Darbargadh Palace, Jamnagar - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Jamnagar Railway Station, Darbargadh is an old royal palace situated to the east of Chandi Bazaar in Jamnagar. It is one of the historical palaces in Gujarat and among the best Jamnagar tourist places.

Darbargadh Palace is one of the most significant historical attractions in Jamnagar which served as the first royal residence of Jam Sahib. The construction of the palace was initially started in 1540 AD along with the construction of Jamnagar city but it went on intermittently leading to a final masterpiece of history. An exquisite mix of Rajput and European architectural styles, Darbargadh is situated in the center of the city where Jam Rawal had laid the foundation stone of Jamnagar city.

Darbargadh is in the form of a rectangular palace surrounded by walls, having gates in each direction to enter it. The palace complex consists of a number of buildings with very fine architectural features and detailing. It has some fine examples of stone carvings, jali-screens, ornate pillars, decorated mirrors and sculptures. The rooms of the palace are full of paintings portraying armies bearing images of men and women in the setting of battlefields and palaces. In one of the hall, the ceiling is covered with the map of Jamnagar and is believed that the map was engraved in 1912. The outer walls of the palace are featured with carved jharokha balconies designed in the Indian tradition.

A section of the palace is called as Tilamedi which is said to be the place where the crowning ceremony of kings used to take place. The wooden throne of Jam Rawal, his sword, dagger and spear are still preserved in Tilamedi. Jam Ranjitsingh built two important urban projects in front of Darbargadh Palace namely Willington Crescent and Chelmsford Market. There is a statue of Jam Ranjitsinghji in the middle of the crescent. The Chelmsford Market is located in front of the Willington Crescent which is a two storied semicircular arcade. At this semicircular arcade outside the palace, the former Maharajas of Nawanagar once used to gather and hold his public meetings.

The earthquake in 2001 caused significant damage to the Darbargadh Palace still the place retains its grandeur and beauty.

Timings: 9 AM - 9 PM

Entry: Free