Dwarka Beach is a beautiful beach located along the Arabian Sea coast in Dwarka, Gujarat, India. The beach is a part of the holy city of Dwarka, which is considered to be one of the holiest cities for Hindus and a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The beach is a place of relaxation and recreation for tourists and pilgrims alike, as it offers a serene and scenic view of the sea, the sand and the sky.
The beach also has some historical and religious significance, as it is close to some ancient temples and monuments that are associated with Lord Krishna, the supreme god of love and compassion. Visit during Dwarka Local Sightseeing by Cab
Location of Dwarka Beach
Dwarka Beach is situated at the mouth of the Gomti river, which is a tributary of the holy Ganges, the most sacred river for all Hindus. The beach is about 2 km away from the main Dwarkadhish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, and can be easily reached by road, rail or air from different parts of India.
Timing/Entry Fees Dwarka Beach
The beach is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm every day. The beach does not have any entry fees or charges for visitors, but they have to deposit their mobile phones, cameras, shoes and other belongings at the counters outside the beach. There are separate queues for men and women for security reasons. The visitors can also buy prasad, souvenirs, books and other items from the shops inside and outside the beach premises.
How to Reach Dwarka Beach
There are various ways to reach Dwarka Beach from different parts of India. Some of them are:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jamnagar, which is connected by flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and other major cities. From Jamnagar, one can take a bus or a taxi to reach Dwarka in about 3 hours.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Dwarka, which is connected by trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Rajkot and other major cities. From Dwarka, one can take a rickshaw or a taxi to reach the beach in about 10 minutes.
- By Road: Dwarka is well connected by road with Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar and other nearby cities and towns. There are regular buses and taxis available from these places to reach Dwarka. The distance from Ahmedabad to Dwarka is about 450 km and takes about 8 hours by road.
Things to Do/Must See Dwarka Beach
There are many things to do and see in and around Dwarka Beach that can make your visit more memorable and enjoyable. Some of them are:
- Darshan: The main attraction of the beach is the darshan of the Gomti river, which is considered to be the daughter of sage Vashishtha and the descending Ganges from heaven. The visitors can take a holy dip in the river or perform rituals at the Gomti Kund, which is the point of confluence of the river and the sea. The visitors can also see the idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Sudama and Lord Shiva in the water.
- Lighthouse: The lighthouse on the beach is a popular attraction that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the city. The lighthouse was built in 1866 by Sir James Fergusson, who was then Governor of Bombay Presidency. The lighthouse has a height of 43 meters and flashes every 10 seconds.
- Temples: The beach is close to some ancient temples that are dedicated to Lord Krishna and his associates. Some of them are:
- Dwarkadhish Temple: This is the main temple of Dwarka that is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Dwarkadhish or King of Dwarka. The temple was built around 2500 years ago by Vajranabha, who was Krishna’s grandson. The temple has a magnificent architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Geeta Mandir: This is a temple that was built by Birla family in 1970 to preserve the teachings and values of Bhagavad Gita, the sacred scripture of Hinduism. The temple has a marble pillar that has quotations from Bhagavad Gita engraved on it. The temple also has paintings depicting various scenes from Bhagavad Gita.
- Rukmini Temple: This is a temple that is dedicated to Rukmini, who was Krishna’s chief queen and beloved consort. The temple was built around 12th century AD by Chalukya kings. The temple has exquisite carvings and sculptures of various deities.
- Beach Activities: The beach is a place of relaxation and recreation for visitors, as it offers a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, boating, camel riding, horse riding and more. The beach also has some food stalls and vendors that sell snacks, drinks, shells, beads and other items.
Significance of Dwarka Beach
Dwarka Beach is one of the most sacred and beautiful beaches in India, which has a great significance for Hindus. Some of the reasons for its importance are:
- It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, which are considered to be the abodes of Lord Vishnu on earth. The other three are Badrinath, Rameswaram and Puri.
- It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are the holy places where Lord Vishnu is praised by the Alwars, the Tamil poet-saints.
- It is associated with the life and legends of Lord Krishna, who is one of the most popular and revered incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The beach is believed to be the place where Krishna lived and ruled as the king of Dwarka.
- It is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of visitors who come here to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and experience his grace and love.
FAQ’s
Q: What is the best time to visit Dwarka Beach?
A: The best time to visit Dwarka Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The beach also celebrates many festivals during this period, such as Krishna Janmashtami, Holi, Diwali and Rath Yatra.
Q: What are the dress code and rules for visiting Dwarka Beach?
A: The dress code for visiting Dwarka Beach is modest and respectful. One should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops or any revealing clothes. One should also remove shoes, socks, belts and any leather items before entering the beach. One should not carry any mobile phones, cameras or electronic gadgets inside the beach. One should also maintain silence and decorum inside the beach premises.
Q: How can I book online darshan or donation for Dwarka Beach?
A: One can book online darshan or donation for Dwarka Beach through the official website of the Dwarkadhish Temple: www.dwarkadhish.org. One can also contact the temple administration through phone or email for any queries or assistance.
Conclusion
Dwarka Beach is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Krishna and his eternal abode. The beach is not only a place of worship but also a place of relaxation and recreation. The beach offers a glimpse into the glorious past of India and its rich spiritual heritage. The beach also inspires one to follow the teachings and values of Lord Krishna and live a life of righteousness, love and service
