Dwarka is located in Gujarat’s westernmost region. It is referred to as the “golden city.” The town has religious and historical significance because it is considered one of Hindu legend’s “holy” cities. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘dwara’ (door) and ‘ka’ (Brahma). The city is supposed to be the spiritual portal to ‘union with Brahma.’ According to mythology, Dwarka was drowned underwater after Lord Krishna’s death, and it was afterward rebuilt several times. Dwarka, located on the banks of the Gomati River, is a major pilgrimage destination and a popular tourist destination.
In this city, myth, and reality effortlessly combine, putting you on a spiritual high. There are numerous essential locations to visit in Dwarka. Let us walk you through our entire Dwarka sightseeing guide.
Dwarkadhish Temple:
The Dwarkadheesh temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is one of the most important destinations to visit in Dwarka. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is thought to have been erected originally by his grandson Vajranabh. While the temple’s architectural splendor will take your breath away, its spiritual vibes will bring consolation to the soul of any devotee who pays a visit. The spectacular 5-story main shrine features two entrances and a 78-meter-high spire supported by 72 pillars (the main North entrance called Moksh Dwar). The elaborately carved temple complex is also one of the four cardinal mathas (seats of knowledge) established by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth century.
- Timings: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Ideal for: Spirituality, Architecture, and Heritage
- Time required: 1 hour
- Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga: A Shiva-Dedicated Jyotirlinga
The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, thought to be the first of the 12 mighty Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the most important religious sites to visit in Dwarka. The shrine complex also features a magnificent 80-foot Shiva statue that inspires awe and devotion in the millions of devotees and visitors who visit the temple each year. It is a lovely spot for silent contemplation, oozing tranquility, and spirituality resulting from the heavenly presence. A 25-30 minute journey outside of town, a visit to the holy shrine can be combined with your tour to Beyt Dwarka.
- Timings: 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Religious and Spiritual Purposes
- Required Time required: 1 hour
- Dwarka, Gujarat, is the location.
Beyt Dwarka: The Abode of Krishna
This sacred island off the coast of Gujarat, part of the ancient city considered Lord Krishna’s true dwelling, is a must-see for pilgrims and tourists alike and one of the most beautiful spots to visit in Dwarka. Along with the holy shrine, the gorgeous ferry trip from the Okha jetty to the temple is an experience to remember. The lovely island is home to many shrines and temples, the most notable of which is the Keshavraiji temple, which is supposed to have been built 500 years ago by Vallabhacharya. Beyt Dwarka, which has white sandy beaches and reefs, is also one of the greatest tourist destinations around Dwarka for water sports, dolphin spotting, camping, and picnics.
- Timings: The main shrine is closed from 12 PM to 5 PM. It is best to arrive at 5:30 PM to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sunset views.
- Ferry fare: INR 10-30 per passenger per side. For a more hassle-free and enjoyable experience, larger groups can book a private boat for INR2000.
- 1 hour is required.
- Gujarat’s Devbhoomi Dwarka district.
Also Read, Lose yourself in the Mesmerizing Wind of Gujarat
Rukmini Devi Temple:
This gorgeous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s wife Rukmini, located just 2 kilometers outside of the city, is an architectural gem that must be included on your list of attractions to visit in Dwarka. Rukmini Devi has enraged the great sage Durvasa and was cursed by him to be separated from her husband, Krishna. As a result, her temple is built apart from the Dwarkadheesh temple. You can marvel at the magnificent carvings and panels of this 12th-century temple while listening to the priest’s engaging story.
- Hours of operation: 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM.
- Suitable for: architecture, history, etc.
- 1 hour is required.
Gomti Ghat
If you’re seeking a serene and peaceful area to spend a few hours after your hectic Dwarka sightseeing tour, Gomti Ghat is the place to go. It is said that you must take a dip in the holy waters before visiting the shrine, which is located directly behind the Dwarkadheesh temple. Seeing the sunset over the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea is a magnificent experience.
- 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Perfect for: Sunsets, Spirituality, and Photography
- Required Time required: 1 hour
- Gomti Ghat, Dwarka, Gujarat, 361335, India.
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple:
This small and calm temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a must-see in Dwarka due to its picturesque setting and peaceful emotions. The temple, which overlooks the Arabian Sea, is surrounded by beautiful waves, golden sand, and a gentle breeze all day. Evening aarti in the temple, accompanied by the sound of crashing waves, is a humbling and soothing experience. You may easily stroll from the coast to the lovely temple, which is located very near to the Dwarka beach, except during high tide when the route becomes buried in water.
- 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: Relaxation, Spirituality, and Rejuvenation
- 1 hour is required.
- Location: Sunset Point, near the Circuit House, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
Sudama Setu
The Sudama Setu, which connects the two banks of the Gomti River, is a relatively new pedestrian suspension bridge that provides easy access to the beach and other attractive spots to visit in Dwarka across the river, such as the Panch Pandav. It’s a fantastic experience to walk along the bridge, which provides panoramic views of the river, temples, and ocean. You can visit the Laxmi Narayan temple and Panch Pandav Kund across the river or simply relax on one of the river’s seats. The clean beach and the confluence of the river and sea are only 200 meters away, making it an ideal site for some memorable images.
- Timings: 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Entry Fee: INR 10 per person. Remember to save the ticket because it needs to be submitted before quitting.
- Beautiful views and photos are ideal.
- 1 hour is required.
- Sudama Setu, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335
Dunny Point: Something for Nature Lovers
At the far end of Beyt Dwarka, his pristine sanctuary is an excellent choice for places to visit in Dwarka, particularly for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This ecotourism property is surrounded by sea on three sides and is great for swimming, sunbathing, bird viewing, and camping. Gujarat tourism and adventure firms provide night camping by the sea with various thrilling activities such as night trekking, dolphin watching, and exploring the corals and marine biodiversity. It’s an unforgettable experience to spend a few nights here in simple tents with no electricity or mobile network.
- Nature, adventure, photography, and dolphin watching are all possibilities.
Gita mandir
This simple, gorgeous, and calm temple stands out as much for its marble building as it does for the message it conveys and is one of the must-see Dwarka attractions. This simple shrine, located near the sunset point and the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple, is devoted to the Bhagavad Gita, one of the holiest and wisest Indian writings. The Birla group built the temple to preserve and spread the principles and ideals exalted in the Gita. The temple walls are etched with verses from the sacred book.
- Spirituality and tranquillity are ideal.
ISKCON Temple
Anyone visiting Dwarka should not miss out on the famed ISKCON Temple, one of the most prominent Dwarka attractions. ISKCON is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini Devi to spread Krishna’s preachings and teachings. The temple, founded by HH Mahavishnu Goswami, has a fascinating legend about how it came to be.
- Spirituality, architecture, and heritage are all excellent choices.
