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Dwarka & Somnath Travel Guide
By Experience My India Editorial Team
Destination specialists and licensed local guides
Dwarka and Somnath, on Gujarat's coast, hold two of Hinduism's most important temples: Dwarkadhish, one of the four Char Dham, and the Somnath Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines. Two to three days covers both towns.
About Dwarka and Somnath
Dwarka and Somnath sit on Gujarat's western coast and hold two of Hinduism's most significant temples. Dwarka's Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Krishna, is traditionally held to be the city he ruled, and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites (alongside Badrinath, Puri and Rameswaram). Somnath, a short drive from Gir National Park, holds one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, the most revered Shiva temples in India, rebuilt in its present form after a long history of destruction and reconstruction.
Dwarkadhish Temple
A Krishna temple traditionally marking the city he ruled, and one of the four Char Dham.
Somnath Temple
One of the twelve Jyotirlinga Shiva shrines, on the coast a short drive from Gir.
Bet Dwarka
An island near Dwarka, also associated with Krishna, reached by boat.
Best time to visit, and how many days
October to March is the comfortable season on this stretch of coast. Two to three days covers both Dwarka and Somnath, and the towns combine naturally with a Gir National Park safari given their proximity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Char Dham, and is Dwarka one of them?
The Char Dham are four major Hindu pilgrimage sites at the four corners of India; Dwarka is the western one, alongside Badrinath in the north, Puri in the east and Rameswaram in the south.
What is a Jyotirlinga?
One of twelve especially revered Shiva shrines across India; Somnath is traditionally considered the first of the twelve.
Can I combine Dwarka-Somnath with Gir National Park?
Yes, Somnath is a relatively short drive from Gir, making it easy to combine a lion safari with these coastal temples.
How many days do you need for Dwarka and Somnath?
Two to three days covers both towns comfortably, including travel time between them.
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