Nathdwara, a town situated in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, is famous for its culture, extensive history, and spiritual importance. Known primarily for the famous Shrinathji Temple, there are a lot of things to do in Nathdwara offering a deeper connection with its culture and traditions. However, this quaint town has so much more to offer than just religious experiences, from unique handicrafts to beautiful nature spots. If you’re planning a visit to Nathdwara, here are 10 interesting activities that guarantee an enriching experience for everyone.
Top 10 Things To Do In Nathdwara
Let’s discover the cultural, religious, and artistic treasures of this place through these interesting things to do in Nathdwara for a complete and exciting experience.
1. Seek Blessings At Shrinathji Temple
Photo: Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
If you’re looking for things to do in Nathdwara, no trip is complete without visiting the famous Shrinathji Temple. It is a holy pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple holds great value for Vaishnavites, and the idol of Lord Krishna as a young boy attracts devotees from all over the world. The temple has a rather distinct ritual schedule, with multiple “darshans” (viewings) throughout the day. Here, you can observe the passion and enthusiasm of the devotees and the traditional singing of bhajans (devotional songs).
Timings: 5:30 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Nathdwara Bazaar, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Ganesh Tekri
2. Explore Nathdwara’s Art Scene
Photo: RAMNIKLAL MODI / Shutterstock
When looking for things to do in Nathdwara, do not miss checking out its famous “Pichwai” paintings. These are finely crafted works of art that depict stories of Lord Krishna and are easily one of the best things to see in Nathdwara. You can visit local workshops to observe artisans creating these masterpieces, a craft that has been passed down through generations. While in town, grab the opportunity to buy a Pichwai painting as a souvenir, or attend workshops where you can learn more about this ancient art form.
Top Attractions: Local artisan studios, Pichwai Art Gallery, Nathdwara School of Arts
Where To Buy: Nathdwara Bazaar, Art galleries and handicraft shops near Shrinathji Temple
3. Relax At Rajsamand Lake
Relaxing amidst nature is one of the go-to things to do in Nathdwara. Just 15 kilometers from town lies the Rajsamand Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in India. This quiet and relaxing spot is perfect for picnics, nature walks, or watching the sunset. The lake is bordered by marble structures, known as ‘nau chowki,’ with inscriptions that tell the history of Mewar. Boating on the lake during sunset is a wonderful and peaceful activity that gives stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Timings: 24*7
Nearby Attractions: Kankroli Temple, Rajsamand Palace, Chetak Smarak (memorial of Maharana Pratap’s horse)
4. Visit The Unique Charbhuja Temple
Photo: Maaz Hasan / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Located about 40 kilometers from Nathdwara, Charbhuja Temple is another important religious site you can visit when looking for the best things to do in Nathdwara. The temple architecture is simply mesmerizing, with a four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu right in the center. The drive to this Vishnu temple is very scenic as you cross various breathtaking landscapes and terrains that adds to the experience. Charbhuja Temple is a place of deep spiritual value for those seeking peace and reflection.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Garhbor Village, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajsamand Lake
5. Tour The Kumbhalgarh Fort
Photo: Rajesh Kapoor / Wikimedia Commons
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit site. It is located around 50 kilometers from Nathdwara. Famous for having the second-largest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China, this majestic fort offers visitors a glimpse of Rajasthan’s grand history. If you’re still wondering what to do in Nathdwara, attend the light and sound show in the evening that narrates the fort’s history in a beautiful and engaging way.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Attractions: Badal Mahal, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parshuram Mahadev Temple
6. Explore Rakht-Talai At Haldighati
The Haldighati battlefield is a site of historical significance, where the legendary Maharana Pratap fought the Mughal army in 1576. Just 40 kilometers from Nathdwara, this place is all about stories of courage, determination, and sacrifice. If you’re looking for more, you also can visit the Maharana Pratap Museum nearby, which showcases various artifacts, weapons, and detailed accounts of the epic battle, including life-size models that recreate some of the most historical scenes.
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
Nearby Attractions: Maharana Pratap Museum, Chetak Smarak, Badshahi Bagh
7. Shop For Souvenirs At Nathdwara Bazaar
Photo: Pradeep Kumar Chatte / Wikimedia Commons
The busy streets of Nathdwara are filled with handicrafts, textiles, and local delicacies. You’ll find traditional Rajasthani art, including handmade toys, silver jewelry, pottery, and the famous Nathdwara paintings. A stroll through these markets gives a glimpse of the culture and craftsmanship of Rajasthan. In case you’re still running out of things to do in Nathdwara, try out the local sweets such as “mohanthal” and “sutriphal,” which are specialties of Nathdwara.
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Attractions: Shrinathji Temple, Ganesh Tekri, Maharana Pratap Smarak
8. Marvel At The Architecture Of Eklingji Temple
Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis / Wikimedia Commons
Located just 22 kilometers from Nathdwara, the Eklingji Temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and needs to be on your list of places to visit in Nathdwara. It boasts of amazing architecture that dates back to the 8th century. The temple is constructed out of sandstone and marble and houses a four-faced idol of Lord Shiva. The calm and quiet atmosphere of the temple, coupled with the surrounding views, offers a much-needed spiritual retreat and a chance to appreciate Rajasthan’s ancient architecture.
Timings: 4:15 AM – 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Nearby Attractions: Nagda Temples, Saas-Bahu Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli
9. Explore Kankroli Temple
Photo: explorewithinfo / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Located on the banks of Rajsamand Lake, Kankroli Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in the form of Dwarkadheesh. This temple is often visited by pilgrims seeking peace and divine blessings. The temple’s quiet surroundings and blissful view of the lake make it a perfect spot for meditation and quiet reflection. The temple is also a hotspot for religious festivals and events, particularly during Janmashtami. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while soaking in the temple’s spiritual energy, making it a great addition to their itinerary.
Timings: 5:30 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Nearby Attractions: Rajsamand Lake, Chetak Smarak, Haldi Ghati
10. Enjoy Wildlife Safari At Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Deeksha vyas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For nature and wildlife lovers, a safari at the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is easily one of the best things to do in Nathdwara. Why? Because it gives you the opportunity to spot leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species in their natural habitat. Located near Kumbhalgarh Fort, the sanctuary is rich in biodiversity, and a guided safari through the thick forested area is an exciting way to explore Rajasthan’s wildlife. Don’t forget to carry binoculars and a camera to capture the beauty of the sanctuary.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM (Safari timings may vary)
Nearby Attractions: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Parshuram Mahadev Cave Temple
From visiting the sacred Shrinathji Temple to exploring historic forts and indulging in Rajasthan’s art, there are several exciting lists of things to do in Nathdwara, for every type of traveller. Whether you’re a pilgrim, an art lover, or a history buff, Nathdwara’s charm ensures a memorable experience that stays with you long after your visit. Book your personalized travel package with TripXL today to experience the best that Nathdwara has to offer.
Cover Photo: Nikhil Mantri / Shutterstock