Home › Near Gujarat › Nathdwara
PILGRIMAGE · RAJASTHANNathdwara
The home of Shrinathji — one of the most revered Krishna shrines in India and a deeply loved pilgrimage for Gujarati Vaishnavs.
The town that lives for its deity
Nathdwara, a temple town on the banks of the Banas river north of Udaipur, is built around the shrine of Shrinathji, a seven-year-old form of Lord Krishna and the central deity of the Pushtimarg tradition. For the many Vaishnav families of Gujarat, this is one of the most beloved pilgrimages of all.
The whole town turns around the daily darshans, when the temple opens to reveal the richly dressed deity for a few charged minutes at a time, each window with its own name and mood. Even for those who come more as travellers than pilgrims, Nathdwara is a vivid, sensory place of sweet shops, offerings and devotion.
It is also the home of Pichwai, the intricate devotional cloth paintings of Shrinathji, and more recently of a towering Shiva statue that has become a landmark. Easy to reach from Udaipur and from Gujarat, it makes a meaningful half-day or day trip.
Nathdwara is famous for its Pichwai paintings depicting Shrinathji.
Reasons to make the time
Shrinathji darshan
Brief, intense views of the beloved child-Krishna deity.
Pichwai painting
Detailed devotional cloth art unique to the town.
Statue of Belief
A colossal Shiva statue with viewing decks nearby.
Temple bazaars
Lanes of sweets, prasad and offerings around the shrine.
Living devotion
A whole town organised around its daily rituals.
Easy from Udaipur
A short, rewarding trip on the way to or from Gujarat.
Top sights in Nathdwara
Photos via Wikimedia Commons
How to spend an hour or two
Attend a darshan
Time your visit to a darshan window; the deity is shown only at set hours.
See Pichwai art
Seek out local painters and their devotional cloth works of Shrinathji.
Visit the Statue of Belief
Take in the colossal Shiva statue and its viewing galleries.
Walk the bazaars
Browse the lanes of sweets, prasad and religious crafts.
Learn the tradition
Understand the Pushtimarg path and Shrinathji's story.
When to go
Comfortable weather and vivid festivals like Annakut and Janmashtami.
Pleasant and green, with the river full along the town.
Hot; queuing for darshan in the midday heat is tiring.
⏰ Weekends and festival days bring huge crowds — a weekday visit is far calmer for darshan.
Timings & entry
- Shrinathji is visible only during specific darshan windows; the temple closes between them.
- Cameras, phones and bags are restricted inside — use the cloakrooms provided.
Getting there
By Air
Udaipur airport, about an hour away, is the nearest.
By Rail
Udaipur and the nearby Mavli junction are the closest railheads.
By Road
About 45 km from Udaipur and roughly 300 km from Ahmedabad; many pilgrims travel by chartered bus or car.
Know before you go
Nathdwara FAQ
Who is worshipped at Nathdwara?
Shrinathji, a child form of Lord Krishna and the principal deity of the Pushtimarg Vaishnav tradition, especially revered by devotees from Gujarat and Rajasthan.
How far is Nathdwara from Udaipur?
About 45 km, roughly an hour by road, making it an easy half-day pilgrimage or a stop between Udaipur and Gujarat.
Can I take photos inside the temple?
No. Cameras and phones are not permitted inside the Shrinathji temple, so plan to leave them in the cloakroom or your vehicle.
What is Pichwai art?
Intricate devotional cloth paintings depicting Shrinathji, a craft unique to Nathdwara and a beautiful, meaningful souvenir.
When is the best time for darshan?
Weekdays outside festival season are calmest; weekends and festivals like Janmashtami and Annakut see very heavy crowds.
How far is Nathdwara from Ahmedabad?
Around 300 km, close to a six-hour drive, and many Gujarati pilgrims travel by chartered bus or car, often via Udaipur.
WHERE TO STAY
Find your stay in Gujarat
Compare live prices across the big booking sites and reserve in a few taps. Booking happens securely on the partner's site — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Book directly on our partner sites — tap a provider to see live Gujarat hotels & prices:
SHOP THE REGION
Bring home Gujarat — & travel essentials
Hand-picked crafts and trip gear, available on Amazon.