Devbhumi Dwarka District: Complete Information, History, Geography, and Tourism Guide

Devbhumi Dwarka District: Devbhumi Dwarka, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, is one of the most sacred places in India. The word “Devbhumi” means “Land of the Gods”, and Dwarka is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna himself. Known for its rich mythology, ancient temples, and scenic coastline, Devbhumi Dwarka holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural importance.

The district was officially created on 15th August 2013 after being separated from Jamnagar district. Since then, it has been recognized as one of the most important pilgrimage and tourist destinations in western India.

Thousands of devotees visit every year to seek blessings at the Dwarkadhish Temple, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Apart from religious tourism, the district is also known for its beautiful beaches, marine life, salt pans, and traditional Gujarati culture.

Historical Background

The story of Devbhumi Dwarka is deeply connected with ancient Indian mythology. According to Hindu scriptures, after leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna established his capital in Dwarka. It was a magnificent city built on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

It is believed that the city of Dwarka was later submerged under the sea, as mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata Purana.

Archaeological Evidence

Modern underwater excavations near the coast of Dwarka have revealed remnants of ancient walls, stones, and settlements beneath the sea. These findings suggest that an ancient civilization existed here thousands of years ago, matching the descriptions found in mythological texts.

This makes Dwarka one of the few places in India where mythology and archaeology meet in harmony.

Formation of the District

Devbhumi Dwarka district was officially carved out from Jamnagar district on 15 August 2013, as part of the Gujarat government’s administrative restructuring.

Administrative Headquarters

• District Headquarter: Khambhaliya (also called Jamkhambhaliya)
• Number of Talukas: 4
• Subdivisions: 2

The aim behind creating this new district was to improve local administration, promote tourism, and preserve the cultural identity of the region.

Geographical Location and Boundaries

Devbhumi Dwarka lies on the westernmost edge of India, facing the vast Arabian Sea. It forms a part of the coastal belt of Gujarat, which has a significant influence on the local economy and culture.

Also read: Bhavnagar to Dwarka Train Journey 2025: Complete Travel Guide with Train Timings, Bus Options, and Ticket Prices

Geographical Coordinates

• Latitude: 21.89°N to 22.31°N
• Longitude: 69.33°E to 69.71°E

Boundaries

• North & East: Jamnagar District
• South: Porbandar District
• West: Arabian Sea

The district’s terrain is a mix of flat coastal plains, dry lands, and fertile agricultural fields. The climate is mostly dry but moderate due to sea winds.

Administrative Divisions of Devbhumi Dwarka

The district is divided into two subdivisions and four talukas for effective governance.

1. Khambhaliya (Jamkhambhaliya) Subdivision

• Khambhaliya Taluka
• Bhanvad Taluka

2. Dwarka Subdivision

• Kalyanpur Taluka
• Okhamandal Taluka

There are 249 villages and 6 municipalities in the entire district. The District Collector’s office is located in Khambhaliya, which acts as the main administrative and commercial hub.

Population and Language

According to the 2011 Census (before the district split), the total population of the region that now forms Devbhumi Dwarka was around 752,484.

Demographics Overview

• Rural Population: Around 70%
• Urban Population: Around 30%
• Major Religion: Hinduism
• Official Language: Gujarati
• Commonly Spoken Languages: Gujarati, Hindi, and Kutchi

People here follow traditional Gujarati lifestyles, with deep faith in spirituality and simple living.

Also read: Bet Dwarka Bridge: A Historic Connection Between Faith and Modern India

Economy of Devbhumi Dwarka

The economy of Devbhumi Dwarka is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, salt production, and tourism.

1. Agriculture

The district has fertile soil in several parts, suitable for growing groundnuts, cotton, bajra, jowar, and pulses. Irrigation facilities depend on monsoon rains and underground water sources.

2. Fisheries

Being located along the Arabian Sea, fishing is a major occupation. The Okha coast is one of Gujarat’s most active fishing zones. Fresh fish, prawns, and dry fish are exported to various parts of India.

3. Salt Production

The coastal areas near Mithapur and Okha are famous for salt pans and chemical industries. The Tata Chemicals plant at Mithapur is one of the largest producers of soda ash in India.

4. Tourism

Religious and coastal tourism play a vital role in the district’s economy. Dwarka, being a part of the Char Dham, attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. Beach tourism and eco-tourism are also developing rapidly.

