Jamnagar, a City of Beautiful Palaces and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Gujarat

Jamnagar is a city located on the Gulf of Kutch, in Gujarat and is popularly known as the ‘Jewel of Kathiawar’. The city is located at a distance of about 337 km from Gandhinagar,

the capital of Gujarat. The place got worldwide recognition after the establishment of the largest refinery of the world by Reliance Industries. Besides this, the city also holds the oil refinery of Essar Oil. As to the existence of two significant oil refineries of the country, Jamnagar is also known as the ‘Oil City’ of India.

The city was founded by Jam Raval in 1540 and it served as the former capital of Nawanagar, which was a princely state during that period. The present structure of the city of Jamnagar was built by Maharaja Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, in the late 1920s. At present, the city is regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in Gujarat. There are several palaces, temples and untouched islands at this place. It is also known for its scenic beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.

Attractions

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary- The sanctuary is located at a distance of about 10 km towards northeast from the main town of Jamnagar. The place is mainly known as the breeding ground of the great crested grebe. Apart from the great crested grebe, the sanctuary is also a chief breeding ground for birds like black-winged stilt, purple moorhen, coot, little grebe and pheasant-tailed Jacana. Tourists can also spot migratory birds at this place, such as martins, swallows and various waterfowls. 

Marine National Park- It is the first marine sanctuary in India. The sanctuary comprises of an archipelago of 42 islands that are very much popular for their mangroves and coral reefs. The entire area is rich in diverse variety of marine life. Visitors to this place can spot marine animals like dolphins, fin-less porpoises, sea turtles and a variety of alluring colorful tropical fish.  A diverse species of birds are also seen at this place.

Dabargadh- The place is one of the popular attractions of the city, which houses elegantly built palaces. The palaces found at this place include the architectural combination of European and Rajput style. Beside the captivating palaces, the place also houses two urban projects, namely Chelmsford Market and Wellingdon Crescent that were initiated by Jam Ranjitshinhji. 

Positra Beach- The city is also famed for holding a number of scenic beaches and the Positra beach is one of them.  The beach has a peaceful and tranquil surrounding and offers breathtaking views of the sea shore. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the sea shore.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the place is during the months of October to March. 

Accommodation

This captivating city of Gujarat has plenty of options for staying. The different types of accommodation found at this place ranges from rented guest houses to budget and luxury hotels. These places of accommodation charge affordable prices and the travelers can find a staying facility at this place as according to their budget. 

How to Reach

By Air: The city has its own airport that is located at a distance of about 10 km from the city center. The airport is well linked with places like Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Vadodra and other places in Gujarat.

By Train: The city also has its own railway station, located at a distance of about 4 km from the city center. The station is well linked with several Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi and others.

By Road: Jamnagar has a good road connectivity that connects the city with places like Rajkot (76 km), Somnath (223 km), Ahmedabad (308 km), Dwarka (136 km) and Vadodra (330 km). The city receives regular state and private buses from these places.