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Dwarka

Dwarka

pilgrimage site · Gujarat

State
Gujarat
Type
Pilgrimage Site
Best season
Winter
Things to do
4+

Dwarka is an ancient holy city on the westernmost tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, revered as the legendary ocean kingdom of Lord Krishna and a core part of the Chardham pilgrimage circuit. Millions of travellers, Indian and foreign, arrive year-round in a stream that never really stops — for the historic temples, and now for the new infrastructure built around them.

A short history

Dwarka is identified in tradition as Krishna's submerged kingdom, and marine archaeological surveys off its coast since the 1980s have found structural remains that researchers date to different periods, feeding the city's association with a "lost" ancient port. The present Dwarkadhish temple structure is largely 15th-16th century, built over an older shrine.

Why Dwarka matters

One of the Char Dham and the seven ancient holy cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism, believed to be Lord Krishna's kingdom.

When to go

October to March, with a cool sea wind and comfortable days for the temples.

Why visit

To stand inside the towering Dwarkadhish Temple, cross over to the sacred Beyt Dwarka island via India's longest cable-stayed bridge (Sudarshan Setu), and view the marine landscapes.

Cultural notes

At Janmashtami the whole town changes. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims arrive for the midnight rituals, the bhajans and the hoisting of the temple flag.

How to reach

By Train: Dwarka Railway Station (DWK) has direct trains on major national lines. By Air: Jamnagar Airport (JGA) is about 135 km away, or Porbandar Airport 100 km out. By Road: Regular state highway buses run, with Rajkot the usual starting point.

Dwarka in 2 days

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2 days in Dwarka

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Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir)Day 1

Day 1

Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir)

The Jagat Mandir — a Krishna temple where he is worshipped as Dwarkadhish, lord of Dwarka, and one of the four Char Dham sites of the Hindu pilgrimage circuit. Five storeys carried on seventy-two pillars, with a spire visible across the town and a flag that is changed by hand several times a day. Archaeology puts the earliest temple on this spot at around 200 BCE; what stands now is largely a fifteenth- and sixteenth-century rebuilding. There are two gates, one to enter by and one to leave by, and a queue at both right through the morning.

Day 1

Gomti Ghat holy dip or walk

Gomti Ghat holy dip or walk

Day 1

Sudama Setu suspension bridge

Sudama Setu suspension bridge

Day 1

Dwarka Beach and Lighthouse sunset

Dwarka Beach and Lighthouse sunset

Day 2

Day 2

Ferry ride from Okha to Beyt Dwarka

Ferry ride from Okha to Beyt Dwarka

Day 2

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Day 2

Gopi Talav lake

Gopi Talav lake

Day 2

Rukmini Devi Temple

Rukmini Devi Temple

Dwarka guide & itineraries

Dwarka is perfect for

pilgrimageheritagecoastal

What & where to eat

Khaman

Khaman

Gujarati snacks

Fafda-Jalebi

Fafda-Jalebi

Gujarati snacks

Gomti Ghat chaat

Gomti Ghat

Gomti Ghat chaat

Street snacks near the ghats

Gujarati Thali

Gujarati Thali

Pure-veg Saurashtra thali (Dwarka is vegetarian)

Shrikhand

Shrikhand

Buttermilk and sweet strained yogurt

Chaas

Chaas

Buttermilk and sweet strained yogurt

temple sweets

temple sweets

Milk sweets near the temple

Prasad

Prasad

Milk sweets near the temple

Shopping

Look for elegant brass icons of Lord Krishna, devotional prayer items, colourful Saurashtra mirror-work tapestries, and beautiful shell ornaments.

Things to do

How to spend your time in Dwarka.

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

One of the twelve Jyotirlingas nearby

Hidden gems

Gomti Ghat & Sudama Setu

Gomti Ghat & Sudama Setu

Riverfront ghats and the footbridge

Popular attractions

The places in Dwarka most people come for.

Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple

Attraction

Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka

Attraction

Sudarshan Setu & Beyt Dwarka

Sudarshan Setu & Beyt Dwarka

Experience3 hrsafternoon

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Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of the temple flag hoisting in Dwarka?

The massive flag atop the Dwarkadhish Temple is changed five times daily. Devotees sponsor these flags, and watching the unique ritual of changing the flag is considered highly auspicious.

What is the dress code for entering the Dwarkadhish Temple?

Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Electronic items including mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the main temple complex.

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