What are the Top Places to Explore in Dwarka Gujarat?

What are the Top Places to Explore in Dwarka Gujarat?

Dwarka, a city in the state of Gujarat, India was not only a city but it was majorly known for the kingdom of Lord Shrikrushna. Do you want to know why? Dwarka City was known as an ancient kingdom of Krishna and the same is mentioned in Bhagavata Purana. This city is located on the edge of the Gomti River facing the Arabian Sea. This ancient kingdom of Krishna is believed to be the first capital of Gujarat. It is also known as Devbhoomi of Gujarat. The entire city of Dwarka has tales of Lord Krishna. The ancient Dwarkadhish Temple carved in black marble is the peculiarity of Dwarka city.

How to reach Dwarka City in Gujarat?

Dwarka is a city in Gujarat that can be reached via Air, Train, and Road services.

By Air

 

The nearest airports are Jamnagar and Ahmadabad. The distance from the airport to Dwarka is 140 km. One can take a local bus to reach further or can also option a private vehicle.

One can also look for Mumbai International Airport to reach Dwarka.

 

By Road

Dwarka is a major tourist attraction in the Gujarat area and hence it is well connected by road from major cities of India. There are so many options for transportation by road. One should also explore the roads of Dwarka-Somnath since it is parallel to the Arabian Sea and one of the beautiful motorable roads.

 

By Train

Dwarka is the nearest railhead to reach Dwarkadish Temple. It is one of those most accessible railheads to reach the main shrine. Dwarka railway station is well connected to Major cities like Mumbai, Banglore, and Delhi. Once you get down to the railway station you can manage to reach further by local auto.

Mumbai to Dwarka

History of Dwarka City

Dwarka is known as the "Gateway to Heaven". Dwarka was the first capital of Gujarat. Lord Krishna settled here after he defeated his uncle Kansa at Mathura. Later, the entire Yadavas density migrated here and established their kingdom. The city underwent rebuilding and was named Dwarka. Lord Krishna used to stay at Bet Dwarka with his family. 

Top Places to Explore in Dwarka City

Dwarkadhish Temple of Lord Krishna

Dwarka is one of four pilgrimage centers of India which is called Char Dham. Adi Shankaracharya had visited the four sites of India and it is named Char Dham which includes Dwarka, Rameshwaram, Badrinath, and Puri. Lord Shrikrishna used to stay here in the form of Dwarkadhish hence it is named Dwarkadhish Temple. The main shrine is located in the stone-carved building which can be accessed by climbing a few stairs right behind the Gomti Ghat. The construction of the main shrine is 2400 years old. No matter how strong you are, you will definitely melt once you enter the main shrine. My experience was something like that. This ancient temple was renovated multiple times. Although phones are not allowed inside the main shrine, you can click pictures from outside.

This is the view of Main Dwarkadhish Temple and its city

Gomti Ghat

Gomti Ghat is located in the mouth of the Gomti River and it is known for being one of the holy rivers followed by Ganges. A bath in this water is believed to purge the soul. Gomti Ghat is an important haunt for all devotees. Pilgrims visiting Gomti Ghat can feel the spirituality not only by bathing in the Gomti River but also visiting other sacred temples around Gomti Ghat.

Bhatkeshwar Temple

Another form of Lord Shiva is placed in the form of Shivling at the edge of the Arabian Sea in the Dwarka region. Having said that this Shivling was formed naturally in the ocean and the same ocean incorporates that Shivling in the Arabian Sea for a few months. On the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, a huge crowd gathers here to meet Lord Shiv. Since this is located on the edge of the Arabian Sea It is majorly visited at sunset time.  The distance from the main Dwarkadhish temple to the Bhatkeshwar temple is just a kilometer.

Naturally formed Shivling in Dwarka called Bhatkeshwar Temple

Samudra Narayan Temple

Samudra Narayan Temple is a holy temple situated on the edge of the Gomti River. Samudra Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Gomti and having said that this river was brought from heaven by Rishi Vasishta to sanctify Rama after his battle with Ravana. After purification goddess Gomti Manifested on the Gomti Ghat, the temple enshrines the beautiful idol of Lord Varuna, Samudra Deva, Mirabai, and mother Asta Bhawani. There is a sacred Kund around this temple which is dedicated to Panch Pandavas. Samudra Temple offers an exquisite view of the surrounding Arabian Sea with the lighthouse.

Samudra temple is situated right on the edge of the Arabian Sea

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India; this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are three claimed locations for Nageshwar Jyotirling. One is located at Aundh, one is at Uttarakhand and the last is at Dwarka. The distance from the main Dwarka is just 2 km.

Nageshwar Jyotirling of Lord Shiva

Bet Dwarka

Bet Dwarka is a Small Island off the coast of Dwarka. Having said that, Bet Dwarka was the residence of Lord Krishna. Bet Dwarka was received by Lord Krishna from his friend Sudama in the form of a gift hence it is named bet.  One has to reach here by boat which charged 20 INR per person and takes 10 min to reach. It is said that the Dwarka tour will be incomplete without visiting Bet Dwarka. the distance from the main Dwarkadhish temple is around 30 km.

Bet Dwarka is a place where Lord Krishna used to stay with the family

Sudama Setu

Sudama Setu is a bridge built on the Gomti River. This bridge connects Jagat mandir in main Dwarka to Panchanad birth. This is a Small Island with several religious significance. There are five water wells called Panchkui associated with the five Pandavas of Mahabharata. One can also do boating on this island. It is located right next to the Samudra Temple.

Sudama Setu bridge on Gomti River

Rukmini Temple

The Rukmini Devi temple is dedicated to lord Rukmini who is the beloved queen of Lord Krishna. The carving made on the temple is so magnificent. This temple is situated at a distance of 2 km from Main Dwarka. This is the last destination of the devotees and their holy tour get finished with this location.

End of Dwarka tour at Rukmini Temple

Traveling Around Dwarka

Whenever you go to any place then traveling becomes a major issue if you don’t have your own vehicle. There are so many places in Dwarka in a radius of 30 km and to explore the same you need to hire private auto which will cost you around 200 INR to 400 INR per person. There are so many private autos that will offer you ride across the main places of Dwarka. If you are a group of people then hire private auto to roam around the area. If you are a single person then it will make trouble for you to roam around.

Ideal Time to Visit Dwarka

Dwarka is one such place that is open throughout the year. This is a holy place and can never be closed because a large no of devotees flock here every year. November to February is the winter time and the best to visit here. The temperature in this period ranges from 9 degrees to 30 degrees. The climate is cool and pleasant to explore. You will see less no patent flocking in the summer season, the benefit of traveling in summer is cheap hotels. You need at least two days to explore Dwarka.

Stay Option in Dwarka

Dwarka is one such place that is visited by many peoples hence; there are so many options for the stay as per the budget. One can find many Dharmashala, Guesthouses, and hotels for stay. If you are a solo traveler then there is a dormitory that offers stay in just 200 INR to 300 INR per person. The guest houses and Dharmashala will cost you 600 INR to 1000 INR for Non AC and 1500 INR to 2200 INR for AC. You can book your stay from the Yatradham website which offers you cheap accommodation near the main temple.

Things to Remember Before Visiting Dwarka

• Mobile phones, Cameras, and Vallet are not allowed inside the main temple.
• Lockers are available at a nominal cost to keep your essential belongings.
• Washrooms are available at every spot.
• Avoid visiting here on the main Hindu festival if you hate the crowd
• Bet Dwarka and the main temple of Dwarkadhish are closed in the afternoon time so plan accordingly.
• Do not litter the area around you.