Dwarka Tourism: How to Plan a Trip to Dwarka

A Dwarka trip with your loved ones is a great experience.

Located on the western tip of the Indian peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is one of the important spiritual places in India. It is believed that the city was once the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom. As interesting as the city’s mythological association is, its name has an interesting annotation. Dwar literally translates to ‘door’ and ka is ‘moksha or salvation,’so Dwarka means ‘door to moksha.’

Today, many people, especially the locals, call it Devbhoomi Dwarka as it is the only city in India that is part of both Char Dham (four holy places) and Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities) mentioned in the Hindu religion. The city is also home to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Apart from the temples, the city also boasts many beaches, which are also a popular tourist attraction. There are many things to do in Dwarka, so everyone has something to look forward to.

Culture of Dwarka 

The culture of Dwarka is deeply rooted in the religious significance of the place. The locals celebrate the Hindu festival with great fervour and fanfare, especially Janmashstami, i.e., the birth of Lord Krishna. Gujarati is the most widely spoken language in the city, however, most people also speak Hindi and is an inherent part of the local dialect.  

Another cultural highlight of Dwarka is its cuisine. The restaurants and other eateries in the city mostly serve vegetarian food, where the intrinsic flavours of Gujarat are presented using the local indigenous ingredients. 

Best Time to Visit Dwarka

Dwarka can be visited throughout the year, as each season offers a unique experience.

• Dwarka in Winter (October to March):

The best time to visit Dwarka is during the winter season, from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 24°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and other things to do in Dwarka. The cool and comfortable climate allows visitors to explore the city's attractions without the discomfort of extreme heat or humidity.

• Dwarka Summer (April to June):

The summer season, from April to June, can be quite hot in Dwarka, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. This might not be the best time for those who are sensitive to heat. Despite the heat, this is a good time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Plus, there are places to visit in Dwarka where you can participate in indoor activities like temple and shopping.

• Dwarka in Monsoon (July to September):

The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region. While the rain can provide relief from the heat, it may also hinder outdoor activities and visiting some of Dwarka’s sightseeing places.

But if you love the rains, remember that the city comes alive with lush greenery during the monsoon, and the rain can add a mystical charm to the temples and the sea. It's a great time for those who enjoy the monsoon climate and don't mind getting a bit wet.

How to Reach Dwarka

It is relatively easy to reach Dwarka due to its good connectivity. Here’s how to reach Dwarka by air, rail, and road.

• Dwarka By Air: 

The nearest airport to Dwarka is Jamnagar Airport, which is approximately 130 kilometres away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Mumbai and Delhi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dwarka, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

• Dwarka By Rail: 

Dwarka Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat and other parts of India. There are regular trains from cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and Rajkot to Dwarka. The railway station is located just a few kilometres from the main city, and you can easily get an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach your destination.

• Dwarka By Road: 

Dwarka is easily accessible by road, with regular bus services operated by the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) from major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, and Porbandar. The roads are well-maintained, providing a smooth drive with scenic views.

Places to visit in Dwarka 

There is a diverse range of places to visit in Dwarka. You can see attractions, spots catering to the interests of history enthusiasts, religious pilgrims, and nature lovers alike. With its ancient temples, serene ghats, and picturesque landscapes, there's something for everyone in this sacred city.

Dwarkadhish Temple 

Undoubtedly, one of the most important and popular tourist places in Dwarka is the Dwarkadhish Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple attracts thousands of worshippers from all over India throughout the year. 

The temple, which is also known as Jagat Mandir is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat to know about its rich history. The five-storied shrine boasts Chalukya style architecture and is made from limestone and sand.  

It is believed that the temple is more than 2000 years old, and was built by Vajranabha on the land that was submerged under the sea and reclaimed by Lord Krishna. Within the temple premises, there are other shrines dedicated to Goddess Subhadra, Lord Balarama, and many others.  

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga 

One of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, Nageshwar Temple is located between Bet Dwarka and Gomati Dwarka, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as Nagnath Temple. According to the Shiva Purana, those who offer their prayers at the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, they are freed from all kinds of poisons in their life.  

