Picture yourself setting foot on a piece of land frozen in time, where the only things you can hear are the rustling of the mangroves and the cries of some of the world’s most endangered birds. Pirotan Island, located in the Marine National Park of Gujarat, is one of the very few locations in the world where the beauty of marine life is so easily accessible and yet so unspoiled by tourist traffic. This island, which was once an essential navigational aid with a lighthouse from the 19th century, was called ‘Pir Jo Thaan’ by sailors and was a place of refuge. Today, it is a shelter of a different kind. This small, unknown and rather unusual place can allow tourists to plunge into the world of nature and history, which is still waiting to be revealed.
History Of Pirotan Island Jamnagar
Image Credit: Viralmvora for Wikimedia Commons
Pirotan Island, which was formerly referred to as Pir Jo Thaan, is no less in terms of historical significance than it is in terms of geographical importance. The island’s name is said to have originated from the name of an old city known as Pirotan Patan near Bedi Bandar.
In 1867, a flagstaff was set up at the northern end to help navigate ships. This flagstaff was replaced by a masonry tower in 1898. This lighthouse was replaced with a 79-foot-high tower in 1955 and finally converted to solar power in 1996. Pirotan achieved national importance when it was included in the first Marine National Park of India in 1982 to safeguard the habitat for future generations.
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Pirotan Island Places To Visit
Pirotan Island located in Gujarat has several nearby attractions which you cannot miss. Here are some of the most popular places
1. Pratap Vilas Palace
Image Credit: Rajnishkumar1971 for Wikimedia Commons
The Pratap Vilas Palace in Jamnagar was built between 1907 and 1915 by Jam Ranjit Singhji of the Jamnagar state. The palace blends Indo-Saracenic and European architecture, similar to the Victoria Memorial of Calcutta. The glass domes, the carvings of flowers and animals on the pillars, and the halls with paintings and portraits are examples of the magnificence of that time. Even though the 2001 earthquake affected the palace and some of its structures, the palace still represents the royal glory. People have to seek permission from Darbargadh Palace to visit this magnificent structure.
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 per person
2. Lakhota Lake & Palace
Image Credit: Arunnimbel for Wikimedia Commons
Lakhota Lake, or Ranmal Lake, is an artificial lake in Jamnagar in the Indian state of Gujarat. Jam Ranmal II built it in the 19th century as a water reservoir for dry seasons. During the famine relief project, the Lakhota Palace was constructed on an island in the middle of the lake. Linked by the stone bridge, the palace was built as a fort and now contains a museum with exhibits from the 9th to the 18th centuries. The lake area is one of the most preferred birding destinations,, especially during winter.
Opening Hours:
Lake: 5 AM – 10 PM
Palace & Museum: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM & 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Musical Fountain Show: Monday to Tuesday & Thursday to Sunday: 8:30 PM – 9 PM | Wednesday: Closed
Entry Fee:
Lake: Rs. 10 per head
Musical Fountain Show: Rs. 25 per head
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3. Bala Hanuman Temple
Image Credit: Camaal Mustafa Sikan for Wikimedia Commons
The Bala Hanuman Temple or Shri Bala Hanuman Sankirtan Mandir is a famous Hindu temple in Jamnagar situated southeast of Ranmal Lake. The temple was founded in 1964 by Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj and is devoted to Lord Hanuman and is well known for its record-breaking 24-hour chanting of the ‘Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram’ mantra, which has been entered in the Guinness Book of World Records. The architecture of the temple and the unbroken chain of worship draw tourists and pilgrims from all over the world.
