Dwarka, the city, is situated along the picturesque shores of the Arabian Sea and is revered as the Karma Bhumi (sacred place) of Lord Krishna. It is one of the Char Dham, the four sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The city boasts a rich history, and according to Hindu lore, the ancient Dwarka sank beneath the ocean following Lord Krishna's departure, leaving behind remnants that can still be glimpsed.
Part 2: Two-Day Itinerary for Dwarka:
Arrival in Dwarka from Somnath:
‣ Began the journey by hiring a taxi from Somnath. The scenic route, adorned with coconut trees and offering view of the coastline at Madhavpur Beach, takes approximately 4-5 hours to reach Dwarka
‣ Check-in to the hotel at around 2 PM and got ready for an evening of spiritual exploration.
‣ Started off with a leisurely walk, beginning at Gomti Ghat and culminating at the Dwarkadhish Temple. The temple visit took 10-15 minutes for Darshan.
‣ The temple trust provides free locker services for storing personal belongings and footwear, but please note that mobile phones, electronic devices, bags/purses, and leather items are not allowed within the temple premises.
‣ The Dwarkadhish Temple is open for darshan from 6:30 AM - 1 PM and 5 PM - 9:30 PM. Refer the link for detailed darshan timings: Dwarkadhish Darshan
‣ Sudama Setu, a pedestrian bridge built on the River Gomti, connecting the island to the Dwarkadhish Temple, is a noteworthy attraction. However, it is temporarily closed after the Morbi Bridge Collapse in October 2022.
‣ After the temple visit, took a stroll through the local market to explore and shop, and enjoyed a satisfying dinner.
Exploring the Prominent Temples and Attractions Around Dwarka:
Hired a taxi and commenced our day around 9 AM. The itinerary for the day includes visiting significant temples and attractions near Dwarka.
‣ Begin with a visit to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, located 17 kilometers from Dwarka. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to reside in the form of Nageshwar, the Lord of the Cobras. Notable features include an 80-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva. Temple timings are 06:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Darshan thali costs between INR 150-300, and men has to wear dhotis during pooja (available on-site, free of cost).
‣ Next, head to Gopi Talav, situated 5 kilometers from the Jyotirlinga. This pond is of great historical significance as it is believed that Gopis took Jal Samadhi upon Lord Krishna's departure.
‣ Beyt Dwarka is our next stop, located 18 kilometers from Gopi Talav. To reach this island, it will take a 15-20 minute ferry ride from Okha Port, which costs INR 25 per person. Beyt Dwarka is the homeland of Lord Krishna during his reign in Dwarka, and the boat ride offers mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea. Darshan timings are 9 AM - 1.00 PM & 3.00 PM - 6.00 PM.
‣ Shivrajpur Beach, situated 21 kilometers from the port, is a hidden gem along the Gujarat coastline. This blue-flagged beach offers a serene atmosphere, various water activities, and breathtaking sunset views. The beach operates from 8 AM to 7 PM and charges a minimal entry fee of INR 40 pp.
‣ Rukmini Temple: 12 KM's from beach. The temple is dedicated to Rukmini, the principal queen of Lord Krishna and incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
At 7.30 PM, arrived back to hotel, had dinner and went to the temple for Sayan Darshan, strolled through the local market and concluded the day!
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Trip Details:
‣ Accommodation: Hotel The Barsana (700 m from Temple & railway station is 1.2 KMs). They also have amazing in-house restaurant. The rooms also offer the temple/city view and the staff is very polite & professional.
‣ Cost for two (food & stay): INR 3500 for 1 Day (Price may vary during peak seasons)
‣ Transportation: Private Taxi's; Autorickshaw; Rental bike/scooty and Bus Service is available for nearby attractions. Ola/Uber aren't available in this region.
‣ If travelling b/w Nov-Feb or during festivals, keep a buffer time of 60-90 minutes, since all the Temples has specific Darshan timings & huge number of devotees.
‣ Transportation from Somnath to Dwarka: Taxi cost- INR 5000 (price may vary during peak season, ideal for family/group), Bus & train service is also available for this route.
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