Once the capital city of the princely state of Nawanagar, Jamnagar is now known for its beautiful palaces, temples, and gardens. Traditional Gujarati music, dance, food, and festivals are an integral part of the city’s life. Let’s explore the list of things to do in Jamnagar that can help you plan your next road trip to this culturally historic city. And if you’re already planning on travelling here, book a comfortable car rental in Jamnagar with Savaari for local sightseeing.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Jamnagar
- About Jamnagar
- How to Plan a Trip to Jamnagar
- Hotels and Resorts in Jamnagar
- Road trips taken from Jamnagar
- Useful links
Things to Do in Jamnagar
As you explore the historic alleys and vibrant marketplaces of Jamnagar, you will discover a city offering cultural experiences at every step of the way. Whether you are looking for spiritual solace in the Swaminarayan temple, want to watch birds in the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, or want to taste local Gujarati culture and cuisine, Jamnagar offers something unique that sets it apart from other parts of India. Mentioned below are a few things to do on your next trip to Jamnagar:
Explore Lakhota Lake and Lakhota Palace
Located in Jamnagar, Lakhota Lake is a scenic spot that provides the perfect environment for peaceful evening strolls or boating. At its heart is the magnificent Lakhota Palace, which has a historical significance. Originally a fort, the palace has been turned into a museum containing antique collections of pottery, sculptures, and arms dating back to the 9th century. Surrounding it are gardens and walking paths that offer a glimpse into the area’s heritage and natural beauty. The blend of historical architecture and serene waters makes visiting Lakhota Lake and the Palace in Jamnagar an excellent choice.
- Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for children
- Open Days: All seven days of the week
Visit the Narara Marine National Park
This is India’s first marine sanctuary, established in 1982 and located in Jamnagar. Spanning across 42 islands of the Gulf of Kutch archipelago, it is richly endowed with diverse marine biodiversity. It is adorned with vibrant coral reefs, dense mangroves, and various marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colorful fish, among others. Additionally, plenty of migratory birdlife makes it a haven for bird-watching enthusiasts. Mostly reachable by boats, it provides an unforgettable underwater experience filled with beauty. Thus, this place is a must-visit for nature lovers and those who enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving.
- Timings: Entry is allowed 3 hours after high tide, so timings change every day.
- Entry Fees: INR 100-350, depending on whether you hire a guide or want to take a camera with you
- Open Days: All seven days of the week
Go Bird-watching at the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
This is a bird lover’s paradise located near Jamnagar in Gujarat. The sanctuary is unique because it spreads across freshwater lakes and saltwater marshes, providing habitats for over 300 resident and migratory bird species, such as the endangered Dalmatian pelican, painted stork, and black-necked stork. Since its inception in 1982, this sanctuary has supported a wide range of plant and animal life owing to its varied ecosystems. This makes it an ideal place for tourists who love bird watching, photography, or nature walks. The best time to visit is during the winter when the site is teeming with migratory birds.
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fees: INR 40 for Indians and INR 200 for cameras; ticket price also depends on your vehicle of choice.
- Open Days: All seven days of the week
Visit the Bal Hanuman Temple
The Bal Hanuman Temple is situated on the bank of Ranmal Lake at the southeast corner of Jamnagar. This place has engraved itself into the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest continuous chanting of “Ram Dhun” (Jai Ram, Jai Ram) since August 1st, 1964. This temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. This temple’s peaceful environment, along with its religious importance, has made it a must-see place. Continuous chanting results in a peaceful devotional atmosphere, offering visitors a peculiar experience inside these walls. It stands as a symbol of faith and determination in Jamnagar, where every morning begins with “Jai Ram.”
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fees: Free entry for all
- Open Days: All days of the week
Explore Pratap Vilas Palace
Jamnagar’s Pratap Vilas Palace is an outstanding example of an Indian-European architectural blend in a royal setting. Constructed at the dawn of the 20th century, it was the home of the ruler of Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. It is most famous for its extravagant columns, intricate carvings, and luxurious interior decorations. The architecture reflects the luxurious lifestyles of the Jadeja dynasty and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. It is now an important historical site that gives a peek into the life of Jamnagar’s royalty through its architecture.
