Best Things To Do In Dwarka, India

1. Dwarkadish Temple

The Dwarkadish Temple was built in the 16th century and is also known as Jagat Temple. The temple was built by the grandson of Lord Krishna. The temple has 5 stories and was built using sand and limestones. You can see the symbols of the moon and sun on top of the temple dome. It is supported by 60 pillars which are made of sandstone and granite. If you want to reach the top, you need to climb 56 steps. It is said that first 52 steps are administrative divisions of the Yadava Kingdom and the remaining 4 steps represent Krishna, Balaram, Anirudhha and Pradyuman. Just after the South entrance, devotees take a bath in Gomti River. The main deity in the temple is Dwarkadish or Krishna. You can take auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws or buses to reach this popular temple.

Website:Dwarkadish temple

2. Dwarka Beach

Dwarka is the most important place for Hindu pilgrimage. It is said that Lord Krishna came here with Yadav clan from Mathura and revealed a great city. This beautiful city has some fine stretches of beach, and you can always find a quiet spot to unwind. Okha, north of Dwarka is a place from where you can get ferries for Beyt Dwarka, an island covered with many temples. You can see amazing dolphins and porpoise on the surface of the water, near the eastern tip of Beyt Dwarka. Apart from dolphins, you can find sea turtles, octopus, and starfish. The nearest station to reach Dwarka beach is Bombay.

3. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a well known temple for Lord Shiva and many myths are associated with its origin. The historic temple is situated between Gomti Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka Island. The temple is included in one of the 12 Jyotirlinga mentioned in Hindu religion. The main attraction of this temple is Nageshwar Mahadev Shiva Lingam’s giant statue. The uniqueness of this temple is how Shiva Lingam faces to the South and Gomugam faces towards the East. After Lord Shiva killed a demon Daaruka, he started residing in the temple, and that’s why it was named as Darukavana. The grand celebration is done on the famous festival Shivaratri.

Website:Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

4. Beyt Dwarka

Located around 30 kilometers (18 miles) away from the main town, Beyt Dwarka is a small island. This island is beautiful and surrounded by many temples, beaches, and coral reefs. Beyt Dwarka is said to be a resident of Lord Krishna and his family. The main temple was built by Shri Vallabhacharya. Apart from Lord Krishna temple, you can find many feature temples of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Radha, Jambavati, and Devaki. Beyt Dwarka is also popular for its beautiful and rich marine life, water sports and marine excursions. If you are new to this place, then you should first reach Okha port jetty by rail. Okha is 32 km (19 mi) away from the town.

Website: Beyt Dwarka

5. Somnath Temple

Somnath is known as “Lord of the moon” and is a popular home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It drives much of its density from the mythology, legends that surround it, and religion. The popular temple was destroyed six times and rebuilt six times. It is said that Soma or the Moon God built this temple in gold and Lord Krishna built it in wood. This temple was built in the famous Chalukya architectural style, and it is said that Lord Shiva decided to rest here. Apart from Somnath temple, you can also visit Gita Mandir, Somnath Museum, Balukha Tirtha and Kamnath Mahadev Temple.

Website: Somnath Temple

6. Gopi Talav

If you are fond of lake and ponds then you should visit Gopi Talav once. It is a very small pond surrounded by sandal like yellow sand called Chandan. This Chandan is used by many devotees as a tilak mark on their bodies. The myth behind this Talav is, it is said that Gopis came to see Lord Krishna in Dwarka. It is also said that Lord Krishna killed a demon named Bhumasura and freed 16,000 princesses. Thus, this place called Gopi Talav after the Gopi princesses fell in love with Lord Krishna and wanted to marry him. While going to Beyt Dwarka, you can find Gopi Talav along the journey.

7. Gomati Sangam

It is a place where Gomti river flows. It can be reached by climbing down 56 steps from the swarga Dwar of the Dwarkadish Temple. It is a well-known place where the Ganges meets the sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. The place called Chakratirtha Ghat is famous for a wheel with white porous type stones - Dwarakashila. There are a total 12 Ghats including Gomati Ghat, and others are venues of Gomati River. The beautiful Gomati Sangam is the point where Gomati River meets the ocean. The holy Gomati Kund is popular, as Rishi Durvasa was served by Lord Krishna. By hiring a boat and while feeling beautiful nature around you, you can easily reach to Gomati Ghat.

8. Dunny Point

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Dunny Point is near to Beyt Dwarka and it is adopted by sea and Coral Islands. It is one of the best eco-tourism sites in Gujarat which is famous for swimming and sunbathing. On this beautiful site, you can find many amazing dolphins, turtles, and fish. The Dunny Point is located 30 km (18 mi) from Dwarka station and 22 km (13 mi) away from Okha bus station, so you can easily catch either bus or rail. If you are near to Jamnagar, then you can easily catch a flight from Jamnagar Airport. November and May are the best months to visit this amazing place.

9. Scuba Diving

If you want to experience one of the greatest adventures in life, then you must do scuba diving in Dwarka. Life can feel like a totally unknown and unexplored world under the sea. You can feel the joy of floating in the sea where each and every creature is your friend and every new sight can become a new discovery for you. Scuba diving in Dwarka is the most popular thing one should never miss. If you want to see fabulous fish, old treasures, and corals then you should go between October and March, as it is the best season to experience life underwater. The visibility is almost always between 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) underwater. Minimum age required is 18 years.

10. Bhalka Tirth

Bhalka Tirth is a renowned religious place where Lord Krishna was resting on the deerskin when a huntsman, Jara, mistook him for a deer and shot an arrow. The temple at Bhalka Tirth is known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak and there is a Peepal tree planted here, it is said that Lord Krishna succumbed his injuries with it.

End of religious tour...

If you would like to visit ancient cities of India, then Dwarka is one of them. This beautiful place offers you many spiritual experiences, from visiting religious temples to adventure scuba diving, and they are sure to become the memorable highlights of your trip to Dwarka.