Dwarka, situated in the westernmost reaches of Gujarat, is renowned as a holy town adorned with ancient temples, beckoning pilgrims and captivating tourists. However, concealed within the sanctity of this divine destination lies a series of activities, inviting exploration beyond traditional pilgrimage. In fact, even for us it was a surprise to learn about some of the adventurous activities in Dwarka. For example, one would not imagine a scuba diving facility in Dwarka as everyone knows Dwarka as one of the char dhaams of God Vishnu and the abode of God Krishna. Let’s delve into its adventurous offerings in this guide for an enriching experience. Here are the top 5 adventurous things to do in Dwarka Gujarat.
Pilgrimage Escapades: Temples that Reverberate with Divinity
Liek I highlighted earlier, Dwarka, is known for its pilgrimage and spiritual significance. Though modest in size, demands a full day for the avid traveler to immerse themselves in its spiritual core. This includes a pilgrimage to the major temples, a visit to the island of Beyt Dwarka—home to the divine palace of Lord Krishna—and the exploration of other exhilarating activities along the scenic banks of the revered River Gomti. Below, I’ m giving a glimpses of the major temples. There are so many temples to cover, however, below are some of the major ones.
Major Temples in Dwarka Gujarat
- Dwarkadeesh Temple: The divine abode of God Shree Krishna, this temple, open till noon, necessitates a minimum of 2-3 hours for a comprehensive darshan. Opting for a VIP darshan, facilitated through known contacts, still demands a minimum of 90 minutes, escalating to 4 hours during peak seasons and festivals. Meticulous scheduling is advised for a seamless experience.
- Rukmani Devi Temple: Adjacent to Dwarkadeesh Temple, this separate shrine is dedicated to Goddess Rukmani.
- Nageshwar Jyothirlingam Temple: Located approximately 10 km from Dwarkadeesh, it is one of the 12 jyothirlingas across Bhaarat. An ideal time for a visit is early morning to avoid crowds, with the temple opening as early as 6:30 AM. Beyond darshan, visitors can engage in abhishekam, take sankalpam, and partake in various other rituals.
Adventurous Pursuits in Dwarka
1. Scuba Diving in Dwarka
Surprising as it may seem, Dwarka extends beyond conventional experiences by offering scuba diving. Multiple vendors, strategically located along the banks of the picturesque River Gomti and en route to Beyt Dwarka, cater to adventure enthusiasts. Allocate a generous 90-120 minutes, encompassing preparation, training, boat rides, sea exploration, and post-dive attire change. Visitors are advised to book online in advance, considering potential crowding during peak seasons. Please note that
Stay in a hotel near the main Dwarkadeesh Temple for quick changes post-darshan and seamless exploration of adventurous activities. Scuba diving costs Rs. 2000 per person if booked online, with an additional Rs. 500 for offline bookings. While there are two different destinations within Dwarka that offers Scuba Diving, the one near to the main Dwarkadeesh temple doesn’t have any room / cabin for dress change. Literally, one has to change one’s dress within a 3×3 ft tent. It might feel awkward for first timers. So, ideal to bring in towels and other supporting clothes for a quick dress change.
2. Quad Biking
Along the expansive Gomti River bank, revel in the thrill of quad biking at an approximate cost of Rs. 100 per ride, lasting 2-3 minutes.
3. Jet Skiing
Experience the adrenaline rush with ample jet skis available at Rs. 100 per ride, covering short distances. Passengers can enjoy the ride while professionals handle the driving, providing a delightful experience amidst turns and water splashes. Remember, if you want to extend your skiing time, you can pay them extra and get more rounds.
- Pro-tip: Wear appropriate attire for jet skiing, as getting drenched is inevitable.
4. Camel Ride
Take a leisurely camel ride along the Gomti River bank, available at Rs. 50 per ride. This activity is perfect for families, and kids are sure to enjoy the experience. Heads-up, the onboarding and off-boarding will be a bumpy experience. The camel will first unfold its legs and then rise to its height. So, it will be two bumps both during onboarding and off boarding. Be sure to firmly catch hold of the grip provided to you over camel’s hump. And please feed something to the camel if possible. They are poor things which carry us just to entertain us.
5. Feed the Cows
For animal enthusiasts, vendors with plates full of laddoos for cows present a unique opportunity. Charging Rs. 10 per laddoo, it’s a delightful experience for those trying to feed cows in person for the first time. These vendors mostly bring their own cows, hence persuade you to feed their cows instead of the street ones. Don’t budge to their recommendations. Feed all the cows as it is a delicacy for every cow. Try to also feed camels as they do the heavy lifting of people to engage and entertain the tourists.
Pro-tips and useful travel information
1. Theme Parks: Amazing Fun World Dwarka offers both lodging and park access, approximately 10 km away from Dwarkadeesh. While the lodging facilities are commendable, the downside is its distance from the temple.
2. Beyt Dwarka Boat Ride: Located 38-40 km away from Dwarkadeesh, Beyt Dwarka served as God Krishna’s residence. The boat journey to this island is not just a means of transport but a lively 20-minute journey accompanied by sea gulls. A small vendor on the boat sells pulses and edibles for feeding fishes and sea gulls, providing a unique time pass.
3. Carry a water bottle with you as the days in this part of Gujarat is always hot no matter the season.
4. Do carry a good sun screen with higher SPA value to protect yourself from tanning. The sun is heavy and it sweats a lot.
5. The boat ride costs Rs. 20 per person, accommodating around 70-80 individuals per ride.
In conclusion, Dwarka unfolds as not only a spiritual haven but also an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. Plan your visit judiciously to embrace the rich diversity of this enchanting destination beyond its sacred confines. The fusion of spirituality and adventure awaits, promising an unforgettable sojourn in the heart of Gujarat.
If you are looking at exploring various places in Gujarat on a budget trip, then visit the Ultimate guide to ultra-low budget trip in Gujarat.