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ISLAND · PILGRIMAGEBet Dwarka
The island where Krishna is said to have lived — a short ferry from Okha, scattered with temples, quiet beaches and legends.
Krishna's island home
A short, colourful ferry ride from the Okha jetty brings you to Bet Dwarka (Beyt Dwarka) — the island where tradition holds Krishna actually lived, while Dwarka on the mainland was his kingdom’s capital. For pilgrims it completes the Dwarka journey.
At its heart is a centuries-old Krishna temple, said to mark his island residence, alongside shrines such as the Hanuman Dandi temple. Beyond the temples lie surprisingly quiet beaches, mangroves and waters where dolphins are sometimes seen, while the new Sudarshan Setu — India’s longest cable-stayed bridge — now links the island dramatically to Okha.
Part pilgrimage, part seaside escape, Bet Dwarka rewards an unhurried half-day of ferries, temples and sea air.
The island’s deep past adds weight to the legend: marine archaeologists have recovered anchors, pottery and structures from the surrounding seabed pointing to a port active across two millennia, and the temple’s own traditions place Krishna’s household here while Dwarka on the mainland served as the capital. The Dwarkadhish temple at the island’s heart — where the offering of rice recalls Sudama’s gift to his friend — anchors a circuit that takes in Hanuman Dandi’s twin idols and shrines to Krishna’s queens.
Since the Sudarshan Setu opened, most visitors drive across from Okha in minutes — though the old ferry crossing still runs and keeps its salty charm for those who prefer arrival by water. Give the island a half day: temples in the morning before the queues, then the quiet northern beaches, with dolphins a regular bonus in the channel. October to March is the season; Janmashtami swells the island to capacity, which is its own spectacle if crowds are the point.
Temples and the sea on Krishna’s island.
An island shrine, and the ferry that reaches it
A sacred island with an ancient past.
Tradition holds Krishna made his home on this island off the coast.
An old port; underwater and coastal finds point to deep antiquity.
The island temples grow into an essential part of the Dwarka pilgrimage.
The Sudarshan Setu bridge opens, linking Bet Dwarka to Okha.
Reasons to make the time
Krishna's home
The island believed to be Krishna's residence.
The ferry ride
Colourful boats cross from Okha jetty.
Island temples
Krishna and Hanuman Dandi shrines.
Quiet beaches
Calm sands and sea away from crowds.
Dolphins
Sometimes seen in the surrounding waters.
Sudarshan Setu
India's longest cable-stayed sea bridge.
What to look for inside
ISLANDKrishna's temple
The island's main Krishna shrine, held to mark his home.
SEABeaches & boats
Quiet sands and the ferry crossing.
How to spend an hour or two
Take the ferry
Cross from Okha jetty by colourful boat.
Visit the temple
Worship at the island's Krishna shrine.
See Hanuman Dandi
Visit the nearby Hanuman temple.
Walk a beach
Find a quiet stretch of island sand.
Look for dolphins
Scan the waters on the crossing.
See Sudarshan Setu
Admire the great new sea bridge.
A sacred island linked by a modern span.
Temples, beaches and a new bridge
Bet Dwarka is a low coastal island reached historically only by boat, its skyline marked by temple spires rising above fishing jetties and sandy shores. The principal Krishna temple anchors a cluster of shrines, around which a small island community lives by faith and the sea.
The island’s newest landmark is wholly modern: the Sudarshan Setu, a sweeping cable-stayed bridge — the longest of its kind in India — that now connects Bet Dwarka to the mainland at Okha, transforming access while the ferries still ply for those who prefer the old way.
See what else is nearby in our guide to Devbhumi Dwarka.
Centuries-old Krishna temple
Hanuman Dandi shrine
Quiet beaches & mangroves
The Sudarshan Setu bridge
When to go
Cool and pleasant — the best season for the coast and pilgrimage.
Warm and humid with sea breezes; Janmashtami is a highlight.
Hot and bright; sea breezes ease it — visit early or late.
⏰ Go in the morning, take the ferry across, and keep an eye on the last return-boat timings.
Timings & entry
- Ferries run through daylight hours from Okha
- The Sudarshan Setu also links the island by road
- Mind the last return ferry time
- Allow a relaxed half day
- Temple darshan is free
- Ferry tickets are charged per head
- Carry water, sun protection and cash
- Dress modestly at the shrines
Getting there
By Air
Jamnagar Airport (~160 km), then road to Okha.
By Rail
Okha is the nearest railhead; the jetty is close by.
By Road
Drive to Okha (~30 km from Dwarka), then ferry or the Sudarshan Setu.
Shooting Bet Dwarka
FERRIES & SEA
Colourful boats, temple spires and big skies
What to shoot
The laden ferries, jetty bustle and temple spires.
Best light
Morning and late afternoon over the water.
On the crossing
Watch for dolphins and seabirds.
The bridge
Frame the sweeping Sudarshan Setu.
Know before you go
More to see close by
Bhadkeshwar Mahadev
Krishna’s five-storey Char Dham shrine
COASTHarsiddhi & Coast
Cliff temples along the western shore
VIEWPOINTDwarka Lighthouse
Climb for sweeping sunset sea-views
HARBOUROkha Madhi
A quiet fishing harbour and ferry point
JYOTIRLINGANageshwar
One of the twelve sacred Shiva Jyotirlingas
TEMPLERukmini Devi Temple
12th-century shrine to Krishna’s queen
Where to eat near Bet Dwarka
THALIKathiawadi Thali
Unlimited rotla, kadhi, shaak and ghee-rich fare.
SNACKSGanthiya & farsan
Sev, ganthiya and fried snacks in the bazaars.
STREET FOODTemple-town bites
Chaat, kachori and sweets near the temple.
Pure-veg & prasad
Dwarka is largely vegetarian; temple prasad is offered.
Bet Dwarka FAQ
Where is Bet Dwarka?
On an island off Okha, about 30 km north of Dwarka town.
How do I reach it?
By ferry from Okha jetty, or via the new Sudarshan Setu bridge.
Why is it sacred?
Tradition holds it was Krishna's actual island residence.
Is there an entry fee?
Temple darshan is free; ferry tickets are charged.
What's the Sudarshan Setu?
India's longest cable-stayed bridge, linking Bet Dwarka to Okha.
Can I see dolphins?
Sometimes — they're occasionally spotted in the surrounding waters.
How long should I spend?
A relaxed half day, including the ferry.
What should I carry?
Water, sun protection, cash and modest clothing.
Are there beaches?
Yes, quiet stretches of sand away from the temples.
When should I go?
Winter mornings are the most pleasant.
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Published 24 June 2026 · Updated 24 August 2026