Dwarka
One of the four great pilgrimage seats, on the coast where Krishna's kingdom is said to have stood.
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Dwarka stands at the western end of the Saurashtra peninsula and is one of the Char Dham, the four seats established by Adi Shankara, and one of the seven sacred cities. Tradition holds that Krishna founded a city here that was later taken by the sea, and marine archaeology offshore has recovered structures and anchors that keep the question open. The Dwarkadhish temple, its main shrine, rises five storeys on a tall base with a flag changed several times daily by hereditary right. Bet Dwarka, an island reached by boat, and the Nageshwar jyotirlinga are on the standard pilgrimage circuit.
What you actually see
- Dwarkadhish temple - a five-storey shrine with its flag changed daily.
- The Gomti ghat - steps to the creek beside the temple.
- Bet Dwarka - an island shrine reached by boat.
- Nageshwar - one of the twelve jyotirlingas, nearby.
When to go
October to March for comfortable weather; Janmashtami in August or September is the great festival. Boats to Bet Dwarka depend on weather and can be suspended.
Honest expectations
Temple security is strict, with phones and bags prohibited inside. Boats to Bet Dwarka are heavily overloaded at times. The offshore archaeology is not accessible to visitors.
Nearby
Porbandar lies southeast; Somnath is further along the coast.
What to pack for Dwarka
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.