Jamnagar, or the city of Jams, was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra. Today, the 200km long Jamnagar coast is dotted with several industries run by corporate giants in the region. Jamnagar itself is a centre for the brass industry, bandhini fabrics and zari work.

Founded in 1540, Jamnagar is the Abode of the Jam - the Jadeja Rajput rulers of Nawanagar and the capital of their state, is a interesting city which enjoys a variety of distinctions. It is renowed for its pearl fisheries, a naval base of some importance, and a certain type of tie-and dye fabrics.

Places to Visit

Solarium
Known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy. A slowly revolving tower provides full day long sunlight. It is open to visitors after working hours.

Lakhota Fort And Kotha Bastion
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 is Jamnagar's 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.

Rozi Bedi Port
These are attractive seaside picnic spots and offer good finishing facilities.

Porbandar
South of Dwarka, on the western coast, Porbandar is a picturesque old sea port associated with the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. "Porbandar becomes a vision of glory at sunrise and sunset when the slanting rays beat upon it turning its turrets and pinnacles into gold" Charles Feer Andrews, a British disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. Its ancient maritime activities - trade with arabia, Africa and Persia - have given way to a thriving industry of cement and chemical units. Porbandar is the birthplace of Gandhiji. There is the mid-18th century Gandhi home, where Gandhiji was born in 1869. The three storeyed, 17 room house remains unaltered. Gandhiji's grandfather, Uttamchand Gandhi, was the prime minister to the King Of Porbandar. His father inherited this position and passed it on to his brother Tulsidas upon occupying a similar position at Rajkot and later at Wankaner. the Gandhi home is located close to the Makanji. Gokuldas Makanji's daughter was married to Gandhiji and born in the Makanji house. They were married when they were both thirteen.

How to get there ?

Air
Various domestic airlines connecting Mumbai (Bombay).

Rail
On the Western Railway with direct connections with Ahmedabad.

Road
State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. Jamnagar is 308 Kms. from Ahmedabad via Rajkot and 92 Kms. from Rajkot.