Dwarka Tour Packages

Dwarka is revered as one of the oldest and most sacred cities in the country. As per mythology, Dwarka served as the legendary kingdom of Lord Krishna. In the ancient epics like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana, Dwarka is described as a fortified coastal city which was a shining example of prosperity and justice. The Archaeological Survey of India is known to have performed onshore as well as offshore archaeological investigations at Dwarka. This was done to uncover the rich and complex history of the submerged ancient city. The investigations revealed that Dwarka had flourished as a port during India’s middle kingdom era. Dwarka gained further spiritual prominence when it was made a part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra by Adi Shankaracharya during the 8th century.

• Lord Krishna is worshipped in the city of Dwarka as Dwarkadhish or the ‘King of Dwarka’.
• The Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is a part of the holy Char Dham Yatra.
• The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Beyt Island or Beyt Dwarka is believed to have been the residential place of Lord Krishna during his reign in the ancient kingdom of Dwarka.
• The Rukmini Devi Temple is dedicated to Rani Rukmani, the wife of Lord Krishna.
• Shivrajpur Beach is the first Blue Flag beach in Gujarat.
• The Rukmini Devi Temple stands away from the Dwarkadhish Temple because of the curse placed on Lord Krishna and Rani Rukmani by the Sage Durvasa.

• Both Jamnagar Airport (JGA) and Porbandar Airport (PBD) can be accessed from Dwarka.
• Avoid drinking tap water. Carry bottled water instead, as it will also help you stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
• Don’t click photographs of religious ceremonies or locals without seeking permission.
• Avoid carrying too much cash. Store all your valuables safely in the locker of your hotel room.
• Don’t wander around late at night.
• Avoid consuming street food from unknown vendors as it may not be hygienic. Instead, have street food only from the well-known and clean stalls.
• Finding clean public toilets isn’t an easy task. Therefore, use the restroom facilities in clean places whenever possible.
• Since Gujarat is a dry state, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. However, tourists are allowed to get a temporary liquor permit to purchase alcohol.

Listed below are the top reasons to grab GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages:

The holy atmosphere of Dwarka shines brightly through the many temples located in the city, all of which you can explore with our Dwarka tour packages. There is the highly revered Dwarkadhish Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the four spots of the Char Dham Yatra. Make your way to the Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, which is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in the country dedicated to Lord Shiva. A towering statue of Lord Shiva, measuring 25 metres, stands tall and mighty outside the main sanctum of the temple. Located close to the Dwarkadhish Temple is the temple dedicated to Rani Rukmani, known as the Rukmini Devi Temple. The distance between these two temples is due to the curse placed on Lord Krishna and Rani Rukmani by the Sage Durvasa.

The calm environment of Dwarka is amplified through several serene spots that you can experience with our Dwarka tour packages. Walk around Dwarka Beach and witness its white sands and turquoise waters. Visit the residential place of Lord Krishna, known as Beyt Island, which has been named in the Mahabharata as ‘Antardvip’. Make sure to go to Shivrajpur Beach, which was honoured with the Blue Flag beach certification in 2020. Take a dip in the holy waters of Gomti Ghat, which is where devotees flock to in order to absolve themselves of their sins.

The cuisine of Dwarka is a mix of Gujarati flavours, temple traditions, and coastal influences. Since Dwarka is associated with Lord Krishna, there is a major presence of sattvik food in the city’s cuisine, which is why you will find plenty of vegetarian food, simple dishes, and food made without onion or garlic. A Gujarati thali, for instance, gives you a taste of the eclectic vegetarian dishes prevalent in the region, including dal, vegetable curries, chutneys, and pickles. Dwarka has numerous savoury snacks for you to try, such as gathiya, pav bhaji, dabeli, and khaman dhokla.

By booking our Dwarka tour packages, not only do you get to explore Dwarka, but also the various popular cities and spots located nearby. There is the coastal city of Porbandar, which is well-known for being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. You can learn further about Mahatma Gandhi and his life by visiting the memorial known as Kirti Mandir. Pay a visit to Jamnagar, which is famous for being the ‘Oil City of India’ as it houses the world’s largest oil refining complex. You must also witness the magnificence of the Somnath Temple, which is said to be the first of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas in the country.

