Dwaraka - Gujarat Tour

Information on Dwaraka  Dwarka is a city and a municipality Gujarat in India. Dwaraka is located on the extreme western end of Kathiawar peninsula, where the River Gomti meets the Arabian Sea. Dwaraka is one of the four most important holy places of the Hindus and attracts tourists from all over the world. The Lord Krishna also established his capital at Dwaraka after he left Mathura. The importance, foundation, planning and glory of Dwaraka as the golden city is described in various Hindu epics like Mahabharata, Harivamsha, Sijupdlavadha, Bhagvad Gita, Skand Purana, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharat. The architecture of the old Dwaraka city was majestic and wonderful. Dwarkadhish temple at Dwarka   Lord Krishna temple at Dwarka is the main temple located at the Sangam of Gomti river. Dwarak is one of the four holy pilgrim place known as Char Dham of Hindu mythology.  Hotel and guest hours are available near the temple. You can walk to the temple through narrow lanes with shops at both side of the road. History of Dwaraka  The city of Dwaraka has a very large and old traditional history. Dwaraka was the capital of the western coast of Saurashtra. Dwaraka was a large, well fortified and the prosperous city due to the sea trade which prevailed in this city. This region was full of flowering and fruit-bearing trees. Due to fear of the attack by Jarasangh and Kaalayvan on Mathura, Shri Krishna and Yadavas left Mathura and arrived at the coast of Saurashtra. They decided to build their capital in the coastal region and invoke the Vishwakarma, the deity of construction. However, Vishwakarma said that the task can be completed only if Samudradev, the Lord of the sea provide some land. Shri Krishna worshipped Samudradev, who pleased by the prayers decided to gave them the land measuring 12 yojans from the sea near the western shores of Saurashtra and thus the Lord Vishwakarma laid the foundation of Dwaraka. Lord Krishna later set up his capital at Dwaraka, on the banks of river Gomti. This beautiful city was also known as Dwaramati, Dwarawati and Kushsthali. It was a well planned city and had well organized six sectors, residential and commercial zones, wide roads, palaces and many public utilities. A hall called "Sudharma Sabha" was built to hold public meetings. The city was one of the busiest ports during the Mahabharata period. After the end of the war of Mahabharata, Shri Krishna lived for 36 years at Dwaraka. It was also the land of the Ekalavya and the saint Dronacharya. According to the legends, the Dwaraka city met a sudden end due to the fury of the sea. According to some other legends, immediately after the death of the Lord Krishna, Dwaraka disappeared into the sea. Attempts are being still made to rediscover the lost Dwaraka from the sea. In the early eighties, an important archaeological site was found at Dwaraka.  Tourist Attractions in Dwaraka  The major tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the famous Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Lord of Dwarka', also known as the Jagat Mandir or temple of the world. This temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna and was constructed over 1400 years ago. This temple has a 5 floors supported by 60 columns. This temple attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Besides the Dwarkadhish temple, there are various other temples in Dwarka.  Tourist Attractions in Dwaraka The main tourist attraction in Dwaraka is the Dwarkadhish temple also known as Jagat Mandir. Besides this there are various other temples in Dwaraka. Dwarkadhish Temple / Jagat Mandir  Dwaraka is known all over the world for the Dwarkadhish temple, the 'Lord of Dwarka'. This temple is also known as the Jagat Mandir or the temple of the world. This temple was constructed over 1400 years ago and houses the image of Lord Krishna. This temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. This temple is magnificently built on the traditional lines and has five floors supported by 60 columns. The temple is profusely carved from the base to the pinnacle. The temple is built of sandstone. The interior is simple while the exterior is covered with elaborate carvings. Some of the major festivals of Janmashtami and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm and rejoicing in the Dwarka. After visiting the main temple, some of the devotees visit the Shankhoddhar Beyt or Beyt Dwaraka. Other Temples  Besides the Dwarkadhish temple, there is a popular