Lakhota Fort & Museum
Historical Construction: The Lakhota Fort, locally known as Lakhota Kotha, is an island fortress situated in the middle of Ranmal Lake (Lakhota Lake). It was originally constructed as a famine relief work between 1839 and 1845 AD by Jam Ranmal II. The structure was designed to serve a dual purpose: a water reservoir and a defensive arsenal for the Nawanagar state. Museum Establishment: The fort was later converted into an archaeological museum in 1946, now managed by the Gujarat State Archaeology and Museum Department. It displays a vast collection of artifacts spanning the 9th to 18th centuries. Restoration: The fort sustained damage in the 2001 earthquake and was subsequently restored and reopened in 2018, making it one of the city's best-preserved heritage sites. The name is believed to derive from the 1 lakh koris (Nawanagar currency) spent on its construction.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 HoursPlace Type:
Fort/Museum/HistoricalEntry Fees:
Museum Entry Fee: Nominal, typically Rs.10 for Indian citizens, Rs.50 for foreigners.
Lake Promenade: Free to walk around the lake.
Light & Sound Show: Separate ticket, generally around Rs.25 per person. Photogra...Museum Entry Fee: Nominal, typically Rs.10 for Indian citizens, Rs.50 for foreigners.
Lake Promenade: Free to walk around the lake.
Light & Sound Show: Separate ticket, generally around Rs.25 per person. Photography (Amateur) Free (for handheld cameras/phones).
Professional Shoot: Requires special permission and a higher fee (e. g. , Rs.100 for personal use to Rs.5,000 for commercial events).Timing:
Fort/Museum Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed for lunch from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM). Closed on Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.
Lake Timings: The promenade around the lake is generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. <...Fort/Museum Timings: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed for lunch from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM). Closed on Wednesdays and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month.
Lake Timings: The promenade around the lake is generally open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Late Afternoon (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) to explore the museum, followed by the sunset and an evening stroll around the lake.Special Events:
Light & Sound Show: A structured event held on some evenings (often Saturdays and Sundays at around 9:00 PM), which narrates the history of the fort and Jamnagar using lights and audio projection onto the fort walls.
Navratri and Local Festivals...Light & Sound Show: A structured event held on some evenings (often Saturdays and Sundays at around 9:00 PM), which narrates the history of the fort and Jamnagar using lights and audio projection onto the fort walls.
Navratri and Local Festivals: During major festivals, the entire lake area and the promenade light up, often featuring local stalls and a highly festive atmosphere.
World Heritage Day: Special educational activities and exhibitions are often organized within the museum on April 18th.Best Photo Spots:
The Arched Bridge: A perfectly framed shot of the entire fort, taken from the start of the causeway that connects the fort to the mainland.
Reflections on the Lake: Shots of the fort's reflection in the lake during the morning or evening hou...The Arched Bridge: A perfectly framed shot of the entire fort, taken from the start of the causeway that connects the fort to the mainland.
Reflections on the Lake: Shots of the fort's reflection in the lake during the morning or evening hours when the water is calm.
Fort Bastions: Close-up shots of the fortified towers and bastions, focusing on the stone masonry and the Rajput detailing.
Inside the Museum: Shots of the stunning sculpture collection, ensuring to capture the labels for context (flash photography is usually prohibited).Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Museum Exploration: Spend time inside the museum (Archaeological Museum) examining the artifacts like medieval pottery, weaponry, coins, and the elaborate frescoes on the walls depicting Jadeja history and battles.
Fort Wall Walk: Walk along the ramparts and outer walls of the fort, enjoying the panoramic 360-degree view of Ranmal Lake and the surrounding cityscape.
Photography: Focus on capturing the reflection of the fort in the lake's water, particularly at sunset. Use the arched bridge as a leading line in your compositions.
Boat Ride: While not always available or formal, inquire about any local boating options on the lake to view the fort from the water (Check municipal rules).
Lake Promenade: Combine the visit with a leis...
Information
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Why Famous:
Island Location: Its unique location as a small, castellated palace on an island in the middle of a major city lake makes it incredibly picturesque and famous.
Archaeological Riches: It houses a significant archaeological museum with rare sc...Island Location: Its unique location as a small, castellated palace on an island in the middle of a major city lake makes it incredibly picturesque and famous.
Archaeological Riches: It houses a significant archaeological museum with rare sculptures from the 9th to the 18th centuries, making it a key destination for history buffs.
Scenic Backdrop: The fort and lake together form the postcard image of Jamnagar, especially beautiful at sunset and when illuminated at night.
Famine Relief History: It is also famous for its noble history, as it was built as a famine relief project, simultaneously providing work for the distressed populace and a vital water reservoir for the kingdom. -
Architecture:
Jal Durga Style: The fort is a prime example of a 'Jal Durga' or water fort, a fortress strategically built on an island surrounded by water (the lake serving as a natural moat). This isolation provided an excellent defense mechanism.
Indo-Sara...Jal Durga Style: The fort is a prime example of a 'Jal Durga' or water fort, a fortress strategically built on an island surrounded by water (the lake serving as a natural moat). This isolation provided an excellent defense mechanism.
Indo-Saracenic Influence: The architecture exhibits a blend of traditional Rajput (local) style with distinct Iranian (Mughal/Saracenic) influences, visible in its arched doorways, fortified circular bastions, and ornate jharokhas (balconies).
Museum Layout: The museum structure, housed within the fort, features high walls, circular towers, and turrets where soldiers once stored arsenal. The museum galleries are laid out across the interior spaces, showcasing sculptures, miniature paintings, and copper plates.
Dimension: The fort is a roughly circular or semi-circular structure, connected to the mainland by a long, arched stone bridge (causeway). The overall structure is relatively compact but heavily fortified, with its height dominated by the central watchtowers. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest is Jamnagar Airport (JGA), approximately 10 KMS away. An auto-rickshaw or taxi can take you directly.
By Train: Nearest is Jamnagar Railway Station (JAM), approximately 4 KMS away. Hire an auto-rickshaw (the most common and... -
Near Tourist Places:
Lakhota Lake / Ranmal Lake (0 KM), Bala Hanuman Temple (0. 5 KMS), Khambhalia Gate (1. 5 KMS), Darbargadh Palace (2. 5 KMS), Bhujiyo Kotho (2 KMS), Willingdon Crescent (3 KMS), Mota Ashapura Maa Temple (4 KMS), Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (15 KMS), Ayurved University (4 KMS), Ranjitsagar Dam (12 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Be careful when walking on the bridge and wet areas around the fort. The museum steps can be steep.
Packing: Carry a camera for the scenic views. Binoculars are useful for birdwatching on the lake.
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