Jamnagar is not much explored city but it is undoubtedly one of the fabulous cities of Gujarat. This historic city is flooded with historic buildings and colorful markets. The town is named after the Jadeja Rajputs, called Jams built this city around the Rammol Lake, about 450 years ago. The city was founded by Jam Raval in 1540 AD, who made his capital here. The city is located at the confluence of rivers Nagmati and Rangmati and ealier known as Nawanagar. Modern Jamnagar is credited to famous cricketer Ranjitsinhji who was the prince of the region in 1920s.



The major attractions of the town is the 5000 years bandhani fabric work. The work of art is a complex process that involves laborious process of thousands of tiny knots in a piece of folded fabric. Jamnagar also serve as an ideal base point to exploring the coastline that stretches to Dwarka, where there fine beaches are empty almost the whole year. Though in Gujarat, Jamnagar is well known for its Ayurvedic university where ancient technique of ayurveda and yoga are instructed. Inside the university there is temple that hosted non stop chanting since 1964 and also named in Guinness Books of Records.

Sights And Activities

Lakhota Palace & Ranmal Lake
Lakhota palace or fort is a small palace, on an island in the middle of the Lakhota Lake, once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. An arched stone bridge with balustrade connects the Lakhota Palace with the town. The main attraction of the palace is the museum that houses good collections of ancient scripts and sculptures. The Ranmal Lake itself a beautiful place and enjoy scenic breath of fresh air.

Bala Hanuman Temple
The temple is dedicated to Hanuman, located southeastern side of Ranmal. The biggest attraction of the temple is continues chanting of Sri Ram, Jai Ram since 1964. The devotion earned the temple in the Guinness Book of Records.

Jain Temples
There are four Jain temples but the two are most famous and beautifully designed. Shantiram Mandir is located south west of Bedi gate. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and murals that show the life of Jain saints. Another one Vardhman Shah's temple is fine shrine is the major Jain temple of the region. The foundation was laid in 17th century and took 18 years to complete the temple. It was established during the reign of Jam Jasaji. Around the temple there are 52 small temples that built in 1622.
Shopping
Jamnagar is renowned for its silk, gold embroidery, silver ware, bandhani(tie and dye) fabrics and nut crackers.

Khijadiya National Park
This is a small sanctuary covers salt and freshwater marshlands. To see the cranes, you have to visit from September to March. Other than cranes there are plenty of other birds can be seen in the sanctuary. It is best to visit around sunrise. Permits are available from the Forest Office.

Marine National Park
This exotic park stretches 170km along the coast and covers 42 islands, 33 of which are ringed by coral reefs. The park is rich of marine and bird life. The best time to visit the place is from December to March. Nearby Okamadhi Beach is also a nice place to see.

Ayurvedic University
It is India's only Ayurvedic university, runs various courses on Ayurvedic medicine. You can also take a 12 week introductory course on Ayurveda that teaches you basic theory and medicine preparation. These courses are designed for foreign nationals with medical qualification. You can also opt for yoga courses here. Other than course, massage, steam therapy, mud therapy and other type of therapies are also available.