Have you ever wanted to visit a place where God once lived? Welcome to Dwarka, a magical city situated in Gujarat, where Lord Krishna once lived and ruled. Known as the kingdom of Krishna, this place is situated right by the Arabian Sea and perfectly blends spirituality with beauty. The interesting fact about the place is that scientists have discovered the ancient buildings of Dwarka city under the Arabian Sea.
If you are a devotee, then this place is for you. From visiting Dwarkadhish temple and beautiful beaches to witnessing divine sunsets and adventurous places. Every year, thousands of people visit here from all over the world to pray, explore, and spend memorable hours. Every street has some stories to tell you, so just visit Dwarka once and listen to those special stories, and feel the sea breeze and calm atmosphere touching your inner soul. Sounds fascinating, right? Let's discuss the best things to do in Dwarka so that you can enjoy the Dwarka tour without much effort.
Things to Do in Dwarka
There are various things to do in Dwarka, from visiting the iconic Dwarkadhish Temple and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga to enjoying a serene boat ride to Bet Dwarka. Let's know some of them in detail-
1. Seeks blessings at the Dwarkadhish temple
Visiting and seeking blessings at the Dwarkadhish temple is one of the most famous things in Dwarka because if you miss visiting this temple, you have missed everything. This Chalukya-style Dwarkadhish Temple is also called the Jagat Mandir and is devoted to Lord Krishna. The flag of the temple changes five times a day by one of the families who sponsor it. The history of the town of Dwarka dates back to the Mahabharata's Kingdom of Dwaraka. The temple has two other shrines as well that are dedicated to Subhadra and Balarama. Thousands of devotees chant prayers and perform rituals at the Dwarkadhish temple after taking a bath in the Gomti River.
Best time to visit: 6 am - 1 pm and 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Entry fees: No entry fees
2. Explore Sudama Setu
Sudama Setu was inaugurated in 2016. It is a suspension bridge and was constructed to cross the Gomti River. The bridge was built in memory of Sudama, the childhood friend of Lord Krishna. It connects the Jagat temple and Panchkui Teerth on the island. Apart from the mythological significance, it is also known for the stunning view of the river and the Arabian Sea. Sudama Setu plays a significant role in promoting tourism, featuring five Pandava wells and an ancient Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. It is close to the famous Dwarkadhish temple and offers the best camel ride in Gujarat.
Best time to visit: 8 am - 4 pm
Entry fees: 10 INR
3. Visit Rukmani Devi Temple
Rukmani Devi Temple is 1.5 km away from the Dwarka city center. This temple is built in the Nagara style. Nagara style is a famous style of North Indian architecture. Unlike the other temples, its Pradakshina path is on the outside walls of the temple. This temple is built with porous sea stones, which is why this temple has survived the moist weather of Dwarka. So why wait? Just visit the Rukmani temple and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna, one of the most important things to do in Dwarka.
Best time to visit: Morning - Evening
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
4. Bathing in Gomti River
The Gomti Ghat, located near the mouth of the Gomti River, is approximately 56 steps up from the Dwarkadhish Temple. According to tradition, before making their way to the Dwarakadhish Temple for darshan, followers typically take a holy dip in the river because the Gomti River is the most sacred body of water, after the Ganga, in Hinduism.
The calming ghat here is an excellent place to take pictures. Ferries and boat cruises are also offered here. As many worshippers take a holy dip in the Gomti River, it also serves as a pilgrimage destination. Apart from that, you can try the famous buttermilk here. Aarti, Dipping and trying tasty buttermilk is one of the best things to do in Dwarka.
Best time to visit: Morning - Evening
Entry fees: No Entry fees
5. Take the Marine Tours at Beyt Island
Beyt Island is also known as Bet Dwarka or Shankodhar. It is a tiny island about 30 km away from the major town of Dwarka. Before the building of Okha, it served as the region's principal port. The island is surrounded by a few temples, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. The most popular activities for tourists here are dolphin spotting, marine tours, beach camping, and picnics, among other things. If you are an adventure seeker, then taking the Marine Tours at Beyt Island is one of the best things in Dwarka.
In addition to its thriving tourism sector, the island has important religious and mythical significance. According to mythology, Lord Krishna and his childhood buddy Sudama swapped the sacks of rice here. Consequently, several devotees also make pilgrimages to this location.
