Dwarka Tourism (2020) - Gujarat > Best Temples, Beaches, Things To Do

"The home of Lord Krishna"

Dwarka Tourism

Located on the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula in Gujarat, Dwarka is an ancient city of India. Known as Devbhoomi Dwarka, Dwarka boasts of being the only city that is a part of both Char Dham (four principal holy places) and also Sapta Puris (seven sacred cities) mentioned in the Hindu religion. Dwarka was a part of the ancient kingdom of Krishna and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is also located in Dwarka. For these reasons, it enjoys a remarkable religious significance and attracts thousands of pilgrims all year round. The beachside and the seashores are an added tourist attraction.

Legend has it that the city was once engulfed by the sea and recent excavations reveal that a city did exist here. The name Dwarka translates to dwar meaning 'door' and ka meaning 'moksha' meaning the ‘door to salvation.

Top Places to Visit In Dwarka

Dwarkadhish Temple

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga

Bet Dwarka

Dwarka Beach

Rukmini Devi Temple

Dwarka Lighthouse

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Top Hotels In Dwarka

VITS Devbhumi, Dwarka

8.6 (164 reviews)

$ 35 onwards

Cygnett Inn

8.2 (43 reviews)

$ 27 onwards

Hotel City Palace

7.9 (7 reviews)

$ 12 onwards

Hotel Guruprerna

7.6 (72 reviews)

$ 16 onwards

Hotel Vraj Inn

7.6 (66 reviews)

$ 10 onwards

Sanskruti Inn

7.5 (28 reviews)

$ 24 onwards

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Culture of Dwarka

The culture of Dwarka is intensely embedded in the religious significance of the place. Hindu festivals, especially Krishna Janmastami; the birth of Lord Krishna, is the biggest festival here. It is observed during the Hindu month of Shravan. Other celebrations such as Diwali, Holi and Dussehra are also observed.

The commonly spoken language in Dwarka is Gujarati, however, Hindi and English are also among the local dialect. Another cultural highlight of the region is its cuisine. Dwarka is an unflinchingly vegetarian city, where flavours of Gujarat are presented alongside local ingredients and dietary staples.

Dwarka History

Dwarka is said to have housed traceable marks of human occupancy since the 200 AD. Besides hosting honorable mentions in the Hindu epic of Mahabharat, the holy city of Dwarka is also speculated to have been Gujarat's first capital city.

Apart from the Hindu mythical transcripts about Dwarka being the land of Lord Krishna, history holds records of archaelogical evidences from the 1400s. It is said that the present-day Dwarkadhish temple was built during the 1500s.

However, the proto-history of the region clarifies Dwarka to have once been a submerged land that was further excavated to its current existence. The region's Bet/Beyt Dwarka is said to be a significant historic site belonging to the Late Harappan times.

Regional Traditions of Dwarka

Besides being an ancient city, Dwarka also upholds bits of the lifestyle from those times with its traditions. One such tradition is giving rice at the temple of Guru Vallabhacharya at Beyt Dwarka. It is believed that Lord Krishna's childhood friend, Sudama used to provide the former with rice.

A variety of such religious beliefs and customs are carried out at the temples here as well. Funeral rites, also known as 'Pind Daan' in some regions are traditionally observed in Dwarka as well. These practices are mostly held at the Gomti Ghat region of the city.

Architecture and Temples in Dwarka

Being one of the places for the sacred Char Dham Yatra, Dwarka is an important pilgrimage spot which holds a great value in the Indian mythology. Dotted with several temples, Dwarkadhish temple is the most famous temple here.

Housing 72 intricately carved pillars, the five-storied holy site of the Dwarkadhish temple also sites incredible sandstone structures throughout the temple. Apart from this, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, Rukmani temple, Gomti Ghat and Somnath temple are the other sacred spots of Dwarka.

Restaurants and Local Food in Dwarka

There aren't many lavish restaurants in Dwarka. However, the ones that it houses serve delicious Gujarati, North-Indian and Chinese food. An elaborate Gujarati thali is a must, while here. Roti, Dal or Kadhi, Rice and Vegetable Curries make up this mouth-watering platter. You can also try out the famous Khichdi . Other than these, do try out the popular Gujarati snacks such as Khamman Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepala, Khakhra, Hahdwoh as well as the widespread and refreshing Lassi, Buttermilk and Chaas.
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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1- Check-in at the hotel. Visit the famous Dwarkadhish temple, the 2500 years old temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Visit the Rukmani temple dedicated to Krishna's beloved. Then head to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, the majestic temple famous for its religious importance and as well as for its architecture and history. In the evening, head to Dwarka beach.
Day 2- Visit the Gomti Ghat, then head to Beyt Dwarka located 30 km from the city, an island famous for its beaches, coral reefs and temples. Back to Dwarka and head to Dwarka Lighthouse to enjoy the sunset.

Best Time to Visit Dwarka

Commuting within Dwarka

Dwarka Photos

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FAQs on Dwarka

What is the local food in Dwarka?

What are the places near Dwarka?

The top places near to Dwarka are Bhuj which is 132 km from Dwarka, Porbandar which is located 95 km from Dwarka, Kutch which is located 189 km from Dwarka, Udaipur which is located 547 km from Dwarka, Gir national park which is located 225 km from Dwarka

What is not so good about Dwarka?

The temples becomes over-crowded during the season.

Who should visit Dwarka?

For pilgrims and religious temple. Also, perfect for Hindu Devotees on their sacred Char Dham Yatra

What is famous about Dwarka?

Well-connected city by all means of transport.

What is the best time to visit Dwarka?

The ideal time to visit Dwarka is from November till the last of February when the city experiences cold winters. Nonetheless, if you specifically want to participate in the festivities of Dwarka's grandly celebrated Janmashtami Festival, visiting the town during August and September will be eventful. Hence, September to March are the best months to visit Dwarka. However, the city is equally enchanting throughout the year.

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What is the best way to reach Dwarka?

The nearest airport is Jamnagar, about 137 km away from Dwarka City. Dwarka has its own railway station, trains connecting Dwarka to all major cities (Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, etc.) Dwarka is very well connected by road as well.
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What are the things to do in Dwarka?

The top things to do in Dwarka are Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka, Dwarka Beach, Rukmini Devi Temple, Dwarka Lighthouse. You can see all the places to visit in Dwarka here

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Q. I will reach Dwarika at 3pm . Can I complete Darshan of Dwarikadhish, Nageswar, Bet Dwarika before 8pm

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Dwarka Reviews

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dhirendra singh 1 year ago

Dwarka Wind Mills. Will have it in abundance. Gigantic.

Hemant Sisodiya 2 years ago

This is best place... I love this place... Find your self and never forget to taste the lassi of dwarka

Ayush Baheti 2 years ago

- Dwarka is a religious place. Though there is no written or official rule, it is advisable to be properly dressed. Avoid shorts, dresses and sleeveless clothes.

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