7 Best Places to Visit in Jamnagar, Gujarat

Located on the coast of Saurashtra in Gujarat, Jamnagar has a lot to offer other than just Bandhani, a type of sari. Jamnagar is one of the best cities to visit in India, with a refinery plant inaugurated by Reliance Industries Limited. This city has everything from fancy pop culture to an exquisite taste in food and beverages.

Jamnagar is situated on the south of the Gulf of Kutch, with pleasant weather during the monsoons and chilly winters. It is the best time of the year to visit Jamnagar.



Here are the top places to visit in Jamnagar:

1. Lakhota Lake

There is a lake situated in the centre of the city, Lakhota Lake, one of the hangout places in Jamnagar. One of the popular tourist destinations, Lakhota Lake was wholly responsible for providing water supply to the entire city. Although, the water supply from this lake has been immobilized for the past few decades as the construction of Ranjit Sagar Dam was commenced at the outskirts of the city.

The lake is in a circular shape that offers people to enjoy the scenic beauty while chit-chatting on the banks. A couple of years ago, the municipality of Jamnagar built a jogging track around this lake that offers the public to work out in the mornings and evenings at a minimal maintenance fee.

The best time of the day to visit this lake is during the night. Millions of stars reflecting on the still water face and the lamp posts repealing in the waterfront give the mind a calmness and peace longing for a long time.

2. Lakhota Palace and Museum

A small palace on the island at the center of the Lakhota lake, once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar that has now turned into a museum which showcases sculptures, arms, and artifacts from the 9th to the 18th century. The palace itself is a tourist destination for people to engage in the craftsmanship consisting of European architecture and Indian carvings. A must visit to realize where Jamnagar comes from.

3. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary

A bird reserve located 10 km north-east of Jamnagar offers a natural habitat to some of the most exclusive birds like Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt etc. A trip to this sanctuary is must for all the nature lovers and bird-watchers.

4. Darbargadh Palace

The most historical complex in Jamnagar was the old royal residence of Jam Saheb, the king of Nawanagar (now known as Jamnagar). This palace offers great cultural insights into the Indo-European style of architecture. The designing of this gigantic palace is European whereas the carvings and paintings/caricatures are from the roots of the Rajput dynasty of India.

5. Willingdon Crescent

When Raja Ranjit Singh returned from his European journey, he constructed the Willingdon Crescent which was inspired by famous markets in the major European cities. Today, it is the commercial hub of Bandhani in Jamnagar. A perfect market that is too difficult to miss.

6. Chaandi Bazaar

A round-about in the missed of the street that serves as the silver market in Jamnagar. Well, the literal meaning of the place also suggests the same; Chaandi – Silver & Bazaar – Market. This market has everything from fine jewelry showrooms, ethic cloth wears to fantastic street food. This place has everything. Chaandi Bazaar is a favorite hang-out spot of all the Jamnagaris.

7. Marine National Park

Located in the district of Jamnagar, this national park fed by the contrasts of the Gulf of Kutch becomes a true paradise for nature lovers. From its coral extensions to the wetlands where herons and flamingos live, including species such as puffer fish, colorful octopuses or dolphins, the Marine National Park becomes a very varied scene, especially when the tide recedes leaving uncovered its orphaned islets or marine secrets.

Food in Jamnagar

Just like any other cities in Gujarat, Jamnagar too is a foodie's paradise with chain restaurants like Dominos, Subway, McDonald's in the heart of the city. For people who fascinate street food, Jamnagar has a lot to offer. The streets offer multiple cuisines that include Chinese, chats, South Indian food, Ice-creams, milk based cold-beverages (yes, they are different from milkshakes), kathiyawadi thali and much more.

However, the main attraction for tourists in terms of street food in Jamnagar is the famous Jamnagari Mukhwas & Dry Fruit Kachori. A local snack amongst Jamnagaris is the famous Gujarati breakfast: Fafda-Jalebi with Papaya Sambhar; a delicacy too hard to miss.

There another local favorite cuisine is Malai Gola or ice Popsicle prepared from ice-chips and topped with flavored syrup and cream. A standard dessert during the summer season. Jamnagar has numerous restaurants that serve multi cuisine. Although, the famous attractions are open-air garden restaurants 6-7 km away from the city. Pleasant weather, kids’ area, and live screening, these make them perfect for any occasion.

Gujarati Farsan is basically a group of foods that are collectively called Farsan. They are usually eaten as snacks or breakfast but can also be a side dish for meals.

Hotels in Jamnagar

Jamnagar has no 5-star hotels, however, there are numerous 3 and 4-star hotels within the city. On average, each hotel has approximately 40-50 rooms. So, it is highly recommended to pre-book.

How To Reach Jamnagar

Jamnagar railway station is one of the major railway stations in Saurashtra, Gujarat. With convenient mobility across the country, it is not at all difficult to reach. Here are all the required details to know about Jamnagar. Rest, I believe one should explore places on their own.