Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car

REVIEW · UDAIPUR

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car

  • 5.019 reviews
  • From $11.35
Book on Viator →

Operated by Udaipur Day Tours · Bookable on Viator

Two temples in one smooth half day. The plan is built for maximum temple time with round-trip hotel pickup, then a focused visit to Eklingji and Nagda’s Sahasra Bahu Temples.

I especially like that it’s private, so your schedule feels your own, not stuck to a big group shuffle.

I also like the stop-by-stop pacing: you get a solid stretch at Eklingji and then another focused window at Nagda. From the experiences shared with guides, I’d put extra weight on architecture details and the sense that some areas feel peaceful and open for photos.

One thing to consider: Eklingji access can be restricted by temple attendants, so if you’re counting on wandering everywhere, keep expectations flexible.

Key things I’d bank on

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car - Key things I’d bank on

  • Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel to save time in Udaipur
  • 4 to 5 hours that fits neatly into a busy itinerary
  • Eklingji’s 8th-century complex tied to the Mewar dynasty
  • Nagda Sahasra Bahu Temples dedicated to Virabhadra, with a distinctive layout
  • Tuk-tuk vs car choice can matter if you want calmer driving
  • Driver-led context, including examples of backroad routing and historical explanations

Why this half-day Eklingji and Nagda route works so well

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car - Why this half-day Eklingji and Nagda route works so well
This tour is designed for people who want temple sightseeing without turning the day into a long haul. You’re out of central Udaipur, but the whole plan stays tight: about 4 to 5 hours with two main temple stops.

The big win is logistics. You’re not mapping routes or hiring separate transport for each site. Instead, you get a driver, a ride (tuk-tuk or car), and transit built in—so you can spend your mental energy on what you’re actually seeing.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Udaipur.

Udaipur to Eklingji: quick travel, ~20 km outside the city

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car - Udaipur to Eklingji: quick travel, ~20 km outside the city
Eklingji is around 20 km from Udaipur, so this is not one of those trips that feels like you’re mostly commuting. That distance helps keep your time realistic, especially if you’re doing multiple Udaipur sights in the same day.

You also have a choice in ride style. If you pick a tuk-tuk, it can feel fun and local on the road. If you want a smoother ride, a car is often the smarter call, because one experience noted that there can be a lot of highway driving—something a car handles more comfortably.

Inside Shri Ekling Ji: 8th-century devotion tied to Mewar

Eklingji is a Hindu temple complex in Kailashpuri, and it’s commonly associated with the Kula Devata of the Mewar dynasty. The age matters too: it dates back to the 8th century, which is exactly the sort of detail that turns a temple visit into more than just pretty stone.

The schedule gives you time to actually look. You’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the Eklingji complex. I like that the tour doesn’t rush you with constant stop-start movement. You can slow down for carved details, pacing, and the feel of the space.

One practical note: the experience at Eklingji can come with limits. One shared review explained that access was greatly restricted by temple attendants, which reduced enjoyment. I’d plan for that possibility. In other words, don’t build your entire day around getting to every corner—treat this stop as exploration with some “local rules” baked in.

Admission detail to keep you from surprises

For Eklingji, the information provided lists admission as not included. So even if the tour price looks low, budget a bit for entry when you arrive.

Nagda’s Sahasra Bahu Temples: Virabhadra, carved columns, and a paired layout

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car - Nagda’s Sahasra Bahu Temples: Virabhadra, carved columns, and a paired layout
After Eklingji, the tour transfers you to Nagda for the Sahasra Bahu Temples (also known as Sasbahu Temples). These are dedicated to Virabhadra, and the construction is described as 10th-century—a nice contrast from Eklingji’s older roots.

What makes Nagda interesting is the layout. The temples are described as a pair that share a platform: a larger temple surrounded by ten smaller temples. That makes the site feel organized and readable. You’re not just seeing one focal structure—you’re seeing a whole plan.

You get about 2 hours here as well. I like this balance: after one major complex, you switch to a second site with its own character and geometry. If you enjoy architecture and religious art, this pairing makes sense because you’re comparing two different temple “languages” in a short time window.

Here's some more things to do in Udaipur

Admission detail at Nagda

The provided details list admission as free for the Nagda Sahasra Bahu Temples stop. That’s a nice value add and helps explain why this tour can feel like a bargain relative to other Udaipur half-days.

How the tuk-tuk or car choice changes the experience

Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car - How the tuk-tuk or car choice changes the experience
Transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to B here. It shapes the tone of the day.

A tuk-tuk can give you that extra sense of being in the street-level rhythm of Rajasthan. If you’re into quick scenery changes and you don’t mind being jolted a bit, it can be a fun way to start and finish the day.

