9 Best Tourist Places in Dwarka

Dwarka is a city which is situated in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is a sacred place that was once the ancient kingdom of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu's eighth incarnation or avatar. Dwarka is known for its Shree Dwarkadhish temple, which serves as the town's focal point.

Other top landmarks in Dwarka include the Rukmini Devi Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirling temple, Shivrajpur Beach (a Blue Flag beach), and others. In this article, we've put together a list of places to see, activities to do in Dwarka, and other valuable information to help you plan your trip to Dwarka.

Dwarka is a diverse destination that caters to a wide range of travelers. Ancient temples with amazing mythology and history are the must-see Dwarka tourist attractions. These Dwarka sights are essential stops on the pilgrimage route and offer spiritual solace to those seeking inner calm. Thus, making it a must-see destination for spiritual and religious travelers.

Dwarka is also a popular vacation spot for families who want to spend time together. The lengthy expanses of fine sand and tranquil sunsets of Dwarka's beaches entice visitors. Dwarka offers a variety of water sports, including scuba diving, for those seeking excitement.

The busy streets of Dwarka are usually engulfed in the tempting aroma of distinct dishes for travelers who love to taste the local cuisine. Must-see attractions and activities in Dwarka guarantee a great experience. So here are some tourist places to visit in Dwarka:

1. Beyt Dwarka

Beyt Dwarka, a small island off the coast of Dwarka, is home to the namesake temple. Also it is said to have been Lord Krishna's residence when he came here. Guru Vallabhacharya is acknowledged for establishing the temple. Other temples in the complex honor deities like Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati, Devi, etc.

November- February is an ideal time to visit. However, one can also plan to visit around Janmashtami, which is celebrated with considerable zeal.

2. Nageshwar Temple Jyotirlinga

This important Shiva temple is located between the city of Dwarka and the island of Beyt Dwarka on the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. It is kept in the underground sanctuary by one of the world's 12 Swayamb (independent) Jyotirlinga. The main attraction of this calm and serene place is the vast garden with a pond and a 25-meter statue of Lord Shiva. Several archaeological excavations claim five early cities on the site. Nageshwar was believed to be known as "Darkavana", the ancient epic name of the Indian forest. The following are famous legends related to this mysterious temple.

Legend has it that a group of dwarven sages long worshiped Lord Shiva as "Barakirias" in Dalkavana. Shiva came to them as a naked ascetic who wore only Naga (snake) on his body to test their dedication and patience. The wives of the wise men attracted the saint, leaving his husband behind and chasing him. The wise men were very anxious and indignant about this. They lost patience and cursed the ascetic for losing his lingam (one meaning is the phallus, but it has a deeper has a theistic symbolism).

The earth trembled as Shiva linga fell to the ground. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu approached Lord Shiva, pleading with him to save the earth from destruction and get back his linga. Shiva consoled them and returned his linga. (From Vamana Purana CH.6. & 45). Lord Shiva then promised his sacred existence in Dalkavana forever as "Jyotirlinga."

3. Dwarka Shardha Peetham

Adi Shankaracharya was a great saint, philosopher, and poet born in Kalladi, Kerala. He revived Hinduism and established the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. He wrote a narration of the Upanishads, other ancient scriptures and beautiful hymns.

In addition, he established four Shardha Peethams or Mathas in the four cardinal directions. He founded Dwarka Shardha Peetham in western India. It is located within the premises of Dwarka's Sri Dwarkadhish temple. All the Mathas still exist today, and Shardha Peeth has a superb arts institution and a Sanskrit college, which is a tourist place for Hindus seeking superior Sanskrit education. The Shardha peeth awards doctorates to competent Indology experts, many of whom are foreigners studying Sanskrit in Dwarka.

4. Rukmini Devi Temple

The Rukmini Devi Temple in Dwarka is one of the most important Dwarka tourist attractions. It is a place of worship dedicated entirely to Lord Krishna's spouse, Rukmani Devi. The place of worship is a work of art in itself. The Rukhmini Devi Temple is around 1.5 Km from the Dwarka city center and tells an old story of separation.

Through its mural carvings and spectacular architecture, this 12th-century relic exemplifies the place's rich history.

The temple is based on a mythological story of sorrow. Rukmini is said to have provoked the sage Durvasa, who cursed her with separation from her spouse, Krishna. Rukmini's exile is reflected in the temple's placement on the outskirts of town. Some people think that the same curse made Dwarka's water salty. Thus, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dwarka, Gujarat.

5. The Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadhish Temple is a Hindu temple. It is an architectural masterpiece of limestone and sand for the 'King of Dwarka.' This gorgeous temple is one of the most significant religious places in the country, with 60 columns, a high spire with elaborate carvings, and magnificently carved entrances. The five-story tower of Dwarkadhish Temple is said to have been erected by Sambha, Lord Krishna's grandson. In Gujarat, the Dwarkadhish Mandir is one of India's most important temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The colorful flag-changing ceremony is an interesting sight to see here. The temple's 52-yard flag is replaced five times a day, three times in the morning and twice in the evening. The devotees that sponsor the flag arrive singing and dancing. So, flag changing is a huge ceremony here. The ceremony is known as Dhwaj Aarohan.

Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as Jagat Mandir, is a Dwarka temple with intricate details inspired by Chalukya architecture. Lord Krishna is the temple's main deity, and Vajranabha estimates it to be more than 2200 years old.

The Dwarkadhish Temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Also, the best time to visit this temple is during the winter season, i.e., from October to February.

6. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

It is a Hindu temple in Bhadkeshwar, India. The Lord Shiva-dedicated Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple was erected about 5000 years ago. It is a temple that was built around a self-revealing Shivling that happened to be found in the Arabian Sea. During the monsoon season, the temple is submerged in the sea, and believers believe it is the natural way to perform the famous Shivalinga Abhisekam. Another attraction of this place that attracts tourists is its picturesque environment and lush greenery. The Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located near the circuit house at Sunset Point in Dwarka, Gujarat. The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The ancient hilltop temple houses more than 1300 Shiva Lingams, 75 Shankarachariya metal relics, and 1200 Salgramsheelas. Also, the temple is dedicated to Chandra Moulishwar Shiva. Tourists visit the temple frequently due to its charm, divine atmosphere, and scenic beauty.

It is located in the middle of the sea; this temple houses Shiva lingam in its sanctorum. The temple has stairs that reach the summit, but these stairs tend to sink at high tide.

Also, the Mahadev Temple hosts a lively celebration attracting dozens of believers during Mahashivratri. It's also a great place to see Dwarka's coast.

7. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir is a famous Hindu temple in Dwarka.

It is dedicated to one of Lord Vishnu's incarnations and is located near the Arabian Sea shoreline. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir is a house architectural marvel.

The shrine is relatively new, but the architecture, sculptures, and bas-reliefs are very attractive. The marble temple is well-maintained, clean, and has a sacred ambiance. The temple also contains idols of other Hindu goddesses and gods. The surrounding gardens add to the tranquillity of the place, and a visit here will surely help you relax after a long sightseeing day.

Many daily believers visit Shree Swaminarayan Mandir to evoke God's blessings. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir provides a peaceful atmosphere for visitors and followers. Devotees can meditate, spend quiet time, relax and rejuvenate their minds in the sacred atmosphere of the temple. Every corner of the temple reflects artistic devotion. Also, the evening 'aarti,' or prayer at the temple, is not to be missed.

8. ISKCON Temple

Iskcon is an abbreviation for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This Hindu society is well-known for establishing Hindu temples throughout India and abroad. Since society is dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is also known as the Hare Krishna movement. The ISKCON Temple plays an immeasurable role in spreading the story and teachings of Lord Krishna. It's a global organization. The temples of Iskcon are scattered throughout the country, and one such temple is in Dwarka, which entices many tourists each year to Dwarka.

H. H. Mahavishnu Goswami Maharaj established the ISKCON Temple of Dwarka to spread the love and message of Lord Krishna. It is also a gathering place for Krishna enthusiasts. The shrine has the characteristic pure architecture of ISKCON, with inscriptions on the walls chronicling Shri Krishna's life and legacy. The temple's exterior design incorporates themes of Hindu mythology.

9. Gomti Ghat Dwarka

Gomti Ghat is located at the mouth of the Gomti River, a tributary of the Holy Ganges, the most sacred river of Hindus. The river Gomti is said to descend straight from heaven. The Gomti Ghat is a popular tourist destination as it is a place where the powerful Gomti River joins the much more powerful Arabian Sea. It is a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Gomti River in Dwarka, Gujarat.

So, pilgrims enjoy taking a religious bath in the ghats to cleanse themselves of negative karma. It's a lovely place to go in the evening to see the exquisite aarti.

Gomti Ghat is approximately 20 minutes from the city center. Tourists can come to this place at any time of the day. However, the best time to visit this ghat is early morning.

Gomti Ghat also has religious and mythological importance. According to mythology, the Gomati River is the daughter of the sage Vasishtha, and the river's water is claimed to be powerful enough to purify one's sins. Therefore, pilgrims are keen to bathe in the Gomati River and usually take a holy swim in Gomatikund.

To reach Gomati Ghat, one must go down 56 steps from Swargadwa at Dwarkadish Temple. More than 12 ghats surround the Gomati River, with Samudra Narayana Temple, Gomatiji Temple, Panchanada, and Chakra Narayana. Bathing and performing sacred rituals for ancestors in this Ghat is considered sacred. Also, bathing here is considered to wipe out sins of previous birth, as Lord Sri Krishna is said to have bathed several times here.

Conclusion

Dwarka is one of India's most beautiful tourist places. You will be able to view enormous natural beauty and rich history here. In this article, we mentioned some of the best places to visit in Dwarka, but apart from these, there are many other tourist attractions too.