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fees: No entry fee to visit the palace grounds. Entry fees may be applicable for more private areas of the palace based on palace policies.
- Open Days: All seven days of the week
Shopping in Jamnagar
Vibrant-colored, high-quality tie-dye fabrics found in Jamnagar are a must-have for tourists. You can also explore the local markets for beautiful brassware and traditional silver jewelry. The city is also famous for its range of authentic Ayurvedic products, such as oils, medicines, and cosmetics. Here are the most popular shopping places in Jamnagar:
- Chandni Bazaar: This vibrant jewelry market is known for its collection of silver and gold jewelry pieces. There are some rare and antique finds that you must explore on your shopping spree. The pieces of jewelry showcase the intricate craftsmanship of the local artisans.
- Mahavir Bandhani: This is a one-stop hub for all kinds of Bandhani sarees. You can also find satin sarees, traditional Gujarati sarees with Kutchi work, and chaniya cholis at highly affordable prices.
- Willington Crescent: Built by Ranjit Singh, this popular marketplace is situated in the Darbargadh palace grounds. At this ancient marketplace, you can buy authentic, handcrafted art pieces at this ancient marketplace that showcase Gujarat’s culture.
Nightlife in Jamnagar
While Jamnagar has a subdued nightlife scene, there are still plenty of options to keep you entertained in the evenings.
- Enjoy Gujarati delicacies: You can walk along the beautiful lanes of the Jamnagar markets while enjoying the delectable street food. The street markets are famous for silver jewelry, tie-dye Bandhani sarees, Gujarati folk dresses, brass trunks and handicrafts.
- Spend an adventurous day at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Amusement Park: Planning a day out with your friends and family? This amusement park is a popular picnic and hangout spot for locals and tourists, thanks to the various rides, food stalls, and the lush greenery surrounding the park.
- Take a stroll through Rajwadu: You can also check out Rajwadu, a unique night spot in Jamnagar with a Gujarati folk ambiance. Here, visitors can enjoy authentic cuisine while listening to folk music and watching performances by Gujarat folk dancers, among other things.
- Explore brilliant artworks at Radhika Art Gallery: Jamnagar has the famous Radhika Art Gallery, located near Hawai Chowk. This art gallery is known for its collection of bone, wood, and marble handicrafts. It is also home to unique gemstone paintings that showcase the fine craftsmanship of the local artisans.
Places to Visit in Jamnagar
Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who adores Gujarati culture, the city of Jamnagar has something for everyone. Here are a few places you must not miss when you visit Jamnagar:
- Dwarkadhish Temple: In Jamnagar, the Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the most respected Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshiped here as ‘the King of Dwarka.’ Situated on the banks of the River Gomti, this is a significant pilgrimage center and one of the Char Dham Yatra sites in India. It is speculated that Vajranabh, a grandson of Lord Krishna, built this place more than 2500 years ago. The temple’s architecture is stunning, with its finely carved sculptures and grand entrance. The main idol of Lord Dwarkadhish, alongside Rukmini, his queen, is housed in the sanctum sanctorum. On festivals like Janmashtami, many pilgrims visit from across the world.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Entry Fees: Free entry; Extra charges applicable for VIP Darshan
- Open Days: All seven days of the week
- Pirotan Island: Pirotan Island, located within Jamnagar Marine National Park, represents an untouched slice of heaven with its diverse marine nature. Accessible only by boat, its coral reefs, mangroves, and a host of marine organisms make it a pristine habitat for various aquatic species. This makes Pirotan Island attractive to tourists who love nature or want to participate in bird-watching or snorkeling activities.
- Timings: Depends on the tide
- Entry Fees: INR 1250-2000 per person (Including permit, boat rent, packed meals, guide, etc.)
- Open Days: All seven days of the week.
- Ranjit Sagar Dam: Ranjit Sagar Dam is a beautiful place for picnics and walks in fresh air. It is located in Jamnagar district on the Aji River. The dam is surrounded by dense green forest, and it’s a wonderful place for those who love a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This place is very popular among the locals of Jamnagar and visiting tourists.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Free entry for all
- Open Days: All days of the week except Monday
- Adinath Jain Temple: Adinath Jain Temple is a popular temple dedicated to the first Tirthankara Lord Adinath in Jamnagar. This temple is known for its amazing architecture and carvings. It is famous not only among Jainism devotees but also attracts a large number of visitors from various faiths. The peaceful and calm atmosphere of the Jain temple makes it a paragon of architectural excellence and religion.