Best time to visit: October - March
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
6. Witness the Divine Sunset in Dwarka Beach
The Dwarka Beach is a cool day trip destination in the coastal holy site of Dwarka, which is situated along the Arabian Sea shore. The distance between Dwarka Beach and the city center is roughly 1.5 kilometers and is home to several historical places in Gujarat.
In addition to being a fantastic spot to watch the sunset, the beach is only a ten-minute walk from the Dwarkadish Temple. And trust me, I think witnessing the divine sunset at Dwarka Beach is one of the best things in Dwarka; you can explore it in a very short period of time.
Best time to visit: Evening
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
7. Explore the Dwarka Lighthouse
The 43-meter-tall Dwarka Lighthouse is located around 2 kilometers away from the city core. In addition to being a fantastic place to see sunsets, the Dwarka Lighthouse boasts an excellent architectural style. Apart from the lighthouse, you can also visit Suryamukhi Ganesha Temple here, which is located directly behind the Dwarka lighthouse. Visiting Dwarka Lighthouse can be one of the most memorable things to do in Dwarka.
Best time to visit: 4 pm - 6 pm
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
8. Take blessings at Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is the first of India's twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated on the path that connects Gomati Dwarka with Bait Dwarka Island on Gujarat's Saurashtra coast. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, and is also referred to as the Nagnath Temple.
The temple is based on the Sayanam (sleeping) position of the human body and was designed according to Vaastu Shastra. The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple celebrates Maha Shivaratri with a great ceremony, and visiting the Nageshwar jyotirlinga temple during Mahashivaratri is one of the most memorable things to do in Dwarka.
The Shiva Purana states that people who worship at the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga are liberated from all poisons, snake bites, and material pleasures.
Best time to visit: 6 am - 12.30 pm and 5 pm - 9.30 pm
Entry fees: Aarti - ₹150-₹300
9. Explore the Gopi Talav
Gopi Talav is a renowned lake in Gujarat. According to mythology, Lord Krishna used to perform the "raas" dance for his female followers or Gopis, near this lake when he was a youngster. This place is well-known as the Gopis' sandalwood, or "Gopi Chandan."
The gentle golden soil here is cultivated by Gopi Talav, which represents the legendary Gopis of Vrindavan and Lord Krishna. So why wait? Just visit Gopi Talav and feel the real love and devotion - one of the most important things to do in Dwarka.
Best time to visit: Morning - Evening
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
10. Bhadakeshwar Mahadev Temple
Bhadakeshwar Mahadev Temple was self-manifested around 5000 years ago in the Arabian Sea. It is devoted to Lord Shiva.
It is a respected and historic mountaintop Shiva temple that is home to more than 1300 Shiva Lingams, 75 metal relics of Shankaracharya, and 1200 Salgramsheelas and is devoted to Shiva Chandra-Moulishwar.
Every year, it submerged into the sea during the monsoon, and devotees consider it the self method of Abhishekam, and this is really fascinating and amazing. And if you are a devotee and religious, then you should definitely visit the Bhadakeshwar Mahadev temple.
Best time to visit: 6 am - 7 pm
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
11. Try the Gujarati Thali
Dwarka doesn't have a lot of luxurious dining options. Nonetheless, the restaurants provide mouthwatering Chinese, North Indian, and Gujarati dishes, but the Gujarati thali is most famous among all the available food options. Gujarati Thali is easily available here at every restaurant and food court.
This delicious plate consists of rice, vegetable curries, roti, and kadhi or daal. You may also sample the well-known Khichdi.
In addition to these, try the common and rejuvenating Lassi, Buttermilk, and Chaas, as well as the Gujarati delicacies Khamman Dhokla, Khandvi, Thepala, Khakhra, and Hahdwoh. So why wait? Just try one of the tastiest things to do in Dwarka.
Best time to visit: Throughout the Day
Entry fees: No Entry Fees
Conclusion
Ready to explore the kingdom of Lord Krishna? Dwarka is calling you! With many memorable things to do in Dwarka,this city has everything for everyone. From seeking blessings at the Dwarkadhish temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple, and Bhadakeshwar Mahadev Temple to witnessing the divine sunset at Dwarka beach, every moment is a memory you will never forget. So just come and discover why millions of people call Dwarka their favourite destination to visit.
