The mid-19th-century, artificial Ranmal Lake (entry ₹10) lies at the heart of Jamnagar. The gated, 5-sq-km lake is lined by a shaded promenade, numerous banyan trees that attract various bird species, and ornate pavilions with enclosed stone balconies. The lake was constructed between 1820 to 1852 by Jam Ranmalji II, the 16th Jam Sahib of the former Nawanagar state, whose gorgeously situated Lakhota Palace (entry ₹50) sits on an island. Built in 1846, the Rajput-style fort comprises a semi-circular bastion housing a semi-open-air museum (no photos allowed).
Don’t miss exquisitely painted decorative wooden ceilings, the cinematic Battle of Bhuchar Mori painting on canvas, or the ancient copper plates. For a lofty view of the lake, ascend the Bhujiyo Kotho tower. Nearby is the Bala Hanuman Temple, where the continuous chanting of the prayer "Jai Shri Ram" has been going on since 31 July 1964, earning the temple a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. End your trip at the Kamala Nehru Park.
