Rajasthan, the royal state of India, boasts of many ancient and medieval temples, forts and monuments. Among all of these wonders, one place that stands out is the temple town of Nathdwara. Nestled close to Rajsamand city, Nathdwara is renowned for the Shrinathji Temple. This charming town is set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and lies along the banks of the Banas River. With its serene landscapes and deeply spiritual atmosphere, Nathdwara offers a refreshing sense of tranquillity and peace.
Here's what you can expect from a trip to Nathdwara this winter.
One of the most esteemed temples in the area is Shrinathji, which honours Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This Vaishnavite temple serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Vishnu devotees. Its stunning architecture, adorned with exquisite paintings and the idol's elaborate adornments, attracts many visitors. The temple experiences its highest footfall during festivals like Holi, Diwali and Janmashtami.
The temple is closely tied to Nathdwara's identity. The name "Nathdwara" translates to "Gateway to Shrinathji." Historical accounts suggest that the deity was initially venerated in Mathura before being relocated to Nathdwara in the 17th century.
When talking about the best places to visit around Nathdwara, the Eklingji Temple deserves mention. This breathtaking temple complex stands as a true architectural wonder. The tranquil surroundings of the temple not only house the main shrine dedicated to Eklingji (Lord Shiva) but also pay homage to other deities, including the Sun god and the goddess Durga.
The Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam) is the tallest Shiva statue in the world and was inaugurated on October 29, 2022.
Haldighati is where the battle between the Kingdom of Mewar and the Mughal Army was fought. Maharana Pratap and his troops fought against Akbar’s general here, and since then, the destination has had an important historical significance. Today, it houses a museum highlighting the battle and the kingdom’s achievements, which you should visit if you are in Nathdwara.
Other places to visit in Nathdwara include Ganesh Tekri, Nand Samand Dam and Charbhuja. Udaipur, which is about an hour’s drive from Nathdwara, is a beautiful city that will excite and mesmerise you with its palaces, forts, lakes and stunning sunset views.
One of the most significant festivals in Nathdwara is Janmashtami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. The entire town is adorned with decorations, and the deity is bathed and dressed in elaborate attire. Devotees engage in devotional singing, dancing and other festivities to celebrate the divine birth.
The festival of colours marks the beginning of spring. According to legend, it is also Shrinathji’s favourite festival; hence it is celebrated in Nathdwara for about 40 days, from the day of Vasant Panchami till the day of Holi.
The Annakutta festival is celebrated one day after Diwali. The priests offer 2,500 kilograms of rice to Shrinathji. In the evening, the devotees eat the rice offering as prasad (food offering).
Also known as Vijayadashami, this festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. In Nathdwara, it holds special significance as it marks the day when Vallabhacharya installed the deity of Nathdwara in the temple.
Other festivals celebrated in Nathdwara include Diwali, Nand Mahotsav, Sharad Poornima, Vasant Panchami, Yamuna Dashami and the Rath Yatra.
In Nathdwara, every meal is a celebration of tradition, spirituality and community. As you relish the delectable offerings, you become a part of the town’s rich heritage. From mouth-watering sweets and Rajasthani-thali experiences to savoury delights and tea-time temptations, the flavours linger on.
The prasad at the Shrinathji Temple holds a special place in the hearts and palates of visitors. The blessed food adds a divine touch to the dining experience.
Nathdwara’s streets come alive with an array of street food options. One must try the mirchi bada, makhaniya lassi, thandai, rabdi, poha, dhokla, masala milk and sabudana vada here.
Nathdwara is not only famous for its spiritual significance but also for its vibrant shopping scene. The town is renowned for its intricate wooden and marble handicrafts, pottery and ceramics, exquisite artworks and jewellery, handwoven textiles, and traditional items that reflect the rich culture and heritage of the region.
There are several options for accommodations in Nathdwara. These include hotels, resorts, guesthouses, homestays, cottages and dharamshalas (rest houses for pilgrims). Choose from The Sky Imperial Hotel, Hotel Gokul Inn, the Hotel Vrinda and the Radhika Palace. Dharamshalas managed by the Nathdwara Temple Board include the Delhi Wali Dharamshala, the Delwara Wali Dharamshala, the Daya Bhawan Dharamshala, the Keshav Bhawan Dharamshala and the Laxmi Niwas Dharamshala, to name a few.
By Air: The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur, about 58 kilometres away. You can book a cab or hail a bus from there to reach the destination.
By Rail: The closest railway stations are Udaipur (UDZ) and Chittaurgarh (COR).
By Road: The town is well-connected by road to major cities around. The distance between Udaipur and Nathdwara is about 48 kilometres.
The winter months from October to February are generally considered the best time to visit Nathdwara. The weather during this period is pleasant and mild, making it an ideal time to explore the town and its attractions. The temperatures range from around 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), creating a comfortable atmosphere for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
However, visiting during the off-peak summer months can also be an option if you prefer fewer crowds and are prepared to handle the heat.