How to Reach Bet Dwarka: By Road Over Sudarshan Setu or by Okha Ferry
Bet Dwarka is an island 36 km by road from Dwarka city. Since February 2024 you can drive straight onto it over Sudarshan Setu, the 2.32 km bridge from Okha, and the government ferry from Okha Jetty still runs at ₹40-50 for pilgrims who want the traditional sea crossing. Allow 4-5 hours for the full round trip.
Bet Dwarka Is an Island, Understanding the Geography
Bet Dwarka (also spelled Beyt Dwarka or Shankhodhar) is a small island about 3.5 km off the coast of Okha, separated from the mainland by the Gulf of Okha. For most of its history it was reachable only by boat, and that island character is part of what makes Bet Dwarka special. Since 25 February 2024 it has also been connected to the mainland by Sudarshan Setu, India's longest cable-stayed bridge. Both crossings are worth doing: the boat, with the Arabian Sea stretching in every direction and the outline of the island temple growing larger as you approach, is a meaningful prelude to the darshan, while the bridge footpath carries verses from the Bhagavad Gita along its full length.
From Dwarka city, Okha is 36 km north by road. Okha is a small port town, the end of the railway line that also stops at Dwarka DWK station. Most pilgrims visit Bet Dwarka as a day excursion from Dwarka city, leaving in the morning and returning by early afternoon. There is no comfortable overnight accommodation for pilgrims on Bet Dwarka island itself, and the last ferry back leaves around 6 PM, so timing matters.
Bet Dwarka holds immense religious significance as the actual residence of Lord Krishna during his time in Dwarka, the main Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka city was the seat of administration and court, while Bet Dwarka was the personal home. Visiting both together completes what pilgrims call the Dwarka darshan, two aspects of Krishna's presence in this sacred geography. Many devotees feel the Dwarka pilgrimage is incomplete without the Bet Dwarka crossing.
Step-by-Step: How to Reach Bet Dwarka from Dwarka City
Leave Dwarka city by 7-8 AM. Earlier departure leaves more time at Bet Dwarka and ensures you catch the earlier, less crowded ferries. The Dwarka to Okha road takes 45-60 minutes.
Options: GSRTC bus from Dwarka bus stand to Okha (₹20-30, 1 hour), shared auto (₹40-60 per person), private auto (₹200-300 one way), or hired cab (₹400-600 round trip including waiting). GSRTC bus is economical; hired cab or auto gives flexibility.
In Okha town, ask for the Jetty (pronounced "jetti" locally). Autos in Okha can take you from the bus stand to the jetty for ₹20-30. The jetty is clearly signposted and recognizable by the boats and the pilgrims gathered.
Government ferry tickets cost ₹40-50 per person one way. Ferries depart every 30-45 minutes from 6 AM to 6 PM. Ticket counter is at the jetty. If you would rather not take a boat at all, continue by road instead and cross on Sudarshan Setu.
The boat ride takes 20-30 minutes across the sea. Sit on the sides for the best views. The island appears low and flat with the temple spires visible as you approach. Be cautious boarding and disembarking, the boats rock on the water.
Temple timings: 6 AM-12:30 PM and 3 PM-8 PM (summer) / 6:30 AM-12:30 PM and 2:30-7:30 PM (winter). Spend 1-1.5 hours at the temple and the small island. There are other small shrines and a beach area worth visiting.
Last ferry back from Bet Dwarka is approximately 6 PM. Do not cut it close. Return to Okha, then travel back to Dwarka by bus, auto, or your waiting cab. Plan to be back in Dwarka by early afternoon if you want the evening Sandhya Aarti at Dwarkadhish.
Transport from Dwarka to Okha: Comparison
GSRTC Bus
Shared Auto / Jeep
Hired Cab / Auto
The most popular option for families is to hire a cab or auto for the day that covers Nageshwar Jyotirlinga (17 km from Dwarka on the way to Okha) and Bet Dwarka in one circuit. The standard "Nageshwar + Bet Dwarka" day tour by hired cab costs ₹800-1,500 depending on vehicle type and negotiation. This covers Dwarka to Nageshwar (30-40 min), darshan at Nageshwar (1-1.5 hrs), Nageshwar to Okha (35-40 min), ferry to Bet Dwarka and back, then return to Dwarka. This full circuit makes excellent use of a single day and is how most experienced pilgrims plan it.
What to Carry for the Bet Dwarka Trip
The ferry crossing is on open water and wind on the Arabian Sea can be brisk even on warm days. Carry a light shawl or dupatta, it serves both as modesty cover (required in the temple) and as a windbreak on the boat. The island itself has limited shade and can be hot in the summer months; a hat or cap is useful if you are visiting between March and September.
Carry enough drinking water for the trip, at least one litre per person. Small shops on Bet Dwarka island sell water and snacks, but at slightly higher prices. Comfortable slippers or chappals that can be removed easily are ideal since you will be barefoot inside the temple and the path can be hot stone. Avoid wearing socks as they get wet or dirty when walking from the boat landing to the temple.
Mobile phones are allowed on the island and at the ferry but check temple rules at the sanctum entry. No leather inside the temple, remove belts and leather wallets before entering. Keep cash in small denominations (₹10, ₹20, ₹50) for ferry tickets, temple offerings, and small vendors. ATMs are not available on Bet Dwarka island and may be limited at Okha as well, withdraw cash at Dwarka city before departing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Also Read
Bet Dwarka Temple
The significance of Bet Dwarka as Lord Krishna's personal residence, and what to see on the island.
Read MoreOkha to Bet Dwarka Ferry
Detailed ferry timings, ticket prices, the Sudarshan Setu bridge, and what to expect on the sea crossing.
Read MoreNageshwar Jyotirlinga
How to reach Nageshwar from Dwarka, 17 km by auto, and combine it with the Bet Dwarka excursion.
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