What is hidden away, found in water and of intrinsic value once discovered? Though the correct answer would be a pearl within an oyster, this description could also apply to Jamnagar, a bustling city tucked away along the Gulf of Kutch. Once a tiny fishing village supporting pearl fishing off its waters, it is now a vibrant city that still retains its old world charm and distinctive character.
Jamnagar was settled in 1540 by Jam Rawal around the Ranmal Lake. Serene Ranmal, formed by the confluence of the rivers Rangmati and Nagmati, now holds a majestic Lake Palace on an island within it. This palace is a beautiful reminder of the glory days of Jamnagar when it was ruled by the Jams who were Jadeja Rajput rulers of Saurashtra.
Today Jamnagar is proud of its local crafts such as bandhani—a traditional fabric dyeing technique; silver engraving and jewellery and its heritage of cricket—the Ranji Trophy being a legacy of one of its rulers Jam Ranjitsinhji. A beautiful nature conservation park and an abundance of places for worship of different faiths make Jamnagar a city worth exploring.
The Lake Palace has now been converted into a museum that houses pre-historic earthenware relics from excavations around the surrounding areas. The Lake area is a great place to watch birds, indulge in a bit of boating, sample local snacks and people-watch at leisure. Jamnagar has a lot more in store for nature enthusiasts; The Marine National Park and Sanctuary is a unique ecosystem spread over 162 sq km in the Gulf of Kutch. Islands ringed with coral reefs, edged by sandy beaches mangrove swamps house a wide variety of marine and avian life. Puffer fish, dolphins, octopus, stingrays, turtles, jelly fish, lobsters, crabs, star fish, sea anemones and exotic marine flowering plants can all be observed in their natural habitat. Visitors can arrange trips to the islands in the Gulf, such as the Pirotan Island and Narara to view the animals. Located 17 km from the city is the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, densely populated with birds of various species. Flamingos, pelicans, Brahmini kites, herons, cranes, ducks, kingfishers and spoonbills can be spotted here in great numbers.
For the religiously inclined two ancient temples, the Bala Hanuman Temple and the Bhidbanjan Temple offer options for achieving religious succor.
The Bala Hanuman Temple lies within main Jamnagar city and is famous the world over for the continuous chanting of the mantra ‘Jai Ram’ for more than 6 decades. Also located within a short distance is the ancient Bhidbanjan temple built by the Jams in a traditional Gujarati style.
Its intricate silver work on the doorways is a testament to the famed silversmiths and craftsmen of the city.
Auto-rickshaws, government buses, private vans and motor-cycle powered transport vehicle called 'chakdas' ply within and outside city limits of Jamnagar. For island visits, you may have to book a ferry or arrange a walk with a tour operator. Cars can be rented to travel around Jamnagar at a more leisurely pace.
On a daily basis there are approximately 2 flights that operate at Jamnagar Airport.Air India is the popular airline brand that fly frequently to this airport.
By road Jamnagar is surrounded by Bhadresar, Gandhidham, Rajkot which are 34.58 km, 43.46 km, 46.58 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Jamnagar has a total of 14 hotels.There are 14 hotels in Jamnagar with the popular ones being Hotel Aram Jamnagar, Hotel Fortune Palace, Hotel President Jamnagar, Hotel Vishal International, Hotel Ashiana Jamnagar, Hotel Celebration Jamnagar etc.
'Lying 17 km from the city is the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary. Home to flamingos, pelicans, Brahmini kites, herons, cranes, a variety of ducks, and at least three kinds of kingfishers and spoonbills, ...
Know More →'The Bala Hanuman Temple lies within main Jamnagar city and is famous the world over for the continuous chanting of a specific mantra. Devotees at this temple have been chanting the refrain of ‘Jai...
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