Dwarka is counted amongst the seven most sacred Hindu teerths and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna moved after leaving Braj, where he lived and ruled. His temple here, the famous Dwarkadheesh Temple right on the shore, is central to this town’s topography.
Dwarka’s story is told in the Puranas: Krishna acquired 12 yojanas (16 miles) of earth from the sea for constructing his divine, fortified capital here. Dwarka remained Krishna’s home when he eloped with Rukmini, married Satyabhama, vanquished Narakasura, protected Draupadi’s honour, and led the war of Kurukshetra (part of the Mahabharata).
Eventually, the Yadavas, Krishna’s clan, allowed Dwarka’s glory to wane. The god ended his earthly journey and the sea reclaimed the land, sparing only Krishna’s home. Years later, Vajranabha, Krishna’s grandson and successor, built the grand Dwarkadheesh Temple in his honour, according to the Puranas.
Adi Shankaracharya travelled here and set up the Dwarka Sharadapeeth. It is also believed that six older cities of Dwarka have been submerged in the sea and this is the seventh city. In recent decades, some archaeologists have claimed to find evidence of these cities.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Dwarkadheesh Temple
This Chalukya-style temple has been constructed with local stone that looks somewhat roughly hewn due to the effect of the saline air but is nonetheless attractive for it. Even to those who have never been to Dwarka before, the black idol of Krishna is instantly familiar.
Temple trail
Other temples in Dwarka include the Siddheshwar Mahadev Mandir, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir and the Rukshamanee Mandir.
Tip Gujarat Tourism’s Saurashtra Darshan Tour (₹8,200) starts at 6am from Ahemadabad every Friday and returns by 8.30pm the following Tuesday. Previous day booking is ideal though boarding directly (subject to availability of seats) is also possible
WHERE TO STAY AND EAT
Hotel Dwarka Residency (Tel: 02892- 235032, Cell: 09426208910; Tariff: ₹1,000–2,200) is the best choice. Other options are Toran Tourist Bungalow (Tel: 234013; Tariff: ₹1,700–2,500), Hotel Damji (Tel: 235777; Tariff: ₹1,100–2,600) and Hotel Guruprerna (Tel: 234512; Cell 08980724314 ; Tariff: ₹1,200–3,000). For food, try the Charmin Restaurant of Hotel Dwarka Residency and the Sharanam Restaurant of Hotel Guruprerna. Toran Tourist Bungalow serves tasty home-style Gujarati food.
THE INFORMATION
When to go Any time of the year, but November–December is best
Tourist Office
Gujarat Tourism, Toran Tourist Bungalow, Dwarka-361335, Tel: 02892-234013, Cell: 09537619839
STD code 02892
GETTING THERE
Air Nearest airports: Rajkot (280km/ 5hrs) and Jamnagar (144km/ 3.5hrs), both connected by flights to Mumbai. Taxis cost ₹14 per km (round trip)
Rail Nearest railhead: Okha. Advance booking is essential, particularly during the festive or holiday season. All trains pass via Ahmedabad, which is connec-ted by Rajdhanis and superfast trains, but is an overnight journey away from the Saurashtra region
Road From Ahemdabad (457km) follow NH8A to Rajkot via Bagodra, Sayla and Bamanbore, then catch the state highway to Dwarka via Dhrol, Jamnagar and Baradiya Bus GSRTC buses connect the rest of Gujarat to Dwarka. Private operators include Pavan Travels and Payal Travels