Let’s take a look at what each season in the city brings about so you can accordingly decide when to book GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range in Dwarka usually oscillates between 25 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius. The scorching heat makes this an unfavourable season to visit Dwarka. Sightseeing and outdoor activities are difficult to indulge in at this time. As this is the off-season, you could get discounted rates with our Dwarka tour packages. If you plan on visiting Dwarka during the summer, remember to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and light cotton clothes.

The temperature range to expect in Dwarka during the monsoon season is between 27 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius. The city receives moderate to heavy rainfall, transforming the entire landscape into a lush green paradise. The humidity levels increase as well, but the nights are cooler. The rain can make travelling around a bit difficult due to waterlogging and increased traffic. The festivals you could experience in the city during this season with our Dwarka tour packages include Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, and Hindola.

As Dwarka embraces the winter season, the temperature usually oscillates between 9 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. Due to the pleasant weather, this is considered the best time to visit the city. You can comfortably explore all the divine temples in Dwarka during the winter months. Since this is the peak tourist season, we suggest you book GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages in advance.

The following are the places to visit and activities to participate in with GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages:

The Dwarkadhish Temple, which is also known as Jagat Mandir, is located on the banks of the Gomti River in Dwarka. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped in the city of Dwarka as Dwarkadhish or the ‘King of Dwarka’. The temple forms a part of the holy Char Dham Yatra, with the other three temples being the Jagannath Temple (Puri), Ramanathaswamy Temple (Tamil Nadu), and Badrinath Temple (Uttarakhand). The structure is said to have been established by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. It was built in the Chalukya style of architecture.

The Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, there was a fierce demon named Daruka who was torturing a devotee of Lord Shiva named Supriya. The latter, however, was unmoved by the torture and kept her faith in Shiva. Pleased by the deep devotion of Supriya, Lord Shiva appeared and killed Daruka. He appeared as a luminous pillar of light, and it’s at this spot that the Jyotirlinga can be found. A 25-metre-tall statue of Lord Shiva in a seated meditation pose can be found outside the main shrine.

The Dwarka Beach is located along the shore of the Arabian Sea. The beach is known for its turquoise waters and white sands. Offering a calm and serene environment, it’s the perfect spot to go to when you’re looking to escape the noise and hustle of city life. One of the main attractions at this beach is the Dwarka Lighthouse, standing at a height of 43 metres. Built in 1962, it’s open for visitors in the evening, but you will require prior permission from the guard or attendant to visit it.

Beyt Island, which is also known as Beyt Dwarka, Bet Dwarka, and Shankhodhar, is situated about 35 km from Dwarka. Spiritually, it’s considered to be a very significant spot as it’s believed to have been the residential place of Lord Krishna during his reign in the ancient kingdom of Dwarka. The name of the place is derived from the word ‘bet’, which translates to ‘gift’, as it’s the place where Lord Krishna received a special gift from his friend Sudama. The name ‘Shankhodhar’ comes from the conch-like shape of the island, as ‘shankh’ means ‘conch’. The island is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata as ‘Antardvip’.

Shivrajpur Beach is located along the Dwarka-Okha Highway, approximately 12 km from Dwarka. Walking on this beach is akin to being enveloped in a peaceful ambience while you’re surrounded by its crystal-clear waters and soft white sands. Shivrajpur Beach received the honour of being the first Blue Flag beach of Gujarat when it was given the Blue Flag beach certification in 2020. There are various water-based activities to enjoy at this beach, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing.

Perched along the banks of the Gomti River is the sacred spot known as Gomti Ghat. The famous Dwarkadhish Temple is located near the ghat, which is why you will often find devotees taking a dip in the holy rivers of the Gomti Ghat before entering the temple. It’s believed that a holy dip in the waters of this ghat will purify you of your sins. Along the ghat, one can see small shrines and temples dedicated to various deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Sudama, who was Lord Krishna’s dear friend.

The Rukmini Devi Temple, which is also known as Rukmini Mata Temple, is situated approximately 2 km away from the Dwarkadhish Temple. It is dedicated to Rani Rukmani, who was the wife of Lord Krishna. Within the main sanctum is placed the idol of Goddess Rukmini Devi, embellished with an intricate attire and gold jewellery. The goddess’ idol features four hands, holding the shankha, chakra, gada, and padma. Although the temple is over 2,500 years old, it’s believed that the roots of the structure can be traced back to the 12th century. Built in the classic Nagara architectural style, the walls of the temple feature sculptures of gods and goddesses, with the base having carved panels of elephants and human figures. Legend has it that Lord Krishna and Rani Rukmani once unintentionally offended the Sage Durvasa. Since the sage was known for this rage, he cursed the couple to live apart, which is why the Rukmini Devi Temple stands separated from the temple of Lord Krishna.

• Scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing at Shivrajpur Beach
• Scuba diving and dolphin spotting at Beyt Dwarka
• Quad biking at Shivrajpur Beach

Porbandar is a coastal city in the state of Gujarat. It’s located in the western part of the Kathiawar Peninsula on the Arabian Sea. Before getting incorporated into independent India, Porbandar served as the capital of the former princely state of Porbandar, which was ruled by the Jethwa clan of Rajputs. The city has cultural, historical, and spiritual significance as it’s the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi and Sudama (Lord Krishna’s dear friend). One of the most popular places to visit in Porbandar with our Dwarka tour packages is Kirti Mandir, which is a monument and museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba Gandhi.

Jamnagar is a coastal city in Gujarat situated in the Saurashtra region. It was founded in 1540 AD as the capital of the Princely State of Nawanagar. The city got its name from its founder, the Jadeja Rajput ruler Jam Rawal. The city is known for its metalware, gold embroidery, and bandhani (tie-dyeing) work. Jamnagar is renowned as the ‘Oil City of India’ as it’s home to the largest oil refining complex in the world. Some of the most popular spots to visit in Jamnagar with our Dwarka tour packages are the Pratap Vilas Palace, Bala Hanuman Temple, Lakhota Lake, Lakhota Palace, and Darbargadh Palace.

The Somnath Temple is located in the Prabhas Patan locality on the western coast of Gujarat. It’s believed to be the first of the 12 revered Jyotirlingas in India. The word ‘Somnath’ translates to ‘Lord of the Moon’, and the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s also known as the ‘Shrine Eternal’ as it was looted and destroyed multiple times in the past. During the reconstruction, the temple was built in the Chalukya style of architecture. The reconstruction was done under the vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the reconstructed temple was officially inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad in May 1951.

Gopi Talav is a lake situated in the Gopipura locality in the city of Surat in Gujarat. It was built in 1510 CE by Malik Gopi, who was a wealthy merchant. It was later restored in 2012 by the Surat Municipal Corporation. The lake currently serves as a recreational area where visitors can engage in activities such as boating, jogging, ziplining, and so on.

Here are the markets to visit and souvenirs to check out with GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages:

Dwarka is known for its holy spots and religious importance, which is why it’s natural that the city has many religious souvenirs for devotees to purchase. This includes brass idols of Lord Krishna, small wooden replicas of the Dwarkadhish Temple, and conch shells. You can also buy Gopi chandan, which is a holy yellow clay derived mainly from in and around Gopi Talav.

Patola sarees are silk sarees that originated in the city of Patan in Gujarat. Featuring the popular and intricate double ikat technique, these sarees are the symbol of luxury. Known for being durable, Patola sarees have detailed, vibrant, floral, and geometric designs.

The craftsmanship of the artisans of the region is visible through its jewellery as well. This includes silver jewellery, tribal jewellery, kundan jewellery, and pieces featuring meenakari work.

The skilled craftsmen of Gujarat are known to create some of the most intricate and exquisite items that you can decorate your home with. This includes wooden objects, pottery, terracotta items, and handmade toys. Make sure to also check out the wall hangings and carpets available in the region that can elevate the beauty of any space. Since Dwarka has coastal geography, you will also come across various coastal-based handicrafts in the city, such as conch shells, seashell jewellery, and so on.

One simply cannot leave Gujarat without witnessing the beauty of bandhani and block prints. The history of these textiles is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the state. There are numerous kinds of items you can buy with these prints, including sarees, dupattas, kurtas, and ghagras.

Dwarka has a multitude of enticing snacks that you can not only enjoy during your trip but also take back home for yourself and your loved ones. Some of the snacks to choose from in the city are khakda, dhokla, gathiya, fafda, and farsan.

• Dwarkadhish Market: For snacks, textiles, religious items.
• Shri Ram Bazaar: For textiles, handicrafts, footwear.
• Bathan Chowk Market: For jewellery, handicrafts, snacks.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Dwarka. Negotiate respectfully with the vendor till you reach a price point that suits both parties.
• While the bigger stores and markets accept UPI payments and debit and credit cards, the smaller stores may not have those facilities available. Therefore, carry sufficient cash when you go shopping.
• When you purchase handicrafts, request the vendors to pack them carefully so they stay safe in your luggage.

