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Akash Ambani and Isha Ambani’s birthday bash in Jamnagar has once again put this coastal city on the traveller’s map. Beyond the headlines and star-spotting, Jamnagar rewards anyone who lingers: coral-lined shores, a lake with a fort at its heart, and a living soundtrack of devotion that has played—literally—without pause for decades. If you’re in town for the festivities or planning a culture-and-nature detour, here are seven places that show Jamnagar at its most compelling. 1) Lakhota Lake & Lakhota Palace–Museum Right in the middle of Ranmal (Lakhota) Lake sits a striking island fort, begun in the mid-19th century as a “jal durga” (water fort) by Jam Shri Ranmalji. Today it houses the Lakhota Museum, whose galleries feature sculptural fragments, arms, pottery and curios from the region’s royal and village past. A dusk stroll on the lake’s promenade—when the palace glows and waterbirds skim the surface—is quintessential Jamnagar. The city’s official pages note the lake’s 19th-century origins and the museum’s restoration; typical museum timings run roughly late morning to late afternoon with a brief mid-day break. 2) Bala Hanuman Temple On the lake’s south-eastern edge, this modest temple holds a world-famous distinction: continuous chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” that began on 1 August 1964 and has never ceased, earning a Guinness listing. Drop by in the evening to feel the cadence roll through the hall; even non-religious visitors tend to be moved by the sheer persistence of it. 3) Marine National Park (Narara & Pirotan) India’s first marine sanctuary (1980) and national park (1982) unfurls across the Gulf of Kutch, with Jamnagar as the practical gateway. At low tide on Narara reef, the seabed becomes a living field guide: starfish, sea cucumbers, corals and anemones in tide pools. Pirotan Island, by contrast, needs prior permits and boat arrangements; it’s wilder and less predictable, but unforgettable when conditions align. Always check tide tables, wear sturdy footwear and tread lightly. Gujarat Tourism reminds visitors that permits/guides are advised to protect this fragile ecosystem. 4) Khijadia (Khijadiya) Bird Sanctuary Just outside the city, this wetland mosaic of freshwater lakes and saline marshes draws winter migrants by the tens of thousands—pelicans, flamingos, ducks, waders and, with luck, black-necked storks. Khijadia was designated a Ramsar site on World Wetlands Day (2 February) 2022, underscoring its international importance. Peak birding is November to February; go early with binoculars and patience. 5) Darbargadh Palace & Willingdon Crescent (Old City) The original royal residence of the Jam Sahibs grew in stages from 1540, blending Rajput and European flourishes. While earthquakes and time have taken their toll, the old city around Darbargadh still hums—with arcaded market fronts, carved facades and lanes rich in Bandhani textiles. Wander for architecture, people-watching and snacks; it’s where the city’s story first took shape. 6) Bohra Hajira (Mazar-e-Badri) A serene white-marble mausoleum associated with the Dawoodi Bohra community, Bohra Hajira sits near the confluence of the Rangmati and Nagmati. Its cool arabesque detailing and airy courtyards offer a quiet, reflective pause from the bustle. Do dress modestly and be mindful that access can require prior permission from on-site management. 7) Bedi Port Eight kilometres from the railway station, the approach to Bedi Port takes you past salt pans and heaped, glistening mounds—an industrial landscape with its own rugged beauty. Time it for golden hour when the light catches fishing boats and the wide tidal flats; it’s a very different Jamnagar to the palaces and prayer halls inland. How to stitch it together in a day (or two) If you’re short on time, begin at Lakhota Lake and the museum, then walk to Bala Hanuman Temple before lunch. Head to Khijadia for the last few afternoon hours (or at first light the next day). For the marine park, pick a morning with the right low-tide window; Narara is the easiest self-drive option, while Pirotan demands paperwork and planning. Save the old-city wander—Darbargadh and Willingdon Crescent—for late afternoon, and finish at Bedi Port for sunset. Whether you came for a starry celebration or simple curiosity, Jamnagar rewards a slower gaze: corals under your feet, chants in your ears, and a city that still carries the salt of the sea and the polish of its royal past. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
