Set amid idyllic hills, it provides a welcome respite from the searing heat of Rajasthan. The modest sized town is home to one the wealthiest temples in India. Town it self is famous for it's exuberant festivals, miniature paintings, jewellery and above all, it's sweets. Threat of cholesterol and calories have yet to deter the culinary experts of this town who add sugar and butter to almost all dishes!!

Life in the town revolves around the "Haveli" term used for all the temples of the "Pushti Marga". This is one of the most colourful sects within the devotional side of Hinduism. It also happens to be one of the few that do not advocate renunciation for spiritual growth. It is this worldly, practical and realistic view of life that lends itself to the colourfulness of the sect.

Only 42 km. north of Udaipur, Nathadwara is easily reached by plane or car. Constant stream of pilgrims has resulted in plentiful supply of transport and accommodation at Nathadwara. Cheap and cheerful rooms start at 50p per night, moving up to high quality accommodation at £20 per night. Price of accommodation rises as you move away from centre of Town. Reasonable rooms, with on suite toilet and bath, can be easily found for £5 per night. The more luxurious, air-conditioned hotels, are mainly situated out of town. Restaurants in town cater for a wide range of vegetarian tastes, however, it is illegal to consume alcohol within the town limits.

The Havali is the centre of attraction in the Town. Its inner sanctum is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord Shrinathji. Rest of the time, it is relatively free of crowds, ideal for those wanting to explore the beauty of Rajasthani art and architecture. The entire place seems to be in a time capsule, still living the regal life long abandoned by Maharajahs of India. Temple servants still wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era, serving the Lord of Nathadwara as the beloved prince and darling of Nanadaraj and Yashodaji.

At regular intervals, classical music is played live in its many halls as pilgrims float through its perfumed marble halls and courtyards. Pankhwalas still manually pull on the large fans to cool the interior. Drums and trumpets are still played to announce the mid-day's "Royal Darshan". Like all rajput palaces/ mansions, the Havali is built around several split level courtyards. The solid white exterior hides the airiness achieved by this device. All doorways are painted and are often flanked by drawings of elephants, horses, beautiful maidens and doorkeepers.

Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect, resides in regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jewelled. Exquisitely worked jewels, some dating back to pre-Mogul India, are worn by Shrinathji on daily basis. Here at least the jewels are not kept behind glass, but used for what they were intended. Everything in the inner temple, from china to silver/ gold-ware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are of the finest quality. Havali itself employs some 1000 people, whilst rest of the town thrives on the business given directly or indirectly by the Havali and the pilgrims.

The best thing about the place is its mystic tranquillity. The feeling of peace and spirituality seems to rise above the humdrum of the town. Numerous groves, gardens, parks and fields outside the town provide perfect escape from the crowds, you can also cool off in the river Banas nearby. Town itself is small enough to be explored on foot. Rickshaws and horse carts are available for those who do not wish to brave the heat of Rajasthan.