Dwarka, Gujarat

Location and mode of transport:

• Dwarka is located on the western end of India. Well connected by road and rail.
• Best way to go there by train. Nearest railway station: Dwarka.
• Trains from Howrah :: 12906 Howrah-Okha Link express. Departs from Howrah at 11:55 pm and takes almost 45 hours to reach Dwarka. It waits for almost 2 hours at Hapa station(3 pm on 3rd day), where it is divided into two different trains, one heading towards Porbandar and another towards Okha. It reaches Dwarka around 7pm, giving you enough time to see Mangalarati ( happens around 8pm ) on that day. 
  
• One can also take car from Ahmedabad. Normally takes around 7 hours to reach.
• If you are departing from Howrah, its the best point to start your Gujarat tour ( If you aren't visiting Kutch )

Place to visit:

• Requires two days to complete sight-seeing of Dwarka. 
• Day 0: Visit the temple and watch Mangalarati.

  

  Dwarka Mandir

• Day 1: Book a local auto or car for sight-seeing. Auto rickshaw normally takes around Rs. 600 to 700/-. Cars: Rs. 1200-1500/-. Start with Nageshwar Mahadev Mandir. Its one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Good, big temple but you will have to see the idol (actually you can't see) from a distance of 20 feet! If you want to go inside, shed a few bucks. And by the word "a few bucks" I meant Rs. 2010/- Definitely NOT GOOD!
  
  
  

  

  Lighthouse

  

  Nageshwar Mahadev

• From there go straight to Beyt. Its THE old mandir of Dwarka, situated on an island (island is called beyt in gujarati). Take ferry to go there. Fare: Rs. 25/- one way. Mandir is remained closed from 12 to 1:30 pm for Bhog. You can also have bhog here for lunch, it's free. Timing: 11 am to 2:30 pm. But don't forget to donate.
• On your way back to Dwarka city, visit Rukmini mata mandir.
• If you can complete these within 5 pm, tell your driver to take you to the sunset point. Visit the lighthouse too.

  

  At sunset point

• Day 2: Visit all mandirs situated within the city, like Bhadkeshwar Mahadev mandir, gomti ghat, sangam narayan mandir, etc.

Place to stay:

Lots of accommodation facilities available here from hotels to dharamshala. But the best option to stay is Kokila Dhiraj Dham. Founded and inaugurated by Mukesh Ambani, this offers the best in class facilities at such a low rate.

A.C. Double bedded rooms: Rs. 900/-

Non A.C. Double bedded rooms: Rs. 500/-

Kokila Dhiraj Dham

KDD Reception

KDD Hallway

Rooms are very spacious and clean. Staffs are very helpful. They will arrange everything to make your stay smooth. Its hardly 6-7 mins walking distance from the main mandir. Auto-rikshaw takes Rs. 100-150/- to reach the hotel from Dwarka station. Only downside is, it remains almost booked  in the peak season(Dec to Feb). Try to communicate with them in advance. Advance booking facility is available without any pre-payment. (at most 45 days in advance).

Contact person: KDD caretaker Mr. Ratikanta: 09998490431, Landline: 02892-236750


Hope this information will be useful to someone who is planning to visit Dwarka.