General Information 

Location: 48-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Srinathji Temple.
Best Time To Visit: September-February

Nathdwara is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. This is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage shrines of India, enshrining Krishna as Govardhana Giridhari. Nathdwara is situated 48-km northeast of Udaipur in Rajasthan, on the banks of the Banas River. Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura.The name Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. The image was brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period of Aurangazeb, the Mughal monarch.

The chariot carrying the image is said to have gotten stuck here, and hence a temple was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at Nathdwara. Nathdwara is very closely associated with the Vallabha Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. Prior to his visiting the Shrinathji shrine, Vallabhacharya is said to have described Puri, Pandharpur, Srirangam and Tirupati as four great centres of Vaishnavism, in his work 'Tatvartha Deepa Nibhandha'.The town is an agricultural market and has a government college affiliated with the University of Rajasthan.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

TEMPLES
The Srinathji Temple: Shrinathji represents the form of Krishna, in which he lifted the Govardhana Hill and subdued Indra, the king of Devas who was sending an incessant downpour of rain, causing immense hardship to the cowherds of Gokul. The image of Srinathji is believed to have been a self manifested one. It was originally worshipped in a humble shrine and then moved to a larger temple in its vicinity. Vallabhacharya made arrangements for the worship of this deity and this tradition was continued by his son, Vitthalesh Goswami.

It is believed that Taj Bibi, a wife of Akbar had visited this temple. It was during the 17th century that this image was shifted to Rajasthan. Nathdwara is a place of Hindu pilgrimage; it contains a 17th-century Vaishnavite shrine that is one of the most famous in India. Within the temple is a celebrated image of Lord Krishna, popularly said to date to the 12th century BC.   

EXCURSIONS

LAKES
Rajsamand Lake (66-km): Close to Kankroli, is the dam, built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 AD. Many ornamental arches and 'chhatris' adorn the embankment.

OTHERS
Nav Chowki: On the banks of the lake is this pillared edifice, which is paved with marble and has beautifully carved arches and 'chhatris'.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Dabok Airport in Udaipur is the nearest airport from where taxis and buses can be hired.

Rail: Mavli rail junction is the closest to Nathdwara.
Road: Nathdwara is well connected by road with Udaipur.

PLACES TO STAY

Hotel and certain other good hotels are available for accommodation in Nathdwara.

SHOPPING

Nathdwara abounds in souvenir shops and it is also possible to see the pichwai being painted. One can even pick up good silver items from here