Tourist Attractions in Devbhumi Dwarka

Devbhumi Dwarka is one of the most visited districts in Gujarat due to its blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some must-visit places:

1. Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir)

The iconic Dwarkadhish Temple is the heart of Devbhumi Dwarka. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as the “King of Dwarka.” The temple is over 2,500 years old and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit along with Badrinath, Puri, and Rameshwaram.

The temple’s five-story structure, built of limestone and sand, stands majestically on the Gomti River. Every day, thousands of devotees visit to seek blessings.

2. Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Located about 17 km from Dwarka city, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. The massive 25-meter-tall statue of Lord Shiva and the peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit spiritual site.

3. Rukmini Devi Temple

Dedicated to Rukmini Devi, the consort of Lord Krishna, this temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. It is believed that a visit to Dwarka is incomplete without worshipping Goddess Rukmini.

4. Bet Dwarka Island

Bet Dwarka, also known as Shankhodhar Island, is located 30 km from the main Dwarka city and is accessible by boat. It is believed to be the original residence of Lord Krishna. The island also has several temples, including those dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Hanuman, and Lakshmi.

5. Okha Port and Lighthouse

Okha is an important port town located at the western tip of the Saurashtra peninsula. It serves as a gateway to Bet Dwarka. The Okha Lighthouse offers mesmerizing sunset views over the Arabian Sea.

6. Gopi Talav

A serene pond located near Dwarka, it is believed that the Gopis of Vrindavan met Lord Krishna here. The soil of this pond, called Gopi Chandan, is considered very sacred.

7. Beyt Dwarka Marine Sanctuary

This marine sanctuary is home to coral reefs, dolphins, sea turtles, and rare marine plants. It is Gujarat’s first marine sanctuary, offering a unique experience for eco-tourism lovers.

8. Mithapur

Famous for the Tata Chemicals industrial plant, Mithapur is also known for its scenic salt fields and local marine ecosystem.

Culture and Traditions

Devbhumi Dwarka is rich in Gujarati traditions, folk dances, music, and festivals. The local people are known for their hospitality, colorful attire, and devotion.

Major Festivals

• Janmashtami: Celebrated with great devotion as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkadhish Temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and thousands of devotees visit for darshan.
• Diwali and Navratri: These festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm, traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas, and local fairs.
• Holi and Makar Sankranti: Popular among youth, marked by kites, colors, and community celebrations.

Transportation and Connectivity

Devbhumi Dwarka is well connected by road, rail, and air.

By Road

• National Highway 947 and State Highways connect Dwarka with Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Ahmedabad.
• Regular state and private buses operate from all major cities.

By Rail

• Dwarka Railway Station and Khambhaliya Railway Station are on the broad-gauge line connecting major cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Mumbai.

By Air

• The nearest airport is Jamnagar Airport (130 km), which connects to Mumbai and other Indian cities.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

The district has a tropical coastal climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are pleasant.

• Summer (March–June): 28°C to 38°C
• Monsoon (July–September): Moderate rainfall
• Winter (October–February): 15°C to 28°C

The best time to visit Devbhumi Dwarka is from October to February, when the weather is cool and ideal for temple visits and sightseeing.

Education and Development

The district has seen gradual development in education, tourism, and infrastructure. Several schools, colleges, and training centers operate under the Gujarat Education Board.

The government has also initiated projects to promote eco-tourism, marine conservation, and renewable energy along the coast.

Modern Significance and Future Growth

Devbhumi Dwarka is now emerging as a model coastal district combining spirituality with sustainable growth. The Gujarat government continues to invest in:

• Tourism infrastructure
• Road and port development
• Heritage conservation
• Blue economy initiatives

With better connectivity and rising tourism, Dwarka’s economy is expected to grow steadily while maintaining its cultural roots.

Also read: President Droupadi Murmu Dwarkadhish Darshan: Offered Prayers in Dwarka with Her Daughter During Three-Day Gujarat Visit 2025

Conclusion: The Eternal City of Faith and Peace

Devbhumi Dwarka is not just a geographical location — it is a symbol of India’s spiritual legacy and cultural pride. From the ancient temples of Lord Krishna to the calm beaches and marine life, the district offers an unforgettable blend of divinity, nature, and tradition.

For every devotee and traveler, a journey to Devbhumi Dwarka is a journey within — to rediscover peace, devotion, and the timeless story of Lord Krishna’s kingdom.