Is it allowed for a citizen to see the lost city of Dwarka underwater?

Yes, a citizen can see the underwater remains of the lost city of Dwarka, but not directly by themselves. The submerged ruins are under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), which means ordinary people cannot dive into the site freely. However, there are ways for citizens and tourists to explore or experience it.

🔹 The Lost City of Dwarka – Background

Dwarka, located in Gujarat (India), is one of the seven most ancient cities (Sapta Puri) in Hindu tradition. According to legends, Lord Krishna’s kingdom was here, and parts of the city submerged into the Arabian Sea. Archaeological explorations by ASI and NIO in the 1980s–2000s revealed stone structures, walls, and artifacts underwater, which are believed to be over 3,000 years old.

🔹 Can you see it as a tourist?

1. Scuba Diving in Dwarka:

   • The Gujarat Tourism Department promotes scuba diving in Chhota Dwarka (Bet Dwarka).

   • Tour operators provide scuba packages where trained divers guide tourists.

   • You can see underwater rock formations, ruins, and marine life, though the exact archaeological excavation areas are restricted.

2. Government Restrictions:

   • The ASI protects the official underwater archaeological zones. Unauthorized diving into those areas is not allowed.

   • Tourists are only shown the permitted dive spots, often close to the coast.

3. Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch:

   • Nearby, there’s a Marine National Park where visitors can also take boat rides, glass-bottom boats, or diving trips to witness coral reefs and submerged ruins.

🔹 How to experience Dwarka’s underwater heritage?

✅ Option 1: Book a scuba diving package through authorized operators in Dwarka or Bet Dwarka. Prices usually range from ₹3,000–₹5,000 depending on duration and depth.
✅ Option 2: Visit the Dwarka Archaeological Museum (on land) to see artifacts recovered from underwater excavations.
✅ Option 3: Join heritage tours organized occasionally by Gujarat Tourism, which sometimes include talks or presentations about the submerged city.

🔹 Example

In 2017, Gujarat Tourism officially launched scuba diving facilities in Dwarka to let visitors explore parts of the submerged structures. While tourists cannot enter the “sensitive excavation sites,” they can still see remnants of walls and stone formations believed to be linked with the ancient city.

Yes, citizens and tourists can experience the underwater Dwarka, but only through authorized diving experiences and tours. You won’t be allowed to freely dive into the exact archaeological excavation sites since they are protected. The best way is to book a certified scuba diving package at Dwarka or Bet Dwarka, which is safe, legal, and gives you a glimpse of the legendary submerged city.

Hope this clears things up! If you plan to visit, Dwarka offers a mix of spiritual, historical, and adventurous experiences—making it one of the most unique destinations in India.