Places to Visit in Mathura and Vrindavan

2. Banke Bihari Temple

Visiting this temple is an experience of devotion, liveliness and joy of Krishna worship. Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most important temples of Lord Krishna and the unique feature of this temple is the lifelike idol of Banke Bihari which is so divine that curtains are drawn over the idol to protect it from the intense gaze of the devotees. The atmosphere is charged with the sweet sounds of kirtans and chants. Here Krishna is worshipped as a child and the rituals are designed to showcase his mischievous nature.

• Location: Bankebihari Colony, Vrindavan
• Timing: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (timing changes with seasons)
• Highlights: Exquisite Idol of Banke Bihari, Aarti Sessions, Spiritual Vibes
• Tips: The temple can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and festivals. Keep your valuables safe.

3. Prem Mandir

A beautiful piece of architecture Prem Mandir is a symbol of love and devotion and sees thousands of visitors every day. This white marble temple is intricately carved and has scenes from Krishna’s life set in beautifully maintained gardens. Life size tableaux of Krishna’s pastimes are presented so beautifully that even a simple walk around the premises is interesting.

Evening light and sound show makes the temple look even more beautiful, the structure glows with colours and it’s a surreal experience. Apart from visiting these famous temples in normal time, you can plan a trip here to attend celebration of Famous Festivals in Mathura as Holi and Janmashtami.

• Location: Chattikara Road, Vrindavan
• Timing: 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM
• Highlights: Marble Architecture, Light and Sound Show, Gardens
• Tips: Visit in the evening to witness the temple beautifully illuminated with lights.

4. Vishram Ghat

The peaceful surroundings of this ghat are perfect for contemplation and spirituality. Vishram Ghat is situated on the banks of Yamuna River where Lord Krishna is said to have rested after killing Kansa. Evening Yamuna aarti is a special attraction here where hundreds of lamps are floated on the river. The ghat is always crowded with pilgrims taking a holy dip or boarding a boat for a peaceful ride - one of the best ways to see the city’s temple filled skyline.

• Location: Vishram Bazaar Road, Mathura
• Timing: Open 24 hours (evening aarti is around 7:00 PM)
• Highlights: Holy Bathing Site, Yamuna Aarti, Boating
• Tips: Take a boat ride at sunset for a picturesque view of the river and temples lit up with lamps.

5. ISKCON Temple

Chanting and devotion fill the air at the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan which makes it one of the best places to connect with the divinity. Built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the temple has beautiful deities of Krishna, Balaram and Radha. The atmosphere is peaceful and welcoming as well as perfect for meditation and understanding Krishna’s teachings.

Devotees from all over the world come here, making it a global community of worship. And a meal at Govinda’s restaurant is the cherry on the top, vegetarian food.

• Location: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan
• Timing: 4:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• Highlights: Spiritual Chanting, Govinda’s Restaurant, Krishna Consciousness
• Tips: Don’t miss the 'Govinda’s' vegetarian restaurant for a wholesome meal after darshan.

6. Dwarkadhish Temple

A kaleidoscope of colours, intricate carvings and a festive vibe is what defines this ancient temple. Dwarkadhish Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his royal form as the king of Dwarka. Built in the early 19th century, the temple is a masterpiece of Rajasthani architecture. The festive spirit is palpable here especially during Holi and Janmashtami when the entire complex becomes a canvas for cultural expressions, dance, music and celebrations.

Dwarkadhish is a must see for anyone who wants to see the grandeur of Krishna’s worship.

• Location: Gatashram Tila, Mathura
• Timing: 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Highlights: Rajasthani Architecture, Festival Celebrations, Colorful Atmosphere
• Tips: The temple is best visited during the Holi or Janmashtami festivals for an immersive experience.

7. Nidhivan

Shrouded in mystery and divine mythology Nidhivan is one of the most fascinating places in Vrindavan. It's said that every night Lord Krishna and Radha perform the Ras Leela and the trees in this dense forest turn into Gopis during these sacred moments. Locals say no one is allowed to stay inside Nidhivan after sunset because of this. The twisted and tangled branches of the trees add to the mystique and it’s an experience to be here.

• Location: Tulsi Marg, Vrindavan
• Timing: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Highlights: Mystical Vibes, Belief of Krishna’s Ras Leela, Dense Forest
• Tips: The area is believed to be sacred so avoid visiting after dark, and respect local customs.

