Solarium
The Solarium, also known as the Ranjit Institute of Poly-Radio Therapy, is a unique medical monument in Jamnagar. Built in 1934 by Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, it was designed by French engineer Dr. Jean Saidman. This extraordinary structure was one of only three in the world, and today, it is the only o ne still standing. The Solarium was designed to treat patients using solar radiation for diseases like tuberculosis and skin conditions. The top part of the building is a revolving tower that follows the movement of the sun throughout the day to ensure maximum exposure to sunlight. The rotation is achieved through a complex mechanism that was cutting-edge for its time. Inside, there are special treatment rooms with rotating beds and filter glasses that concentrate specific wavelengths of light. While it is no longer used for medical purposes, it stands as a testament to the progressive thinking of the Jamnagar royalty and their investment in science. The building's architecture is a mix of industrial utility and colonial style. It attracts historians, architects, and curious tourists who want to see this "Solar Wonder." The surrounding area is part of the medical college campus, adding to the scholarly atmosphere. It is a rare gem that showcases the intersection of medicine, engineering, and astronomy in the early 20th century.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Historical / ScientificEntry Fees:
Visitor Entry: A very nominal fee of 10 INR or 20 INR is usually charged by the college.
Student Discount: Medical and school students often get free entry for educational purposes. ...Visitor Entry: A very nominal fee of 10 INR or 20 INR is usually charged by the college.
Student Discount: Medical and school students often get free entry for educational purposes.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on working days.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon at 3:00 PM is best to see the sun hitting the treatment cabins. ...Regular Timings: Open for visitors from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on working days.
Ideal Visit Time: Afternoon at 3:00 PM is best to see the sun hitting the treatment cabins.Special Events:
Heritage Week: Special tours are sometimes organized by the city during November.
Maharaja's Birthday: Local historians gather here to celebrate the legacy of Ranjitsinhji in September. ...Heritage Week: Special tours are sometimes organized by the city during November.
Maharaja's Birthday: Local historians gather here to celebrate the legacy of Ranjitsinhji in September.Best Photo Spots:
Low Angle Shot: Capture the height of the tower against the blue sky for a dramatic look.
The Revolving Track: Focus on the circular metal tracks at the base for a technical photo.
Cabins in a Row: Photogra...Low Angle Shot: Capture the height of the tower against the blue sky for a dramatic look.
The Revolving Track: Focus on the circular metal tracks at the base for a technical photo.
Cabins in a Row: Photograph the symmetry of the ten treatment cabins from the side.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Guided Tour: Walk through the cabins and learn about the light therapy process.
Mechanism Study: Observe the external structure to see how the rotation was achieved.
Photography: Take unique photos of the industrial-style revolving tower and glass panes.
Medical History: Read the plaques that explain the history of the Ranji Institute.
Campus Walk: Explore the nearby medical college buildings and their colonial architecture.
Science Discussion: Discuss the principles of heliotherapy with fellow travelers or students.
Architectural Sketching: The unique shape makes it a great subject for artists and sketchers.
Vintage Tech Look: ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Global Rarity: It is the only surviving solarium of its kind in the entire world.
Royal Vision: Built by Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, famous for his modernizing reforms in Nawanagar.
Engineering Marvel: The preci...Global Rarity: It is the only surviving solarium of its kind in the entire world.
Royal Vision: Built by Maharaja Ranjitsinhji, famous for his modernizing reforms in Nawanagar.
Engineering Marvel: The precision with which it tracks the sun is remarkable for the 1930s era.
Medical Heritage: It represents an era when heliotherapy was at the forefront of medical science. -
Architecture:
The tower stands 40 feet tall with a revolving platform that is 114 feet long. It consists of 10 cabins, each measuring 13 by 9 feet. The mechanism is powered by an electric motor, allowing the entire platform to rotate 360 degrees in 60 minutes to track the sun. ...The tower stands 40 feet tall with a revolving platform that is 114 feet long. It consists of 10 cabins, each measuring 13 by 9 feet. The mechanism is powered by an electric motor, allowing the entire platform to rotate 360 degrees in 60 minutes to track the sun. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Reach Jamnagar Airport and hire an auto-rickshaw for the 5 km trip.
By Train: The Solarium is only 3 km from the Jamnagar Railway Station.
By Road: It is located near the G. G. Hospital, a major la... -
Near Tourist Places:
G. G. Hospital (0. 5 km), Lakhota Lake (2 km), Sat Rasta (2 km), Bala Hanuman (2. 5 km), Pratap Vilas (1. 5 km), Khambhalia Gate (3 km), Bedi Port (6 km), Vibha Vilas (2 km), Digvijay Plot (3 km), Ranjit Sagar (10 km)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The structure is old, so be careful while climbing any interior stairs.
Packing: Carry a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the details of the top cabins.
Accommodation: Stay in the Pa...
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