Date of Journey: 28 April 2025 – 1 May 2025
Travel Companions: My full family – parents, in-laws, sister, and brother-in-law
Day 1: A Spiritual Arrival in Devbhumi
On the evening of 28th April, our family boarded the PURI-OKHA Express at 8:00 PM with hearts full of devotion and excitement. The night train ride was cozy and filled with light chatter and shared snacks.
By the next morning, at around 9:30 AM, we arrived at Dwarka, the sacred city known as Devbhumi – the kingdom of Lord Krishna. After checking into our hotel and freshening up, our first destination was none other than the Dwarkadhish Temple – the soul of this spiritual town.
🛕 Dwarkadhish Mandir Darshan
The atmosphere was electrifying. Chanting of “Jai Dwarkadhish” echoed in the air, and the temple complex was bustling with pilgrims from all over India. We bowed our heads in reverence and soaked in the divine energy of this holy land where Krishna once ruled.
After darshan, we enjoyed a simple yet soulful lunch at the mandir premises – hot puris, sabji, and prasad – which felt like a blessing in itself. A short afternoon nap back at the hotel helped us recharge for the evening.
Evening at Shivrajpur Beach – Waves of Joy
By late afternoon, we set off for Shivrajpur Beach, a proud Blue Flag-certified beach of Gujarat. The scenic drive was refreshing, and the beach greeted us with its clean shores, blue waters, and organized facilities.
🌊 Fun with Watersports
From the youngest to the eldest, everyone participated in thrilling water activities –
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Speed boating
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Banana ride
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Bumper ride (Bhamardo)
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Dragon boat and more.
It was a sight to behold – parents laughing, children screaming with excitement, and even our jamai showing off his boating skills! The beach even has changing rooms and fresh water bathing facilities, making it perfect for families.
We relaxed with tea and local snacks by the seashore before heading to Bansuri Restaurant, known for its divine ambiance and delicious Gujarati thali. The day ended with full hearts and full stomachs!
Day 2: Exploring the Sacred Circuit of Dwarka
Our second day began early, at 6:00 AM, when my parents and in-laws visited the nearby Swaminarayan Temple, a peaceful and well-maintained place of worship.
Post breakfast, we began our full-day Dwarka-Bet Dwarka tour at 9:00 AM.
📿 Sacred Sites Covered:
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Rukmini Devi Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna’s consort, highlighting an ancient tale of love and curse.
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Sudama Setu & Gopi Talav – Mythical places echoing Krishna’s childhood.
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Sudarshan Setu – India's longest cable-stayed bridge connecting to Bet Dwarka.
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Bet Dwarka – An island believed to be Krishna’s residential palace. The boat ride was refreshing, and the temple experience was serene.
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Nageshwar Jyotirling – One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
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Bhadkeshwar Mahadev Mandir – A seaside Shiva temple offering a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea.
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Dwarka Beach – A calm and scenic end to our religious sightseeing.
In the evening, we had a humble yet satisfying dinner at the Swaminarayan temple, featuring khichdi, kadhi, rotli, and sabji – a soulful way to end a divine day.
Day 3: Farewell with Memories
On the morning of 1st May, we packed our bags and hearts full of memories. At 12:30 PM, we boarded our return train to Surat.
The journey back home was filled with fun games, music, laughter, and reflections on our two-day spiritual adventure. We cherished each moment, knowing that trips like these strengthen not just faith but family bonds too.
Dwarka is not just a place, it’s a feeling of devotion, peace, and tradition. Visiting with the entire family made it even more special. From temple bells to beach thrills, from prayers to playful rides – this trip had everything.
If you’re planning a family spiritual getaway, Dwarka is a perfect blend of religious charm and natural beauty.
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