By Murli Menon
For many, Holi is a festival of vibrant powders and spirited gatherings, but for the discerning traveler seeking a deeper connection with nature and spirit, there is no place like Dwarka in Gujarat. Situated on the westernmost tip of India, this historic town is where the last rays of the sun grace the Indian subcontinent, creating a sunset so profound it remains etched in the mind long after the journey ends.
Beyond its immense religious significance, Dwarka is a hidden treasure of natural beauty waiting to be discovered by those willing to make the trek to the edge of the world.
The journey to the western edge
Dwarka is a quaint village located approximately a 10-hour drive from Ahmedabad. The route takes one through the heart of Gujarat, passing through the bustling hubs of Rajkot and Jamnagar. As one approaches the coast, the landscape transforms.
The drive between Jamnagar and Dwarka hugs the coastline, where low humidity and a constant, refreshing cool breeze make for a memorable experience. Indeed, coastal Gujarat is recognized as one of the windiest regions globally, providing a natural air-conditioning that revives the weary traveler.
A canvas of natural wonders
Holi at Dwarka is a sensory masterpiece. The picturesque beaches, golden sands, and azure sea meet surf-rimmed waves to complete a colorful scene that rivals any festival. One of the most enchanting features of the town is the Gomti River. The river here is shallow and gentle, as the incoming sea smothers the river’s current.
One of the most enchanting features of the town is the Gomti River.
Visitors can easily wade across the Gomti—where the water rarely reaches above the knee—to reach scattered river islands. These islands serve as a sanctuary for numerous species of large waterbirds, including cranes, flamingos, and seagulls. For those looking to escape the exuberant Holi crowds, waking before sunrise to meditate on these isolated islands offers a divine, tranquil experience.
"Watching the last rays of the sun touch the westernmost point of our country is as picturesque as watching the first rays of the sun touch the easternmost point of Thailand at Khong Chiam."
Miracles and marine life
The town is designed around the majestic Dwarka temple, which serves as its nucleus. Remarkably, almost every point of natural interest—the Gomti River, the sunset point, the beach, and the river islands—is located within a one-kilometer radius of the town center.
The area is also home to what many consider a local miracle: a floating rock that defies gravity, drifting on the water like thermocol despite weighing over a kilogram. A walk through the crystal-clear waters of the Gomti reveals schools of fish swimming in synchronicity, while the shorelines are dotted with various species of crabs washed in by the relentless, rhythmic waves.
The floating sandstone miracle at the Dwarkadheesh Temple.
The crimson finale
As evening approaches, the "magnet" of Dwarka draws everyone to the tiny hillock overlooking the sea. From this vantage point, the view is a riot of primary colors: azure waters, rust-colored rocks, and a spotless light blue sky that eventually gives way to a spectacular crimson sunset. Having recently returned from travels through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, I found that the changing colors of Dwarka provide an ideal backdrop for reflection during the three days leading up to Holi.
Flavors of Saurashtra
No visit to this region is complete without indulging in the staple cuisine of Saurashtra. Before departing, ensure you sample the local fare, which typically includes:
For those seeking familiar snacks, make-shift stalls throughout the village offer handvo, dabeli, khaman, and dhoklas, while roadside dhabas serve traditional Kathiawari vegetarian meals all along the highway back to Ahmedabad. Dwarka remains a once-in-a-lifetime experience, leaving its "indelible imprints" on every traveller who seeks the sun at the edge of the sea.
(Murli Menon is the author of ZeNLP books and conducts storytelling workshops based on his works on eschatology. He can be reached at [email protected])
(All photos clicked by the author)