temple dedicated to Rukmini, the Lord Krishna's wife, who is also considered as an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. There are various other temples which are dedicated to Mirabai and Narsinh Mehta and Shank Narayan. There is also a temple which is dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the incarnation of Vishnu as a fish. Beyt Dwaraka A pilgrimage to Dwaraka is not complete until a visit has been made to the Beyt Dwaraka. It is a Hindu temple on the island off the coast. The temple dates from the 19th century and contains a series of shrines and images of Krishna and his 56 consorts. The archaeological excavations have revealed Harappan artifacts dating from the 2nd millennium BC. Okha Okha is a small port at the head of the Gulf of Kutch and is about 30 kms north of Dwaraka. The island nearby is connected with the legend of Vishnu slaying the demon. Following items are not allowed inside the temple. West Belt , Camera , Mobile Phones , Shoes Free stalls are available to deposit these items at the entrance of the temple.  Take a holy dip at Gomti river before going for Darshan of Lord Krishna at Dwaraka. Temple timing at Dwarka The main Dwarkadish temple opens in morning 6.30 AM with Mangal Arati, and remains open ( with intermittent closers for short duration ) till 1 PM.  From 1 PM to 5 PM temple is close.  From 5 PM till night 9.30 PM temple remains open. Reaching Dwarka This small town is located on Dwarka – Jamnagar state highway. Dwaraka to jamnagar is 135 KM Dwarak to Rajkot is 215 KM Dwarka to Ahmedabad is 470 KM There are overnight sleeper bus from Ahmedabad to Dwaraka. These buses will reach around 8 AM.  All buses starts from Paldi in Ahmedabad upto night 11 PM. Rail By rail it is on broad gauge line connecting Ahmedabad to Okha ( port ). Dwaraka is before 30 KM from Okha terminus point. There are several trains starts from Okha and you can start your return journey from Okha or from Dwaraka.  Somanath express ( train no: 19251 & 19252 ) runs between Somnath and Dwaraka during night time ( both ways )  Nearest airport is Jamnagar 137 KM Sunset Point All parts of western Gujarat has sun set point where you can watch sunset in Arabian sea. This point is near the light house of the beach. You can walk from Gomti Ghat to the sunset point. Accommodation at Dwarka Dwarka is not a big town but there are plenty of hotels , Dharmasalas available for all type of devotees. Almost all hotels are within 500 meter to 2 KM distance from temple. If you are preferring to stay near temple then best location is to stay at Gomti ghat area where you can get good view of temple and river. Little away from busy temple area (1.5 KM ) near the light house some luxury hotels are there. Here you can see sunset from your room and stay peacefully.  Local Pilgrim places and other temples around Dwaraka. There are four places to visit other than the main temple at Dwaraka. Rukuni Mata Mandir Nageswar temple Gopi - Talav Bet-Dwaraka Rukmini Mata Mandir Close to Dwaraka City and by the side of Helipad and National Highway this temple is of Rukmini Devi, the chief queen of Lord Krishna. Here drinking water is offered as donation to the temple. By paying different denomination of rupees you can contribute towards charges occurred for bringing drinking water to this area. Sage Durvasa As per the legend saga Durvasa once invited by Krishan and his wife Rukmini for dinner. Durvasa rushi was coming by a chariot pulled by Krishan and his wife Rukmini. On the way Devi Rukmini asked for drinking water and Lord Krishna provided by hitting ground by his toe. Devi Rukmini first drank the water without offering to Druvasa , this has insulted the saga and he cursed her that she would live separately from her husband. That is the reason in this temple Rukmini is being worshiped alone without lord Krishna. As a result of this in this area there is always shortage of drinking water as ground water is very saline here. Nageshwar Shiva Temple This is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The big statue of Shiva is constructed by T – Series owner Sri Gulshan Kumar. This temple is almost between Beyt Dwarka and Dwarka town.  Gopi Talav At a distance of 5 KM from Nageswar temple is the Gopi Talav , a small pond where Gopis or young girls of Dwarka merged inside. The soil is yellow in color and offered as Gopi Chandan. Bet-Dwarka Bet – Dwarka is an island surrounded by sea from all sides. Boat service is available between Okha and Bet-Dwaraka.  