Population: 31,325
Telephone Area Code: 02692

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. Dwarkanath, the name of the main temple here, is dedicated to Krishna.

Helpline
Entrance to this temple is restricted to hindus, although through some sources, one can sign up a form to gain an access, The exterior, with its tall five-story spire supported by 60 columns, is far more interesting than the interior. Archaeological excavations have revealed five earlier cities at the site, all now submerged. Dwarka is the site of the most important Janmashtami Festival which falls in August September. Dwarka's lighthouse is open to the public between 4.30 and 6 pm, and affords an excellent panoramic view from the top (Rs 1). A little north of Dwarka, a ferry crosses from Okha to the Island of Bet, where Vishnu is said to have stain a demon. There are modern Krishna temples on the island. Tourist are advises to be beware of stray dogs on this island.

How to reach !
Dwarka and Jamnagar are connected by railway line, 132km away (Rs 36), and there are trains to Mumbai (945km, Rs 230/690) via Rajkot (207km, Rs 73/279) and Ahmedabad (453km, Rs 147/474). STC buses run to all points in Saurashtra, and to Ahmedabad.