Dwarka is an ancient city mentioned in mythological stories and legendary place where Lord Krishna ruled located in northwestern Indian state Gujarat. Associated with Lord Krishna this place is perfect for those seeking spiritual enhancement. At the same time natural beauty is worth exploring. Sri Dwarkadhish Temple or Jagat Mandir is one of “Chardhams” or four important pilgrimage sites for the Hindus dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Best time to visit
March to June are hot months in Dwarka. July to September are monsoon or rainy months. November to February are best months to visit Dwarka.
How to reach Dwarka
There are two ways to reach Dwarka from Bhuj – by bus or by cab. From Ahmedaad train service is there but not from Bhuj. When we visited Dwarka by bus from Bhuj the road was under maintenance and expansion. Dusty and bumpy road gave us bitter road experience. We booked bus from Bhuj Bus stand (ticket cost Rs. 215/- for each of us excluding child) and were told where the bus would stand (numbers are given for each destination). Destinations on the bus are written in Gujarati. So I searched on the internet how Dwarka would be written in Gujarati so that identification becomes easier. After waiting for some time our bus arrived and started our journey. We were told that we would reach our destination in 9 hours.
One old man sat next to my seat and I asked so many questions on “which crop was that in the field”, “where to buy what”, “food to eat”….he patiently replied to all my queries. Then he said I could have boarded night bus which is more comfortable than our present ride. I told him that was not possible as our child needed to take good rest. I was also told that Jamnagar is the best place for shopping which is in the middle of Bhuj and Dwarka. Our journey finally ended and reached our hotel after 12 hours. We stayed at a hotel next to Gomti Ghat. Watched fish swimming in crystal clear river water. When moon light fell on the river, the place looked even more beautiful!
You can complete Dwarka local tour within a day by autorickshaw (for reaching Beyt Dwarka boat journey is required). Be sure to book auto after comparing charges with few other autorickshaws.
Here I am enlisting 12 places to visit in Dwarka:
- Sri Dwarkadhish Temple
We went to see Sri Dwarkadhish Temple at 6.30am. The shops were not fully open then. We went through Moksha gate after climbing 50 steps. Kept our mobile phone at a shop in exchange of buying things from them. Later I was told there is free luggage and shoes stand near another gate (Near to Sudama Setu and restaurants). Security gates are there at each entry point. After darshan make sure you do not fall in the trap of people inside the temple who ask to join them and then charge money after chanting some “mantras”. Mangal Arti – 7am to 8am, temple is closed for darshan from 9am to 9.30am. The temple again remains closed from 1pm to 5pm (same closing time as Beyt Dwarka)
2. Sudama Setu
Sudama Setu or Sudama bridge, named after childhood friend of Lord Krishna – Sudama, is an wonderful pedestrian suspension bridge that takes you to Dwarka beach crossing Gomti river. It is located just behind Sri Dwarkadhish Temple. Sunrise view from Sudama Setu must not be missed! At the entry point you have to get ticket (cost Rs.10/- for 12 years and above, below 12 years old – free to enter). The bridge is maintained by Sudama Setu Seva Society.
After you cross Sudama Setu you can enjoy camel ride or quad bike drive. Visit Panchanadteerth located right next to Sudama Setu where five wells are there named after five Pandav brothers of Mahabharat.
3. ISKCON
ISKCON Temple of Dwarka is smaller compared to other ISKCON temples I have seen in India. After visiting Sri Dwarkadhish Temple in the morning ISKCON temple was our first stop. It is made of stones and located in the heart of the city. Staying facility is available here.
4. Sri Swami Narayan Temple
You can find Sri Swaminarayan Temple in all parts of Gujarat. Dwarka also has one which is one of the temples visited by the tourists and locals. Main God of this temple is Lord Swaminarayan – form of Lord Vishnu. The temple area is large and meticulous art works are awesome. There is facility of lodging and boarding inside the complex.
5. Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple
While Dwarka is often is associated with Lord Krishna, Siddheshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is not extraordinarily large but the quiet ambience inside the temple gives peace of mind. My son loved touching hanging roots of one old banyan tree.
