NATHADWARA Location : About 48kms from Udaipur, Rajasthan Famous For : Temple of Lord Shri Nathji. Other Atractions : Annakuta festival, Rajasmand Lake and Pichhwai paintings. Best Time To Visit : September to April

Shrinathji Temple - Nathdwara

Rural Charms Dausa Dundlod Shekhawati

Churu Bundi Deeg Dungarpur

Barmer Dholpur Galta

Nathdwara - The Place Where God Wanted To Stay

A perfect single day excursion from the Lake City of Udaipur, take up a Nathdwara tourism, which is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage destinations of India, enshrining Krishna as Shri Nathji. Tourists can drive the rippleless 48 km from Udaipur to reach the 'Gateway to the Lord' (Nath: Lord and Dwara: Gateway). This famous Vaishnav shrine was built in the 17th century, on the spot defined by the Lord himself. Life in this frivolous town revolves around the Haveli of Shrinathji (as the temple is called by the Pushtimarg Vaishnavists). Set amidst idyllic hills, travel to Nathdwara that soothes both the sight and the soul of every traveller who comes here.

Hallowed Be Thy Name - Nathdwara Village Attractions

The main attractions of Nathdwara travel is better known as the Apollo of Mewar, the sacred shrine at Nathdwara attracts thousands of devotees from every pockets of the country. The legends have it that the image of Lord Krishna was being transferred to a safer place from Govardhan, near Mathura, to shield it from the destructive impulses of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi. The image when it reached the spot, the gateaway vehicle, a bullock cart, sank deep into the mud upto the axels and refused to move any further. A temple was then built with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at Nathdwara. The image is made with the left hand raised and the right hand closed in a fist and resting on the hip of the Lord. His followers worship him both as Shri Radhanath (Lord of Radha) and as the mischievous child God, Gopal. 'Purohits' treat the image like a delicate child - getting it up in the morning, wahing it with rose water, puting its clothes on, offering it specially prepared meals and later putting it down to sleep. There is an interesting story is related to the deity of Shri Nathji that forms the basis of the temple ritual. Plan a trip to Nathdwara where it is said that, once the Lord had torn his clothes while hurrying back to the temple to be on time for the prayers. Henceforth, it is a custom to first blow the conch and then wait for a few minutes before opening the altar doors, so that the Lord can return comfortably without any hurry. The famous Nathdwara temple in India is an ideal pilgrim destinations.

Just one Journey to get an Experience of many lifetimes. Major temple attractions of this unique temple is that, this holy pad is the home of 500 cows, amongst which one is honoured of being Lord Srinathji's cow. Enjoy the village attractions of Rajastha by taking up a holiday in Nathdwara. A peculiar recordbook is maintained which traces the whole generation of this lucky bovine. Plan a vacation trip to Nathdwara in November, during the Annakuta festival. Held on a day before the Diwali, this festival is simply a continuation of the traditional worship of the Govardhana Hill, but is celebrated with much charm and enthusiam. A counterpart of the holy hill is made with 2,500kg of rice, which is offered to the deity of Shri Nathji. One can drive 66 km to reach the picturesque Rajasmand Lake, thanks to a dam constructed by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660. Walk along the huge 'bund' (embankment) and you will be amazed to see many ornate arches and exquisitely carved 'chhatris', adding to the charm of this place. Visit the markets and look for the speciality of Nathdwara, the 'Pichhwai' paintings. Figuratively, Pichhwai means 'something at the back' and portrays Lord Krishna in different moods and costumes depending on the occassion. Get a few of these marvellous works of art, eco-friendly (made from vegetable colours) to nature and soul-friendly to mankind. Pack Your Bags The best place to have a day-trip to Nathdwara village is from Udaipur, which is around 1 1/2 hour drive from the Blue City towards north. One can also hire a private taxi or get into RSRTC buses from the Dabok Airport in Udaipur (48kms). A steady stream of pilgrims, from all over the world, have ensured a plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathadwara to visit the famous Nathdwara temple.