Beyt Island, is also known as Bet Dwarka or Shankodhar. is a small island located 30 km from the main town of Dwarka.
It has white sand beaches, coral reefs, and exciting activities like dolphin spotting, marine excursions, beach camping, and picnics, but it also holds significant mythological and religious significance.
Legend has it that Lord Krishna himself once called this island home and even exchanged the famous bag of rice with his best friend Sudama here.
The island’s name, Beyt, means a land surrounded by water on all sides in Gujrati, and some people believe that the island is conch-shaped, hence its other name, Shankodhar. Plus, archaeological remains suggest that the Harappan civilization settled here during the Late Harappan Period, and there have been discoveries of earthen pots, coins, and other artifacts dating back to 1500 BC.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, try marine camping. It’s a relatively new concept where volunteers stay on the shore for a few days, studying marine biodiversity and interacting with the locals. You’ll get to see sponges, jellyfish, corals, mollusks, sea turtles, crabs, and many other creatures. But be sure to plan your boat ride and temple visits accordingly, as the boats only operate from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and all temples are closed from noon to 5:00 PM.
And finally, a quick tip: bring your own food or check out the few decent places to eat on the island.