2. JAMNAGAR

The next halt after Ahmadabad was Jamnagar .On the way there is a Chamundi temple .Main temple is on hillock. As it requires considerable time we visited the temple down below. We are told that all the tourists passing through this will visit the temple and take blessings of Mata.
Jamnagar is basically an industrial town. However few fascinating places like
Lakhota palace and Museum, Bala Hanuman temple and Khijadia bird Sanctuary are worth seeing places
Lakhota palace was built by Jam Ranmalji for drought relief after failed monsoons year after year to facilitate of the people of city to find food and resources. It is built on the island centre of lake. Circular Lakhota tower of palace is impressive to watch. The palace houses the Museum. On entry you find Guard room with swords, muskets etc as the palace was originally built for defending from invading army. The walls of Museum are covered in frescos depicting various battles fought by Rajpuths.the fort is connected to the bank by two causeways but is only accessible from one side.
The entry ticket is only Rs 2 per head .We find quite number of foreign visitors who came from places like Brussels, Sweden etc..Next to Lakhota palace there is Bala Hanuman temple. You find Bala Hanuman idol (Perhaps only the place in India) hardly two feet height. The temple is famous for its continuous chanting of the “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram “since from 1964 for which it is even listed in the Gunnies Book of World Records. We can also join if we wish in chanting for few minutes which we did.
Durbargad, the old royal residence which is built in 1540 is another Heritage place. Presently it is empty. Outside you find number of shopping centers selling famous Bandini Sarees and Tie and die Sarees, for which Jamnagar is famous for.
Another interesting place is Khijadia Bird sanctuary. This covers an area of 6 sq km and formed from the two man made dykes that separate fresh water from Sea water. This facilitates to watch species simultaneously that belong to each eco system. You find number of migratory birds. It is worth place to spend some time all the more if you are keen Bird watcher. The entry ticket is Rs 200 for four people with vehicle. You can go round on your own vehicle.