Dakor is a small municipality in Kheda district, central Gujarat, and it is known for one reason: the Ranchhodraiji Temple, where Krishna is worshipped as Ranchhodrai. Everything else in town, from the lake to the bazaar to the lodging, is arranged around it. Come expecting a devotional town rather than a sightseeing city, and the visit makes sense.
The present temple was begun in 1769–70 and stands inside fort-like walls beside Gomti lake. The legend that explains the town says a devotee named Bodana brought the image from Dwarka, hid it in the lake from pursuing priests, and that Dakor's pilgrimage grew from that story. Before Krishna, the town was known for a Shiva shrine, Dankanath, and its old name was Dankpur.
The temple follows the Pushtimarg pattern of eight daily darshans, and the town is busiest on full-moon days, when pilgrims walk in from far away and the numbers can pass a lakh at the larger festivals. Annakut, the day after Diwali, is the most distinctive annual event. A weekday outside Purnima is far gentler on queues.
Dakor is easy to fit into a day from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand or Nadiad, but a night here lets you see the early darshan and the lake in quieter light. For elders, plan around crowds, floor heat and the steps to the sanctum, and confirm timings with the trust before you travel.
Before you plan
Dakor at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is most comfortableNovember to February is most comfortable; avoid April to June heat and the July–August monsoon. Purnima days are very crowded in any month.
- Ideal trip length
- A day trip covers the templeA day trip covers the temple, lake and bazaar; stay one night for early darshan and a slower pace
- Airport
- VadodaraVadodara (BDQ), about 78 km away; Ahmedabad (AMD) is about 90 km, with more flights (distances per Kheda district tourism)
- Railway station
- Dakor station is on a Western…Dakor station is on a Western Railway MEMU line; Nadiad (about 35 km) and Anand (about 43 km by road) are the main railheads
- Getting around
- The templeThe temple, lake and bazaar are walkable together; hire a car for Galteshwar and day trips
- Daily budget
- Modest for a pilgrim town: spending…Modest for a pilgrim town: spending is mostly transport, food and offerings; costs vary widely with car hire and lodging
- Senior comfort
- Manageable on a quiet weekdayManageable on a quiet weekday; hard on Purnima, Ekadashi and festival days because of queues, crowds and steps
- Language
- GujaratiGujarati; Hindi is widely understood around the temple
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Dakor: January, February, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Dakor itinerary
One good day
1 day in Dakor
Reach Dakor early for the first morning darshan, leaving footwear and bags in the cloakrooms and agreeing a meeting point outside. After darshan, walk to Gomti lake and Tula ka Sthan for the view of the temple and the legend. Visit the Dankanath Mahadev temples nearby, then have gota and a sweet at a busy shop. Browse the temple bazaar for puja items. If the midday closure is in force, rest and have lunch, then return in the late afternoon for the quieter evening atmosphere.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Dakor
Arrive in the afternoon, check in and rest. In the evening, have darshan if timings allow, then sit on the lake promenade for the view of the lit temple. Visit Gomti ghat and Tula ka Sthan, then have a simple dinner nearby.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Dakor
Check in, rest, then walk to Gomti lake in the late afternoon. Visit Tula ka Sthan and the ghat, and have darshan in the evening if the hours allow.
Day-by-day plan →
