Jamnagar, historically called Nawanagar or the new city, was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra. The founder of the princely state of Jamnagar was Jam Rawal, who descended on the northern coast of Kathiawar in 1535 A.D. The city was ruled by the Jadeja Rajputs prior to independence.

Jamnagar is a less visited, delightful little town with ornate buildings and colourful bazaars. Known for its pearl fisheries, and colorful bandhani work, Jamnagar is also home to the only Ayurvedic University in India.

Jamnagar is an ideal base for exploring the coastal stretches up to Dwarka. These coastal stretches have some fine secluded beaches, and flocks of rare species of birds can be spotted here.

Tourist Attractions:

Lakhota Palace & Ranmal Lake:  The Lakhota Palace is a small palace on the Ranmal Lake that once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. Today it houses a small museum with displays from archaeological sites in the area.

Bala Hanuman Temple: The temple has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having continuous 24 chanting of  the prayer ‘Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964.

Pratap Villas:  A palace inspired by the 'Victoria Memorial' of Calcutta with traditional carvings of birds, animals, creepers and plants. Its three domes are made of glass.

Jain Temples: Wander around the old city areas of the Chandi Bazaar and the Subhas Market. See the splendid Jain Temples. The Shantinath Mandir and the Adinath Mandir have some fine murals and mirror work.

The Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary and the Ayurvedic University are the other places of interest in Jamnagar.

Marine National Park: At a distance of 30 km from Jamnagar in the Gulf of Kachchh, is India's first Marine National Park covering 42 islands. Of the 42 islands, visitors are only permitted access to Pirotan Island. The area has a unique ecosystem which supports thousands of species a marine iota. Here you can find several species of mangroves, herbs, algae as well as species of sponges, corals, fish, crabs, reptiles and rare birds. December to March is the best time to visit the park. Also visit the Okamadhi Beach and the Narara nearby.

Getting There:

Jamnagar is well connected with road, rail and air. Jamnagar has a daily flight to Mumbai. Jamnagar is connected with Rajkot, Junagadh, and Porbandar by road.

It is also well connected with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi and other important cities of India through regular trains.