Daily Hindu Panchang
The kingdom of Lord Krishna on the western coast
Dwarka is one of the four Char Dhams and one of the seven sacred cities. The Dwarkadhish Temple is the main shrine, with Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Bet Dwarka close by.
| Place | Dwarka, Gujarat |
|---|---|
| Known as | Char Dham · Sapta Puri |
| Best time | October to March. Janmashtami draws very large crowds. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Dwarka |
| Nearest airport | Jamnagar |
Dwarka is the kingdom of Lord Krishna on the western coast of Gujarat and one of the Char Dham and Sapta Puri. The Dwarkadhish temple stands near the Gomti river where it meets the Arabian Sea. According to tradition, the original city was established by Krishna and later submerged.
Dwarka is easy to see in one day, but the better plan is two, because the nearby places such as Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka and Rukmini Devi temple add depth.
This guide covers the temple, the sea-side sights and how to organise the island trip.
The Dwarkadhish temple is in the town, close to the Gomti Ghat. Rukmini Devi temple is about 2 km away. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is about 17 km and Bet Dwarka is by ferry from Okha port, about 30 km away. Most visitors hire a local taxi for the circuit.
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
A short trip with a hired taxi.
A relaxed plan with Bet Dwarka.
Two famous places on the Saurashtra coast.
Dwarka, Somnath and Gir.
A slow route with several temples.
A five-storied temple built on a high platform with a tall spire, said to be around 2,500 years old in its original form. The deity is Krishna as the king of Dwarka. The flag on top is changed several times a day, a ritual that draws crowds.
The entrance is through the Swarg Dwar, with the Moksha Dwar on the other side facing the Gomti.
Local tip: Visit early for a short queue. Phones and bags may not be allowed.
The ghat where the Gomti meets the sea. Pilgrims bathe here before darshan. The Sangam Narayan temple stands at the meeting point.
Local tip: Be careful on the slippery steps.
A beautifully carved temple of Krishna's queen Rukmini, a short distance from the main town. A local story links its location with a curse by the sage Durvasa.
Local tip: Go in the late afternoon.
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, about 17 km from Dwarka, with a large Shiva statue in the compound. It is a quiet, spacious temple.
Local tip: Combine it with Gopi Talav on the same trip.
An island about 30 km away, reached by a short ferry from Okha. Tradition says it was Krishna's residence. The temples here are simple and the sea air is a nice change.
Local tip: The ferry timings change with the weather and tide. Check the day before.
| October to March | Pleasant sea weather. The best time. |
|---|---|
| Janmashtami | The biggest festival. Very crowded. |
| Monsoon | Rough sea. Ferries to Bet Dwarka may stop. |
| Summer | Hot and humid. |
Hotels and dharamshalas are in the town near the temple. Book ahead for Janmashtami and winter weekends.
Gujarati thali, dhokla, khakhra and sweet lassi. Dwarka is vegetarian.
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
One day covers the main temples. Two days adds Bet Dwarka and Nageshwar.
It is a regular service. Follow the staff instructions and avoid it in rough weather.
October to March.
Yes. They are about 230 km apart and often combined.
Yes, the town is flat and the temple is compact. Avoid festival days.
October to March. Janmashtami draws very large crowds.
Plan 1 to 2 days.
The nearest railway station is Dwarka. The nearest airport is Jamnagar. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
Janmashtami; Holi; Kartik Purnima.
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 11:15 AM to 12:38 PM, worked out for Dwarka's own sunrise.
Dwarkadhish Temple: Kunalmehra7, CC BY-SA 3.0, source.
