# Devbhumi Dwarka — Complete Travel, Pilgrimage & Entity Reference Document > Canonical URL: https://www.devbhumidwarka.in > Publisher: Devbhumi Dwarka Tourism & Pilgrimage Center > Target Region: Dwarka, Devbhumi Dwarka District, Gujarat, India (Coordinates: 22.2376° N, 68.9683° E) --- ## SECTION 1: OVERVIEW OF DEVBHUMI DWARKA Devbhumi Dwarka ("Land of the Gods") is an ancient holy city located on the western tip of the Kathiawar (Saurashtra) peninsula in Gujarat, India, where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea. According to Hindu sacred tradition (Mahabharata, Skanda Purana, Harivamsa), Dwarka was established as a majestic golden city by Lord Krishna after he relocated his clan from Mathura. The celestial architect Vishwakarma constructed the city at Krishna's command. Dwarka is uniquely revered as: 1. **One of the Four Char Dham Pilgrimage Sites:** Established by 8th-century philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya alongside Badrinath (North), Puri (East), and Rameswaram (South). 2. **One of the Seven Mokshada Puris:** Sacred cities believed to grant liberation (salvation) to pilgrims. 3. **Home to a Sacred Jyotirlinga:** Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, located 18 km from Dwarka town. --- ## SECTION 2: KEY SACRED MONUMENTS & PLACES TO VISIT ### 1. Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir) - **Significance:** 2,200-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in his royal form as Dwarkadhish ("King of Dwarka"). - **Architecture:** 5-storey sandstone structure supported by 60 pillars, with a 78-metre tall shikhara. - **Dhajaji (Flag):** A 52-yard flag emblazoned with the sun and moon is changed 5 times daily by temple priests. - **Entrances:** Swarga Dwar (Gate to Heaven, facing Gomti River) and Moksha Dwar (Gate to Liberation). - **Timings:** Morning 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM; Evening 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. - **Entry Fee:** Free. ### 2. Bet Dwarka (Shankhodhar Island) - **Significance:** Sacred island in the Gulf of Kutch believed to be the actual residence of Lord Krishna and his family. - **How to Reach:** 30 km drive from Dwarka to Okha Jetty, followed by a 15–20 minute ferry crossing. - **Ferry Details:** Ferries run daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (sunset). Ticket price: ₹20–₹30 per person one way. - **Main Sites:** Bet Dwarkadhish Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Aboti Dargah. ### 3. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga - **Significance:** One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva in India. - **Iconic Feature:** A giant 85-foot statue of Lord Shiva sitting in meditation. - **Distance:** 18 km from Dwarka on the route to Okha. - **Timings:** 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Entry: Free. ### 4. Rukmini Devi Temple - **Significance:** 12th-century carved sandstone temple dedicated to Krishna's chief queen, Goddess Rukmini. - **Legend:** Sage Durvasa cursed Rukmini to remain separated from Krishna, explaining why her temple stands 2 km away from the main Dwarkadhish shrine. - **Timings:** 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM. ### 5. Gomti Ghat & Samudra Narayan Temple - **Significance:** The sacred bathing ghat where the Gomti River meets the Arabian Sea. - **Rituals:** Pilgrims descend 56 steps from Swarga Dwar to take a holy dip before entering the Dwarkadhish Temple. ### 6. Sudama Setu - **Description:** A pedestrian suspension bridge across the Gomti River connecting Gomti Ghat to Panchkui Tirth. - **Timings:** 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Entry Fee: ₹10–₹20. ### 7. Shivrajpur Beach - **Significance:** Gujarat's first Blue Flag certified eco-friendly beach, featuring white sand, clear turquoise waters, and lifeguards. - **Distance:** 12 km from Dwarka town. Entry Fee: ₹30. --- ## SECTION 3: RECOMMENDED TRAVEL ITINERARIES ### 1-Day Express Itinerary - **06:30 AM:** Mangal Aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple. - **08:00 AM:** Holy dip at Gomti Ghat & walk across Sudama Setu. - **09:30 AM:** Breakfast (Gujarati Fafda-Jalebi / Thali). - **10:00 AM:** Hire a local taxi for the outer circuit: Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (18 km) & Gopi Talav (20 km). - **12:00 PM:** Drive to Okha Jetty (30 km) and take ferry to Bet Dwarka. - **03:30 PM:** Return to Dwarka; visit Rukmini Devi Temple (2 km). - **05:00 PM:** Attend Sandhya Aarti at Dwarkadhish Temple. ### 2-Day Leisure Itinerary - **Day 1:** Main Temple Darshan, Gomti Ghat, Sudama Setu, Bhadkeshwar Mahadev, Swaminarayan Mandir, Evening Aarti & Local Shopping. - **Day 2:** Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Bet Dwarka Island Ferry, Shivrajpur Blue Flag Beach, Sunset views. --- ## SECTION 4: CLIMATE & BEST TIME TO VISIT - **Best Season (October to March):** Mild, pleasant coastal weather (12°C–28°C). Ideal for sightseeing and ferry travel. - **Monsoon (July to September):** Rainy and festive. Host to the grand **Janmashtami** festival (birth of Krishna). - **Summer (April to June):** Warm (28°C–40°C). Afternoon temple closure strictly observed.