Gujarat · India
Dwarka
One of Hinduism's four sacred Char Dham towns — Krishna's fabled kingdom on the Gujarat coast, with the towering Dwarkadhish temple, a Jyotirlinga, and the island of Bet Dwarka.
Dwarka is Krishna's holy city: the flag-crowned Dwarkadhish temple, the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gomti-river ghats, the boat crossing to Bet Dwarka, and Gujarati thali culture.
Plan your trip
Dwarka Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Dwarka Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Free (temple)
Bet Dwarka
- Best timeMorning, when the light on the water is soft and the bridge and channel look clear before the midday haze.
- ColorsWhiteSaffronAqua
High crowdEntry Free
Dwarkadhish Temple
- Best timeLate afternoon, when warm light falls on the carved spire and the long flag stands out against the sky.
- ColorsSaffronYellowWhite
High crowdEntry Free
Gomti Ghat
- Best timeEarly morning, when pilgrims bathe in soft light; sunset, when warm light falls on the temple spire above the steps.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteMarigold
High crowdEntry Free
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
- Best timeMorning, when soft light falls on the giant Shiva statue and the grounds are quieter; late afternoon for warmer light.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteBlue
Medium crowdEntry Free
Rukmini Devi Temple
- Best timeMorning, when soft side light brings out the carvings and the temple is quieter; late afternoon for warm light on the spire.
- ColorsSaffronCreamRed
For the feed
Trending Wear in Dwarka
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Dwarka Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Before you go
Temples in Dwarka
Darshan hours, dress codes and what gets refused at the gate
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Dwarka
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Dwarka
About Dwarka
Dwarka sits at the western tip of Gujarat's Saurashtra peninsula, where the Gomti river meets the Arabian Sea. Hindus revere it as the kingdom Krishna ruled after he left Mathura. It is one of the Char Dham, the four holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, and one of the seven sacred cities of the Sapta Puri. The town grew up around the Dwarkadhish Temple, whose carved spire and long flag rise above the bathing steps of Gomti Ghat. Archaeologists have found remains of older settlements, a stone jetty and ancient anchors in the sea off the coast, which keeps the old story of a Dwarka swallowed by the sea alive.
The town centre is small, and the temple, the ghat and the seafront are all within walking distance. Start with early darshan at the Dwarkadhish Temple, then head north to the carved Rukmini Devi Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga with its giant Shiva statue, and the island of Bet Dwarka, which you now reach by road over the Sudarshan Setu instead of by boat. Come back for sunset by the sea at Bhadkeshwar Mahadev and an evening at Gomti Ghat. Food is vegetarian Gujarati, from a full thali at lunch to fafda jalebi for breakfast. Remember that phones are not allowed inside the Dwarkadhish Temple, and that it asks visitors to dress modestly.
Questions
Dwarka — FAQ
What is Dwarka famous for?
Dwarka is famous as Krishna's kingdom and as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Its best-known sights are the Dwarkadhish Temple, Gomti Ghat, the Rukmini Devi Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and the island of Bet Dwarka. It is also known for its Janmashtami celebrations and for the flag on the Dwarkadhish Temple, which is changed several times a day.
How many days are enough for Dwarka?
2 days is enough for most visitors. Spend one day on the Dwarkadhish Temple, Gomti Ghat and the sunset at Bhadkeshwar Mahadev, and the second on the Rukmini Devi Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Bet Dwarka. Add a day for Shivrajpur Beach, or continue to Somnath, about 235 km along the coast.
What is the best time to visit Dwarka?
October to March is the best time, and December to February is the most comfortable, with sunny days and cool mornings. April to June is hot and humid, and July to September brings rain and rough seas. Janmashtami, in August or September, is the busiest time of year. See the best time to visit Dwarka for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Dwarka?
Dwarka has a railway station on the line to Okha, with trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Jamnagar, including a Vande Bharat Express from Ahmedabad. The nearest airports are Porbandar, about 100 km away, and Jamnagar, about 130 km away. Buses and taxis also connect Dwarka with Jamnagar, Porbandar and Rajkot.
Is Dwarka one of the Char Dham?
Yes. Dwarka is the western site of the Char Dham, the four pilgrimage sites traditionally linked with Adi Shankaracharya, along with Badrinath in the north, Puri in the east and Rameswaram in the south. It is also one of the seven sacred cities of the Sapta Puri.