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Okha Port Dwarka

Gujarat is a land of dazzling diversity known for its treasures that attract tourists from all over the globe. This includes the coastal town of Okha where many hidden gems are to be found. Okha is a flourishing port on the shore of the Arabian Sea and the gateway to the famous Bet Dwarka island, the home of the Lord Krishna Temple, located a mere 30km from Okha Port. The coastal town boasts of a beautiful beach and is well connected with major cities in Gujarat. Vacationers tired of crowded beach destinations will find Okha the ideal alternative to relax in a peaceful environment. The town is blessed with a salubrious and invigorating climate, which makes it the perfect place for a vacation. The Okha Port jetty is from where millions of pilgrims take a ferry to the temple in Dwarka, the island that many believe is where Lord Krishna established his kingdom.

Okha is a paradise for marine lovers and is surrounded of numerous small islands and natural coral reefs worth exploring. One of the major attractions is the dolphins, which are found in their natural habitat. The historical port is also an important operational command center for the Indian Navy, coastguards, customs and marine police. Apart from Bet Dwarka, some of the other major attractions are the Shri Keshavraiji Temple, and Gomati Ghat Temples on the banks of the River Gomti.

History

Okha has a rich history that makes the conch-shell shaped island one of the most visited places and important religious destination for many Indians. Its rich history and cultural heritage dates back many centuries. Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna, which is mentioned in the Mahabharata. While the ancient city was submerged by the sea several times, archeologists have discovered many interesting remains during underwater excavations. The original inhabitants of the region were known as Kabas, Modas, and Kalas. Vaghers, the Hindu caste, are believed to be descendants of the Kabas. Okha port was constructed by the Royal Indian Marine around 1922 and was operational from October 1925 after a formal opening by the Maharaja of Baroda, Shri Sayaji Rao Gaikwad.

Okha Port Attractions

Bet Dwarka

The small island of Bet Dwarka lies 32km from the Okha port jetty and is said to be the original kingdom of Lord Krishna. The island is the ideal place to spot dolphins and for marine excursions, camping and picnicking.

Shri Keshavraiji Temple

Located on the famous temple island of Bet Dwarka, 30km from Okha port is the Shri Keshavraiji Temple dedicated to Lord Shir Keshavraiji. This temple is one of the most important sites for Hindu pilgrims especially for pushkarna Brahmin devotees. There is a register maintained at the temple of all pushkarna devotees for over two and a half centuries. Bet Dwarka can be reached by ferry from Okha port.

Gomati Ghat Temples

The banks of the River Gomti are home to numerous temples and smaller shrines of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. These temples have attracted millions of pilgrims for over a century. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most historically significant temples in the area. A boat ride across the river is the best way to enjoy magnificent vistas of Dwarka.

Museum

Okha is home to a museum on marine life located at the Institute of Marine Biology. Guided tours of the museum are available for a better understanding of the region’s marine life. The museum features live as well as preserved and fossilized specimens of marine flora and fauna.

How to Reach Okha

Okha is one of the busiest ports in Gujarat and is well connected by road, rail, and air. State Highway (SH-6A) is the major road link while there is a broad gauge rail link along the coastline. The nearest airport is located 105km away in Jamnagar.

By Train

The Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line connects the town with Jamnagar, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Some train services extend right along the coastline through Vadidara, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The economy class fare for a trip from Mumbai to Okha by train costs around Rs. 400.

By Air

Jamnagar is the nearest airport located 175km from Okha. The airport services the major domestic carriers in India that operate between Jamnagar and other major cities across the country. The economy fare between Mumbai and Jamnagar costs approximately Rs. 3600.

By Bus

Gujarat State Road Transport air conditioned and non air conditioned buses are available from the town of Okha to other major cities in Gujarat including Surat and Ahmedabad. The State Highway SH-6A and National Highway NH-8E are the major road links that connect all over the state and the country.

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Okha Port Dwarka
Okha Port Dwarka
Okha Port Dwarka
Okha Port Dwarka
Okha Port Dwarka
Okha Port Dwarka

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