Jamnagar
The Jewel of Kathiawar
Overview
Jamnagar is a historic city on the Gulf of Kutch coast of Saurashtra, Gujarat, founded in 1540 by Jam Rawal as the capital of the princely state of Nawanagar. Long called the 'Jewel of Kathiawar', it is known for its brass industry, the Lakhota Palace set on its lake, and the Bala Hanuman temple, where devotees have sustained a continuous chant of 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram' since 1964, a Guinness world record. Offshore lies India's first Marine National Park, in the Gulf of Kutch. MyTripMyTravel runs Jamnagar as a heritage and coastal-nature base with escorted access and comfortable transfers.
Jamnagar was founded in 1540 by Jam Rawal on the southern shore of the Gulf of Kutch, and grew as the capital of the princely state of Nawanagar. Its most famous ruler, the cricketer-prince Ranjitsinhji, remodelled the early-twentieth-century city with lakes, gardens, and crescents, earning it the nickname 'the Jewel of Kathiawar'. At its heart lies the Ranmal (Lakhota) Lake, with the old Lakhota Palace and the Bhujio Kotho tower rising from the water.
The city holds two singular claims. The Bala Hanuman temple beside the lake has kept up an unbroken chant of 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram' since 1 August 1964, a devotional relay recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records. And off the coast lies the Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch, established in the early 1980s as the first marine national park in India, a tidal world of coral, mangrove, and reef islands. Jamnagar is also a major industrial hub, home to one of the world's largest oil refineries and a long-standing brass-parts industry.
MyTripMyTravel runs Jamnagar as a layered base: the lake, palace, and temples of the old city; the birdlife of Khijadiya; and, tides permitting, the exposed inter-tidal reefs of the marine park, reached with permits and local guides.
At a glance
Jamnagar in brief
When to visit
November to February
November to February is the coastal winter and the best time for Jamnagar, with mild days for the lake, temples, and old city, and prime birding at Khijadiya. This window also aligns with the best low-tide conditions and cooler weather for the exposed reefs of the Marine National Park, though access always depends on tides and permits. March to June is hot and humid on the Gulf coast, and the monsoon (July to September) brings rain and rougher seas. We plan the marine park strictly around the tide charts.
Things to do
Experiences in Jamnagar
Bala Hanuman temple
The lakeside temple holding a Guinness-recognised unbroken chant of 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram' since 1964.
Lakhota Palace & Lake
The old palace-museum and Bhujio Kotho tower set on Ranmal Lake at the centre of Ranjitsinhji's city.
Marine National Park
India's first marine national park, in the Gulf of Kutch, inter-tidal coral, mangrove, and reef islands seen at low tide with permits.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
A coastal wetland where freshwater and saltwater meet, rich with flamingos, pelicans, and migratory birds in winter.
Darbargadh & Willingdon Crescent
The old royal quarter and the graceful colonnaded crescent from the Nawanagar era in the heart of the old city.
Brass & bandhani markets
The lanes of Jamnagar's long-standing brass trade and tie-dye bandhani textiles, a hands-on look at local craft.
Getting there
How to reach Jamnagar
Jamnagar (JGA) has its own airport with connections via Mumbai; Rajkot offers wider links with a short drive.
Jamnagar is well connected by rail to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Dwarka; we handle the transfer into the old city and coast.
Jamnagar sits on the Rajkot to Dwarka highway, making it a natural chauffeured stop on the Saurashtra coastal loop.
Our air-conditioned, GPS-tracked vehicles link Jamnagar with Dwarka, Rajkot, and the marine-park jetties comfortably.
Where to stay
The most comfortable contemporary and business hotels in Jamnagar, a reliable base for the old city and coast.
Properties with a Nawanagar-era character near the lake and royal quarter for a sense of the old city.
Well-run mid-range stays with concierge support for an easy overnight on the Saurashtra route.
Where to eat
The classic unlimited vegetarian thali of dal, kadhi, shaak, and rotli, Jamnagar's everyday staple.
The robust Saurashtra fare of bajra rotla, ringan no olo, and sev tameta from the surrounding region.
Jamnagar's beloved local snacks and sweets, sampled through its long-standing sweet shops.
Good to know
Jamnagar, your questions
Why is Jamnagar called the Jewel of Kathiawar?
Founded in 1540 as the capital of Nawanagar and remodelled by the cricketer-prince Ranjitsinhji with lakes, gardens, and crescents, Jamnagar earned the nickname 'the Jewel of Kathiawar' for its planned beauty in the Saurashtra region.
What is the Bala Hanuman temple famous for?
Devotees at the Bala Hanuman temple have kept up a continuous, unbroken chant of 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram' since 1 August 1964, a devotional relay recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Can I visit the Marine National Park?
Yes, with planning. The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, India's first, is best seen at low tide with permits and a local guide, when the inter-tidal reefs, coral, and mangrove islands are exposed. We arrange the permits and timing.
How do I reach Jamnagar?
Jamnagar has its own airport (JGA) with flights via Mumbai and is well connected by rail. It sits on the Rajkot to Dwarka highway; we arrange the fleet transfer on arrival.
Is alcohol available in Jamnagar?
No. Jamnagar is in Gujarat, a dry state, so alcohol is restricted and requires a permit, which we can help foreign visitors arrange where needed.
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