Today’s blog post is about spending 24 hours in Dwarka.

If you’re travelling to Dwarka, have limited time, and want to explore the town extensively, then you’re in the right place.

My recent Gujarat trip was a short and rushed one. Therefore, I had only 24 hours in Dwarka. Despite the short period, I wanted to explore the town.

Here’s a list of all the places you can visit within 24 hours in Dwarka.

• Dwarkadish temple
• Rukmini Devi Mandir
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga temple
• Gomti Ghat
• Samudra Narayan Mandir
• Sudama Setu
• Bhadkeshwar temple
• Lighthouse

NOTE:- Dwarka is a coastal town. So, it’s hot and humid all day. Also, most temples close in the afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Therefore, try to start as early as possible.

Before we begin, I want to point out that I haven’t added Bet Dwarka to the sightseeing list. That’s because you need at least half a day to visit the numerous temples and shrines on the island. You need two days in Dwarka if you plan to visit Bet Dwarka.

Darshan at temples takes time, so the earlier you start, the better.

GOMTI GHAT AT 8:30 A.M.

The first destination is Gomti Ghat.

But, before heading to Gomti Ghat, breakfast. That’s because the next few hours are going to be busy.

Located on the bank of the Gomti River is the Gomti Ghat. Devotees believe bathing in the sacred river purifies and rids the soul of evil.

A dip in the holy Gomti River at the Ghat. What better way is there to start your day?

Here, you’ll find several shrines of Samudra Dev (God of the sea), Goddesses Laxmi and Saraswati and other gods.

Even if you’re not bathing at Gomti Ghat, I recommend going there. It is a peaceful place early in the morning. Also, you can see the Sudama Setu from here.

NOTE:- There are no changing rooms at Gomti Ghat.

TIMINGS:- Gomti Ghat is open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday.

After a dip in the Gomti River (or not), walk for a few minutes to the Dwarkadish temple.

DWARKADISH TEMPLE AT 9:05 A.M.

The Dwarkadish temple is a 5-minute walk from Gomti Ghat.

Devotees believe Krishna’s grandson built the Dwarkadish temple in place of his residence.

The Dwarkadish temple is a work of art. The five-storied temple is covered in carving from top to bottom and has 72 pillars. However, it’s a shame you can’t photograph the temple.

Phones and cameras aren’t allowed inside the temple. So, where do you keep them? Don’t worry. Next to the temple’s entrance are two large counters for storing footwear and electronics. These facilities don’t charge a fee but can donate money.

You undergo security checking before entering the temple, so don’t try to sneak in a phone.

The Dwarkadish temple is marvellous, and you will want to admire it. But don’t do that just yet. Why? That’s because more people will start arriving, and it will take longer for darshan.

So, join the darshan queue as soon as you enter the temple. There are separate lines for men and women.

After darshan, you can explore and admire the temple to your heart’s content.

I visited in the evening because I thought it would be less crowded. Well, I was wrong. So, the earlier you visit, the lesser the crowd.

TIMINGS:- The Dwarkadish temple is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

SAMUDRA NARAYAN MANDIR AT 10:20 A.M.

Up next is the Samudra Narayan Mandir.

Collect your belongings from the storage lockers and retrace your steps to Gomti Ghat. Continue past the Ghat towards Samudra Narayan Mandir.

By the time you leave Dwarkadish temple, the shops will open. Ladies, you will be tempted to stop and browse, but please don’t. There will be time for that later.

It is a 10-minute walk to the Samudra Narayan Mandir from Dwarkadish temple.

The Samudra Narayan Mandir is easily recognisable from the distance It is at the confluence of the Gomti River and the Arabian Sea.

According to legend, Rishi Vasishtha brought the Gomti River from heaven to purify Ram. After Ram defeated Ravan, Rishi Vasishtha used the Gomti River to sanctify him. Goddess Gomti remained here in river form and merged into the Arabian Sea.

Samudra Dev (God of the sea) is the presiding deity. But you can find idols of Lord Varuna, Mira Bai and Mother Asta Bhavani.

I visited the temple around 8:30 a.m., and there were only a few people.

If you keep walking past the temple, you will find small vendors selling roasted peanuts, tea and a few select snacks.

Sit on the low wall along the water breakers and watch the waves crashing against the Samudra Narayan Mandir. In the distance, you can see the Dwarka lighthouse.

If you want to get close to the sea, there is a flight of steps between the water breakers.

TRAVEL TIP:- Overgrown moss has made these steps slippery, so be careful while walking.

