Bhadkeshwar Mahadev to Dwarkadhish Temple Distance: The 2 km Return Walk at Sunset

Useful References

• Indian Railways, Train Schedules & Booking
• Dwarka, Wikipedia
• Gujarat Tourism, Dwarka

The 2 km coastal walk from Bhadkeshwar back to Dwarkadhish is among the most scenic short distances in Gujarat pilgrimage. To your west (left on the return journey), the Arabian Sea stretches to the horizon. In winter months the sea is calm and a deep blue-green. In the post-monsoon months of September and October the water has a grey-green character and the waves are more energetic. Fishing boats visible in the distance add a human element to the seascape. Occasionally, on the clearest days in winter, you can see the faint outline of Bet Dwarka island far to the north-west.

The rocky coastline itself is interesting to look at from the promenade. The same geological formation that creates the Bhadkeshwar tidal rock continues along the shore, flat sheets of sedimentary rock exposed at low tide, with tide pools that collect shells, small crabs and marine growth. Children and curious visitors stop to look into these pools. The rocks are home to a large population of seabirds, particularly in the early morning hours. Egrets, cormorants and the occasional painted stork use the exposed rocks as feeding grounds during low tide, retreating as the water rises.

To your right (inland), the skyline of Dwarka rises progressively as you walk. The Dwarkadhish shikhara dominates but you will also see the smaller towers of ancillary shrines within the temple complex, and the rooftops of the old dharamshala and merchant houses of the temple town. This combination, sea on one side, sacred city on the other, is what gives the Bhadkeshwar-to-Dwarkadhish walk its particular quality. You are between two worlds: the elemental world of the sea that surrounded the sunken ancient city of Dwarka, and the living spiritual city that arose above it.

If you are short on time, need to move quickly to make the aarti, or simply prefer not to walk, autos are available from the coastal road near Bhadkeshwar. Walk from the rocky foreshore up to the road (about 100-150 metres) and autos pass regularly on this road, flag one down and ask for "Dwarkadhish Mandir, Swarga Dwar." The fare is approximately ₹40 for the vehicle. The road route is slightly longer than the coastal walking path (the road curves inland before returning toward the temple) but the 5-minute auto ride will have you at Swarga Dwar far faster than the 15-20 minute walk.

The auto is particularly practical in two situations: when you realize the tide is beginning to come in earlier than expected and you need to get back quickly without lingering on the promenade, or when the sun has already set and the coastal path is losing light. In either case, reaching the road first and then taking an auto is the safest and fastest return. Autos near Bhadkeshwar may be fewer in number than near the main temple, if none are visible immediately, walk toward the town a few hundred metres and you will find them near the small chai stalls along the road.

For pilgrims with mobility considerations, the auto is the clear choice for the return in any case. The coastal promenade is flat and paved but the initial section near Bhadkeshwar where it transitions to rocky foreshore requires careful footing. Once back on the promenade proper the walking is easy, but the combination of tired legs after a full day of temple visits and uneven coastal path makes the auto a practical and inexpensive comfort for the return leg.