Jamnagar is a city on the Gulf of Kutch known for its bandhani (tie-dye) textiles — this is one of the best places in Gujarat to buy authentic bandhani saris, particularly under the arcades of the Willingdon Crescent in the old city. The city also sits near the Marine National Park, India's first marine sanctuary, where low tide reveals coral reefs, colourful sponges, and sea life you can explore on foot. East of town, the Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary draws flamingos, pelicans, and a long list of migratory birds in winter.
The old city has some fine Jain temples and the charming Lakhota Lake with its island palace. Jamnagar was a princely state ruled by the Jadeja Rajput dynasty, whose most famous member, Ranjitsinhji, became one of cricket's greatest batsmen in the 1890s — and later poured his earnings back into the city in the form of public works that defined the modern centre.