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Located in western Gujarat, Jamnagar or the “Oil City of India,” historically served as the capital of the princely state of Nawanagar. Beyond the historical palaces and modern oil rigs, Jamnagar is also home to historical forts, including the Lakhota Fort. The fort’s origin is between the 18th and 19th centuries and was constructed by the Jadeja rulers. Following that, the fort witnessed the reign of several other dynasties too. The fort stands as a symbol of Jamnagar’s royal heritage. If you are planning a visit to Gujarat, adding Lakhota Fort to the itinerary is probably one of the most fun experiences.
Location Of Lakhota Fort
Photo: Mrr.sky / Wikimedia Commons
Lakhota Fort is located in the city of Jamnagar, in the western state of Gujarat, India. The fort is situated in the middle of Lakhota Lake, a man-made water body that adds to the fort’s picturesque setting.
Suggested Read: The Ultimate Travel Guide To Gujarat’s Historic Kanthkot Fort
About Lakhota Fort Gujarat
Photo: Dherendra sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Lakhota Fort was constructed in the 19th century by Jam Ranmal II, a Jadeja ruler, as a royal arsenal. The fort was primarily designed as a military outpost to protect and shield the kingdom from the invasions. The fort features a blend of Indo-Saracenic style, which is reminiscent of most of the forts in India. The strategic location of the Lakhota Fort is on an island, surrounded by the Ranmal Lake. The visitors have to walk down the stone causeway to reach the fort.
A circular tower is built inside the fort that helped the rulers back in the day to store rations, especially during times of crisis, between 1834 and 1846. One unique structure of the fort lies in the tower and turrets that surround the structure. This was used by the soldiers to keep themselves and their arsenal safe from the enemies. At present, the structure has been transformed into Jamnagar’s one of the oldest museums. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of the Jadeja rulers, showcasing items that date back to the 9th century. The walls of the fort are adorned with murals that depict scenes of battles, hunting, and royal life, adding to the historical significance of the site.
How To Reach Lakhota Fort
Photo: Anil Kausalyayan / Wikimedia Commons
Being centrally located in Jamnagar, reaching Lakhota Fort isn’t complicated, provided that you know the routes.
By Air: The nearest airport to the fort is Jamnagar Airport, which is located around 8 km from the fort. From the airport, there are taxis and local buses available to take you to the palace and museum.
By Rail: The nearest railhead from the Lakhota Palace and Museum is Jamnagar Railway Station, located around 5 km away. There are auto-rickshaws and taxis available from outside the airport.
By Road: You can drive to Jamnagar or take a bus from these cities. The fort is situated in the heart of Jamnagar, making it easily accessible by local transport once you arrive in the city.
Suggested Read: Forts In Gujarat That Are Architectural Marvels And Define A Glorious Past
Things To Do At Lakhota Fort
Given how expansive the Lakhota Fort is, there are numerous activities that you can explore inside this fort.
1. Explore The Lakhota Museum
Photo: Rangilo Gujarati / Wikimedia Commons
One of the main attractions inside the fort is the Lakhota Museum. It is home to a variety of historical artefacts including a vast collection of sculptures, pottery, and weaponry that dates back centuries. Inside the museum, you can also explore the rich cultural heritage of the Jadeja dynasty. The murals depicting the battles and royal hunts are one of the highlights of these exhibits. Walking through the individual exhibits offers a glimpse into the historical lives of the rulers of Jamnagar.
2. Stroll Around Ranmal Lake
Photo: Pok Rie / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The centrepiece of Jamnagar is the Ranmal Lake. The fort is surrounded by the lake, offering a perfect setting for a laidback exploration and serene experience. During the winter months, the lake also makes for a great site for birdwatching since the migratory birds flock around looking for shelter. The well-maintained pathways around the lake are ideal for a peaceful stroll while enjoying the scenic views of the fort.
Suggested Read: Discover The Heritage And Scenic Views Of The Historic Bharuch Fort
3. Visit The Nearby Bala Hanuman Temple
Photo: Ranjanbdevar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located close to the fort, the Bala Hanuman Temple is another popular attraction that you can consider visiting. It is a popular pilgrimage site and is renowned for its continuous chanting of the “Ram Dhun” (praise of Lord Rama) since 1964, a feat that has earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Visiting the temple blesses you with a spiritual experience like no other.
