Shrinathji Temple: A Journey To A Holy Shrine In Rajasthan

Majestic brown columns of Shrinathji temple highlighting stunning architectural elegance.

The Shrinathji temple, in Nathdwara close to Udaipur, Rajasthan, is among the popular pilgrimages. The idol of Shrinathji has divine charm and a miraculous history, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists from any part of the world. This was built specifically for Lord Krishna in his child form. Shore temples, with their elaborate rituals, beautiful architecture, and rich history, have evolved into one of the most iconic religious sites in India. In this article, we take you on a journey to find all the information you need for your next visit to this mesmerising temple.

Location

Majestic facade of Shrinathji Temple, reflecting rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

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It is in Nathdwara town, 48 kilometres north of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The temple is nestled amidst the Aravalli hills, offering it not only a peaceful environment but also a scenic backdrop. Nathdwara represents spirituality due to the Shrinathji temple, which is there. Located on the banks of Banas River, from the city of Udaipur, being the nearest major city and tourist transit point, it is pretty easy to reach this temple.

How To Reach

Intricate facade of Shrinathji Temple, showing traditional beauty and fine craftsmanship.

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By Air: The nearest airport to the Shrinathji temple is the Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur. It is around 60 kilometres away from the temple. Taxis and buses are available at the airport to reach the temple.

By Bus: There are regular bus services between Udaipur and Nathdwara. RSRTC and private operators run buses between the two places, which takes approximately 1-1.5 hours by road. Choices are available as both AC and non-AC buses ply the route, the journey being scenic through the pictorially beautiful Aravalli Range.

By Rail: The closest railway station to the Shrinathji temple is Mavli Junction, which is about 28 kilometres away from Nathdwara. Another option for travel by train is the Udaipur Railway Station, which is about 48 kilometres away. At stations, you can hire a taxi or board a local bus to reach Nathdwara.

Places To Visit In And Around Shrinathji Temple

When visiting the Shrinathji temple, several other fascinating places around Nathdwara offer a blend of spirituality, history, and culture. Here are five must-visit spots near the Shrinathji temple.

1. Eklingji Temple

Playful squirrel amidst an ancient temple, a famous place near Shrinathji Temple.

Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons

It is set at a distance of 22 km from Udaipur. One of the most important temples in Rajasthan, Eklingji Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The complex is an interesting architecture comprising 108 small temples within its premises. The marble and granite work in the temple is brilliant, with its intriguingly carved idols and shrines. It houses a four-faced idol of Lord Shiva that expresses the all-pervasive existence of the god along with his strength. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills amidst sceneries, it offers a calm environment for meditation and praying.

Timings: 4:15 AM – 7:45 PM
Entry Fee: Free

2. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort stands majestically in Mewar, the best place near Shrinathji Temple.

Photo: Rohanguj2 / Wikimedia Commons

Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lying about 80 kilometres from Nathdwara. It is moderately famous for its elongated major walls that run along a length of 36 kilometres, constituting the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. This fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and stands as testimony to the architectural grandness of the Mewar dynasty. The light and sound show held here in the evening is among the most sought-after events.

Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners

3. Haldighati

Haldighati Museum showcases rich history, a popular destination near Shrinathji Temple.

Photo: Venkatarangan / Wikimedia Commons

Haldighati is about 40 km from Nathdwara, and it primarily represents an important historical site because of the battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal emperor Akbar in the year 1576. The pass was named so because of the yellow-coloured soil found here, thus giving it the name of turmeric or ‘haldi’ as called in Hindi. At the Maharana Pratap Museum, tourists can get an entertaining summary of this battle with exhibits such as models, paintings, and a sound and light show. Chetak Smarak, located nearby, is a memorial to the memory of Maharana Pratap’s gallant horse, Chetak, which played the most important role in the battle.

Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free

4. Dwarkadheesh Temple, Kankroli

Golden Hour casts on temple buildings, a tourist attraction near Shrinathji Temple.

