Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir)
The heart of Dwarka. A five-storey temple of carved stone rising above the Gomti, crowned by a flag that is changed several times each day.
Visit Dwarka
The story, places to visit, darshan timings, itineraries and practical tips for your yatra.
The story of Dwarka
The city Shri Krishna built on the sea
When Jarasandha attacked Mathura again and again, Shri Krishna led the Yadavas west to the shore of Saurashtra and founded Dvaravati — the “city of many gates”. He ruled here, brought Rukmini here as his queen and welcomed his childhood friend Sudama here. Centuries later Adi Shankaracharya set up one of his four mathas in Dwarka, making it the western dham of the Char Dham. Pilgrims still come to the same shore, where the Gomti meets the Arabian Sea.
अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका ।
पुरी द्वारवती चैव सप्तैता मोक्षदायिकाः ॥
What the old texts say
Harivamsha Vishnu Parva
Krishna leaves Mathura with the Yadavas, reaches Kushasthali on the western coast and asks the ocean for land on which to build his city.
Bhagavata Purana Canto 10, ch. 50
Vishwakarma, the divine architect, raises a fortified city in the sea, twelve yojanas wide, with palaces, gardens and gates.
Bhagavata Purana Canto 10, ch. 80–81
Sudama walks to Dwarka carrying a handful of flattened rice; Krishna runs to embrace him and washes his feet.
Mahabharata Mausala Parva
After Krishna leaves the world, the sea rises and swallows Dwarka as Arjuna leads its people away.
Places to visit
Sacred sites & coastal escapes
Distances are approximate road distances from Dwarkadhish Temple.
Gomti Ghat
The sacred confluence of the Gomti and the Arabian Sea. Take a holy dip, then climb the 56 steps of Swarg Dwar to the temple.
Sudama Setu
A graceful suspension footbridge across the Gomti, leading to Panchnad Tirth and the seashore.
Rukmini Devi Temple
A finely carved 12th-century temple dedicated to Rukmini, Shri Krishna’s chief queen.
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, where a towering seated statue of Lord Shiva welcomes pilgrims.
Gopi Talav
A sacred pond linked to Krishna’s gopis; its soft yellow clay is the revered gopi chandan.
Bet Dwarka
The island believed to be Krishna’s residence, now reached by road from Okha over the Sudarshan Setu.
Shivrajpur Beach
Clear blue water and a calm, clean shore — snorkelling and water sports in season.
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev
A Shiva shrine on a rock in the sea, surrounded by water at high tide — a perfect sunset spot.
Dwarka Lighthouse
Panoramic views of the town, the temple spire and the sea — loveliest in the evening.
Darshan timings
Dwarkadhish Temple schedule
The temple opens for darshan twice a day. Arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially on weekends and festivals.
Timings are indicative and change on festivals, eclipses and special occasions. Please confirm locally before you travel.
- Morning darshan 6:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Temple closed (rest) 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Evening darshan 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Aartis through the day
- Mangla AartiDawn — the first darshan
- Shringar AartiThe Lord adorned for the day
- Sandhya AartiAt dusk
- Shayan AartiBefore the Lord rests
Itineraries
Ready-made plans for every pace
Start from one of these and we’ll tailor it to your dates, group and travel style.
Dwarka in a day
- Early morning
Mangla aarti and darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple, then walk down to Gomti Ghat.
- Late morning
Cross Sudama Setu to Panchnad Tirth; visit Rukmini Devi Temple.
- Afternoon
Drive to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Gopi Talav.
- Sunset
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev by the sea, then the lighthouse viewpoint.
- Evening
Evening darshan and aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple.
The city of Krishna
- Morning
Mangla aarti, darshan and a holy dip at Gomti Ghat.
- Midday
Sudama Setu, Panchnad Tirth and Rukmini Devi Temple.
- Sunset
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev and the lighthouse.
- Evening
Sandhya aarti and a stroll through the temple lanes.
Island & Jyotirlinga
- Morning
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, then Gopi Talav.
- Midday
Cross the Sudarshan Setu to Bet Dwarka for darshan.
- Sunset
Unwind at Shivrajpur Beach on the way back.
The city of Krishna
- Morning
Mangla aarti, darshan and Gomti Ghat.
- Afternoon
Sudama Setu and Rukmini Devi Temple.
- Evening
Sunset at Bhadkeshwar, then evening aarti.
Island & Jyotirlinga
- Morning
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga and Gopi Talav.
- Afternoon
Bet Dwarka via the Sudarshan Setu.
Sea & slow travel
- Morning
Shivrajpur Beach — water sports in season.
- Afternoon
Local markets for gopi chandan, shells and bandhani.
- Evening
Farewell darshan — or continue to Porbandar (≈ 2 hrs) or Somnath (≈ 5 hrs).
Getting there
How to reach Dwarka
By air
- Jamnagar Airport — about 137 km (≈ 2.5–3 hrs by road)
- Porbandar Airport — about 100 km (≈ 2 hrs)
- Rajkot International Airport (Hirasar) — about 230 km
By train
- Dwarka station (DWK) is on the Ahmedabad–Okha line, about 2 km from the temple
- Direct trains from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar and long-distance routes
- Okha station, about 30 km away, is handy for Bet Dwarka
By road
- Ahmedabad ≈ 440 km · Rajkot ≈ 230 km · Jamnagar ≈ 137 km
- GSRTC and private buses run daily from major Gujarat cities
- A private cab is the easiest way to cover Nageshwar, Bet Dwarka and Shivrajpur
Good to know
Tips for a peaceful yatra
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Phones stay outside
Mobile phones, cameras and leather items are not allowed inside Dwarkadhish Temple. Use the lockers near the entrance.
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Dress with respect
Modest, traditional clothing is appreciated at all temples.
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Go early
Mornings are calmest for darshan; weekends and festivals get crowded.
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Eat local
Dwarka is largely vegetarian — try a Gujarati thali, fafda-jalebi and fresh chaas.
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Carry some cash
Small shops and prasad stalls may not accept cards.
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Respect the sea
Follow lifeguard flags and local advice at ghats and beaches.
FAQ
Questions travellers ask
How many days do I need in Dwarka?
Two days are ideal: one for the city temples and one for Nageshwar, Bet Dwarka and Shivrajpur. One day works if you start early.
Can I take my phone inside Dwarkadhish Temple?
No. Phones, cameras and leather goods must be deposited in the lockers before entering.
How do I get to Bet Dwarka?
Drive about 30 km to Okha and cross the Sudarshan Setu to the island. Allow half a day for the round trip and darshan.
What is the best time to visit?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather. Janmashtami is magical but very crowded — plan well ahead.
Is Dwarka suitable for elderly travellers?
Yes. The main temple has steps, but most sites are reachable by car. We can suggest a slower-paced plan and nearby stays.
How do I book a hotel, cab or puja?
Pick a category in the directory and contact a listed partner directly by call or WhatsApp. If there’s no listing yet, tap “Get help” at the top of any page and we’ll connect you with a local provider.
Is Dwarka Sarthi a travel agency?
No. Dwarka Sarthi is a directory of independent local businesses. Prices, bookings and terms are agreed directly between you and the partner.