Dwarka, a revered city in Gujarat, is one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites, known for the sacred Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located on the western coast, Gujarat boasts a 1,600 km long shoreline along the Kathiawar peninsula and is rich in history, culture, and spiritual heritage.
Bordering states like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, and the Arabian Sea to the west, Gujarat is a culturally vibrant destination. Its capital is Gandhinagar, but cities like Dwarka attract travelers for their religious significance and scenic coastal charm.
About Dwarka - An Overview
Dwarka, located on the western shore of the Okhamandal Peninsula in Gujarat, lies at the mouth of the Gomti River, facing the Arabian Sea. This sacred city is believed to be the ancient Dwarka Kingdom mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, once ruled by Lord Krishna.
Renowned as the first capital of Gujarat, Dwarka is home to the famous Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites established by Adi Shankaracharya. It also holds the distinction of being one of India’s seven oldest religious cities, making it a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers and cultural travelers alike.
Places to visit in Dwarka:
Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka – A Sacred Landmark
Also known as Jagat Mandir or Trilok Sundar Mandir, the Dwarkadhish Temple is a major spiritual hub and part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this 2,500-year-old temple attracts devotees from around the world.
Located at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, the temple features a five-storey structure supported by 60 intricately carved columns. The north entrance is called Moksha Dwara (Gate of Salvation), while the south entrance is known as Swarga Dwara (Gate to Heaven), leading down 56 steps to the Gomti River.
It is also recognized as the 108th Divya Desam of Lord Vishnu. A ceremonial flag with symbols of the sun and moon is changed three times daily atop the temple. The current structure dates back to the 15th–16th century.
Rukmini Temple, Dwarka – A Divine Tribute to the Goddess
The Rukmini Temple in Dwarka is dedicated to Goddess Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. Believed to be built around the 12th century, this modest yet artistic temple features stunning carvings—one panel with human figures and the other with elephant motifs (Gajatharas). Inside, the idol of Rukmini is worshipped alongside Lord Krishna.
The temple walls are adorned with beautiful paintings illustrating key moments from the life of Goddess Rukmini. Though smaller in size, it holds immense spiritual value and is one of the top places to visit in Dwarka.
Sri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – A Sacred Shiva Temple in Dwarka
Sri Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Located near Dwarka, Gujarat, this powerful shrine is a must-visit for devotees seeking divine blessings.
The temple is closely linked to the legend of Supriya, a devotee imprisoned by the demon Daaruka. Her constant chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” invoked Lord Shiva, who appeared and destroyed the demon. The Shivalinga here is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu).
Close to the temple lies Gopi Talav Tirth, a spiritual lake connected to the legend of the gopis who offered their devotion to Lord Krishna and merged into the land.
Beyt Dwarka
It is a small island off the coast of Dwarka and is home to the namesake temple. It is supposedly the residence of Lord Krishna when he arrived here. The temple was established here under the supervision of Guru Vallabhacharya. Apart from the main temple, there are other temples also occupying the complex and glorifying it such as Lord Vishnu, Hanuman, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati, Devi, and others.
This place has derived its name from the word “bet” which translates into “gift” and is believed that Lord Krishna received it from his friend Sudama. In the ancient epic Mahabharata, Beyt Dwarka is known by the name “Antardvipa” to which people of the Yadav clan needed to travel by boat.
Gomti Ghat
Gomtighat is a pure and spiritual region where a number of temples are present such as the Gomati Mataji temple. On the banks of river Gomti, there is a Shiva temple, along with the small shrines of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and his friend Sudama. Pilgrims are worshipping this place for the past 100 years. Visitors can also opt for a boat ride by hiring it and exploring the river to get a panoramic view of the city. According to popular belief, people can take a bath in this river to purge the soul. Moreover, the banks are dotted with innumerable shrines dedicated to Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Samudra (God of the Sea).
Dwarka Beach
This mesmerizing beach is located just at a distance of 1 km from Dwarkadhish Temple. It is one of the most popular beaches in Gujarat, known for its turquoise water and white sand. If you want to take a break from your daily routine and want to feed your soul something healthy, then you definitely need to visit this beach. Dwarka beach is neat and clean which provides a serene and calm environment for the tourists and pilgrims to sit and spend some quality time and also witness a large number of sea birds inhabiting this region.
The presence of a lighthouse on this beach has increased its popularity and was constructed in the year 1962, on the westernmost part of the Saurashtra Coast called Rupen Creek. A Racon of Marconi origin was installed on the tower in 1978. Even today, this lighthouse is considered to be a big mark for sailors.
Dunny point
Dunny point is considered to be the main eco-tourism site in Gujarat which is ideal for swimming as well as sunbathing. The site is also known to include a wide assortment of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, fishes, and dugongs. Visitors can also enjoy a few exercises like winged creature watching, kite flying, contemplation, and voyage excursion. Completely cut off from technology and electricity, Dunny Point is one of the top activity hubs in Dwarka.
Best time to visit Dwarka
The best time to visit Dwarka is from November to February because, during this time, the weather remains pleasant.