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entry Fees: Free entry for all
- Open Days: All days of the week
Places to Visit Near Jamnagar
If you wish to plan a quick weekend getaway from Jamnagar, don’t worry. The city doesn’t disappoint in this regard, as there are multiple popular places to visit and explore. From national parks to temples, here are the best places to visit near Jamnagar, just a hundred kilometers from the city.
- Porbandar: Porbandar is a city on the western coast of India in the Porbandar district, around 100 kilometers from Jamnagar. It is one of the most important and historical cities of Gujarat and is renowned as the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Kirti Mandir, Sudama Temple, and the beautiful beaches are just some of the places worth visiting in Porbandar. The city’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage make it a beautiful and exciting place to visit in Gujarat.
- Gir National Park: Gir National Park is known for its most regal inhabitant, the Asiatic lion. It is around 170 km from Jamnagar. Spread across 1,412 square kilometers, the park offers exciting safari rides to its visitors. Here, you can see lions, leopards, deer, and various kinds of birds. The park, with its rich bio-diversity and the successful conservation of endangered species, is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Most of the animals and birds of the park are protected and preserved species. The day safari times are 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The late evening safari starts at 3:30 PM. However, it must be noted that Gir National Park is closed from 16 June to 15 October every year. The entry fee varies between INR 800 and 1000 per person, depending on the type of safari you choose.
- Somnath: Somnath is a western coastal city in Gujarat, around 200 kilometers from Jamnagar. Somnath temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. This temple is architecturally beautiful and has great historical significance. It has been an important pilgrimage center since ancient times.
Places to Eat in Jamnagar
Jamnagar is famous for its exquisite Gujarati cuisine and eateries that serve delectable food. Here are a few you must not miss:
- Saffron Restaurant: Offering a world-class gourmet dining experience, the Saffron restaurant is known for its diverse menu and excellent service. Their menu has a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, with the soups and vegetarian dishes being the most popular options. The restaurant also offers a full bar with a selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
- Swati Snacks: This casual restaurant is a popular spot for traditional Rajasthani dishes and Gujarati snacks like dhokla, khandvi, and thepla. It serves authentic regional cuisine based on traditional recipes. All dishes are cooked home-style with fresh ingredients and served in a simple and hygienic manner.
- 7 Seas Restaurant: Rated 4+ by the locals, the 7 Seas Restaurant is considered the best non-vegetarian restaurant in the city of Jamnagar. The menu has a variety of Punjabi, North Indian, Indian, and Tandoori dishes, and the seafood options are something to die for. They also have vegetarian options and an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- The Grand Chetna: The Grand Chetna in LAL Bungalow offers a fine dining experience with a range of multi-cuisine dishes. Popular for its grand Gujarati thalis, this vegetarian restaurant also serves Kathiyawadi, Punjabi, and Chinese dishes for dinner. The courteous staff offers a warm and traditional welcome, a reflection of their strong cultural roots.
- The Rajwadu Village Restaurant: Located in the Rajwadu Hotel, this restaurant offers a rustic dining experience with authentic Punjabi and Gujarati delicacies. The entire restaurant has a rural decor, offering a unique dining experience. They also host ‘Kathputli’ puppet shows, magic shows, tarot card shows, and live music shows for guests to enjoy.
About Jamnagar
Jamnagar is a historic city in Gujarat and is also home to the world’s largest oil refinery complex, operated by Reliance Industries Limited. The city was primarily built by the Jadeja Rajputs, who ruled the region for many years and is known for its stunning architecture and culture. This city is nothing short of a work of art. It is located along the Arabian Sea shoreline, which consists of lovely beaches, majestic palaces, and wildlife sanctuaries. This place is a must-visit for history lovers and environmentalists – it has a little something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxed vacation or an enriching travel story.
Jamnagar History
Jamnagar was established by Jam Rawal in 1540 AD and belonged to the Jadeja Rajput dynasty. Originally named Nawanagar, it was a prominent princely state during British India. During this time, Jadeja made enormous contributions to the urban development of the town, hence contributing to the most significant landmarks in Jamnagar—the Lakhota Palace and Ranmal Lake. These are but just a few monuments that reflect the historical significance of the city.
