11 must visit places in Dwarka

•  Dwarkadhish Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna (king of Dwarka). This is one of the significant sanatan pilgrimage sites especially for vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu).

Architecture: Nagara style which it consist of Shikhara (a tall spire) and Mandapa (a grand entrance)

Historical background: This temple was built by Vajra Nabha (a Great Grandson of Lord Krishna) about 2000 years ago.

Temple Complex consists of main temple and small shrines dedicated to other deities like Rukmini, Balaram and Revati. This Complex also have small Temple museum.

Rules: You have to deposit shoes, mobile phone and other electronic gadgets outside the temple.

Timings daily 7:00AM to 12:30 PM 5:00PM to 9:30 PM

Festivals celebrated here are Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday), Diwali, Holi and Navratri.

Accessibility: Airways, Railways and Road network all three networks are well developed.

Accommodation: Hotels, Guestrooms and Dharmshalas (Charitable loging)

• Sudama Setu

A pedestrian beautifully built bridge which is which is named after Sudama(a childhood friend of Lord Krishna).

Sudama Setu connects Jagat Mandir at Mainland To Panchananda tirth on an island in Gomti river.

Features:Length 166 meters

Width 4.2 meters

Capacity 25000 to 30000 devotees per hour.

Construction: Bridge was built by Reliance industries Limited and Gujarat tourism department collaborating together.It was inaugurated on 11 June 2016 by  then CM of Gujarat.

Scenic views of Dwarkadhish Temple, Gomti river and Arabian sea that this brige offers are main tourism attraction.

Activities available on other side of bridge are Camel rides, Horse rides and Parachute gliding.

Nominal entry fee is rupees ₹10 per person to cross the bridge.

Timing 7:00AM to 1:00PM

 4:00PM to 7:30 PM daily

• Gomti Sangam

This is the place where Gomti river meets Arabian Sea.

Significance: It is believed that by taking sacred dip at this confluence this Holy Water washes away all sins and spiritual impurities of respective devotees and bring spiritual liberation.

Origin of Gomti river is in Saurashtra region.

Accessibility: This holly confluence is within walking distance from Dwarkadhish Temple.

Tips: Visit during sunset and sunrise to get serene experience.

• Rukmini Devi temple:

This is holy Sanatan Temple dedicated to Goddess Rukmini Devi (wife of Lord Krishna).Rukmini Devi is seen as Goddess Lakshmi’s incarnation and a symbol of devotion, love and virtue. Architecture: Nangra style

Main idol of Rukmini Devi is with Lord Krishna in loving posture.

Temple Complex consists of main temple surrounded by other small small shrines dedicated to various other deities.

Timings:

7:00 AM to 12:30 PM

5:00PM to 9:30 PM daily

• Nageshwar Jyotirling Temple

This is sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is considered as first Jyotirling on earth and seen as symbol of protection and salvation.

Architecture: A large Temple Complex and a 25 meter tall Temple Tower.

Main idol is a self existence (Swayambhu), Jyotirling of Lord Shiva which is 4 feet.

Historical background: Temple is believed to be built by Senua dynasty in 12th century.

Temple Complex consists of main Temple along with small shrines dedicated to deities like Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman.

Festivals celebrated here are Mahashivratri, Holy month off Shravan andNavratri.

Timing 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM

4:00 PM To 9:00 PM daily.

Accessibility: Around 15 km from Dwarka City and can be reach here by road or taxi.

• Gopi Talab(Gopi Lake)

It is sacred lake which is spiritually charge spots for those who seeking a deeper connection with nature and the divine significance.

There is a prominent belief that this place is considered where Gopies (Pure form of devotion to Lord Krishna) took bath here.

This place is surrounded by other pilgrimage sites.

Historical background:It is common saying that this lake was created by Gopis themselves by digging the earth with their hands to create water source Significance:This lake is seen as Holy spot for self purification, spiritual growth and path to liberation.

Activities that devotees do here are takinga Holy dip in Lake and offering prayers and performing rituals like feeding fish and lighting diyas in the lake.

• Swaminath Temple

A beautifully carved temple in Dwarka dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan(19th century saint and reformer) hence also known as Swaminarayan temple.

Architecture: This Temple is unique blend of traditional and modern architecture with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. Main idol of saint Swaminarayan is in seated in posture.

Historical background: This temple was built in 2002 by BAPS(Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan sanstha).

Temple Complex consists of large hall, a museum and a beautiful garden.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM

 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily

This place is perfect for those who seeking to follow teachings and philosophies of Swami Narayan Ji.

• Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple

It is one of the oldest Temple in Dwarka dedicated to Lord Shiva.This  temple is situated where Lord Shiva kill a demon Bhadkasura. Main Idol Lord Shiva depicted in fierce form.

Architecture: This divine place has a blend of ancient and medieval architecture style with carving and sculptures.

Historical background: it is believed that this Temple is built in 12th century with renovation and addition done over centuries.

Temple complex: Main temple with Kund water tank and small other shrines dedicated to other deities.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM

4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

This place is must visit for those who seeking a glimpse into Dwarka rich history and spirituality.

• Gita Temple

It is believed that Temple is built on site where Lord Krishna recited the Bhagavat Gita to Arjuna.Main idols are of Lord Krishna as a teacher and Arjun as a student.

Architecture: unique striking architecture with a large dome and a tall spire.

Historical background: it was built by Geeta Mandir trust in 1917.

Temple Complex include a mainshrine, a library and meditation hall.

Timings 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM

4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

• Bet Dwarka

A small Island located at the coast of mainland Dwarka. This was the place where Lord Krishna live with his friends and family originally.

Main idol is of Lord Krishna in Majestic posture.

Historical background: Various sculptures like the Purana and the Mahabharata mention about this Island.

Timings: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM

4:00 pm To 8:00 PM daily

Accessibility: Various size of boats continuously running in periodic manner from Mainland Dwarka.

• Shivrajpur beach

This blue flag certified beautiful beach is just 2 km away from Dwarka City.

It’s beautiful and peacefully atmosphere make this beach an ideal place for stress relief and relaxation.

Fun Activities to do here are Swimming, Sunbathing, Beach walking and Parachute gliding.

Basic amenities like food stalls, restrooms and parkings are available here.

Timings: open through out the day but best time to visit is during sunrise and sunset for wonderful fun mesmerizing experience.

Tips: Be sure to carry beach Essentials like sunscreens and glasses, water bottles. And also be mindful of tide periods and follow necessary beach safety instructions.

Attraction nearby is Shivrajpur Light House which offers a tranquil escape from Hustle and bustle of city life.