• When you’re invited to someone’s home, take off your shoes before entering. Also, it’s considered polite to bring a gift for the host.
• Wear modest clothes when visiting a holy place. Keep your knees and shoulders covered and carry a scarf in case you’re asked to cover yourself up.
• Refrain from engaging in public displays of affection.
• Say ‘namaste’ and learn some local phrases as greeting people can go a long way.
• There are chances that you could come across scamsters posing as spiritual gurus or healers. Don’t fall into their trap, take their advice, or accept anything they offer.
• Don’t shake the hands of someone from the opposite sex unless they offer it first.
• While visiting a place with wildlife, make sure to stay quiet, maintain your composure, keep your distance from the animals, and don’t feed the wildlife.
• Always take off your shoes before entering a spiritual or religious spot.
• Don’t use your left hand for eating, while accepting something, or while handing over something to the other person. Only use your right hand for these activities.
• Avoid discussing sensitive and controversial subjects, such as politics and religion.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the region. If there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• When standing in a queue to visit a tourist attraction, maintain decorum and stay quiet, especially when it comes to spiritual places.
• Show genuine curiosity for the local culture and traditions, and if you’re invited to a local festival or event, participate with joy and enthusiasm.

Let’s recommend some of the mouthwatering dishes you must try out during your trip with GT Holidays’ Dwarka tour packages:

A trip to Dwarka is incomplete without tasting khaman dhokla, which is possibly the most popular snack in the region. It’s prepared using fermented chickpea flour. After being steamed till the exterior turns spongy and soft, the delicacy is garnished with coriander, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. The savoury and tangy taste attracts locals and tourists alike. You can have it for breakfast or during snack time.

Gujarat has an endless array of snacks to choose from, and one of the most beloved of the lot is gathiya. This savoury and crunchy snack is made from besan or gram flour. The dough is mixed with ingredients such as salt, turmeric, chilli powder, and carom seeds. It is then deep-fried till the strips turn golden and crispy.

When it comes to food combinations, there are very few as iconic and beloved as fafda and jalebi. Commonly eaten during breakfast, this snack is also popular during festivals. Fafdas are crispy and slightly salty strips made using yellow gram flour, cardamom seeds, and turmeric, served with a green chutney. Jalebis are hot, crispy desserts made by deep-frying flour batter, which is then dipped in a sugary syrup. The combination of the salty fafdas and the sweet jalebis will surely leave you asking for more.

Dabeli is a popular snack that originated in the Kutch region of Gujarat. It consists of a tangy and spicy potato filling that is garnished with sev and pomegranate seeds. The filling is stuffed inside a bun or pav and is served along with a chutney.

Pav Bhaji is another bun-based dish that’s popular in Dwarka. The bhaji is a thick gravy wherein different vegetables are cooked and mashed together, thereby creating a rich and complex flavour. The bun is soft and generously buttered. The combination is served alongside onions and lemon.

If you wish to experience the diversity of the region’s vegetarian dishes, then you must try out the Gujarati thali available in Dwarka. This eclectic platter usually consists of dal or lentils, rice, rotis, shaak (vegetable curry), kadhi (a curry made from gram flour), and pickles. It also includes dhokla, papad, chutneys, and sweets.

The art and culture of Dwarka is visible in many forms, such as its cuisine, handicrafts, architecture, and festivals. In the artisan villages of Gujarat, the skill of creating handmade items is perfected over generations. This leads to the development of handicrafts and products that are popular as souvenirs among tourists. The handicrafts of Dwarka include religious artefacts, wooden objects, handmade toys, terracotta items, and pottery. The handmade beauty of objects can also be seen through the region’s textiles, such as bandhani prints and Patola sarees. The exemplary architecture of the temples of Dwarka is a testament to the city’s rich history. The Dwarkadhish Temple features the Chalukya style of architecture. The Rukmini Devi Temple was built in the Nagara architectural style, with the base displaying carved panels of human figures and elephants.

Numerous festivals are celebrated in Dwarka throughout the year. Since the city has such a deep connection with Lord Krishna, one of the most significant festivals you will witness in Dwarka is Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival of Fuldol Mahotsav is held during Holi and is celebrated in a grand manner at the Dwarkadhish Temple. Other festivals that take place in Dwarka include Diwali, Rath Yatra, and Makar Sankranti.