Jamnagar is a gem on the coast of the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. The city built around Lakhota Lake was the capital of the former state of Nawanagar, one of Saurashtra's more important princely states. It was founded in the 16th century by Jam Raval. Enjoy fun Things to do in Jamnagar. It was later renamed Jamnagar. According to legend, the area where the city now stands was where Lord Krishna lived after migrating from 'Mathura' and establishing his kingdom.
The Jams (Jam Raval's descendants) descend from Lord Krishna's 'Yadav' clan. The best examples of Rajput architecture are Darbargadh Palace and Pratap Vilas Palace. Contact Sea Water Sports to book your stay at resorts in Jamnagar. The city is known for its rich culture and for preserving many remnants of the past in the form of forts and palaces. The city's best attractions are the well-known Lakhota Palace and Museum and Bhujio Khoto. At the moment, the city is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and immaculate islands, beaches, hills, temples, forest, and wildlife.
Jamnagar is one of Gujarat's lesser-known gems, with exquisite examples of Rajput architecture and a prominent pearl fishing centre. The city, built around Lakhota Lake, was the capital of the former state of Nawanagar, which Jam Raval founded in 1540 AD near the confluence of the Nagamati and Rangmati rivers. Later, it was renamed Jamnagar. Explore the beautiful places to visit in Jamnagar.
Jamnagar underwent a transformation when the then-ruler planned to modernize it in consultation with Sir Edward Lutyens, the architect of New Delhi. The new plans incorporate contemporary design elements such as an axial road, entrance gates, parks, gardens, and residential plots. Enjoy nearby activities in Jamnagar. Until recently, manufacturing brass utensils was the most important industry in Jamnagar, earning it the moniker "Brass City of India." However, the city is thriving today not because of the metal but because of Reliance Petroleum's massive oil refinery.
History:
Jamnagar was established as the capital of the Princely State of Nawanagar in 1540 A.D. Jamnagar, historically known as Nawanagar (the new town), was one of the most important Jadeja princely states in the Saurashtra region. According to Puranic literature, Lord Krishna established his kingdom at Dwarka town in Jamnagar district after migrating from Mathura, and the Jams of Nawanagar trace their ancestry to the Yadava race.
According to bardic chronicles, Bahadurshah, the Emperor of Gujarat, he bestowed 12 villages on Jam Lakhaji after being impressed by his role in the siege of Pavagadh. Jam Lakaji was about to take possession of his new fief when he was assassinated by his cousins, Tamachi Deda and Hamirji Jadeja. Jam Lakhaji's son Jam Rawal escaped and, as an adult, avenged his father's murder by killing Hamirji Jadeja in the same manner.
Khengarji and Sahibji, Hamirji's two sons, fled to Delhi to pay their respects to the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The two brothers saved the Emperor from being killed by a lion during a lion hunt. An army was dispatched to help them reclaim their kingdom as a reward for their bravery. When Jam Rawal learned that the two princes were returning to Kutch with the imperial army, he began preparing for battle. One night, he dreamed of the goddess Ashapura, who told him he had broken an oath taken in her name not to kill Hamirji, even though he was responsible for his father's death. She had refrained from punishing him because he had always honoured her, but he was no longer to live in Kutch, but rather to cross the sea and live in Kathiawar.
Jam Rawal and his army marched out of Kutch, attacked and killed King Tamachi, the other conspirator in his father's death, and conquered Dhrol and its dependencies. Jam Rawal gave his brother Hardholji control of Dhrol province, but he was killed in battle, and the throne was passed to his eldest son, Jasoji. Jam Rawal established his kingdom by conquering parts of Saurashtra.
On a hunting trip in present-day Jamnagar, a hare was discovered to be brave enough to turn on the hunting dogs and put them to flight. Jam Rawal was deeply impressed and decided that if this land could breed such hares, the men born here would be superior to other men, so he established this as his capital. On the 7th day of the bright half of the month of Srawan, VS 1596 (August 1540 AD), he laid the foundation of his new capital, which he named Nawanagar, on the banks of two rivers, Rangmati and Nagmati (new town). Nawanagar was eventually renamed Jamnagar, the "town of the Jams."
Places To Visit Near Jamnagar:
Pratap Vilas Palace:
Between 1907 and 1915, Ranjit Singhji built Pratap Vilas Palace. The palace was constructed in an Indo-Saracenic architectural style with European design influences, evoking memories of Kolkata's Victoria Memorial Building. Portraits and paintings by artists from the time are displayed on the walls of the grand rooms of the building. Swords and armour are available.
Lakhota Lake & Palace:
In the mid-nineteenth century, Jam Ranmal II, the ruler of Nawanagar, built the Ranmal Lake. The lake was built to serve as a water reservoir in need. It is a popular recreation destination for Jamnagar residents who want to spend time outside with their families. It's an excellent spot for bird-watching, especially in the winter. The Ranmal Lake is a picturesque breath of fresh air amid the city's bustle.
