Dwarka, located in Gujarat, is one of India’s oldest and most picturesque cities. It is located along the banks of the Gomati River and is well-known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The city is deeply connected to Lord Krishna’s life, particularly his childhood, and he is revered here as Dwarkadeesh. Dwarka is also a significant sacred site for Hindus, housing one of the Jyotirlingas. While the city is well-known for its temples, there are plenty more intriguing sights and activities to explore. Dwarka’s connection to the Mahabharata enhances its religious and historical significance.
Top 10 Things to visit in Dwarka
Let’s take a quick look at some of the best activities you can enjoy in Dwarka and start planning a visit to this beautiful and spiritual city!
1. Visit Shree Dwarkadhish Temple
Explore the famous Dwarkadhish Temple, where you can witness unique traditions and feel the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred place.
This is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Dwarka. At the temple, the flag is changed five times a day — something you won’t see at any other temple in India. A specific family donates the flag and brings it during a special procession. It is then given to temple staff who climb to the top of the main shrine to replace it.
2. Tulabhara – An Ancient Indian Tradition
Tulabhara is an old Indian ritual where a person is weighed on a large scale against items like grains, fruits, or other offerings. This tradition is linked to stories from Krishna Leela, making it familiar to many devotees. In Dwarka, you can see this practice in smaller temples, where a person sits on one side of the scale, and grains are placed on the other side until the weights match. These grains are then donated to the temple as a form of offering.
3. Camel Ride Along the Gomti River
One of the popular activities in Dwarka is riding a camel along the banks of the Gomti River. It’s a joyful sight to see children enjoying the ride. You can also learn about the interesting story of five freshwater wells, each said to be created by a different rishi (sage). As you ride the camel, you can enjoy the peaceful view of the river and the ghats on the opposite side – a truly memorable experience.
4. Ride a Chhakda
Just like tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws in other parts of India, Dwarka has a special vehicle called the Chhakda. It runs on a motorcycle engine but is big enough to carry around 12 to 15 people at once. Riding in a Chhakda is a fun and unique way to explore the city, and it’s definitely something you should try when you’re in Dwarka!
5. Explore Handcrafted Souvenirs in Dwarka
Dwarka is home to many skilled artists, and it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs during your visit. Popular items include Chakrashila – a stone shaped like a wheel found in the sea, idols of Lord Dwarkadheesh, and Gopi Chandan sticks. Gopi Chandan is a traditional paste that’s believed to help cool the body when applied, making it both a spiritual and practical souvenir.
6. Bet Dwarka – Take A Ferry Ride
Many people who come to Dwarka also make a trip to the Krishna temple at Bet Dwarka. It takes about an hour and a half to get there from the main city, and the ferry ride to the temple is a fun and scenic experience. Surrounded by small islands, this temple is a peaceful and special place to visit, making it one of the must-do activities in Dwarka.
7. Charkala Bird Sanctuary
If you enjoy watching birds, Dwarka might surprise you. The Charkala Bird Sanctuary is home to many beautiful birds, especially the elegant Demoiselle Cranes, which can often be seen near water bodies. Along with them, you can spot many other bird species too. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Dwarka, bird-watching at this sanctuary is a peaceful and enjoyable option.
8. Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
When you’re near the sea, watching the sunset is a must—and in Dwarka, the Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is the perfect spot for it. From here, you can get a stunning view of the sun setting over the water and the city around you. The temple sits on high rocks, offering a peaceful and breathtaking view, making it one of the best things to do in Dwarka.
9. Dwarka Beach
Taking a peaceful walk along Dwarka Beach in the evening is a great way to unwind. You can collect seashells, sit by the shore with a book, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere. Watching pilgrims take a dip in the water or others swimming adds to the unique charm of the place, making it a special experience in Dwarka.
10. Sudama Setu
Named after Sudama, Lord Krishna’s closest friend, Sudama Setu is a bridge that connects both sides of the Gomti River in Dwarka. It’s a peaceful spot, and watching the sunrise from here is a truly beautiful experience. This scenic view makes it one of the must-visit places in Dwarka.
11. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, located near Dwarka in Gujarat, is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are considered the holiest places of worship for Shiva devotees. The temple holds deep spiritual meaning and attracts visitors from across India who come to seek blessings and offer prayers.
Visiting Nageshwar is not just a religious trip—it’s a spiritual journey that offers peace, reflection, and a strong connection to India’s rich spiritual heritage.
12. Rukshmani Devi Temple
Just 2 kilometers from Dwarka city, the Rukmini Devi Temple is a beautiful place dedicated to Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna. This ancient 12th-century temple is known for its detailed carvings and artistic design, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Dwarka. Visitors often enjoy listening to the priest share the story behind the temple.
How to Reach Dwarka
By Bus:
Dwarka is well-connected by road to many major cities. You can drive your own vehicle, as the roads are in good condition. State transport buses run regularly from cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Gandhinagar, and Somnath. Once in Dwarka, you can use taxis or rickshaws to get around the city.
By Train:
Dwarka has a small railway station with two platforms. Trains from different parts of the country stop here.
From Delhi, the Uttaranchal Express (19566) runs directly to Dwarka.
From Mumbai, there are three trains: Bdts Okha Special (09561), Tuticorin Vivek Express (19567), and Saurashtra Mail (19005).
From Lucknow, you can take either the Gorakhpur Okha Express (15045) or the Guwahati Okha Express (15636).
From Bangalore, the Vivek Express connects to Dwarka.
From Jaipur and Uttarakhand, the Dehradun Uttarakhand Express (19566) is available.
By Air:
Dwarka doesn’t have an airport. The closest airports are in Porbandar (about 95 km away) and Jamnagar (around 110 km away). You can reach Dwarka from these cities by taxi or bus.
Where to stay in Dwarka
Dwarka offers a variety of stay options for all types of travelers. For those wanting to stay near the Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarkadhish Lords Eco Inn and Hotel Sky are great picks, available on MakeMyTrip and Goibibo. Budget travelers can find guesthouses and dharamshalas on Yatra, while those seeking a more luxurious stay can book Lemon Tree Premier through Booking.com. Most hotels offer vegetarian meals and are close to key temples and ghats. Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons or sightseeing, Dwarka’s accommodations make your trip easy, comfortable, and peaceful.
