Dwarka is an important Hindu religious place, also mentioned in many Hindu text like Gita and Puranas. It has been an important religious center because of strongly related with Lord Krishna's life. It was also known as Kushathali and took the pride of being the most important spot on the Saurashtra coast. According to a legend, when Sri Krishna was dying, he asked his devotees to leave the place so that the sea could engulf it. The whole city lies buried under the sea. The modern day excavations revealed five settlements and the present day Dwarka being the sixth in line.



The modern pilgrimage town at the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula is one the four most holy Hindu sites in India. A well organized town inhabited mainly by white clothed farmers. Apart from them, pilgrims are scattered around the town. Both men and women are studded with gold nugget like jewelery. It is packed with pilgrims all over from India during festival time especially in Janmasthami(Lord Krishna's birthday). Archaeological excavations have revealed five earlier cities lying just off the coast- submerged as the sea encroached.

Sights And Activities

Dwarkadheesh Temple
This is the prime attraction of Dwarka. This magnificent five-storey spire supported by 60 columns, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple has rich history and believed to dates back from 2,500 years. Later on it was renovated but the architecture remains same. It is typical of Hindu temple but with magnificence that's hardly matched. The temple is thronged by pilgrims during Janmasthami.

Rukmini Devi Temple
This is a small temple located 1.5km north of town. The temple is dedicated to Krishna's one of his wives Rukmini. It is believed that Rukmini is the most important wife of Krishna among 16,108 wives. The temple walls are adorned with beautiful paintings depicting her erstwhile time with Krishna.

Gomati Ghat Temples
Gomati is the descendant Ganga, meets the sea at Chakra-Tirtha Ghat. It is believed that bath at the point where Ganga meets Sea, offer liberation. Every points where Gompti passes, there is a temple erected.

About 30km north of Dwarka is a ferry service crossing the 3km from Okha to the island of Bet, also known as Shankhoddar Island, where Vishnu is said to have slain a demon. There are modern Krishna temples on the island and a deserted beach on the northern coast.

Other Attractions
Sharda Peeth Math Museum was established by Adi Sankaracharya who also founded three other sacred maths in four directions of the country. Research work on Sanskrit is carried on at the Sharada Peetha. This is an important center of learning for the students of Indian culture and archeology. Dwarka lighthouse also a nice place to visit. From here you can view a panoramic view of Dwarka but strangely photography is not allowed.