The Bala Hanuman Temple, also known as Shri Bala Hanuman Sankirtan Mandir, honours Lord Hanuman. Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj completed the temple in 1964 A.D. The temple houses the idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, Goddess Sita, and Hanuman. Since 1964, the temple has continuously chanted "Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram," earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Darbargadh Palace, Jam Sahib's first royal residence, is one of Jamnagar's most notable historical sites. The palace's construction began in 1540 AD, along with the construction of Jamnagar city, but it continued intermittently, eventually producing a masterpiece of historical proportions. Darbargadh, a magnificent fusion of Rajput and European architectural styles, is located in the city centre, where Jam Rawal laid the foundation for Jamnagar.
Jain Temples:
The complex's four Jain temples are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankaras. The temples of the old city are the focal point, with their attractive wood and stone structures, pastel-coloured shutters, and wooden balconies. The neighbourhood surrounding these temples is called Chandi Bazaar, which translates to "Silver Market", and is home to many silver and gold jewellery manufacturers.
The Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, which covers approximately 6 square kilometres, is notable for its freshwater lakes, salt marshes, and freshwater marshes. It was formally designated as a sanctuary in 1982. However, before India's independence, the then-rulers constructed a small check dam on the Ruparel River to keep the waters from flowing, transforming it into a natural habitat for reresidentsnd migratory birds.
Marine National Park:
Jamnagar's Marine National Park is a must-see because it was the country's first marine refuge. Each of the 42 islands that make up this national park in the Gulf of Kutch has amazing wildlife and is mostly surrounded by reefs of various coral species.
Sivrajpur Beach:
Sivrajpur Beach, a remote and unspoiled location on the way to Okha, is about 12 kilometres from Dwarka town. This lagoon, with its white sand and azure waters, is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach. Swimming in these shallow, safe waters will appeal to children and adults.
The Dwarkadhish temple, one of the four most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, stands tall in structure and significance. Regardless of one's religious beliefs, this temple is a magnificent limestone structure still in perfect condition and houses some of the most exquisite sculptures donated by the area's successive ruling dynasties.
BAPS Swaminarayan Temple:
The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir is located on Dwarka Road on the outskirts of Jamnagar city, 6 kilometres from Jamnagar Railway Station. It is a well-known Gujarati Swaminarayan Temple and one of Jamnagar's top tourist attractions. It is directly across from the airport. The Swaminarayan Temple in Jamnagar, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, is a beautiful structure with a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere.
The city's creator, Jam Rawal, oversaw the construction of this magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Hindu-Rajput architectural style is well known for the well-known monument Bhidbhanjan Temple. Beautiful carvings adorn the temple pillars and walls. Even today, the elaborate silver work on the doors demonstrates the high calibre of Jamnagar's artistry. The shikhara architecture of South Indian temples heavily influenced the shikhara of the temple.
Pirotan Island, one of the 42 islands comprising India's first Marine National Park, is 3 square kilometres. This is one of two islands accessible to visitors in the Marine National Park; the other is Narara Island. Pirotan Island is a treasure for those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure because it offers the opportunity to see vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and amazing aquatic species such as jellyfish, octopus, starfish, sea snakes, hermit crabs, sea horses, sea slugs, green sea turtles, and dolphins.
Rajkot vacation packages include both architectural and historical highlights. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Ahmedabad. This region is well-known for its Bandhani textiles, cotton textiles, woollen products, jewellery, silk embroidery, handicrafts, and automobile industry. The Watson Museum, Aji Dam, Rotary Dolls Museum, Kaba Gandhi No Delo, Jagat Mandir, Nyari Dam, Prem Mandir, Khambhalida Caves, and Lal Pari Lake are some of Rajkot's most popular attractions.
Dwarka, Gujarat's "home of Lord Krishna," is located on the westernmost point of the Saurashtra peninsula and is thought to be the first Gujarati capital. Dwarka is one of India's seven oldest religious towns (sapta puris) and one of Hinduism's most important Char Dhams. Because Dwar means "gate" and ka represents Lord Brahma, the literal meaning of Dwarka in Sanskrit is "portal to heaven." As a result, the town attracts many pilgrims as part of Dwarka trip packages all year.
Junagadh:
Junagadh, Gujarat's historic city, is a popular tourist and pilgrimage destination due to its unique combination of Buddhist structures, mosques, Hindu temples, ornate houses, and Gothic arches. The attraction that tops the list of must-see locations in Junagadh is the Uperkot Fort, built by Chandragupta Maurya in 319 BCE. Over 800 years, the fort was besieged 16 times. The Buddhist Caves, Ashoka's Rock Edicts, Mount Girnar, Durbar Hall Museum, Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Mount Maqbara, and Durbar Hall Museum are also noteworthy attractions in Junagadh.
Adinath Mandir Jain Temple:
The Shantinath and Adinath temples are two important Jain temples in Jamnagar's Chandi Bazar neighbourhood. These temples, built between 1574 and 1622, have religious and historical significance. Adinath, formerly known as Rishabhanatha, is thought to be the first Jain Tirthanker. Adinath has been described as "the first-world teacher." The story of Adinath is told inside the temple through colourful and exquisite murals.
Ayurved University Jamnagar:
The university has greatly aided the revival of Ayurvedic medicine. The hospital sees approximately 1000 patients per day. The hospital gives Low-income patients free medical care, food, and clothing. The organization has a botanical garden where medicinal plants are grown. Through short-term and long-term courses, students learn yoga, naturopathy, and the ancient science of Ayurveda.