|
Darbargadh Palace
Dabargadh (Maharajah's palace), the old royal residence of Jam Sahebs and the most important
historical complex in Jamnagar, reflects the fusion of Rajputs and European style of
architecture. The semi- circular palace complex consists of a number of
buildings with very fine
architectural features and detailing. It has some fine examples of stone carvings,
wall paintings, fretwork jali-screens, ornamental mirrors, carved
pillars and sculpture. The walls outside have carved jarokha balconies in the
Indian tradition, a carved gate and Venetian-Gothic arches. The earthquake in
2001, has
caused significant damage to the Darbargadh.
Lakhota Fort
This small palace, on an island in the middle of the Lakhota lake,
once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. This fort like palace has semi-circular
bastions, turrets, a pavilion with guard-rooms housing
swords, powder flasks and musket loops. An arched stone- bridge with balustrade
connects the Lakhota Palace with the town. Today it houses a small museum. The
fort museum has a good collection of sculptures that spans a period from the
9th to18th century and pottery found in ruined medieval villages from the surrounding
area. The museum is reached by a short causeway from the northern side of Ranmal
Lake and is open daily except on Wednesdays.
Top
Willingdon Crescent
The impressive Willingdon crescent was constructed by Jam
Ranjit Singh, inspired by his European journey. It comprises arcades of cusped arches, larger on the ground floor and
smaller on the upper storey, pilasters on the curving walls, and balusters on
the parapet. The statue of Jam Saheb is
situated in the centre of the crescent. Gujarat Earthquake in 2001 has caused
only a slight damage to
this shopping area.
Pratap Vilas Palace
The beautiful Pratap Vilas Palace, built during the rule of His Royal Highness
Jam Ranjitsinhji, is a distinct place to visit for a variety of reasons. It
has European architecture with Indian carvings that give it a totally distinct
appeal. It was built as a mimic of Victoria Memorial Building of Calcutta but
the domes built on it are according to Indian architecture, out of which 3 domes
are made of glass. Carvings of creepers, flowers, leaves, birds and animals
on the columns make the palace lively. Damage in the 2001 earthquake has
caused a costly loss of some parapets, and the
separation of some upper walls at the roof level in some corners.
Timings :
10 am to 5 pm.
Top
Kotha Bastion
The Kotha Bastion is Jamnagar's prize possession. It has a fine collection
of sculptures, coins, inscriptions and copper plates and the skeleton of a
whale. One of its most interesting sights is an old well where the water can be drawn by blowing into a small
hole in the floor.
Dhanvantri Mandir (Ayurvedic University)
Dhanvantri Mandir was built under the personal supervision of Dr.
Pranjivan Manekchand Mehta, Chief Medical Officer of Guru Govindsingh
Hospital. After independence it gained the status of Ayurveda University.
It has a good library, workshop and been a place of research and international
seminars on Ayurveda- an ancient Indian medicinal system.
Solarium
Also known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy, the Solarium was built by Jam Shri Ranjitsinhji during
his rule by bringing in an expert from France. This slowly revolving tower
provides full daylong sunlight for the treatment of skin
diseases. With the destruction
of two similar solaria in France during World War II, this is probably
now the only one of its kind in the world, and certainly in
Asia. It is
open to visitors after working hours.
Bhujio Kotho
Bhujio Kotho enjoys a distinct place among the tourists because
of it's height and circumference. It is on the bank of the Lakhota
Tank, near Khambholiya Gate. This monument having five floors was
believed to be constructed for protection during the invasions.
On the first floor there are guns placed
in each directions and in the walls,
holes are made to place the rifles. On the upper floor a tank is constructed to
store water and on it's peak a dancing peacock is placed.
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm.
Top
Jain Temples
Shantinath Mandir Shantinath Mandir is situated, south-west of
Bedi Gate, in Jamnagar. The temple has intricate carvings and the walls are
adorned with fine murals, which depict the life of Jain saints. The floor is
made of marble and decorated with distinctive Jain patterns in yellow, black,
white and red.
Vardhman Shah’s Temple Vardhman Shah’s Temple is a
delightful shrine and one of the four main Jain temples in Jamnagar. The
foundation stone of this shrine was laid in 1612, during the reign of Jam
Jasaji I and was completed in the year 1620. Fifty two very small temples or
‘Deri’ were built around the temple in 1622.
Bala Hanuman Temple
The Bala Hanuman Temple is on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake. The
temple is famous for the continuous 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram,
Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964. This devotion has earned Bala Hanuman
Temple a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Thousands of devotees visit
the temple every year. Early evening is particularly a good time to visit the
temple.
Top
|