Okha Jetty is 30 KM from Dwarka , reach here by road and then take 15 minutes lunch journey by sea to reach Bet Dwarka. There is no ticket counter and you just need to seat on the boat. The journey will start once the boat is full and the journey will take 15 minutes in sea. The boatman will collect Rs 10/- from you.  After getting down at the jetty at Bet Dwarka , you need to walk for nearly 700 meters to reach Lord Krishna temple. Hand pulled Trolley is available to take elderly persons upto the 500 meters from Jetty. From here if required Auto – Taxi available to take you to doorstep of temple. However you can easily walk to the temple by 15 minutes.  Dwarkadhish temple at Bet-Dwarka Before entering to the temple you can deposit your shoes , cameras and Mobile phones at the counter. Bet - Dwaraka is considered at residence of Lord Krishana.  Return trip to Okha will take another 15 minutes by boat and fare is Rs 10/-  It will take 2 hours from Okha parking area to travel in sea and return to Okha after visiting Bet – Dwarka temple.  By road to Dwarka will take 45 minutes ( 30 KM ). Bus service for sightseeing at Dwaraka Two times in a day bus starts from Sabji Mandi ( Vegetable Market ) near Temple for local sightseeing covering four places. Morning trip starts at 8 AM and returns afternoon 1 PM. Evening trip starts at 2 PM and returns around 7.45 PM. Ticket cost is Rs 80/- per head .  There are private and local body run ( semi –govt ) buses. Ticket cost is same for both but you will have better service in government run bus. Quality of buses are better for govt buses. Take your ticket from Subji Mandi office and avoid private bus operators. Private bus services may delay return trip and be careful if you have to catch bus or train after the trip. Dwarka Sightseeing by local Taxi You can hire half day taxi to cover all four points. It will start from morning 8 to afternoon 1.30 or from 2.00 PM to 7.00 PM. This matches with the opening and closing timings of the temple.  Approximate fare for half day sightseeing at Dwarka Indica Rs 800  Indigo Rs 900  Etios / Dzire Rs 1100  Innova 1800  How to reach Dwaraka By Air: The nearest airport is located at Ahmedabad which is about 216 kms from Dwaraka. By Rail:  Dwaraka is connected with direct trains with Ahmedabad on the western railway. By Road: Dwaraka is easily connected with various cities of Gujarat. It is about 216 kms from Ahmedabad and 798 kms. from Mumbai via Ahmedabad. Understand Dwarka : Original Dwarka believed to be sunken in the sea. Divers till today are researching, after finding the artifacts from the sea floor. Near by small island is known as Bet Dwarka- Hire a boat from Dwarka to go there.Bet Dwarka is a part mud and part sand beach. However, it's the best place for zoologists. See more details about Dwarka Temple. Get in Dwarka is 450 kms from Ahmedabad and is well connected by Road and Rail. The nearest Airport is at Rajkot which is 225 kms or Jamnagar which is 121 kms from Dwarka. Air India (1 nos. to & fro) & JetKonnect operate (4 nos to & fro) to Rajkot from mumbai & Air India operates one to & fro flight per day to Jamnagar from mumbai . Railway station is located almost 2 km from main Temple. Auto Fare INR 50/- for 3 persons from Dwarka Rail Station to Temple. Get around Local Municipal administration has "Dwarka Darshan" sight seeing non-AC bus facility -Twice a day -8 am and 2pm. INR 80/- per seat. Each trip takes about 5-6 hours. Booking office 1. Near Vegetable market 2. Bhadrakali chowk. This trip covers Nageshwar,Gopi Talab, Bet Dwarka and Rukshmani Temple.only on spot booking is available not online. You Can Book your Private car also, like Winger Non-Ac (INR 800/-), Travera AC (INR 1400/-). See Most importantly -Dwarkadhish mandir located at the heart of this small city. There are a lot of places around Dwarka which can be covered in a Single Day. There are local taxies which are available which would help you to visit them. The major ones covered are: 1. Nageshwar Temple - This is also one of the prominent Jyotirlingas and it is at around 8 Kms from Dwarka. 2. Gopi Talav - This is the place where Lord Krishna used to play with his Gopikas. There is a small pond where it is said that Lord Krishna used to play with the Gopika Strees (Gopika Women). 