Monday, 05 October 2009 11:44

Lakhota Palace Jamnagar

About:

The Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar is one of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat, which you cannot afford to miss while on your tour to the state’s monuments. It is a small palace located on an island in the midst of the Lakhota Lake. The beautiful Lakhota Palace was once home to the Maharaja of Nawanagar. It was built in the form of a fort with semi-circular bastions, turrets and a pavilion that has guardrooms displaying swords, musket loops and powder flasks.

 

One of the most striking relics of the rich past of regal India, a Tour To Jamnagar is considered to be a definite must have if you are planning a tour itinerary to Gujarat. Almost the entirety of the erstwhile princely state of Jamnagar is still alive, resplendent in the rich glory of the times gone by, standing as a mute witness to the era of richness which still heavily influences the way of life of not just Jamnagar but the entirety of the province of Gujarat as well. Home to a history, which the city proudly protects even today, the long list of the various Forts and Monuments Of Jamnagar are led by, perhaps, the exotic beauty of the Lakhota Palace, Jamnagar.



 

The Lakhota Palace, Jamnagar is connected to the town with an arched stone bridge with balustrade. Today the palace also houses a small museum. It has on display the sculptures from 9th to 18th century. You will also find here pottery that has been recovered from the ruined medieval villages. The museum at Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar, Gujarat can be visited daily except on Wednesdays when it remains closed. The museum is reached by a short causeway from the Ranmal Lake.

Location info:

Address:Lakhot Palace,Jamnagar,Gujrat,India
District: Jamnagar
Nearest City: Jamnagar
Language: Gujarati, Hindi.
Best time to visit: October to March

Climate/Weather:

Summer temperature ranges from 24-C to 42-C and Winter temperature ranges from 10-C to 24-C.

History:

The History of Jamnagar states that the city was built in the year 1540, by Jam Rawal, who belonged to one of the most respected Royal dynasties of Gujarat. It is after Jam Rawal, that the city of Jamnagar was renamed to its present name. The previous name for the city was Nawagarh, a name which can be literally translated to mean New City. The Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar in Gujarat in India was built by the Jam dynasty as a royal arsenal, which could come handy in times of war.

Interesting things to do:

Culture:
Most residents of Jamnagar are Gujarati and speak Gujarati language. A small percentage speak Kachchi language which is written in the Gujarati script but is not mutually intelligible with Gujarati. Kathiawadi Language (which is a variant of Gujarati)is widely used for day to day communication. Major communities include Dawoodi Bohras Satvara(dalvadi)Ahirs(Yadav), Patels , Bhanushalis , Rajputs (Darbars), Mers , Jains, Lohanas etc.

Interesting things to Visit:

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.

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.

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:
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 its 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 its peak a dancing peacock is placed.

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.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary:
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, located 10 km north east of Jamnagar, represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter-tidal mudflats, creeks, saltpans, saline land and mangrove scrub. The place is a known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. Apart from it, Little Grebe, Purple Moorhen, Coot, Black-winged Stilt and Pheasant-tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. Raptors, including harriers, eagles, hawks and falcons are also spotted here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as swallows, martins, wagtails and various waterfowls. It is considered as an important site for ecological research and education.

Marine National Park:
India's first marine sanctuary, the park is situated almost 16 nautical miles away in Great Arabian Sea near Jamnagar and spreads over an area of about 458 km2. Located at about 7 km from the city centre, the park comprises an archipelago of 42 islands noted for their coral reefs and mangroves. It is possible to see dolphins, finless porpoise and sea turtles and a variety of colourful tropical fish. The entire forest have various marine lives. The area also attracts a host of water birds. The best period to visit is October to March. Read more details..

Rozi and Bedi Ports:
Rozi and Bedi are two prominent ports along the shores of the mighty Arabian Sea. These attractive seaside picnic spots offer excellent facilities for fishing and angling.

Cremation Park:
Cremation park is situated 10 minutes north of the city centre. The park holds statues of saints and deities, as well as scenes from the Ramayana. This is an interesting place to visit. The circle of life showing the stages in life of man is also thought evoking.

Lakhota Museum:
The History of Jamnagar states that the city was built by Jam Rawal in the year 1540. He belonged to one of the most respected Royal dynasties of Gujarat. It is after Jam Rawal, that the city of Jamnagar gets its name. The previous name for the city was Nawagarh, which can be literally translated to mean "New City". The Lakhota Palace in Jamnagar in Gujarat in India was built by the Jam dynasty as a royal munitions store, which could come handy during the times of war.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:Jamnagar is directly connected with Ahmedabad and Bombay railway line.
Nearest Airport:Indian Airlines service connects Jamnagar with Bombay and Bhuj
Road Transport:Sate connected Jamnagar to Palitana 246 km, Rajkot 86 km, Ahmedabad 304 km, Somnath 257 km, Dwarka 148 km.

