Nathdwara is a quaint town located in the state of Rajasthan, India. It’s famous for its Shrinath Ji temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The town’s name “Nathdwara” translates to “Gateway to the Lord” in the local language. The main attractions here are the Shrinathji Temple, street food, and shopping.
The temple is quite special because it’s believed that the idol was originally located in Mathura, but it was brought to Nathdwara to protect it from invaders. The idol is incredibly lifelike and is adorned with different outfits and jewelry every day. The temple is a hub of activity, with devotees coming from all over to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Apart from the temple, Nathdwara offers a picturesque setting with hills and valleys surrounding the town. The streets are lined with shops selling traditional Rajasthani crafts and souvenirs, making it a great place to shop for unique items. The town has a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking a spiritual retreat or simply a serene getaway.
As a member of a Vaishnav family, a visit to Nathdwara holds a special place in our hearts. While we often found excuses to postpone our trips, a recent extended break finally prompted our decision to embark on this journey with the entire family. Our anticipation was palpable, especially for Yuven, who we were certain would relish this brief escapade.
The adventure began with our inaugural experience of traveling overnight in a Volvo bus with sleeper accommodations. Boarding from Amit Nagar in Vadodara at around 8:30 p.m., we quickly settled into our cabins within the first 15 minutes. After an initial hour of cousins’ chitchat, fatigue caught up with us, and we attempted to find some rest.
Our bookings included both double and single cabins. While the double cabins boasted ample space, a partial glass enclosure introduced a hint of discomfort, particularly for travelers prone to claustrophobia like myself and my father. On the other hand, the single cabins, though lacking in space, did not make for a better alternative. Despite the bus’s seemingly pristine exterior, the interior told a different story, providing a bumpy ride throughout the journey.
While some of us managed to sleep through the night, others were scarcely able to find slumber. After a series of breaks during the night, we arrived in Nathdwara at 4:30 a.m. Without delay, we secured a large auto-rickshaw to transport us from the bus stop to our designated lodging.
We had opted for Hotel Maharaja Inn, strategically positioned near the renowned market and the Shrinathji temple. The hotel’s facilities were basic yet satisfactory, offering reasonable rates along with complimentary breakfast and parking.
The Shreenathji Temple
Upon our arrival, the elders hastened to deposit their belongings and make their way to the temple for the Mangala early morning darshan. In contrast, we decided to snatch a few hours of sleep, intending to participate in the Rajbhog darshan (the fourth of the day) – a significant ceremony where the day’s main meal is offered to the deity.
Nathdwara’s temple draws numerous visitors daily, and the limited darshan time often triggers anxiety. However, the temple’s overall management has seen notable improvements in recent years. Queues, designated for elders, women, and men, moved swiftly. There’s also a VIP entry option, allowing peaceful darshan for a fee of 300 rupees per person.
The Statue of Belief
Post-darshan, we ventured to Khadayata Athithi Bhavan for a traditional Gujarati thali. Following our meal, we took a brief respite before visiting the Statue of Belief a towering 369-feet-tall statue of Lord Shiva. We had procured our tickets online a few days prior, streamlining our entry process. The premises also offered paid electric carts (at 50 rupees per person) to access various attractions within the park.
Our first stop led us inside the statue to a glass bridge situated at 280 feet, affording breathtaking views of Nathdwara. The queues were efficiently managed, and cleanliness prevailed. Our pictures were taken at the entrance and on the glass bridge, available for purchase at the souvenir shop. We then descended to the mezzanine, just in time for the 25-minute evening laser and sound show, as people secured prime viewing spots. The park contained several cafes and restaurants offering diverse culinary options.
Street Food of Nathdwara
After dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, we embarked on an evening stroll, tasting famous local delights such as thandai and soda in the bustling market. The shopping spree extended to mukhwas and spices, promising a flavorful extension of our journey at home.
The next day, the majority embarked on the Mangala darshan, followed by indulging in local hot snacks like poha and khaman, accompanied by hot chai or masala dudh – renowned delicacies of Shrinathji. We leisurely explored the market area and temple premises before returning to the hotel for a satisfying breakfast.
After breakfast, some took a much-needed rest, while others engaged in shopping. For lunch, we opted for street food like fried purple yam, an array of bhajiyas, kachori, and panipuri. As per our schedule, around 4 o’clock, we departed for Kankroli, a tranquil town around 20 kilometers away from Nathdwara.
Kankroli beckoned with its ancient temples, serene lakes, and cultural richness. One of its highlights was the Dwarkadhish Temple, a 17th-century marvel dedicated to Lord Krishna. Upon reaching, we discovered that vehicles were restricted near the temple due to a procession, necessitating a brief walk. Along the way, we marveled at the local inhabitants dressed in their traditional pink attire. Camels, horses, and elephants adorned the temple’s entrance, accompanied by lively music bands. Our timely arrival granted us a “Gwal” darshan experience.
The temple visit was followed by a visit to Rajsamand Lake, offering mesmerizing views. We purchased fish food from a vendor and enjoyed feeding the fish – a delightful experience for the younger members of our group. Amidst this serene backdrop, we captured the sunset’s splendor before concluding our visit and returning to our hotel in Nathdwara.
As our adventure drew to a close, we refreshed ourselves at the hotel and had dinner before checking out and making our way to the bus stop for our return journey to Vadodara. Departing around 10:30 p.m., the return bus boasted improved interiors, though not everyone found the journey comfortable. Our return concluded around 7:30 a.m. the following morning.
Reflecting on our trip, it was a delightful and memorable experience spent with family. Yuven’s fondness for street food and fish feeding has left him eagerly awaiting our next visit, especially for a taste of the coveted ‘fried purple yam’ and more adventures at the Statue of Belief.
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