The major highlight of this temple is the 80-foot-tall statue of the Lord, which faces the south direction. The importance of this temple for the Hindu pilgrims stems from the fact that it is the first of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. During the Maha Shivratri festival, there is a grand celebration at the temple, and it draws devotees from all over the world. This is one of Dwarka’s sightseeing places you must not miss.  

Bet Dwarka 

Located about 30 kilometres from the main town of Dwarka, Bet Dwarka is a small island, which was once a part of the main port in the region. Located on the banks of the Gulf of Kutch, the island is surrounded by white sand beaches, coral reefs and a few temples.  

It is a major tourist attraction in Gujarat, and most people who come to the Dwarka temple come here to relax on the beach and indulge in some water activities like a boat ride to spot dolphins. It is also the place for scuba diving in Dwarka. 

Apart from being an important tourist place, the island holds an important place in Hindu mythology. It is believed that when Lord Krishna was the king of Dwarka, Bet Dwarka was his home.  

Dwarka Lighthouse 

Dwarka Lighthouse is a must-visit on your Dwarka trip. It is a popular tourist attraction in Dwarka city. It is a 43-meter-long structure that is located on the Dwarka beach. While the structure itself is super impressive and a cynosure to the eye, many tourists visit the lighthouse to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset.  

Built in 1866, initially the lighthouse had an oil lamp, and the modern light-bulb lighthouse was installed in 1962, and it was opened by the then Transport Minister of India, Mr. Raj Bahadur. 

Dunny Point 

This is a beautiful and quiet beach located near Bet Dwarka island. Dunny Point is one of the best places to visit in Dwarka. It is often considered one of the hidden gems of Gujarat, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Visitors can enjoy camping, bird watching, and beach walks. To get there, you take a boat from Okha to Bet Dwarka, then drive or walk to the beach. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

Gopi Talav 

The talav (pond) is a sacred pond associated with Lord Krishna and the Gopis of Vrindavan. According to legend, the Gopis reunited with Krishna here. The surrounding soil, known as Gopi Chandan, is considered holy. Pilgrims often apply it as a mark of devotion. Surrounded by sand dunes, the site offers a serene atmosphere for meditation and reflection, making it a popular stop for devotees on their Dwarka trip.

Things to do in Dwarka

While known globally for its historical significance and temples, there are other things to do in Dwarka. It is also a place for adventure and fun.

Scuba Diving in Dwarka

Get the Dwarka scuba diving experience. Explore the underwater world of the Arabian Sea with a scuba diving adventure, witnessing the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

Boat Rides

Take a boat ride to Beyt Dwarka or enjoy a sunset cruise along the Dwarka coastline for a relaxing experience.

Attend Aarti and Puja

Participate in the spiritual ceremonies at the Dwarkadhish Temple, such as the evening Aarti or the morning Mangla Aarti.

Beach Activities

Spend time at Dwarka Beach or nearby beaches like Shivrajpur Beach, enjoying the sun, sand, and sea.

Shopping

Don’t miss out on shopping on your Dwarka trip. Explore the local markets to shop for religious artefacts, traditional Gujarati handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Yoga and Meditation

Find peace and tranquillity by practising yoga and meditation at one of the ashrams or along the serene beaches.

Where to stay in Dwarka? 

If you are a Club Mahindra member, you can book your stay at the Club Mahindra Dwarka resort. It is one of the best resorts in Dwarka that offer a premium living experience and warm services that will make your stay enjoyable every minute. The resort would be the perfect base for all your Dwarka adventures; all the major attractions in the city, like Dwarkadish temple and Dwarka Beach, are located nearby.

After a stressful day exploring the tourist spots, you can come back and relax at the resort or unwind with a dip in the sprawling pool. You can also go for a relaxing massage at the in-resort spa and rejuvenate yourself for the next day. On days when you don’t want to venture, you can indulge in various resort activities with your family.  

There is a myriad of activities from fun to educational. You can learn the art of Towel Origami, or enjoy a Bollywood theme night where you get to dress up as a Bollywood character, dance to the Bollywood tunes and enjoy the true Hindi cinema spirit. If you are travelling with your kids, you can let them enjoy stone painting, and watch them bring out their creative skills while making their masterpieces of art.