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 12 PM & 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Darbargadh Palace
Darbargadh Palace, the first palace built by Jam Sahib to be his residence, is one of the historical buildings in Jamnagar. The palace’s construction started in 1540 AD and has elements of Rajput and European architecture, including carved stonework, jali screens, and pillars. The palace has paintings and sculptures, and the Tilamedi section still has Jam Rawal’s wooden seat. Even after the destruction of the 2001 earthquake, Darbargadh Palace looks royal and is one of Jamnagar’s most important historical monuments.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
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5. Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary
Image Credit: Mahmadanesh for Wikimedia Commons
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, 16 km from Jamnagar, is a bird watcher’s delight. Designated a sanctuary in 1982, it has freshwater lakes and salt marshes that support 250+ species of resident and migratory birds, including the Dalmatian pelican and the black-necked stork. The sanctuary has nature trails, watchtowers, and an Interpretation Centre for visitors’ use. For a peaceful nature break, one should visit in the early morning or evening from September to February.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:30 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee:
Indians: Forty rupees per head
Foreigners: USD 10
Camera: Rs. 200
Car & Jeep (up to 6 persons): Rs. 400 for Indian tourists and USD 40 for foreign tourists.
Activities At Pirotan Island
Pirotan Island provides a combination of activities that will suit nature lovers, adventure lovers, and lovers of the marine environment.
Exploring Marine Life: The island is located within the Marine National Park and is a habitat to many marine animals. Tourists can also learn about sea life such as coral reefs, starfish, octopuses, sea anemones, and puffer fish. Due to the shallow waters surrounding the island, these animals are easily seen and photographed.
Bird Watching: Pirotan Island is a perfect place for bird watching, especially when the birds are migrating. The mangroves and mudflats are also rich in bird life, including flamingos, pelicans, seagulls, and so on. The serenity of the place makes it ideal for bird-watching and taking pictures.
Tidal Pool Exploration: When the water ebbs, it forms small ponds in the rocks, which are referred to as tidal pools. These pools are full of different marine life caught when the tide is low, so you can watch different species in their natural environment.
Lighthouse Visit: There is a historic lighthouse on Pirotan Island, which was built in the 1860s. Tourists can visit the lighthouse and get a spectacular view of the seascape and the island. It also has the function of reminding the island’s maritime past.
Star Gazing: There is no light pollution in Pirotan Island, and therefore, it is an excellent place to watch stars at night. The night is very clear and one can see the stars very well making it a good activity for those interested in astronomy.
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How To Reach Pirotan Island
By Road: The only way to Pirotan Island is to go through Jamnagar, which is easily accessible by road from most parts of Gujarat. To reach the island, one has to take a taxi or bus from Jamnagar to Bedi Port, which is the nearest point from where boats are available.
By Air: The nearest airport to Pirotan Island is Jamnagar Airport, approximately 10 km from the city. The closest airports are Jamnagar, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, though there are frequent flights between Jamnagar and other cities.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to Pirotan Island is Jamnagar Railway Station. It is easily accessible from most other cities in India and hence ideal for travellers. After arriving at the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take public transport to Bedi Port.
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Pirotan Island is not just a place to visit; is more of a memory that one carries in his/her heart. This place is a perfect combination of nature, history, and adventure, which makes it one of the most attractive places to visit in Gujarat. If you are interested in visiting the natural attractions or if you want to have a relaxing vacation, Pirotan Island has something for you. Therefore, do not miss a chance to visit this wonderful place on your next trip to Gujarat and pack your bags now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pirotan Island
Are there any lodges available in Pirotan Island?
In fact, there are no accommodation facilities in Pirotan Island. Most of the visitors use the ferry to move around and they return to the mainland in the evening.
Is there any restriction that I have to seek permission to access Pirotan Island?
Yes, to visit Pirotan Island, permission is needed from the Forest Department, Customs Department, and Ports Department.
When is the best time to visit Pirotan Island?
It is advisable to visit Pirotan Island during the months of October to February as the climate is comparatively better and the aquatic life is more vibrant.
Is there any possibility to have a guided tour in Pirotan Island?
Permission to visit the site can be arranged by local tour operators in Jamnagar who will also help to organise the guided tours.
Is it allowed to swim near Pirotan Island?
Swimming is discouraged because of the currents and the marine life that is present in the area. It’s better to admire the island from the coast, because the interior is not very picturesque.
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