Dwarka is a holy city in the Jamnagar district of Gujrat and is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for Hindus. It finds a mention in the sacred texts of Hindus like the Puranas and Mahabharata. Further, the city nestles on the bank of the Gomti River. It is often recognized with the Dwarka Kingdom, the ancient kingdom of Krishna. And people believe it was the first capital of Gujarat.
History of Dwarka
The city's name literally means gateway. Throughout its history, Dwarka also refers to as "Mokshapuri," "Dwarkamati," and "Dwarkavati."
According to the saga, Krishna settled here after he defeated and killed his uncle Kansa at Mathura. This historical chronicle of Krishna's migration to Dwarka from Mathura is closely associates with the culture of Gujarat. Krishna has reclaimed 12 yojanas or 96 square kilometers of land from the sea to create Dwarka.
Dwarka was a planned city from ancient times, with separate residential and commercial sectors and public utilities. It submerged under the sea hundreds of years ago, and the ruins were discovered in an archeological excavation in 2001.
Finding of Archaeology Survey
The Archaeological Survey of India performed the Archaeological investigations at Dwarka, both onshore and offshore in the Arabian Sea. The first investigations revealed many artifacts carried out on land in 1963. These excavations at two sites on the coastal side of Dwarka brought to light triangular stone anchors with three holes, submerged settlements, and a large stone-built jetty. The accommodations are in the form of interior and exterior walls and fort bastions. The Typological classification infers that the anchors that Dwarka had prospered as a port during the time of the Middle kingdoms of India. Coastal erosion was presumably the reason for the destruction of what was an antique port.
Additionally, the copper inscription has mentions of Dwarka, dated 574 AD of Simhaditya, the Maitraka dynasty minister of Vallabhi. He was the son of Varahdas, the king of Dwarka. The nearby Bet Dwarka island is an important archaeological site of the Late Harappan period and a religious pilgrimage site with one thermoluminescence date of 1570 BC.
Dwarka is famous for: Art and Culture, Natural Beauty, Beaches, Spirituality Religious.
Dwarka’s importance as a holy place stems from its essential role in the Mahabharata era as the kingdom of Lord Krishna. To this day, several Krishna temples, people believe one of them is built by Krishna’s grandson, attract millions of people from all over the country. There are also temples to other deities like Shiva; one of them also has a massive statue of the Lord in a meditative pose, which is a great crowd puller.
Further, lying on the coast in the Gulf of Khambhat, Dwarka’s beaches are picturesque, and these witnesses a number of visitors.
Culture of The City
Dwarka is a pilgrimage center and temple town, and the culture is that of a holy city, with the people extending warmth and generosity to visiting pilgrims. Hence, it is common to see cows meandering undisturbed on the roads at all times. Bandhini or tie and dye fabrics in bright colors are very popular here.
Since Dwarka is Krishna's Janm-Bhumi, during Krishna-Janmashtami the city fills with enthusiasm and with colors the next day on Holi. Navratri is another most popular festival, with the Garba-dandiya dance performed at this time.
Economy of Dwarka
Most of the revenue of Dwarka derive from tourism since it is a site for pilgrims. In addition, it is a producer of agricultural products such as salts, oilseeds, ghee (clarified butter), and millets. All this is transported from the city port. With an investment of ₹830 million (US$12 million), a long-term development plan was proposed in 2011 to refurbish the city of Dwarka and to build a bridge connecting the town with Okha and Bet Dwarka. In addition, a wind farm power generation of 39.2 MW, operates near Dwarka by the AES Saurashtra Windfarms Pvt Ltd (ASW), is now run by Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL).
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Dwarka has a subtropical desert or low-latitude arid hot climate. Hence, October to February is the ideal period to visit the city. Since the weather is pleasant, it will make tourists comfortable visiting the places. However, since the city is a famous religious place, people go there year-round.
How To Reach Dwarka
By Air
Jamnagar is the nearest domestic airport. It connects to all the main cities in the country. At a distance of 137 km from Dwarka, one can get frequent flights. From Jamnagar, one can take a cab to the city.
By Train
Dwarka railway station is the nearest station - Okha rail route and links to other main railheads of the regions. One can easily reach the city with frequent tarins.
By Road
The state transport provides buses from major cities of India. Besides, private operators at the bus station run AC, Non-AC, double-decker, and sleeper buses.
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