But there’s a tradeoff. One experience specifically suggested the car as a great option because there can be a lot of highway driving. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, or you just want your energy for temple time, choose car.

Either way, you’re getting private transit. You’re not waiting around while other groups finish a snack, and you’re not fighting for seats.

The driver factor: English support, local storytelling, and route surprises

The tour includes an English-speaking tour driver at all attractions. That matters because temples can be confusing fast if you don’t know what you’re looking at.

More importantly, the driver role isn’t limited to directions. One guide named Salim was praised for taking backroads through a farming village. That kind of detour changes the day from a simple drive into something more like a lived-in glimpse of the region.

Another experience mentioned a guide named Many who offered careful historical context and was accessible, with a Spanish language note in the feedback. There’s also mention of Mr Madan ji guiding in Spanish. I can’t promise a specific language for every departure, but I’d treat this as evidence that the tour often leans into human explanation rather than silent transportation.

If you do book, here’s the practical move: ask your driver to highlight what you should look for at each temple stop. You’ll get more value if the time in the sites is guided, not just spent wandering.

What “private tour” means for your actual schedule

This is a private tour/activity, described as only your group participating. For a half-day plan, that’s a real perk.

It means the driver isn’t trying to herd a mixed crowd through limited-access areas. It also means you’re more likely to get a smooth flow between Eklingji and Nagda without awkward timing gaps.

In practical terms, a private setup helps you spend your attention where it matters: the temples. The ride is included, the pickup is included, and your time on-site is planned—so you’re not constantly adjusting on the fly.

Price and value: what $11.35 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $11.35 per person, this tour lands in the “easy decision” category—especially for a half-day that includes pickup and private transit.

Here’s the value math as I see it:

  • You’re paying for round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off plus private tuk-tuk or car transit.
  • You get an English-speaking driver during the attraction stops.
  • You get structured time at two major temple sites.

What you should note:

  • Meals aren’t included, so plan to eat separately before or after.
  • A private guide isn’t included (though one can be requested). If you’re the type who wants extra depth—symbols, lineage, the why behind carvings—budget that option.
  • Eklingji’s admission isn’t included, while Nagda is listed as free.

So yes, the base price is low. The tour is still doing real work for you in the form of transport and time management. Think of it as paying to buy back the hassle of getting to two temple complexes efficiently.

Pacing tips so the day feels calm, not rushed

This tour gives you about 2 hours at Eklingji and about 2 hours at Nagda. That’s a solid block for looking, taking photos, and not feeling like you’re constantly checking a clock.

If you care about photos, I’d frame the day like this: some areas may be open and easy to explore, while other parts—especially at Eklingji—might be controlled. One shared experience described open access at several temples, plus wide-open areas for photos, so it’s not hopeless. Just stay ready for that “local access” variability.

Also, decide your ride style based on your tolerance for road time. If you know you don’t love highway stretches, choose the car. If you’re in “make it fun” mode, the tuk-tuk can add personality to the drive.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a good fit for:

  • People who love temples and architecture and want a temple-focused half-day
  • Anyone who wants pickup included and doesn’t want to plan routes
  • People who like a private schedule and clearer timing

It may not be ideal if:

  • You’re someone who needs unrestricted access everywhere. Eklingji access can be restricted by attendants, and that can shape how free your photos and exploring feel.
  • You’re extremely sensitive to road conditions and you pick the tuk-tuk without thinking about highway time.

Should you book the Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour?

If you want a temple day that stays realistic—without long drives, without logistics stress—this is a strong choice. I’d book it when you value time efficiency and want to see two different sets of sacred architecture in a short window.

I’d also book it if you’re excited by the contrast: Eklingji’s deep Mewar connection and early roots, then Nagda’s Virabhadra temples and the distinct paired layout. The pricing is hard to ignore given the included pickup and private ride.

The one decision-point is Eklingji access. If you’re the type who gets frustrated by restrictions, go in with flexible expectations. If you can roll with it, you’ll likely come away feeling you used your half-day well.

FAQ

How long is the Half-Day Eklingji & Nagda Temple Tour?

The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off in Udaipur?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Which temples are visited on this tour?

You visit Eklingji Temple and the Sahasra Bahu Temples in Nagda.

How far is Eklingji from Udaipur?

Eklingji is about 20 km from Udaipur.

Is the tour private or shared?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What transport options are available?

You can choose travel by private tuk-tuk or private car, depending on the option selected.

Is a tour guide included?

An English-speaking tour driver is included at the attractions. A private tour guide is not included, though one can be requested.

Are temple admissions included?

Eklingji admission is listed as not included, while the Sahasra Bahu Temples admission is listed as free.

Are meals included?

No, meals are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time (free cancellation).

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Udaipur we have reviewed