Nearest Visiting places:

Porbander:
Porbander is Saurashtra's end - a picturesque seaport on the Arabian Sea. It is situated 395 Kms from Ahmedabad and 145 Kms. from Jamnagar. It is also known as "White City" because of its white stone construction. It is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Porbander has a pleasant beach with beach villas. Its ancient maritime activities - trade with Arabia, Africa and Persia have given way to a thriving industry of cement and chemical units.

 

Dwarka:
The sacred town of Dwarka, one of the main centers of the Krishna legend, 145 Kms. from Jamnagar, sits on the western most tip of the Gujarat peninsula, a sentinel over looking the Arabian Sea.Archaeological excavations show that present day Dwarka is the 6th city on this site, the earlier five having been submerged in the sea. The inner sanctum of the main Dwarkadhish Temple-known as the Nij Mandir - dates back 2,500 years. Legend has it Lord Krishna left Mathura and settled in the Western part of India with his Yadava clan and built a golden city and named it Dwarika. Dwarkanath, the main temple here, is dedicated to Krishna.

Junagadh:
Junagadh is situated in the western state of Gujarat at the foothills of the Girnar Hills. The city of Junagarh takes its name from the fort that encloses the old city. Junagarh was an important trade center as testified by the Ashokan edicts dating from 250 BC. The present-day city has many archeological sites and historical monuments that reflect the rich history of the place.

Sasan Gir:
Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary, which lies on the southwestern fringes of the Saurashtra Peninsula (west-central India), is the last home of some 300 Asiatic lions. It was created in 1913 to protect the largest surviving groups of the Asiatic lions. It was given a sanctuary status in 1965. The vegetation in the area consists of teak with a mixture of deciduous trees, including sal (Shorea), dhak (Butea frondosa), and thorn forests. A few springs also exist, but their flow is rather eccentric depending upon the season. Gir Forest is today the only place in the world outside Africa, where the lion can be seen in his natural habitat.

Bhuj (Kachchh):
The capital of erstwhile state of Kachchh, Bhuj is the Headquarter of the district and the most important city of this region. Kachchh is famous the world over for its sturdy horses, cows and the Bandhini (tie and dye) saris.The Museums, Palaces, Cenotaphs, Lakes, colorful bazaars and fascinating handicrafts make Bhuj a real paradise for visitors. Bhuj is 411 km. from Ahmedabad via Rajkot by road. It is also linked with Ahmedabad by rail. There is a direct fight to Bhuj from Bombay. There are many good hotels and a Circuit House for visitor’s stay.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Panchvati petrol pump:rishikesh apartment, behind viral bag, palace road,jamnagar,Gujrat,Inaia

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Ashiana:New Super Market,Bedi Gate Road,Jamnagar,Gujarat,India,Ph:0288 2559110

 

Hotel President:Teen Batt,Jamnagar,India

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:
Indu Madhu Hospital:Jamnagar,Gujarat,India
V.M.Shah Hospital:Jamnagar,Gujrat.India
Society/Community Phone Number:
Links:www.planetware.com

