Founded in 1540, Jamnagar is the Abode of the Jam - the Jadeja Rajput rulers of Nawanagar and the capital of their state, is an interesting city which enjoys a variety of distinctions. It is renowned for its pearl fisheries, a naval base of some importance, brass metal products, nature cures and a certain type of tie-and-dye fabrics. Historically called Nawanagar, or the new city, it was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra. The city today is called Jamnagar or the city of Jams, after the hereditary title held by the rulers of Nawanagar from the time of Jam Rawal, who founded the city in 1540. Today, the 200 km long Jamnagar coast, is known for it’s industries with Essar, Reliance, Tata and numerous other industrial giants in the region. Jamnagar itself is a center for the brass industry, Bandhini fabrics and Zarisarees. Visitors toJ amnagar cannot long remain oblivious to it’s princely past.

Lakhota Palace

In the centre of old Jamnagar, on an island in the middle of the lake, are two magnificent old structures : the Lakhota Fort and the Kotha Bastion.

Lakhota Fort once belonged to the Maharaja of Nawanagar, today it houses a small museum and its terraces display a fine collection of sculpture that spans a period from the 9th to 18th Century. The Kotha Bastion is Jamnagar's arsenal. One of its most interesting sights is an old well, the water of which can be drawn by blowing into a small hole in the floor.

Dhanvantri Mandir

Dr. Pranjivan Manekchand Mehta, Chief Medical Officer of Irwin Hospital was inclined towards ayurveda during later stages of his life. With the help of His Highness Digvijaysinhji and Her Highness Gulabkunvarba, established 'Shree Gulabkunvarba Ayurvedic Society'. Under his personal supervision he got constructed the beautiful building of 'Dhanvantri Mandir'. His dreams got realized with the construction of the 'Dhanvantri Mandir', establishment of Ayurvedic College and promotion of ayurveda. As a consequence to this, after the independence, Jamnagar city gained the 'Gujarat Ayurvedic University', which is one of the most reputed university of it's kind.

In the years 1834, 1839 & 1846 there was drought because of which His Highness Jam Raval started relief works. Bhujio Kotho was the result of this relief works. Foundation stone for this was laid in 1826 and the work was completed in 1839, taking 13 years to get completed. It has gained importance because of it's height and circumference. It has five floors. On the first floor there are guns place in each direction and in the walls holes are made to place the rifles. There is even a room constructed on that floor in the centre. On the upper floor a tank is constructed to store water and on it's peak a dancing peacock is placed. It is believed to be a monument built for protection during the attacks by enemies.

The four Jain temples Vardhman Shah's Temple, Raisi Shah's Temple,Sheth's Temple and Vasupujya Swami's Temple were built in 1574 to 1622.
Vardhman Shah's Temple The foundation stone for this temple was laid in 1612 during the rule of His Highness Jam Jasaji - I and completed in the year 1620. Surrounding this temple 52 'Deri' (very small temple) were built in 1622.
Raisi Shah's Temple Tejsi Shah built jain temples in 1564 which were ruined by Moghul army in 1590. Tejsi Shah renovated these temples in 1592. In the year 1619 his son Raisi Shah built 'Deri' (very small temple) around it.
Sheth's Temple They were built in the year 1594 by Bhansali Abji.
Vasupujya Swami's Temple They are believed to be built by Aaskaran Shah in the 17th century.

Bala Hanuman Ji Temple

The Bala Hanuman Temple is on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake, and here 24 hours a day since 1 August 1964, there's has been continuous chanting of the invocating 'Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram'. This devotion has earned the temple a place in the Guinness Book of Records. Early evening is a particularly good time to visit as it is fairly animated then. In fact this whole area on the south eastern edge of the lake becomes very lively around sunset when people come to promenade.

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