Dwarka is a Hindu pilgrimage destination in Gujarat, India, known for temples connected with Krishna, Shiva and Rukmini. The Dwarakadhish Temple, dedicated to Krishna, is also known as Jagat Mandir. Visitors come to see Nageshvara Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Rukmini Devi Temple, dedicated to Krishna’s chief queen. The wider area includes Bet Dwarka, an island associated with Lord Krishna, along with the Gomti River, Arabian Sea views and beaches. Dvaraka Pitha offers an Advaita monastery for travellers interested in Hindu philosophy. Dwarka suits pilgrims, travellers exploring Hindu temples, and visitors who want to combine religious places with coastal sights and viewpoints. It is also part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
Known for: Hindu temples, Krishna pilgrimage, Jyotirlinga shrine, Coastal views
Top things to do in Dwarka
Dwarakadhish Temple: A Krishna temple and principal pilgrimage sight, with its main shrine in a five-storey building supported by 72 pillars.
Nageshvara Jyotirlinga: A Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, recognised as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Rukmini Devi Temple: A temple dedicated to Rukmini, Krishna’s chief queen, known for its detailed carvings.
Bet Dwarka: An island associated with Lord Krishna, visited for its temple, island scenery and boat ride.
Gomti Ghat Dwarka: A riverside ghat with views of the Gomti River, where feeding fish is a popular activity.
Shivrajpur beach: A white-sand beach with shallow, clear water, awarded Blue Flag certification in 2020.
Dvaraka Pitha: An Advaita monastery associated by its followers with Adi Shankara and Advaita Vedanta.
Light House Dwarka: A viewpoint offering a panoramic view of Dwarka and the Arabian Sea from its top.
When is the best time to visit Dwarka?
Best months: October to March
October to March is the usual time to visit, with dry weather and the coolest months. May and June are the hottest, and July brings the heaviest rain.
January: 2 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months (good time to go)
February: 1 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months (good time to go)
March: 3 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
April: 3 mm of rain, dry
May: 2 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months
June: 105 mm of rain, some rain, among the hottest months
July: 396 mm of rain, heavy rain, among the hottest months
August: 202 mm of rain, rainy
September: 153 mm of rain, rainy
October: 12 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
November: 1 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
December: 3 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months (good time to go)
How to reach Dwarka
By air: Porbandar Airport (PBD), about 97 km from Dwarka in a straight line
By air: Jamnagar Airport (JGA), about 110 km from Dwarka in a straight line
By train: Dwarka railway station, about 2 km from Dwarka in a straight line
Also see the Dwarka destination guide for local food, getting around and the best time to visit.