Dwarka is a beautiful place for sightseeing in Gujarat. It is located along the River Gomti on the western shore of the Okhamandal peninsula. Over the years, it has attracted many tourists and archaeologists due to its close association with the epic tale of Mahabharata and the claims about the underwater city. Archaeologists have even executed numerous explorations and excavations offshore and onshore in the mighty Arabian Sea to find ancient artefacts.
Many devotees plan a trip to Dwarka and Somnath every year as it is a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most-visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India owing to its religious significance. It is home to many important religious sites such as Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar JyotirlingaTemple, Rukmani Temple, Shri Halar i.e. Tirth Aradhanadham, etc. If you plan to visit these beautiful places in Dwarka, you can conveniently come here by flight. The nearest airport to this place is the Jamnagar Airport. Alternatively, If you wish to come via train, Dwarka Railway station is also quite near.
Other than temples, the nearest tourist places in Dwarka include Beyt Dwarka Beach or Chorwad Beach, Dwarka Beach, Jamnagar Beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, etc. One of the most enjoyable places to visit here is the Shivrajpur beach. It has clear waters and abundant sea life. Here you can indulge in water sports and activities such as kayaking, Jeep parasailing, etc. So, while you are booking a Dwarka tour package, do get this attraction added to your itinerary.
Mythological Significance of Dwarka
Both Dwarka and Somnath are significant Hindu religious sites which, in ancient times, used to be the capital of Lord Krishna’s kingdom. Moreover, Dwarka is a part of the Chardham circuit and a part of the 7 holy pilgrimage spots for Hindus. Many mythical tales are woven around this city; some people believe that Lord Krishna’s original place of residence was at Beyt Dwarka where he administered his entire kingdom. This beach has now become one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Dwarka. It is said that after Lord Krishna departed from his mortal body, this city drowned under the sea.
Top 4 Places to Visit In and Around Dwarka
Your trip to Dwarka and Somnath feels complete when the sightseeing itinerary includes: -
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
- Beyt Dwarka Beach
- Shivrajpur Beach
1. Dwarkadhish Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, also known as the Jagat Mandir, is one of the best places to visit in Dwarka. It is an enchanting temple built 2500 years ago with limestone and sand. The majestic grandeur of this temple has two gateways - Swarg Dwar and Moksha Dwar. Generally, the devotees are seen taking a dip in the Gomti River before entering the temple through the Swarg Dwar. The festival of Janmashtami is the most special occasion celebrated in this temple. People who come for sightseeing in Dwarka are sure to visit this temple to chant prayers and rituals during this religious festival. Other than the beautiful black magnificent idol of Lord Krishna, this temple also has other shrines devoted to Subhadra, Vasudeva, Rukmini, Balarama, and Revathy. This makes the Dwarkadhish temple one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of ‘Char Dham’ or the four abodes after Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Puri.
2. Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple is the first Jyotirlinga shrine of Lord Shiva out of 12 others. Many devotees come to visit this place near Dwarka as it is the most celebrated pilgrimage site mentioned in ancient texts like Bhagavad Gita, Shivpuran, Skandpuran, and Rig-Veda which signifies the importance of Somnath temple. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples situated at the confluence of three rivers, namely Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. While on a Dwarka Somnath Temple tour, the best time to visit this temple is during the evenings as a one-hour sound-and-light show is held daily at 7.45 pm.
It is believed by many devotees that the god of the moon, Somraj had first built a temple in Somnath which was made of gold. This temple was then rebuilt by Ravana who made it of silver. Then by Lord Krishna of wood and by Bhimdeva of stone. This temple was destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1024. It was finally rebuilt after India’s Independence from the British rule. Sardar Vallabhai Patel made constant efforts to rebuild the temple in 1951. Many devotees who make a Dwarka tour plan always visit the Somnath temple at festivals such as Shivratri and Kartik Purnima which is celebrated with great enthusiasm here.
3. Beyt Dwarka Beach
Beyt Island is also called Beyt Dwarka Beach or Shankodhar and is located at a distance of 30 km from Dwarka. People often come to Beyt Dwarka Beach for sightseeing as it is found near the Gulf of Kutch which, in turn, is near the Arabian Sea and is home to coral reefs, white sand beaches and a few temples. You can bring your family and friends to Beyt Dwarka Beach and indulge in activities such as beach camping, dolphin watching, etc. This island has both mythological and religious significance. It is believed that it used to be the home of Lord Krishna when he ruled Dwarka. The best thing to do when you plan to visit this place in Beyt Dwarka Beach includes marine camping.
You will get to explore the marine biodiversity, study the tides and get to interact with the local people there. The rich marine and sea biodiversity here includes sea feathers, sea anemones, jellyfish, sponges, corals, marine turtles, sea snakes, molluscs, bristle worms, barnacles, fish, crabs, starfish, sea cucumbers, etc. The places to visit near Beyt Dwarka Beach include Dunny Point, Gopi Talav, and Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. You can extend your trip and go to these places to experience Dwarka in its full glory.
4. Shivrajpur Beach
Shivrajpur Beach is one of the most renowned tourist places in Dwarka. This is because you can engage in various adventure sports like paragliding, boating, jet skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, etc. when here. Along with that, you also have camel rides, bumper rides, bike rides, island tours & banana rides. The months starting from October to February are ideal for visiting this place because it has suitable weather for outdoor activities. Shivrajpur Beach has received a Blue Flag beach accreditation; it isn’t difficult to see why many people come to visit this beach near Dwarka.
Shivrajpur Beach is a popular beach and an ideal place to spend the weekend with friends and family. You can easily reach here via road as it is connected to major cities of Gujarat such as Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. The nearest Railway station here is Dwarka which is just a 25-minute drive from the station. If you are planning to visit this place near Dwarka and Somnath via flight, you can land at the Jamnagar Airport which is approximately 138 km away from Shivrajpur Beach. It takes almost 3 hours to reach by road thereafter.
Dwarka is one of the best tourist destinations in India with its religious beauty and rich history. But when you go on a Dwarka tour, do not forget the Somnath Temple. It’s time for a devout experience!
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