The city of Dwarka in Gujarat hardly needs any introduction. After all, Lord Krishna himself was the lord of the city. While the legendary Dwarka is believed to have sunk into the sea after Lord Krishna departed from the living world, a Dwarka still stands proudly on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
As you’d have guessed by now, Dwarka is dotted with many temples that now narrate the stories that once unraveled in this city of Gujarat. This is also the only city that’s part of both Char Dham and Sapta Puris. So, let’s see how you can spend a day filled with spirituality in Dwarka, Gujarat.
How To Spend A Day In Dwarka
1. Visit The Dwarkadhish Temple
We have to start our Dwarka day trip by visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to the Lord of Dwarka. This architectural marvel of a temple was built by Vajranabh, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson over 2,500 years ago. It’s also known as Jagat Mandir and it follows the Chalukya-styled architecture. The temple stands tall at the height of 170 feet and has a humongous flag made using 52 yarns of cloth. Inside there’s a black stone idol of Lord Krishna which has its eyes closed. As the legend goes, this highlights his spirituality and inner focus and his ability to see beyond the worldly barriers.
The temple is on top of a small hill and there are 50 steps to climb before you reach the spiritual premises. Plan a trip during Janmashtami, a lot of devotees gather to celebrate it with great fervor. Being on the end of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, your visit will also provide you with an amazing backdrop of the horizon.
Timings: 7:00 am to 12:30 pm, 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
2. Worship At Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Very close to the Dwarkadhish Temple is the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga – one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It has a south-facing shrine and attracts a lot of worshippers following the vastu shastra. There’s also an 80-ft-tall statue of Lord Shiva that’s stunning.
The temple opens its door right at dawn and witnessing the morning aarti is considered to be quite auspicious. If you visit during Mahashivratri, the festivities turn it into quite a grand event.
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
3. Breakfast At Shree Krishna Fast Food Restaurant
After having a small spiritual awakening, if you need to wake up properly, it’s time for food! Head to this fast food restaurant and enjoy the beautiful views of Gomti Ghat as you have the first meal of the day.
They serve delicious and freshly made batata vadas and South Indian food. Their dosas are the right kind of crispy and idlis are perfectly soft. And all the items on the menu are extremely pocket-friendly!
Price: Approx INR 200 to INR 400
Timings: 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
4. Boating At Gomati Sangam Ghat
If you liked the view of Gomati Ghat from the restaurant, after your food, you can head down 56 steps from Swarga Dwar and you’ll be there! Formed by the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea, a lot of devotees come here to wash away their sins by taking a dip.
It’s believed that the river is a descendant of the Holy Ganges, making it a holy stop for all the pilgrims visiting the Dwarkadhish Temple. To get more panoramic views of Dwarka, you can go boating in the river and enjoy the tranquil waters.
5. Lunch At Romano Cuccina Restaurant
It’s time for food once again! Romano Cuccina is one of the best restaurants in Dwarka you could visit for lunch. Their service is top notch and the taste is unbeatable. Go simple and order dal khichdi, mutter paneer, thepla, and bhindi sabzi – you’ll indulge in authentic Gujarati flavors. For something fancier, you can order the sizzlers that are the right kind of hot and delicious!
Price: Approx INR 200 to INR 400
Address: Opposite Rabari Gate, Dwarka
6. Explore Bet Dwarka
Once the sun has mellowed down a bit, you can visit Bet Dwarka, a small island located at the mouth of the Gulf Of Kutch. It’s believed that it was here that Lord Krishna exchanged bags of rice with his childhood friend Sudama.
Bet Dwarka also happens to be one of the most popular spots in Gujarat to see a dolphin, enjoy a nice beach picnic, or walk on the white sand all while enjoying the coral reefs and the sea. If you’re not tired of the temples, you can visit the Hanuman Dandi, Abhaya Mata Mandir, and several Jain temples. You can also choose to unwind before going to the next destination.
7. Have Fun At Dunny Point
You’ve had your fair share of temples for your day in Dwarka, it’s time to get adventurous and get your adrenaline pumping as you go for water activities. Dunny Point in Bet Dwarka is an eco-tourist spot that’s famous for its safari that takes you along the coral-embedded water site.
This offbeat destination in Dwarka isn’t very crowded with visitors, so you can have an unobstructed view of the Arabian Sea and get lost in a beautiful sunset. The waters are safe for you to go for an evening swim. Not a water baby? Play volleyball or fly kites on the beach. At Dunny Point, you can end your day in quite a relaxing way.
Summing Up
Enjoy your day with the perfect balance of temples and thrills with this one-day itinerary to Dwarka. For fun facts about the city of Dwarka which is immersed in the Arabian Sea, you can speak to the locals. It’s a great way to connect with them and you get loads of reliable information!
FAQs
What Is Dwarka Famous For?
Dwarka is a famous pilgrimage site for notable temples like the Dwarkadhish Temple, Rukmini Devi Temple, Gomti Ghat, and Bet Dwarka.
Where Is The Lost City Of Dwarka?
The lost city of Dwarka is said to have been submerged under the Arabian Sea, but the excavations carried out by DR S R Rao says that the findings are a lot similar to the Dwarka written in literature.
Why Is Dwarka Submerged In Water?
According to the legends, Dwarka was submerged in the Arabian Sea after Lord Krishna departed from the world, marking the beginning of Kaliyuga.
What Is Not Allowed In Dwarkadhish Temple?
You’ll have to give away your phones and baggage in the deposit box as they’re not allowed inside the temple.