4. Photograph The Surroundings
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
Taking Lakhota Fort pictures is one of the most immersive activities that you can indulge in when you visit Jamnagar. The beauty of the palatial structure, paired with the backdrop of the lake makes for an amazing backdrop. Also, if you are lucky to spot a few birds while you are visiting, you can photograph them in the process. One of the most stunning shots is capturing the fort’s reflection in the lake during the golden hour.
Suggested Read: Discover Idar Fort In Sabarkantha
Places To Visit Around Lakhota Fort
After you finish exploring the fort, you can then move around to explore a few of the additional tourist attractions around Jamnagar.
1. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Ghoske51 / Wikimedia Commons
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary is located around 14 km from the fort, making it a great option for you to indulge in bird bird-watching experience. The sanctuary is home to over 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including pelicans, flamingos, and herons. Also, the diverse habitat of this bird sanctuary, especially with the freshwater lakes, saltpans, and mangroves, confirms why the area is such a popular spot for bird-watching experience.
Distance From Fort: 13.9 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Pratap Vilas Palace
Photo: Nitin Sharma / Wikimedia Commons
Another nearby tourist destination from the fort is the Pratap Vilas Palace. This majestic palace stands out with its intriguing and beautiful architecture, especially that of the magnificent halls. Most of the pillars in this palace have carvings, whose craftsmanship will leave you in awe. The palace features European-style architecture and was named after Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad. The construction of this palace took place between 1908 and 1914.
Distance From Fort: 3.6 km
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
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3. Dwarkadhish Temple
Photo: TeshTesh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is a popular Hindu temple in Jamnagar, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is constructed on top of a hill and you have to climb around 50 steps to reach the temple. One of the main attractions of this temple lies in its intricate architecture, especially with the sculptured walls. Besides the main shrine being dedicated to Lord Krishna, there are a few smaller shrines located in the temple as well.
Distance From Fort: 350 metres
Timings: 6:30 AM – 1 PM and 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Where To Stay
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Jamnagar is a popular tourist attraction in the city, which is one of the reasons why there are numerous hotels and resorts that you can stay in. There are five-star luxury hotels like Sayaji Jamnagar, The Fern Residency and Hotel Aram. If you want budget-friendly hotels, consider booking your stay at Anaya Beacon Hotel, Click Hotel by Suba or Hotel President.
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Where To Eat
Photo: Jit.roy.chowdhury / Wikimedia Commons
Since the fort is located centrally in Jamnagar, there are numerous restaurants available around the palace and museum. Some of the popular restaurants you can stop to try are Spicy Bite Multi-cuisine Restaurant, 7 Seas Restaurant, Hotel Aram Restaurant, Kalpna Restaurant, and The Saffron.
Best Time To Visit Lakhota Fort
Photo: Rangilo Gujarati / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to plan your visit to the fort is during the winter months, between October and February. During these months, the pleasant weather and clear skies result in average temperature from 18°C to 25°C. Also, summers can get extremely hot in Jamnagar, easily touching 45°C, which can make the exploration quite uncomfortable.
Suggested Read: Explore Lakhpat Fort For A Sneak Peek Into Gujarat’s Royal History
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Rangilo Gujarati / Wikimedia Commons
Having a well-planned travel experience makes exploring the fort and the surroundings a lot more comfortable.
- Photography is allowed inside the fort, but some areas may require special permission.
- Consider hiring a local guide if you want a better understanding of the fort’s history.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and exploring.
- While Gujarati is the local language, Hindi and English are widely understood.
- Carry a water bottle, especially during the summer months, to stay hydrated while exploring.
Lakhota Fort is one of the main attractions the next time you are planning a trip down to Jamnagar in Gujarat. The beauty of the palace blended with the resources of the museum makes this a well-rounded travel experience, ideal for every traveller. You can plan the logistics of your vacation to Gujarat with TripXL for the ultimate travel experience.
Cover Photo: Vatsal Mandavia / Pexels
