Dwarka is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in India situated at the western part of Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat. According to local mythology, the city was strongly associated with Krishna. According to legend, Krishna after leaving Mathura set up his capital here. The city is famous for its beautiful Gujarati artifacts which tourists can buy from the nearby markets.
Dwarka is well connected to all the major cities via a dense network of roads. The railway station in Dwarka connects to various cities like Jamnagar, Mumbai, Rajkot, Ahmedabad and several more. Tourists can visit this place throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Dwarka is during the celebration of Janmashtami.
Considered as one of the sacred cities of India, Dwarka is one of the four char dhams in India, being a pilgrimage destination for devotees and home to the colorful Krishna Janmashtami festival, as it is believed that here was located the first kingdom of Krishna. Around it white houses hugged by the mysticism of gods still seem to whistle among its streets.
Here are some places to visit in Dwarka in Gujarat for a cultural experience.
1. Dwarka Lighthouse
One can visit the lighthouse which is one of the best places to visit in Dwarka to enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings.
2. Geeta Mandir
The Geeta Mandir is a marvellous temple located in the western part of the city. The temple's main purpose is to spread the principles of the sacred book, Bhagavad Gita. The temple is completely made of marbles. It was built by the Birlas in 1970. The walls and ceilings of the temple are full of carvings of hymns of Bhagavad Gita. Every word spoken out inside the temple echoes a lot which gives a strange feeling to the visitors.
3. Dwarka Beach
Other places to visit in Dwarka besides the holy temples are the relaxing beaches. The charming beaches make one forget all his tensions and is the best place to take a break from the busy city life.
4. Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
Another important temple is the Shree Dwarkadhish Temple. A monumental complex in the epic mouth of the Gomti River is famous for the presence of temples such as the Dwarkadhish, built 2200 years ago. The main temple of the region is Dwarkanath in honor of Krishna with 60 columns supporting the tall five storied building. There used to be 5 cities here which are now submerged under water.
The most famous Janmashtami festival is commemorated at this temple with complete enthusiasm. Devotees from all over the country come to worship Krishna on this auspicious occasion. The fest generally takes place in August or September.
The 2,500 years old temple of Dwarkadhish, also known as Jagat Mandir, is built on the north bank of the Gomti Creek. Said to be constructed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Krishna, the temple is made of limestone and sand. Sixty columns support the roof of the audience hall of the Jagat Mandir.
The main temple is five-storey high with the lavish carving of a 157 feet high conical spire. In the sanctum sanctorum, the one-meter tall, four handed black idol of Dwarakadheesh resides in its full glory. The temple has two doors. The north door is the Moksha Dwara and the south one, Swarga Dwara, leads to Gomti River. Apart from Krishna, there are a number of other deities also gracing the Dwarkadhish Temple.
One of the important Moksh Dhams of India, thousands of pilgrims throng at Dwarkadheesh Temple each year in their quest for Nirvana. So be sure to put the temple as one of your places to visit in Dwarka.
5. Bet Dwarka
In addition of being famous pilgrimage destination, Dwarka surprises nature and beach lovers with its spectacular stretch of beaches. The Beyt Dwarka Beach is one such beach, located about 30 kilometers from Dwarka and 148 kilometers away from Jamnagar. Tourists love to enjoy the ferry ride from Okha to the Island of Bet. The island is famous for its modern temples.
The Beyt Dwarka Beach's name came from Bet Island, famous for its white coloured sand and its beautiful coral reefs. The Island is also rich in marine organisms. During the low tides it is common to encounter the amazing sight of dolphins leaping out in the distant sea. Porpoise, sea turtles, octopus, starfish, sea urchins are some of the other inhabitants of these islands.
A variety of water birds add to the charm of the beach apart from some migratory birds which flock to the island every year. The temples near Beyt Dwarka beach is a perfect mix of spirituality, nature and fauna, pleasantly surprising travellers for what it has to offer.
6. Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated in the outskirts of Dwaraka, Nageshwar Temple or Nagnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. According to Shiv Purana, Shiva started to reside in this temple in the form of Jyotirlinga after killing the demon by name Daruka thus signifying the removal of evil from the face of the earth.
This holy site can be visited as a part of the Nageshwar Dwarka Somnath Jyotirling Yatra which will guarantee an extremely spiritual experience. The Shivalinga in this temple is unique as it faces towards the south and the Gomugam is on the east. According to a legend, people threw a devotee by the name Namdev out of the temple when he refused to move from the front of the Shiva idol.
To the astonishment of devotees, The Linga faced South with the Gomugam facing east from then. On the eve of Shivaratri, the temple witnesses huge a turnout of devotees which transform the entire temple complex into a melange of festivities. The imposing giant statue of Shiva inspires awe as well as devotion.
7. Shri Krushna Mandir, Tulamandir, Gomti Ghat
At the rear of Dwarkadhish temple, flows the sacred Gomti River, on the banks of which, there are many revered temples, where pilgrims have been offering prayers since ages. Apart from a Shiva temple there are also shrines of Rama, Krishna and Sudama around the Ghat.
8. Pandava Wells
Among places to visit in Dwarka, there is a place with five wells called Panchanand Tirtha which is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.
9. Samudra Narayan Temple
A temple of Sangam Narayan or Samudra Narayan is also nearby. Next to Samudra Narayan is Chakratirtha, a place of rocks with chakras. According to legend, it is the place where Vishnu cleaned his Sudarshana Chakra after destroying demons, hence the place got its name as Chakratirtha. It is a holy bathing centre to purify the soul.
You'll see devotees feeding fish here as a way to get wealth and prosperity. You can hire a boat to move across the river for a panoramic view of Dwarka.