saline land and mangrove scrubs.

Flora :

There is emergent aquatic vegetation growing above the surface of the shallow waters of the lake. The principal emergent species include Typha ungustata, Scirpus sp. Cyperus sp. and Saccharum spontaneum. Floating and under-water (submerged) aquatic plants include Hydrilla verticellata, Vallisnaria spiralis and Najas minor. Non-aquatic species like Capparis decidua, Acacia nilotica and Phoenix sp. naturally occur in the area. Aeluropus sp. and Suaeda sp. exist in the adjoining Marine Sanctuary .Gando Baval (Prosopis chilensis), ‘Deshi Baval’ (Acacia nilotica) and ‘Piloo’/’Jar’ (Salvadora sp.) are the main tree species in the area. Avicenia marina, a mangrove species occurs in the adjoining Marine Sanctuary .

Fauna:

The Sanctuary and its adjoining area is rich in birdlife; especially for the waterfowl. Breeding of the rare and uncommon migratory species of the State viz. Great Crested Grebe has been recorded at the wetland. At least four pairs of this species were found breeding in the year 1984. Apart from it, Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt and Pheasant-tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. A variety of other resident large waders like painted stork, cormorants, herons, egrets and/or ibises fulfil their feeding, resting, roosting and /or nesting requirements. The wetland also supports numerous other waterfowl (migratory and resident) like ducks, geese, coots, grebes, terns, gulls, kingfishers, jacanas and rails. Raptors, including harriers, eagles, hawks and falcons also occur here.

The Black necked Stork, regularly visits the area. The area is very important for migratory swallows and martins, wagtails and several other perching birds. The Sanctuary supports several endangered species of birds. An eco-tourist looking for wild mammals may come across jungle cat, fox, blue bull and mongoose, all of which take refuge in shrub land. He may also come across the fresh water turtles.

The rulers of Nawanagar state were very much interested in the progress and development work of this state along with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. The establishment of archaeological organization is an excellent example of the interest and encouragement of Jam Shri Digvijay Singhji. In addition, to install a museum at Jamnagar, the Lakhota Kotha was allocated to the State Archaeological Department and for this, his personal collection was also given to the museum. Thus, the Archaeological Museum was started in 1946 in the Lakhota Kotha, which is now functional under the Gujarat State Archaeology and Museum Department since 1960. The newly renovated building of Lakhota Kotha was actually constructed in 1846, was damaged during the 2001 Earthquake. Therefore, the necessary and substantial restoration, conservation and rehabilitation project was taken up by the joint ventures of the Gujarat State Archaeological Department and Jamnagar Municipal Corporation. Shri Vijay Rupaniji, Chief Minister of Gujarat, reopened the glorified Lakhota Kotha as well as reorganized Museum on May 5th, 2018 and have declared it open for the public. Lakhota Kotho The central island structure of Lakhota Kotha (type of water fort – Jal Durga) in Ranamal lake was constructed in the year 1846 for the drought relief by Jam Shri Ranamalji. It has been named after Lakhaji – a ruler of Nawanagar. It is also believed that the “1 lakh koris” (the currency of Nawanagar) had been spent in the construction of the Kotho, hence the name is Lakhota. Architecturally, it is built in Rajput style and have the influence of Iranian architecture. Initially, due to its location, Lakhota Kotho served for defensive purpose and as a leisure palace for the rulers. But, it had been changed over the time and now has become the heart of city, one of the most serene and heritage monuments in Jamnagar that functions at present as District Museum. Also, due to its historical importance, the Lakhota Kotho is Protected Monument under the State Government of Gujarat. Archaeological Museum. The Archaeological Museum housed in Lakhota Kotha has been reorganized and redisplayed with the addition of new attraction by keeping in consideration that the visitors do appreciate the architectural splendor of the Fort. Also, being a cultural institution, it endeavors to create awareness and sensitivity towards our rich heritage through a visitor-friendly museum for the purposes of education, study and enjoyment of the public. The museum collection includes stone and bronze sculptures, miniature paintings, glassware, coins, currency plates, copper plates, regional textiles with embroidery and beadworks, natural history specimen and royal arsenals. It represents the past from 9th to 19th centuries of Jamnagar District with emphasis to Princely State Nawanagar. Thus, after the Restoration, Conservation and Rehabilitation Project of Lakhota Kotha in 2018, now Archaeological Museum represents the cultural heritage and regional history of Jamnagar in 11 sections through 321 exhibits to celebrate our legacy and to experience authentic and significant art and artifacts in meaningful context. In other words, the Archaeological Museum, Jamnagar serves as epitome of district identity.

General Information

Timings: From March-October 13:00 – 21:00

From November-February 12:00 – 20:00

Remains Closed on Every Wednesday, IInd-IVth Saturday and on Government declared Holidays

Light & Sound Show: 21 – 21:30 on Every Saturday & Sunday

Entrance Ticket Rate:

₹ 25/- For Indian (An every individual above 5 years old)

₹ 100/- For Foreigner

Services:

₹ 100/- For Photography around Lakhota Kotho (for Indian)

₹ 500/- For Photography around Lakhota Kotho (for Foreigner)

₹ 5000/- For Occasional Event Photography around Lakhota Kotho with prior permission

Organized Educational Activities

Organized Lectures & Discussion

For Further Information,

Contact: Curator, Archaeological Museum, Lakhota Kotho, Ranamal Lake Jamnagar – 361001

Telephone: 0288 – 2678125

Email: curator-syca-jam@gujarat.gov.in

jam.museum@gmail.com

Good hotels are available in Jamnagar city.

These hotes are located in area of –

Tin Batti,

DSP bunglow,

Town Hall,

Amber Cinema,

Digjam Circle,

Sumair Club Road,

Khambhalia Highway.

Hotel and Restaurant Name,Location and contact details PDF file link – Hotel-Restaurant List (PDF 27 KB)

Circuit House Contact :

Circuit House – Jamnagar

Lal Bunglow,

Jamnagar – 361001

Contact No. : 0288 2550237-38

By Road

Jamnagar is well connected from most of cities of Gujarat by State transport buses and private luxury coaches.

Nearest city – Rajkot is 92 km.

By Rail

Jamnagar is on the Western Railway network of the Indian Railways. This city is well connected with the rest of the country via number of daily / weekly trains.

By Air

Jamnagar airport is 10 km from the town and daily Air India airline connects Jamnagar to Mumbai.

source: https://jamnagar.nic.in