Jamnagar “Chhoti Kashi” was founded by Jam Raval in 1540 and was the capital of the former princely State of Navanagar. Famous cricketer Jam Ranjitsinhji hailed from the city and under his rule new parts of the city were developed as per European town planning principles. The town is also known as “Chhoti Kashi”, as it is studded with several Hindu and Jain shrines. Jamnagar “Chhoti Kashi”, is also known for pearl fisheries, a naval base, and tie & dye fabrics.
Lakhota Palace & Tank: The fortified palace amidst the lake can be reached by an arched stone bridge. It was built as a famine relief work in 1839 45 and has a fine collection of sculptures and pottery from Saurashtra. On the banks of the tank, near Khambhaliya Gate is another bastion-like structure called Bhujiyo Kotho.
Solarium or Ranjit Institute of Poly Radio Therapy: It was set up in 1933, by Jam Ranjitsinhji and was one of the only three such medical centers in the world during that time. TB, skin diseases and rheumatism, etc were cured through solar radiation. A slowly revolving tower provides day-long sunlight.
Around Jamnagar
Rajkot (92 kms.)
It was founded in the 16th century by Kunvar Vibhoji Jadeja and was the capital of the princely state of Saurashtra. Some of the attractions are – Karba Gandhi no Delo, the ancestral home of Gandhiji; Watson Museum & Library; Jagat Mandir; Rajkumar COllege, one of the oldest public schools of India; Lal Pari Lake & Randerda, etc.
Wankaner (50 kms.)
Famous for the Wankaner Palace, which has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Dwarka (145 kms.)
The abode of Lord Krishna is one of the “Char Dhams” of Hindu pilgrimage. It is said that Lord Krishna settled and established his kingdom hereafter leaving Mathura. Archaeological1 excavations reveal that the present-day Dwarka is the sixth city on the site, the other five have submerged under the sea, which probably includes the Dwarawati of the Krishna Leela. It is also a fine beach resort
Dwarkadhish (Jagat Mandir): The sacred temple of Lord Krishna is an excellent architectural monument. The shrine consists of Nij Mandir and a multi-pillared Sabha Griha, that leads to the main sanctum, which is said to be 2,500 years old. A conical spire atop the temple rises to 157 m. that dominates the skyline.
Rukmani Temple: It is dedicated to Lord Krishna’s wife.
Nageshwar Mahadev: This important Shiva temple enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
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