Jamnagar

Jamnagar is also known as 'Chhoti Kashi', as the whole town is dotted with several Hindu and Jain temples. The important Hindu temples are Dwarkadhish, Bhidbhanjan Mahadev, Naghnath Mahadev, Dawooji ni Haveli, Krishna Pranami Mandir and Kalika Mata.

[ Dabargadh | Wellingdon Crescent and Chelmsford Market | Jam Ranjitsinhji Statue | Lakhota Palace | Solarium | Ayurvedic University | Railway Station ]

Dabargadh
The Darbargadh is the original residence of Jam Sahibs and has evolved over centuries. It reflects the fusion of Rajputs and European architectural styles. The other royal palaces can be visited by obtaining prior permission.

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Wellingdon Crescent and Chelmsford Market
Jam Ranjitsinhji patronized two important projects of urban design in front of the Darbargadh, namely Wellingdon Crescent and Chelmsford Market. The market in front of the Darbargadh- Wellingdon Crescent is a two storied arcade with semi-circular arches at both levels and decorative pilasters terminating in balustrade.

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Jam Ranjitsinhji Statue
The statue of Jam Ranjitsinhji stands in the middle of the crescent. It is an example of the royal vision of urban design combined with high sense of aesthetics.

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Lakhota Palace
The Lakhota Palace in the shape of large bastion is situated on an island, in the middle of the Lakhota Tank. 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 tank and the stark black wall at the base, give it a look of invincible fortification. It has been converted into a museum in 1946. It has a fine collection of sculptures, coins, inscriptions and copper plates and the skeleton of a whale. The walls are adorned with frescos depicting scenes of battle fought by Jadeja Rajputs against various enemies. On the bank of the Lakhota Tank, near Khambholiya Gate, another interesting bastion like structure is Bhujiyo Kotho.

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Solarium
The solarium (1933 AD) at Jamnagar was one of the only three such medical facilities available in the world, at that time. Jam Ranjitsinhji got it constructed under the supervision of a French Doctor Jean Saidman. The motorized movements were synchronized with the movement of the sun to provide maximum exposure to the patients of TB, skin diseases and rheumatism.

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Ayurvedic University
For alternative medicine enthusiasts, a visit to Gujarat's first Ayurvedic University (1967 AD) is a must. It has good library, workshop and been a place of research and international seminars on Ayurveda- an ancient Indian medicinal system.

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Railway Station
The old abandoned railway station, in the north of the town, is built in colonial style. The architectural treatment suggests that it must have been a good example of Railway architecture during the British Raj.

The city has several gates and towers, which act as landmarks. The gates are Grain Market, Khambhalia, Khoja, Kalavad, Nagnath and Ashapura Bari and the towers are Mandvi, Pancheshwar and Saifee. The girls' school and old palace is also worth visiting. Another interesting structure is Parsi Agiyari- Fire Temple, built in an impressive manner with long pillars, carved capitals and symbols of Zoroastrian religion on top. Other places worth visiting are the cremation ground of Hindus and Dargah of Dawoodi Bohra community.

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Around Jamnagar
Dwarka (Dwarkadhish Temple) 131 km,
Ghumli (11th century Navlakha Temple 75 km,
Gop (ancient temple)

Eating Out
Good Gujarati thalis are available at President (multi-cuisine, vegetarian and non-vegetarian), New Aram (Indian-western veg), Rangoli and Kalpana.

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