Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple, Barda Hills
Dwarka, Gujarat · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Deep in the wooded folds of the Barda Dungar — the low, green range that rises between Bhanvad, Ranavav and Porbandar in Gujarat's Saurashtra — sits Khimeshwar Mahadev, an old hill shrine to Lord Shiva that rewards the effort of reaching it. Along with the better-known Kileshwar Mahadev on the range's southern flank, Khimeshwar is one of the two ancient Shiva sanctuaries traditionally associated with these hills, and it draws a steady trickle of pilgrims and walkers rather than the dense crowds of the coastal Char Dham circuit. The setting is the appeal: a modest stone temple, a Shivalinga worshipped for generations, and a sweep of dry deciduous forest that turns emerald after the monsoon.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg Gujarati / Kathiyawadi thali restaurants near Bhanvad bus stand
- ✦Simple pure-veg bhojanalayas in Ranavav
- ✦Pure-veg thali houses in Porbandar town
About
Deep in the wooded folds of the Barda Dungar — the low, green range that rises between Bhanvad, Ranavav and Porbandar in Gujarat's Saurashtra — sits Khimeshwar Mahadev, an old hill shrine to Lord Shiva that rewards the effort of reaching it.
- Along with the better-known Kileshwar Mahadev on the range's southern flank, Khimeshwar is one of the two ancient Shiva sanctuaries traditionally associated with these hills, and it draws a steady trickle of pilgrims and walkers rather than the dense crowds of the coastal Char Dham circuit.
- The setting is the appeal: a modest stone temple, a Shivalinga worshipped for generations, and a sweep of dry deciduous forest that turns emerald after the monsoon.
- The Barda hills are protected as a wildlife sanctuary, home to nilgai, wild boar, peafowl and, by local record, a small relocated population of Asiatic lions in past decades.
- The approach to Khimeshwar is part of the experience — a gentle forest trek along cart tracks and footpaths, often shared with Maldhari herders who graze cattle in the range.
- It is best treated as a half-day outing: an early start, a walk in cool air, unhurried darshan, and time to sit by the shrine before the sun climbs.
- Because the temple lies inside sanctuary land, visitors should check current forest-department access rules and, where required, arrange permission or a local guide at Bhanvad or Ranavav before setting out.
- The temple is most alive on Mahashivratri and through the monsoon-fed months, when streams run and the hills are at their greenest; it is quiet, unticketed and simple year-round.
- There are no commercial facilities on the hill, so carry your own drinking water, and go with a companion who knows the paths.
- For food, plan to eat down in the towns rather than on the hill.
- Bhanvad, Ranavav and Porbandar all have pure-vegetarian Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali restaurants and simple bhojanalayas serving unlimited rotli, shaak, dal-bhaat, kadhi, khichdi and farsan such as dhokla and khaman.
- Many pilgrim-belt eateries here are strictly vegetarian; ask for a pure-veg Gujarati thali house near the bus stand or main bazaar.
- Pack fruit, thepla and water for the trek itself, since nothing is sold at the shrine.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Barda Dungar (Barda Hills), near Bhanvad, Devbhumi Dwarka district, Dwarka, Gujarat, 360510
How to Reach: The Barda Hills lie inland from the Porbandar–Dwarka coast. Bhanvad (in Devbhumi Dwarka district) is the nearest town on the northern side, with Ranavav and Porbandar on the south; all are reachable by state buses and taxis from Dwarka, Jamnagar and Porbandar. From the trailhead the shrine is reached on foot along forest tracks. Because Khimeshwar sits within the Barda sanctuary, confirm current forest-department access, timings and any permit requirement, and hire a local guide at Bhanvad or Ranavav — paths are unmarked and best not walked alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Khimeshwar Mahadev Temple?
It is an ancient hill shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, set inside the forested Barda Dungar range near Bhanvad in Gujarat's Saurashtra. It is one of two old Shiva sanctuaries traditionally linked to these hills, the other being Kileshwar Mahadev, and is known as a quiet trek-and-darshan spot.
How do I reach the temple and is it a trek?
Yes — reaching Khimeshwar involves a forest walk from the nearest trailhead. Bhanvad is the closest town, with Ranavav and Porbandar nearby. As it lies within the Barda wildlife sanctuary, check forest-department access rules, go with a local guide, and start early; do not walk the unmarked paths alone.
Is there an entry fee?
Darshan at the temple itself is free and unticketed. However, because it sits inside sanctuary land, forest-department rules, timings or permits may apply to entering the protected area, so confirm the current position locally before you set out.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March offers the coolest trekking weather, while the monsoon and post-monsoon months make the Barda hills lush and green. Mahashivratri is the main festival occasion, when more pilgrims make the climb.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Khimeshwar Mahadev?
There are no eateries on the hill, so plan to eat in the towns. Bhanvad, Ranavav and Porbandar all have pure-vegetarian Gujarati and Kathiyawadi thali restaurants and simple bhojanalayas serving rotli, shaak, dal, khichdi, kadhi and farsan like dhokla. Carry water, fruit and thepla for the trek itself.