Eklingji Temple, Udaipur (Rajasthan)

Eklingji Temple, Udaipur Overview

Eklingji Temple is one of the most popular temples of Rajasthan and is sited at a distance of 22 km to the north of Udaipur. Eklingji Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion and its brilliant architecture drives several tourists here every year. This double-storied temple looks magnificent with its pyramidal style of roof and uniquely carved tower. The outer walls of the temple are stretched with steps that lower touching the serene waters.

Established in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal, Eklingji is purported to have been the ruling idol of Mewar rulers. On entering this hall, you would see a beautiful silver image of Nandi and inside the temple, there are two other images of Nandi carved in black stone and brass respectively. This temple is filled with an enthralling fragrance and is known for a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. The Shivlinga garlanded by a silver snake is a major tourist attraction.

Best Time To Visit Eklingji Temple

Months from September to March are the best time to visit this place. If you want to see Udaipur in its most glorious form, you should plan your trip during the winters. In the summer season, the temperature rises very high and summer season is not the best time to visit Udaipur.ÃƒÂ«_ Monsoon brings relief after the hot summers. However, Udaipur receives scanty rainfall. Winter season is, hence the best time to visit Udaipur.

Shopping At Eklingji Temple

Udaipur has a huge number of small shops, big showrooms and roadside stalls that would present you a wide range of things to choose from. Udaipur offers an attractive variety of handicrafts. They range from toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, painted wooden box to Greeting cards. Regarding clothes, you can buy traditional clothes colored in batik and hand prints. Dyed saris and textile are also a major part of clothing. You can shop for precious stones, kundan and silver jewellery here too. If you are roaming around the streets of City Palace, you will find beautiful miniature paintings. Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar and Palace Road are some of the best shopping centres of Udaipur. While shopping in these markets, don't forget to bargain with the shopkeepers to get the value of your money. Rajasthani and Sadhna are two government emporiums that have all the beautiful Rajasthani products under one roof.

Local Experiences At Eklingji Temple

The people of Udaipur are quite friendly. They seem a little rugged, but these people are very good at heart. Untouched by the influence of modern times, these desert people are simple and cheerful. Mewari is the main language of Udaipur, yet Rajasthani, Hindi and English are also spoken in the city. The lively and vivid dances add spark and life to the romantic city of Udaipur. Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya and Terahtaali are the unusual dances of Rajasthan. The localities of Udaipur find enjoyment in the melodious music of Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many other instruments that used to be famous in the courts of Mewar rulers.

Nightlife At Eklingji Temple

The city of Udaipur has quite a nightlife. There are good bars and pubs all over Udaipur. Apollo Beer Bar, Rangat Bar (Green View Hotel), Shilpi Restaurant, etc. are some of the bars in the place.

Food At Eklingji Temple

Udaipur cuisine consists of vegetarian dishes. Food is made from lots of vegetables and lentils. It is seasoned with a diverse range of spices that are unique to the lands of Rajasthan. You can relish your taste buds with different types of curries ranging from Lentil to yoghurt. Dried mango by the name of 'Ocra' and beans of 'sangri' is accompanied by many meals. Deep-fried breads and extensive use of chili makes the cuisine of Udaipur, a mouth-watering one.ÃƒÂ«_

Restaurants Near Eklingji Temple

Anupama Restaurant, Berry's Restaurant, Gangaur Restaurant, Hariyali Restaurant, etc. are some famous Rajasthani restaurants around the place. Vatika Restaurant, Chicken Centre, Abhinandan Hotel, Durga Nursery Road, Lake Palace Hotel, Lake View Roof Top Restaurant, are some of the multi-cuisine restaurants in the place. There are several fast food restaurants and coffee shops around the place too.

Sample Itinerary For Eklingji Temple

The temple is best visited on a trip to Udaipur. Reach Udaipur and check into a hotel. Take a bus or taxi to the Eklingji temple. Enjoy the beauty of the temple and after visiting the temple, leave for lunch at a nearby good restaurant. You must try the famous cuisine of Udaipur here. In the evening, hire a taxi to go see some of the beautiful lakes of Udaipur. Come back to your hotel for the night and the next day, visit the forts and havelis in Udaipur.

How to reach Eklingji Temple

Air: Udaipur Airport also known as Maharana Pratap Airport is situated near Dabok at a distance of 22 kms from the Udaipur. A number of domestic airlines connect the city to all the major cities of India including Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Cabs are available at the airport to get to hotels and resorts.
Rail: Udaipur Railway Station is quite close to the city of Udaipur. Rajasthan Railways connects Udaipur station with all the other cities of Rajasthan. There are train services running to and from Udaipur connecting Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. The luxurious but costly Palace on Wheels in another way to travel to Udaipur.Ã«_
Road: Udaipur is well connected by road to all main cities of India. Udaipur Bus Stand has regular bus services, which connect Udaipur with cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Indore, Kota, Ajmer, Ahmedabad and Mt. Abu. Rajasthan Roadways offers the facility of Deluxe Buses and AC coaches too. You can also hire taxis and cars to reach Udaipur by road.