Pilgrimage Tours
Photo: Karora23 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · cropped
Eklingji, at Kailashpuri near the old Mewar capital of Nagda, is the temple of Shri Ekling Ji — Shiva worshipped as the ruling deity of Mewar. The tradition here is unusual and is the reason many people come: the Maharanas of Mewar did not rule in their own name but as Dewan, the minister, of Ekling Ji, and by custom the head of the house of Mewar performs the worship. Tradition credits the original 8th-century shrine to Bappa Rawal, founder of the Mewar line; the temple was destroyed and rebuilt more than once, and the structure and the presiding image standing today owe most to the reconstruction under Maharana Raimal (1473-1509). The walled complex holds a large group of shrines built in marble and sandstone around the main double-storeyed temple, whose sanctum is a black-stone Shiva linga approached through doorways on all four sides, with Nandi figures — including one in silver — placed before it.
October to March is the comfortable window, when Udaipur's days are mild and an elderly group can do Eklingji, Nagda and Nathdwara in one unhurried trip; April to June is hot and dry. Mondays are the deity's day and draw far larger numbers than other days, and Maha Shivaratri (February or March) brings thousands of devotees — go then only if you want the atmosphere and can stand long lines. Shravan and the temple's own Patotsav are also busy.
The temple is about 22-24 km north of Udaipur city on the Udaipur-Nathdwara highway, an easy 40-50 minute drive by taxi, and buses on the Nathdwara route stop at Kailashpuri. The nearest railhead is Udaipur City station, roughly 25 km away, and the nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok, roughly 35 km from the temple. Most visitors combine it with Nathdwara, about 25-27 km further on the same road.
Cameras and mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple and photography of the sanctum is prohibited — carry as little as possible and leave phones with your driver or at the counter outside. Dress modestly as at any working shrine, and remember footwear and leather items are left outside. The temple closes between its worship sessions during the day, so confirm the current darshan hours with the temple before you travel, especially if you are coming on a day trip from Udaipur.
Planned around you, not a fixed departure. Holiday Vibez arranges pilgrimages to Eklingji Temple in Udaipur for families, elders and temple groups travelling from Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi and Madurai. Tell us your dates and how many are coming — we build the route around that. 100% customisable.
- Stays near the shrine — so elders aren't driven back and forth at 4am.
- Private transfers — pick-up from your door, not a meeting point.
- Meals that suit the group — including pure-veg and fasting requirements.
- Group travel — 4 people or 40, one coordinator, one itinerary.
- Someone on the phone — when you're in a queue three states from home.
Temple boards run their own darshan queues and quotas. No travel agent can sell you a special one, and agencies that promise "VIP darshan" are either misleading you or breaking the trust's rules. We help you book the official slots and we get everything else right.
Most of the people we send on yatra are over 55, or booking for parents who are. We plan shorter driving days, stays within walking distance where the shrine allows it, and we'll tell you honestly if a site involves a long climb or a trek before you pay — not after.
How far is Eklingji Temple from Udaipur and how long does a visit take?
It is about 22-24 km north of Udaipur, roughly 40-50 minutes by road. Allow two to three hours in total including travel and darshan; on a Monday or a festival day allow considerably more, as the queue can be long.
Can Eklingji, Nagda and Nathdwara be done in one day?
Yes. Nagda's Sas-Bahu temples are only a couple of kilometres from Eklingji, and Nathdwara's Shrinathji temple is about 25-27 km further along the same highway. Start early and check each temple's darshan sessions in advance, since all three shut between sessions.
Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No. Photography inside is prohibited and cameras and mobile phones are not allowed in. You may photograph the outside of the complex, but please do not attempt to shoot the sanctum.
Are there many steps for elderly visitors?
The temple is on level ground beside the road and there is no hill climb or long trek, but there are a few steps at the entrance and into the main shrine, and the floors are stone and can be warm barefoot in summer. It is manageable for most elders with a helping arm.
Plan your Eklingji Temple yatra
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