Devbhoomi Dwarka is in the news and for a lot of good reasons. Dwarka is not just a pilgrimage town; once you visit this quaint little heaven on earth perched on the Okhamandal Peninsula’s western shore on the Gomti River’s right bank, you realise that the town offers much more than the numerous temples. Temples, of course, remain the highlight.
Here’s a quick list of five exciting explorations that you can indulge in around here:
1. Shree Dwarkadhish Temple remains the first and foremost place for you to begin your Dwarka sojourn. You must engage a knowledgeable guide who can explain the details of the Temple Complex to you. From the various chambers inside the temple, the exhibits in the various halls, anecdotes associated with the temple, Ganesh Ji and his family’s temple, and the Pataka legend, all this and much more that a guide can explain best. Part of the Char Dhams and Panch Dwarka, the Dwarkadhish temple holds great significance as a primary Teerth.
2. Visit the Gomti Ghat, and you can actually see the different colour hues in the water where the river merges into the ocean. Evenings are magical, with lighted diyas floating on the river, bobbing on the waves and making a slow and steady way towards the ocean, carrying the light, hopes and prayers with them.
3. How many Jyotirlingas have you visited so far? Add another one to your count and visit Shri Nageshwar Mahadev Temple. One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Shri Nageshwar Mahadev, is located at merely 15 km from Dwarka. Visit the Gopi Talav nearby and embark on a temple trail thereafter. Some prominent temples include the Rukmani Mandir, Gita Mandir, Gayatri Shaktipeeth, and Sharada Peetham.
4. You can walk the 2.3 km Sudarshan Setu to Beyt Dwarka (Lord Krishna’s residence), which is an island, or take the conventional boat ride. The seagulls will keep you entertained while you enjoy the boat ride to the island. Locate yourself on Google Maps and take a screenshot! Your location will amuse you.
5. How many beaches have you visited? Here’s one which is so different from the ones you usually see. There are no shacks playing loud music here, no temples, no restaurants serving international cuisine, nor are there any ATV or camel rides, but a lush garden by the beach with many exotic herbs and fruit trees and a steadfast lighthouse in the distance. The beach is the Blue Flag-accredited beach of Shivrajpur, and the water is so clean and clear that you can see the sand below. Marine life can be seen right at the beach. The lucky ones have spotted Dolphins also here and this lovely paradise is just 12 km from Dwarka.
There’s a lot that one can see and explore at our famous pilgrimage sites too.
