The modern city of Dwarka, which in Sanskrit means 'Gateway to heaven', is located in north-west Gujarat. 35 miles away is Okha. Marine scientists say archaeological remains off the coast discovered (120 ft) underwater in the Gulf of Cambay could be over 9,000 years old. Bet Dwarka, also spelled Beyt Dwarka is an inhabited island at mouth of the Gulf of Kutch situated 3 km off the coast of Okha, Gujarat, India. Bet Dwarka, also known as Shankhodhar, is said to have been the residence of Lord Krishna during his ruling years at Dwarka. In the ancient epic, Mahabharata, Bet Dwarka is known as ‘Antardvipa’ to which people of the Yadava clan needed to travel by boat from Okha.

Scuba diving off the coast near the island Bet Dwarka is how you can see the underwater remains of ancient Dwarka that were recently excavated by archaeologists. ... Besides the submerged remains of ancient Dwarka, there are also beautiful coral reefs. Bet Dwarka can only be reached by ferry boat from Okha, which is an hours drive from present day city of Dwarka.

It is said that Lord Krishna ruled Dwarka for 36 years after the Mahabharata war. Mythology says that Lord Krishna constructed Dwarka after snatching land from the sea. When sea level rises, these settlements are first to get submerged. Krishna's Dwarka submerged due to rise in sea level 3500 years BC

Recent archaeological discoveries suggest that the ancient city of Dwarka was more than just a legend. ... It is a city that is said to have been built by Lord Krishna after he killed his evii uncle Kansa in Mathura. In the Mahabharata, Dwarka is described as a utopian city with opulent architecture.

Lord Krishna is referred to as Dwarkadish as he was the King of Dwarka. Lord Krishna is said to presently give darshan in the Dwarkadish temple in Dwarka.. ( The original temple at this temple's site is said to have been built by Krishna's great grand son Vajra and was ruined over time.) Krishna married Rukmini and she became queen and her temple is situated away from Dwarkadhish temple. At Dwarkadhish temple she is present in the form of Mahalaxmi. A small temple is dedicated to her at Gopi Talaav.

However; on the small island of Bet Dwarka, the main temple Dwarkidadish is one of the four Pavitra Dham of India. The timings of the temple is till 12:30PM from early morning and the evening worship from 5:00 PM and has Hanuman, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi Narayan, Jambavati, Devi and other temples. The Gold Temple is also beautiful. Okha is a 45+ minute drive from Dwarka, then you need to take a ferry boat ride to Bet Dwarka. Visit the many temples and the cleanest beaches.

HOW TO GET THERE: The nearest airport is in Jamnagar, best to fly from Mumbai to Jamnagar in Western Gujarat. From there you can catch a train to Dwarka. There are many hotels in Dwarka, a few by the sea. Dwarka is also a popular destination for a seaside vacation. Ohka is a 35 mile drive North and has a few small hotels. The small island of Bet Dwarka ( a ferry-boat ride away from Okha) has the cleanest beaches. Pilgrims go to Bet Dwarka island for spiritual pilgrimage to the many temples on the island. Best time to visit is between November and February.

Story of the 5 times the Avatar lived in India

Suggested path to see the Holy cities of India.

TOUR FROM MUMBAIR TO DWARKA

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