Lesser-Known Facts About Jamnagar
Here are a few surprising yet unknown facts about Jamnagar:
- World’s biggest oil refinery: The biggest oil refinery globally is at Jamnagar, making it a primary player in the petrochemical industry.
- Home to India’s first Marine Sanctuary: The Marine National Park is located at Jamnagar, which is also India’s first marine sanctuary.
- Institutes on ancient Indian medicine: The city is home to the Gujarat Ayurved University, one of the few universities dedicated to the ancient Indian system of medicine.
How to Plan a Trip to Jamnagar
When planning any trip, you should start by gathering information on the places you want to visit, activities you wish to do, and the best times to travel. This Jamnagar travel guide should cover all your requirements and queries regarding the same. After this, you can plan your itinerary to include major attractions, shopping, dining experiences, and nearby excursions.
Remember to book your hotels or resorts in advance to ensure availability and potentially get better rates. Set a budget for your trip, including travel, accommodation, food, and shopping expenses, and pack according to the season, considering the activities you plan to undertake.
How to Reach Jamnagar
By Train
Jamnagar Railway Station, part of the Western Railways Zone of Rajkot, is well-connected with major cities across India. Several express and superfast trains run to and from Jamnagar.
By Road
Jamnagar is well-connected by road. State-run and private buses operate regular services to and from nearby cities. You can also opt for taxis or car rentals. For instance, you can travel several nearby cities like Surat, Gandhinagar, Porbandar, Bhuj, or book a taxi service from Ahmedabad to Jamnagar with Savaari for a stress-free travel.
By Flight
Jamnagar Airport (JGA), also known as Jamnagar Govardhan Airport, has regular flights connecting major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The domestic airport is about 10 km from the city’s center. You can book an airport taxi in Jamnagar with Savaari for a convenient ride to any destination in the city.
Best Time to Visit Jamnagar
The best time to visit Jamnagar is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (April to June) can be hot, while monsoons (July to September) bring moderate rainfall, turning the surroundings lush green.
Hotels and Resorts in Jamnagar
The city of Jamnagar offers a range of accommodation options. Whether you are looking for luxurious hotels or budget-friendly guesthouses, you will definitely receive a warm and cheerful welcome. Here’s a list of the best places to stay in Jamnagar:
| Name | Address | Contact |
| Hotel Aram | Nand Niwas, Pandit Nehru Marg, Jamnagar, Gujarat 361008 | 0288 255 1702 |
| The Fern Residency | JCR Cinema Pvt Ltd, Survey no.612 Theba Cross, Dwarka Bypass Road, Jamnagar, Gujarat | 0288 350 1000 |
| Hotel Fortune Palace | Digjam Circle, Airport Road, Jamnagar, Gujarat | 0288 272 0291 |
| Lords Eco Inn Hotel | Plot number 3001 Apple Gate 1, GIDC Phase III, Dared, Jamnagar, Gujarat | 073777 34777 |
Jamnagar is a city that beautifully merges its historical essence with modern vibrancy. Whether you are exploring its palaces, strolling through its serene lakes, or indulging in local shopping and cuisine, this city promises a memorable experience.
So, pack your bags and explore the Jewel of Kathiawar! You can book Savaari’s rental cab service to explore the streets and popular locations of Jamnagar at your own pace. We hope this Jamnagar travel guide will be helpful if you want to visit in the future.
Highest Road Trips Taken from Jamnagar
A road trip from Jamnagar to different cities in Gujarat is an enthralling experience as you can witness the beautiful landscapes, the rich Gujarati culture and traditions, and stop by some must-see attractions along the way.
| Jamnagar to Destination | Approximate Distance from Jamnagar |
| Jamnagar to Surat | 520 km |
| Jamnagar to Ahmedabad | 304 km |
| Jamnagar to Kutch | 297 km |
| Jamnagar to Gandhinagar | 327 km |
| Jamnagar to Pune | 916 km |
Download our Savaari mobile app now and book a reliable taxi service with Savaari to discover all the top routes from Jamnagar.
Useful Links
Last Updated on June 13, 2024 by V Subhadra
