A TASTE OF DEVOTION: NATHDWARA – 2026

Must-Visit Places Near Udaipur in 2026 – Spot #3

Okay, let’s be honest, no trip in India feels complete without a hint of spirituality, right? How many of you agree? (Raise your hands!) So, for my final recommendation to round off your Udaipur itinerary, I’m taking you to a place that adds just the right spiritual touch to your journey.

Nathdwara

Nathdwara is a small town nestled amidst the beautiful Aravalli Hills in Rajasthan. Nath is another name for Krishna—the Hindu god—and Dwara means gateway. So, Nathdwara literally translates to “Gateway to the Lord.” The town is most famous for the revered Shrinathji Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

One of my newly made friends took me there, and I quickly realized it was more than just a temple. After crossing a bustling lane lined with shops on both sides, the huge temple structure finally came into view. The premises are usually so crowded that you hardly notice the entrance itself. To the left of the gate, there’s a designated area to leave your shoes, and nearby, another counter to deposit your phones for a minimal fee.

Being such a popular pilgrimage site, the temple gets so crowded that you don’t really need to walk, just stand still, and the crowd will almost carry you along through the different shrines inside. Since we visited during the Holi season (a festival closely associated with Lord Krishna), the premises were absolutely jam-packed. Still, we managed to explore the entire complex in about 15–20 minutes.

At the center of the temple courtyard, there was a large open passage where preparations were underway for a drama performance depicting the stories of Lord Krishna.

Tip: Beware of people who claim they can take you directly to the main temple if you pay them. It’s a common scam around the premises, don’t fall prey to it! Just follow the regular entry process and that should be fine.

Things to Do in Nathdwara

Market Hopping in Nathdwara

Not lying, don’t judge the shops by their appearance! If you’re up for some market hopping, you’ll find a huge variety of traditional Indian clothing, from beautifully styled Rajasthani lehengas to kurtis and suits. The markets are also full of imitation jewelry, with stunning jhumkas, kadas, and necklaces available at dirt-cheap prices. Almost all shops are open to bargaining, you just need a little patience to dig out the gems from the heaps of options.

Street Food You Can’t Miss
OMG! No matter how much I rave about the food in Nathdwara, it still won’t do it justice. Right after exiting the temple, we spotted a street vendor selling chai made with mint leaves and ginger and trust me, it was heaven-sent after navigating through all that crowd and chaos.
There are tons of options if you’re looking to try authentic street food blending Rajasthani and Gujarati flavors.

My personal must-tries:

• Badam ka Halwa
• Fafda with Pudina Chutney
• Coconut Chutney
• Adrak wali Chai

Mouthwatering, I tell you!

Visit the Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)
Okay, so you actually get to see this statue right from the highway, it’s that massive! It’s a huge, illuminated statue of Lord Shiva, and when I first caught a glimpse of it, I was so awestruck that my heart skipped a beat.
When I visited, the premises were still in their developing stage. What I don’t like now, though, is that they’re allowing visitors to climb up the statue. I mean… respect, where?
But honestly, that doesn’t make the statue any less breathtaking, it’s still one of the most striking sights you’ll ever see.

Ways to Visit Nathdwara

Nathdwara is about 50 km from Udaipur and is easily accessible. You’ll find plenty of local and private buses from Udaipur running at different times for your convenience. You can check the timings, boarding, and dropping points on the Redbus app.

Alternatively, you can book a private cab, which usually costs under ₹2000 for a round trip.

Darshan Timings

• Morning Darshan: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
• Evening Darshan: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

My Take

Nathdwara is a must-visit half-day destination from Udaipur if you want to add a spiritual vibe to your trip. It beautifully balances your itinerary with a mix of flavors—offering a glimpse of Rajasthani culture, authentic food, and soul-soothing rituals that give your journey that perfect touch of Rajasthan.