Photo: Glavo / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Yet another important Krishna temple is the Dwarkadheesh Temple, which lies 18 kilometres from Nathdwara. Situated in the town of Kankroli, the place is among the major shrines of Lord Krishna for conservatives of the Vaishnavite sect. The surroundings of the Rajsamand Lake offer a tranquil ambience to the temple. The temple’s architecture is simple yet beautiful, and the idol of Lord Krishna looks much like Dwarka’s Dwarkadheesh temple. Generally, after offering prayers, visitors take a peaceful boat ride on the lake.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free

5. Charbhuja Temple

Exquisite carved idol of Lord Krishna, showcasing divine artistry at Charbhuja Temple.

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

It is 50 km from Nathdwara at village Garhbor and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple may be older than 5,000 years and is among the ancient pilgrimages. Architecture in itself is a specimen of the traditional Rajputana style. Its doors are enamelled in marble, silver, and gold, which are intricately carved. It is the idol of Lord Vishnu with four arms that is popularly known as Charbhuja, which attracts thousands of devotees. The people have huge celebrations here during festivals starting from Janmashtami to Diwali, representing their highlyвар(Conv) cultural backgrounds.

Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Where To Stay

Stylish upholstered bed beside an elegant cabinet, perfect for cosy bedroom vibes.

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Nathdwara offers several accommodations for all budgets, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Popular options near the Shrinathji temple include Shreeji Resort and Vallabh Darshan Hotel. These hotels provide clean rooms, traditional Rajasthani hospitality, and proximity to the temple, ensuring a comfortable stay during your spiritual journey.

Where To Eat

A mouth-watering view of a plate served with 2 fried samosas and green leafs on the side.

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For food lovers, Nathdwara offers a variety of traditional Rajasthani cuisine. Popular dining spots near the Shrinathji temple include Rasoi Restaurant and Neelam Dining Hall, where you can savour authentic vegetarian dishes like dal bati churma and gatte ki sabzi. These eateries provide simple yet delicious meals at affordable prices, perfect for a quick bite after your temple visit.

Best Time To Visit

A charming view of the entrance of the holy Shrinathji Temple, a serene gem in Udaipur.

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The best time to visit Shrinathji temple is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and temperatures range between 10°C to 25°C. This season is ideal for exploring the temple and nearby attractions without the discomfort of scorching heat. Additionally, festivals like Janmashtami and Diwali are celebrated with grandeur at the temple, making these months even more special for a visit.

Other Factors To Consider

A close-up shot of a pen and paper sitting on a flat surface during the daytime.

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Average Cost Of Trip

The trip cost to Shrinathji temple largely depends on your mode of transport and accommodation choices. A budget trip, including transportation, lodging, and meals, can range from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 5,000 per person for a two-day visit. For those opting for luxury accommodations and private transport, the cost may rise to ₹ 10,000 per person or more.

Tips For Travellers

  • As Shrinathji temple is a place of worship, it is important to dress conservatively.
  • Photography is prohibited inside the temple, so leave your camera at your hotel or keep it in your bag.
  • The temple follows a specific darshan schedule, so plan your visit according to the Shrinathji temple timings.
  • If you plan to visit during the festival season, book your accommodation and travel well in advance.
  • Respect local customs and follow the instructions provided by temple authorities during your visit.

The spiritual haven of Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara presents a perfect blend of devotion, history, and culture. Beautifully located, it has nearby attractions and rich traditions- it is a destination that should find a place in the list of each and every traveller. Book your tour with us, TripXL, now to experience spiritual awakening, coupled with exploration, at this iconic temple!

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The Shrinathji temple was established in the 17th century when the idol of Lord Shrinathji was moved from Govardhan Hill in Mathura to protect it from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's rule.
Yes, major festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, and Annakut are celebrated with grandeur at the temple. Special prayers and ceremonies attract a large number of devotees during these occasions.
Nathdwara is famous for its Pichwai paintings, which depict scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. Several shops near the temple sell these artworks, along with traditional Rajasthani handicrafts and religious souvenirs.
While Nathdwara is primarily a spiritual destination, adventure seekers can explore activities like trekking and nature walks in the nearby Aravalli Hills. The scenic Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also close by for nature enthusiasts.
Yes, visitors can witness seven daily 'darshans' (viewings) of Lord Shrinathji, each with unique rituals and offerings. The most notable is the Mangala Aarti in the early morning, where devotees gather in large numbers.

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