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Dwarka
Brief
On the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula, Dwarka is one of the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India and is closely related to the Krishna legend. It was here, that Krishna set up his capital after fleeing from Mathura. The existing town is largely a 19th century creation, developed by the Gaekwad princes as a pilgrimage center. Dwarka is the site of the most important Janmashtami Festival- Krishnas birthday, which falls in August/September. Thousands come during this time and during the other two Hindu festivals of Holi and Diwali. A little north of Dwarka, a ferry crosses from Okha to the Island of Bet, where Vishnu is said to have slain a demon.
History
Legend has it, that Dwarka was the adopted home of Lord Krishna, after he moved from Mathura. He is believed to have been here more than 5000 years ago. As for present day Dwarka, in 1990, archaeological excavations have indicated,that the town is built on the site of four former cities. Amongst the interesting discoveries was the triangular anchors weighing 250 grams similar to those used in Cyprus and Syria during the Bronze Age - suggesting that ships of up to 120 tons had used the port around the 14th century.
Culture
Krishna leela, Raas leela and Dandiya are an integral part of their culture.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Dwarka is hot in summer and warm and sunny in winters. Dwarka lies on the extreme western tip of the Kathiawar peninsula.
How to Reach
Dwarka is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, Ahmedabad is the nearest airport and is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other parts of the country. By rail, though the nearest railhead is at Rajkot, but the convenient railhead is Ahmedabad and is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other parts of the country. By road, STC buses run to all points in Saurashtra and Ahmedabad.
Tourist Places
Rukmini Temple
This 12thcentury temple is quite dilapidated, but the carved mandapa columns and the sanctuary doorway are still admirable .
Dwarkadisha Temple
An imposing structure and a magnificent monument. Some believe that the inner sanction is 2,500 years old. The sanctuary walls probably date back to 12th century. The exterior is grand - the five storey tower, rising to a height of 170 feet, is supported by 60 columns of granite and sandstone.
Others
BHET DWARKA - The pilgrimage to Dwarka is not considered complete without a visit to this island off the coast, some 30 km away. The 19thcentury temple complex contains shrines and images of Krishna and his 56 consorts.
GOPI TALAV - It is associated with Lord Krishna and Arjuna and includes several shrines in the complex.
LIGHT HOUSE - The view is superb and induces one to linger on there and rest a while. No photography is allowed.