TIMINGS:- Samudra Narayan Mandir is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SUDAMA SETU AT 11:30 A.M.

The Sudama Setu is a suspension bridge connecting the mainland to the small island in the Arabian Sea.

You can see the Sudama Setu from Samudra Narayan Mandir. Retrace your steps to Gomti Ghat and continue till you reach the ticket counter.

Named after Krishna’s childhood friend, Sudama, the bridge is the top tourist attraction.

On the island, there are five sweet water wells. According to legend, the Pandavas built one well each. Hence, it is known as Panchkui Tirth or Panchnad.

During my visit, the Sudama Setu was closed due to an incident. Recently, I have seen photos of people walking across the bridge. I’m not sure if it has reopened. If it has, that’s good news for you.

Before the construction of Sudama Setu, people took boats to the island. If the Sudama Setu is closed, you can take a boat to the island.

TICKETS:- A single ticket costs Rs. 10.

TIMINGS:- Sudama Setu is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LUNCH AT 1 P.M.

I’m sure after all the walking, you’re famished.

But where should you go for lunch? There are several vegetarian restaurants near the Dwarkadish temple. But if I had to recommend a place, I would say Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba.

The Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba is a 20-minute walk from Sudama Setu. If you have a car, it is a 5-minute drive.

I had lunch at Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba. The food was delicious, regardless of what you ordered. I sampled the thali, rotis, paneer, noodlea and buttermilk. Everything was tasty. The paneer was soft, and the noodles were homemade (I think). Also, the buttermilk was cool and refreshing.

I highly recommend ordering buttermilk. It’s the best way to recharge after a busy morning.

The food quality is good, the quantity is adequate, service is quick, and prices are reasonable. I would give Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba ⭐⭐⭐½ stars.

TIMINGS:- Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba is open from Monday to Sunday from noon (12 p.m.) to 3:30 p.m. and reopens from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

LOCATION:- Rampara, Ghanshyam Nagar, Dwarka, Gujarat 361335

NAGESHWAR TEMPLE AT 2:30 P.M.

After lunch, head to Nageshwar Jyotirlinga. It is a 30-minute drive from Dwarka to the temple.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. There are several legends associated with the Nageshwar temple.

Here’s one such legend – Once, a devotee of Shiva was captured by a demon, Daruka. Despite her capture, she continued her prayers. Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion. He killed Daruka and saved his devotee. The girl requested Lord Shiva to remain in the area and protect the people. Shiva accepted her request and remained here in Shivalinga form.

The temple worships the Shivalinga and two snake idols.

Devotees believe it is Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati in Nag and Nagin form, respectively.

I visited the temple after it reopened in the afternoon. The temple had just reopened, so there were few people. Therefore, I was able to take darshan peacefully without rushing.

NOTE:- If you want to perform puja or Abhishek, you need 20-30 minutes.

Another unmissable feature of the temple is the Shiva statue in the temple courtyard.

TIMINGS:- Nageshwar temple is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and reopens from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

DWARKA LIGHTHOUSE AT 4 P.M.

The next destination is the Dwarka lighthouse, 30 minutes away.

I’m sure you spotted the lighthouse in the distance when you visited Samudra Narayan Mandir. Now, it’s time to take a closer look.

Inaugurated on 15 July 1962, this 43-metre-high lighthouse is a popular tourist place in Dwarka.

Due to its distance from the bustling city centre, the Dwarka lighthouse is peaceful and serene. And, overlooking the Arabian Sea, the Dwarka lighthouse makes a pretty picture.

The KM Point near the lighthouse is one of the most photographed places.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit the lighthouse because I arrived just after closing.

I would have preferred adding the lighthouse for a later time. But the lighthouse is open to the public only for two hours daily. And there will be fewer people at 4 p.m.

TIMINGS:- The Dwarka lighthouse is open to the public from Monday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

RUKMINI DEVI MANDIR AT 5:15 P.M.

Located 15 minutes from the Dwarka lighthouse is the Rukmini Devi Mandir.

The temple worships Krishna’s wife, Rukmini.

According to the Mahabharat, one day, Rishi (sage) Durvasa visited Lord Krishna and his wife Rukmini.

The sage demanded the couple pull his chariot (in place of the horses) to their palace. Lord Krishna and Rukmini obliged and began pulling the chariot.

Rishi Durvasa struck Rukmini whenever she fell. After a while, Rukmini grew tired and asked Krishna for water. Then, Krishna used his power to dig a hole and brought the Ganga River to that spot.

It enraged Rishi Durvasa. He then cursed Rukmini to stay in that spot.