6. Gayatri Shaktipeeth
The temple is small but surrounding area is worth exploring. Inside Gayatri Shaktipeeth Gayatri Mantra, “Om Bhu Bhuvaswaha…..” is written on the wall. On foundation day “Annakut” festival (cooking rice) is organised. It is the only Gayatri Mata temple in Dwarka. Gayatri Devi is the mother of Vedic literature often referred to as another form of Saraswati Devi. But Shaivites consider Gayatri Devi as one of the many forms of Devi Shakti.
7. Light House
Light house is a good place for sunset view. We were told that visitors are allowed from 4pm to 6pm but due to shortage of time we enjoyed it’s beauty from distance only.
8. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Located on a small hillock very close to Arabian Sea, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is a piece of beauty. It is said that the Shivlingam was emerged from the sea. During Shivratri this place gets crowded in festivity mode. That time nature does Abhishekam of Shivlingam with sea water. Be sure to carry drinking water during Dwarka local tour. We were very thirsty and hungry when we visited Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple but there are very few shops nearby.
9. Rukmini Devi Temple
Rukmini Devi is Lord Krishna’s wife. She was the princess of Vidarbha kingdom (present Maharashtra and nearby southern region of Vindya hill range). She admired Lord Krishna and wanted to marry him, but her brother wanted her to marry Shishupala. She sent messenger to Lord Krishna to marry her. Sri Krishna heroically brought Rukmini Devi to Dwarka. Upon arrival both of them sought blessings from their guru Sage Durvasha taking him to Lord Krishna’s palace on the chariot which was pulled by Lord Krishna and Rukmini Devi. On the way Rukmini Devi felt thirsty, so Lord Krishna with the help of his toe brought underground water to the ground and Rukmini Devi quenched her thirst. Seeing this Sage Durvasha got furious as none of them took permission from their guru before their action. So Sage Durvasha cursed them to bear pain of separation of 12 years. Rukmini Devi Temple at Dwarka is an archeological site as declared by Archeological Survey of India. Inside photography is prohibited. When you visit priests will tell you the story of two curses by Sage Durvasha ( first separation of Lord Krishna and Rukmini Devi and second salty water of Dwarka). The place is famous for “jal daan” (donation of water or equivalent money donation).
10. Nageshwar Mahadev Temple
Nageshwar Mahdev is one of sacred 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and hence it is an important place to visit while in Dwarka. After keeping shoes outside at shoe stand we entered the temple. As per the legends devotees visiting and praying at this place become free from all poisons, snakebites and worldly attractions. There are shops inside the temple. The temple complex is very nice. Temple authority provides free food to the devotees from 11am to 2pm. We were late and could not get prasad. Reach early if interested in temple prasad.
11. Gopi Talab
Gopi Talab is a large waterbody (in hindi Talab means lake). It is said that gopis (female friends of Lord Krishna) used to visit Lord Krishna near this lake and they eventually gave up their lives here. Water of the lake is very clean. Be aware of other temples and the priests before you reach Gopi Talab. In our case we kept on asking about the location of Gopi Talab and everytime we were led to a temple (there are many small temples nearby).
12. Beyt Dwarka
Beyt Dwarka is a small island and is supposedly the original residence of Lord Krishna. The name is derived from “bhet” or offering. It is said that when Lord Krishna’s childhood friend Sudama came to visit Lord Krishna he brought a handful of rice and offered to Lord Krishna. At present boat journey is the only way to visit Beyt Dwarka. On our way to Beyt Dwarka we saw ongoing work of bridge from Okha to Beyt Dwarka.
After reaching Beyt Dwarka you can walk upto the temple or take handpulled cart which cost Rs.50/- (which we did). Electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside Beyt Dwarka temple. The temple remains closed from 1pm to 5pm same as Sri Dwarkadhish Temple. After visiting beautiful temple complex priests ask for rice offering or equivalent money as the island lacks sufficient rice grains due to salty soil. Inside the beautiful island both Hindus and Muslims live peacefully.
Although Dwarka local trip can be completed in a day you can easily spend 2-3 days without any rush!
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