3. Bet Dwarka - This is the place where Krishna lived. This is the place where Krishna used to reside and this is the place where Lord Krishna met his friend Sudama and blessed him, there is a Peetha(Seat) where Lord Krishna met Sudama. The temple also has the main Dwarkadish diety which was believed to have been made by Krishna's chief Queen Rukmini and in which Meera bai merged and disappeared from the material world. There are boats available from Okha Jetty from where people are ferried to the Island which is approximately 30 Kms from Dwarka. 4. Hanuman Mandir - This is also in the Bet Dwarka where Hanuman fought with his son Makaradhwaja. To cover this place, it is adviced to start as early as 7:00 in the morning as this is lonely place and a rickshaw has to be hired to visit this place. 5. Rukmini Mandir - This temple is situated at 8 Kms from Dwarka. This is in the outskirts of the city and this is a lonely temple and there is an interesting story of Rukmini being cursed by sage Durvasa because of which the temple is situated outside the city and its because of this curse only that the water in Dwarka city is salty. 6. The Light House - Light House is famous place at sea-coast of Dwarka. One can enjoy complete silence sitting at the sea coast. Behind the Light House, there is a huge cave below the coast naturally created by striking of sea water. One can watch fishermen catching fishes in the midst of Ocean in complete silence. There is also a small Ganesh temple behind the Light House. All these places are at an approximate radius of 80kms from Dwarka and the taxies normally charge Rs. 600 (per half day) for this. This cost does not cover the boat charges as well as other entry taxes applicable and the visit to Hanuman Temple at Bet Dwarka. There are few other temples like Gayatri Shakti Peeth, Geeta mandir, Siddeshwar Mahadev, Bhadrakali temple, Bhadkeshwar temple. One can hire a auto for Rs. 20-30 per seat to see these places which are within 2-3 km radius. Bhadkeshwar temple is a "must see" as this place is almost surrounded by sea. Panchtirth is on the other side of Gomti river. There are 5 small (2 feet X 3 feet) wells within 500 meters range. Water of each well has different taste. Water is not salty though there is sea surrouding this area. Do Take a plunge into Gomti river, adjacent to Dwarkadhish Temple. Its really refreshing. Salty water? -Don't bother, you can have fresh water bath at nearby private bathing facilities or its good if your lodge is nearby this river. Visit the Dwarkadheesh Temple which is also called as the Jagad Mandir. Enter temple through river side which has 52 steps. Electronic items not allowed inside temple. Join people if you find them chanting "Dwarkadhish ki Jai" "Nand ke anand bhayo, Jai kanhayya lal ki". You may take help of official guides (having ID cards hanging) who will explain the significance of stucture and temples. You need not pay them anything. Note the dress colour of the main deity. It will be white on friday, blue on saturday ( 7 colours for 7 days of a week) Look for the colour of the flag. Not surprising to see some one changing the flag. It is changed 5 times a day. Join the young brahman students reciting "Shri Vishnu sahashsranama" in the morning. Don't miss the Aarti. hire a boat to cross Gomti River (Rs.10/- per seat). If you are lucky, and its low-tide you can walk and cross river with knee deep water. Buy Pay Rs.25 at the temple counter and buy prasadam which was offered to God. Decorative items made from marine shells. Eat There are not many places/ Restaurants. Arti Restaurant near Dwarikadheesh Temple serves good food. Sharanam near Bhadrakali chowk is good AC restaurant with reasonable price. Depend on 5-6 small restaurants or Roadside Dhabhas/ eatouts also available. Drink Alcohol is prohibited in Dwarka. Do not expect any place to serve alcohol here. Drink hot milk at night at Shyam-Sunder Milk Parlor near Dwarikadheesh Temple. Sleep Many small, medium, budget lodges at walking distance from temple. 2-3 Luxury hotels also. Many Dharmashalas available if you are travelling in group. May charge Rs. 25 - 50/- per person. Hotel Dwarkesh is budget hotel - 5 minutes walk. Telephonic booking in 2-3 days advance. Hotel City Palace, Dwarka. 5 minutes walk from Dwarkadheesh temple. Contact To get more information about the Temple, you may contact. The Administrator Shree Dwarkadhish Temple Dwarka : 361 335 Dist.: Jamnagar Gujarat- India Phone:+91 - 2892 - 234090. Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. 3.00 p.m. to 6.10 p.m. On all the working days except Public Holidays. Get out Don't rely much on state bus. The state bus station officers does not have information on incoming and out going buses. The tea shops outside bus station has much better info.