Devotees believe the Rukmini Devi Mandir is at the spot where she was cursed to remain.

I visited the Rukmini Devi Mandir when it was closed. Upon inquiry, the attendant said it would open in 10 minutes. But it took 30 minutes to reopen. That’s why I missed out on the lighthouse. But, on the bright side, I had ample time to marvel at the temple carvings.

Inside the temple, you will see a marble statue of Rukmini, and on the surrounding walls are paintings depicting the legend.

Devotees believe a pilgrimage to Dwarka is incomplete without visiting the Rukmini Devi Mandir.

TIMINGS:- The Rukmini Devi Mandir is open from Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and reopens from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

BHADKESHWAR TEMPLE AT 6 P.M.

After visiting the Rukmini Devi Mandir, rush to Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple to catch a beautiful sunset.

The Bhadkeshwar temple rests atop a hillock in the Arabian Sea.

According to legend, a Shivalinga emerged from the sea suddenly. No one knows how it got there or if it was always there.

Earlier, the Shivalinga was accessible only during low tide. Now, due to the construction of the hillock and the cement bridge, the temple is accessible all year round.

During my visit, the temple was under construction. The current structure resembles a Shivalinga.

After the darshan of Bhadkeshwar Mahadev, find a vacant spot on the wall along the water breakers. Or you can climb down the boulders to the small concave strip of beach.

On the right of the Bhadkeshwar temple, watch the waves crashing against the rocky coast in a spray of mist.

TIMINGS:- The Bhadkeshwar temple is open 24 hours from Monday to Sunday.

SHOPPING AT 7:10 P.M.

Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple is the last item on the sightseeing list. But the fun hasn’t ended. Now, it’s time for the best and my favourite part. Shopping!

Ladies, now you don’t have to rush through the shops. You can take your time and shop to your heart’s content.

But where to shop? The best place to shop is the area around Dwarkadish temple.

NOTE:- If you’re self-driving, I recommend parking your vehicles near the Kirti Stambh. There’s a paid parking lot.

From the parking lot, head to Dwarkadish temple. On the way, you will find rows of vendors selling trinkets, such as loose shells, rosaries, holy threads, shell bracelets, earrings, necklaces and more.

Up ahead, you will find shops and small stalls selling bhandani pattern skirts, shirts, saris, dupattas, Kurtis and more.

Take your time to browse the selection, and don’t forget to bargain (even in the shops).

Ladies, aren’t you glad you waited to shop until now?

DINNER AT 8:30 P.M.

After all the shopping, you must be hungry. If you don’t want to travel far, you can dine at one of the restaurants near Dwarkadish temple.

Or, you can visit one of the popular joints.

I was tired. So, I decided to dine at my hotel’s in-house restaurant, Prasad. Which just so happened to be a highly recommended place. So, that was a bonus.

The food was delicious. I had the veg hot and sour soup, paneer chilli, roti, another paneer dish (I can’t remember) and Schezwan rice. My favourite was the soup and the rice.

Prasad is a great vegetarian restaurant in Dwarka. The food was tasty and great for families, the food quality was good, the service was okay, and the quantity was adequate. I would give it ⭐⭐⭐ stars.

CONCLUSION

That brings us to the end of 24 hours in Dwarka.

Here’s a summary of 24 hours in Dwarka.

• Gomti Ghat at 8:30 a.m.
• Dwarkadish temple at 9:05 a.m.
• Samudra Narayan Mandir at 10:20 a.m.
• Sudama Setu at 11:30 a.m.
• Lunch at Shree Gurukrupa Kathiawadi Dhaba 1 p.m.
• Nageshwar temple at 2:30 p.m.
• Dwarka Lighthouse at 4 p.m.
• Rukmini Devi Mandir at 5:15 p.m.
• Bhadkeshwar Mahadev temple at 6 p.m
• Shopping at 7:10 p.m.
• Dinner at Prasad at 8:30 p.m.

TRAVEL TIP:- For those using the taxi for sightseeing, you don’t need one for the entire day. After lunch, you can hire a cab for half a day. All the sights before lunch are within walking distance.

As you might have noticed, I haven’t added Bet Dwarka to the list. Well, that’s because there is no time. And it takes half a day to visit all the temples in Bet Dwarka.

Have an extra day? Add Bet Dwarka and Shivrajpur Beach to your itinerary.

I hope my “24 hours in Dwarka” blog post was helpful. If you have any queries let me know in the comments.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

We have nothing to lose and a world to see.

RAINIE NAVARRO