Dwarka, at the far western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula, is revered as the city Krishna founded after leaving Mathura. It is one of the four Char Dham and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, and it draws pilgrims throughout the year.
It is a long way from Gir — around 250 km and five to six hours by road from Sasan — so it belongs on a multi-day circuit with Somnath and Porbandar rather than on a day trip.
What to see and do at Dwarka
Worship at Dwarkadhish
The Jagat Mandir, a five-storey temple carried on dozens of pillars with a soaring carved spire, is the heart of the town. Its great flag is changed several times a day. Phones and cameras are not allowed inside.
Walk the Gomti ghats
Steps lead down from the temple’s southern gate to the Gomti, lined with small shrines. The Sudama Setu footbridge crosses to the sandy spit opposite.
Cross to Bet Dwarka
The island of Bet Dwarka, traditionally Krishna’s residence, lies off Okha, about 30 km north. It was long reached only by ferry; a cable-stayed road bridge, the Sudarshan Setu, opened in 2024.
Visit Nageshwar
One of the twelve jyotirlingas, with a very large seated Shiva statue outside, on the road between Dwarka and Okha.
How to get to Dwarka
- By road Dwarka is around 250 km from Sasan Gir via Porbandar, about 230 km from Somnath and roughly 225 km from Rajkot.
- Dwarka has a railway station on the line to Okha, with trains from Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Jamnagar, about 130 km away, has the nearest airport with regular flights.
Practical tips
- The temple closes for several hours in the middle of the day; check darshan timings.
- Janmashtami brings enormous crowds — book months ahead or avoid it.
- Dress modestly, and expect to leave phones and bags in lockers.
Best tours for Dwarka
These packages are the easiest way to see Dwarka with transport and a guide sorted:
Private day trip from US$228 From Rajkot: Dwarka Private Day Trip with Guide
A long private day from Rajkot to Krishna’s city and back with a guide. Most of the day is spent on the road, so an overnight tour is more comfortable if you have time. No reviews yet.
- The Dwarkadhish temple
- A guide for the temple town
- Private car from Rajkot
Multi-day pilgrimage tour from US$349 Rajkot: 4-Day Dwarka and Somnath Temple Tour
A four-day temple circuit from Rajkot linking Dwarka and Somnath. It is not a wildlife tour, but Sasan Gir is close to the Somnath end of the route if you want to add a safari day yourself. Unreviewed.
- The Dwarkadhish temple and Nageshwar jyotirlinga
- Somnath temple
- Scenic drives along the Saurashtra coast
Multi-day pilgrimage tour from US$254 3 Nights / 4 Days Somnath–Dwarka Tour
Another four-day Somnath and Dwarka circuit, a little cheaper than the Rajkot tour above. Compare start points, hotels and what is included before choosing between them. No reviews yet.
- Somnath and Dwarka in one trip
- Sacred sites around both temple towns
- Three nights’ accommodation
Multi-day guided tour from US$782 Gujarat Sacred Sites & Wildlife Tour
Six days around Saurashtra taking in Dwarka, Gandhi’s birthplace at Porbandar, Somnath and Gir, with Ahmedabad at either end. The extra days make the driving far more comfortable. Unreviewed so far.
- Dwarka, Porbandar, Somnath and Gir National Park
- Ahmedabad’s landmarks at the start or end
- A more relaxed pace than the four-day loop