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Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarka the headquarters of Okhamandal taluka is in the extreme west of the Saurashtra peninsula on the Arabian Sea. It is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, about 137-km from Jamnagar, 217 km from Rajkot and 378 km from Ahmedabad.A state highway with Jamnagar and Okha also connects it. Nearest airport is Jamnagar. Dwarka lies on 20.22' north latitude and 69.05' east longitude and built on the night bank of Gamut creek. Dwarka was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. Scientists researched on that and have found some facts....more
Nageshwara Mahadeva Temple
This place has got its name from the word 'dwar' which denotes door. Amongst the Holy Places in Dwarka, an admired place that draws tourists in huge numbers is the Nageshwar Mandir, Dwarka. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and remains abuzz with tourists and pilgrims round the year.At Nageshwar Mandir in Dwarka, the Nageshwar Mahadev Sivalingam faces south while the Gomugam faces east. There is a popular story for this position. One day, Naamdev, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, was singing bhajans facing the Lord. Other devotees told him to stand aside and not block the front view of the Lord. To this, Naamdev asked these people to propose one direction in which the Lord is not present, so that he can stand there. The angry devotees carried him out of the temple and left him on the south side....more
Bet Dwarka Beach
A visit to Beyt Dwarka Beach along with an attendant visit to Tourism of Gujarat, offers information at the disposal of the visiting tourist that the Beyt Dwarka Beach is one of the lesser known beaches in the annual calendar of the travelers. Beyt Dwarka Beach in Gujarat, India, is located in the deeply historical and religiously popular town of Dwarka, in Gujarat, India, which is known to be of immense importance for the tourists visiting the site from various parts of the country. Beyt Dwarka Beach, in Gujarat, India, comprises of an isolated island called Beyt Dwarka, in Dwarka, Gujarat, India, with the people coming to visit from the seafront of Okha. A ferry or a small boat takes around half an hour to reach the Beyt Dwarka seafront with the separation between the Okha land portion and the Beyt Dwarka Island being that of around four kilometers....more
Lighthouse Dwarka
Dwarka in Gujarat happens to be an important pilgrimage centre and is famed for the Lord Krishna Temple. The Lighthouse in Dwarka is yet another important landmark in the city and is amongst the treasured historical monuments in Gujarat. A port was built in the 19th century and a flag mast was built at the port to put up a lamp which served the purpose of a lighthouse. Since then the Lighthouse, Dwarka has been figuring in the list of most Gujarat tourist attractions.A square tower was erected at the same site in the year 1866 which was 18 m high. An oil wick lamp was installed on the tower. On November 29th, 1877, Sir Richard Temple, the Governor of Bombay, came to Dwarka by sea route. He visited the lighthouse and ordered modifications.....more
Sabha Mandapa
The Sabha Mandapa in Dwarka Gujarat is a multi pillared structure in the ancient temple of Dwarkadish. During your tour to the forts and monuments in Gujarat, this is one attraction which you cannot afford to miss. The temple has been renovated quite a number of times. The intricate work of architecture that is found on the exteriors of the temple dates back to the 16th and 12th century. The Sabha Mandapa, Dwarka leads to a sanctum sanctorum which consists of 60 pillars and has scriptures that are 2500 years old. The entire temple is adorned with fine sculptures and is among the major tourist attractions in Gujarat. The middle part of the stunning Sabha Mandapa houses a small temple of Balramji, which is positioned at a lower level. This temple also houses the idol of Shri Mahaprabhuji. The people behind the construction of the Dwarkadish temple have shown their knowledge and proficiency by placing the deity of elder brother Balramji in the Sabha Mandapa and deity of Mother Devaki facing the Lord Dwarkadhish temple.....more

 

Museum Of Antiguities
One of the most interesting aspects of planning a Tour to Jamnagar is the rich history and heritage of the land, a history, which can be said to be one of the olde3st histories of all the princely states of Saurasthra. Almost the entirety of the city of Jamnagar is dotted with some of the finest Forts and Monuments Of Jamnagar, which are led by, perhaps, the vast storehouse of antiquities as preserved in the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar. The Museum of Antiquities in Jamnagar is considered to a definite must include in your tour itinerary if you are planning a visit to the city of Jamnagar. Definitely noticeable as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Jamnagar, almost the entirety of the complex of the Museum of Antiquities, Jamnagar has some secret or the other to share with the tourists to her land....more
Marine National Park
Gujarat has the distinction of creating the country first Marine National Park spread over an area of nearly 458 sq.kms. in the Gulf of Kutch, 30 km. from Jamnagar. Here corals create fantasies in stone and are the master builders of the Park. Their limestone fortresses those found near the Pirotan Islands and the rich moist deciduous forests like those found in the dense forests of the Danes. One of the most threatened birds, the great Indian bustard finds a refuge in certain pockets of protected areas. Each one the work of a colony of countless tiny animals come in an amazing variety of shapes and sizes from the convolutedbrain coral corals that look like horns. Here you will find plants that look like animals and animals that look like plants. Turtles, shrimp, sponge eels, sea urchin lurk among the corals and huge schools of fish create a brilliance of colors that are unknown, unseen and unimaginable to us....more
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary
Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is around 10 km north east of Jamnagar Gujarat. It represents the combination of seasonal freshwater shallow lake, inter tidal mudflats creeks saltpans saline land and mangrove scrub.It is the known breeding ground of the Great Crested Grebe. Apart from it Little Grebe Purple Moorhen, Coot Black winged Stilt and Pheasant tailed Jacana are also recorded breeding here. Raptors, including harriers eagles hawks and falcons are also spotted here. The sanctuary also shelters migratory birds such as swallows martins wagtails and various waterfowls. It is considered an important site for ecological research and education....more
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary
Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the coast of Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It covers an area of around 332.87hectare and has two plots of terrain, which are divided by wastelands and agricultural lands that falls in between them. The natural vegetation of the sanctuary comprises mostly of grassland along with saline shrubs. There are various rare species of plants that can be found here. Some of the common plants seen here are capparis, salvadora, prosopis juliflora, dichantheum, cyperus, suaeda etc.On the coastal areas of Gulf of Kutch enclosed by high tidal zone in the north and pastoral fields and wastelands on the other verge the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary in Jamnagar is a secure abode for varied vertebrates and invertebrates....more
Gomati River
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