8. Kusum Sarovar

This peaceful lake is surrounded by beautiful cenotaphs and each of it tells a story of the past. Kusum Sarovar is near Govardhan Hill where Radha used to come to pick flowers for Krishna. The architecture of the cenotaphs with carvings and arches is proof of the region’s rich history. The calm water of the lake reflecting the orange sun is so peaceful and beautiful, perfect to relax and think of the spiritual stories of this place.

• Location: Govardhan, near Radha Kund
• Timing: Sunrise to Sunset
• Highlights: Historical Reservoir, Architectural Beauty, Sunset Views
• Tips: Try to time your visit during the evening to see the splendid view of the sunset over the lake.

9. Radha Raman Temple

Traditional Radha Raman Temple is an important religious place in Vrindavan where self manifested deity of Lord Krishna is worshipped. Founded by Gopal Bhatta Goswami in 1542, this temple follows strict Vedic rituals which gives it an authentic and sacred feel. The beautifully carved deity is so charming that thousands of devotees come to see Aarti and offer devotional services. Visiting this temple gives you a glimpse of Vrindavan’s ancestral worship.

• Location: Vrindavan
• Timing: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Highlights: Self-Manifested Deity, Traditional Vedic Rituals, Ancestral Beauty
• Tips: Attend the morning aarti for an authentic temple experience.

10. Kans Qila

Kans is one of the important characters of Krishna Leela and ancient fort of him is one of the famous attractions in Mathura visited by tourists. Kans Qila is situated near Krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat and stand erect with strong pillars and good architecture.

• Location: Yamuna River, Mathura
• Timing: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
• Highlights: Fine architecture

11. Mathura Museum

Fond of history lover and old customs, can visit Government Museum Mathura which is famous for big collection of ancient sculptures, coins, paintings and research work of architecture of Mathura exquisite heritage art work.

• Location: Mathura
• Timing: 10:30 AM-4:30 PM, Closed on Monday and Public Holidays
• Highlights: Amazing Collection of heritage art

13. Bhandrivan

A sacred place where Radha and Shree Krishna met and got tied up in pious bond of marriage and Lord Brahma acted as the priest of this ceremony. It is also a place where Krishna and Gopis played Rasleela and enjoy time with friends. There is a little temple under a huge tree where the ceremony taken place. It is said that many birds and couples take part in this, you will also find peacocks in these surroundings.

• Location: 21 Km from Vrindavan
• Timing: All Day
• Highlights: Temple where Radha Krishna Marriage taken place

14. Barsana

Famous for its Lathmar Holi where women playfully beat men with sticks during the festival of Holi, Barsana holds a special place in Hindu mythology as the birthplace of Radha Rani. Located about 42 km from Mathura, Barsana is most famous for the Shri Radha Rani Temple on Bhanugarh Hill which has a stunning view of the surrounding area. Devotees throng to this temple especially during Radhashtami to celebrate Radha’s birth with grand rituals and processions.

Another important temple is the Maan Mandir which is a symbol of Radha’s maan or playful anger towards Krishna. The town is surrounded by hills named after Radha’s friends including Daan Garh and Vilash Garh. Festivals in Barsana are the most colorful in Braj and people come from all over the country to see them. During the Braj Bhoomi pilgrimage circuit, Barsana is an essential stop because it gives you a deep spiritual experience and a glimpse of eternal love between Radha and Krishna.

15. Nandgaon

Nandgaon is the place where Lord Krishna lived with Nanda Maharaj and Yashoda in his childhood. Located on the Nandishwar Hill, the Nand Bhawan Temple is the main attraction of the town. The temple has idols of Krishna, Nanda and Yashoda, and is visited by pilgrims throughout the year especially during Janmashtami and Holi.

Pan Sarovar is another important place in Nandgaon, one of the four sacred lakes in the region where Krishna used to bring his cattle to drink. Moti Kund is a small pond believed to have been created by Krishna using pearls given by his foster father Nanda Maharaj and is a lesser known spot to visit. Recent government efforts through Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad are focused on preserving Nandgaon’s cultural and spiritual heritage and have made facilities for the visitors better.

• Distance from Mathura:: 52 Km
• Travel Time: 1 Hour

16. Gokul

It is located at a distance of just 10 km from Mathura. Gokul is the place where Lord Krishna was brought by Nanda and Yashoda to be raised in secrecy from Kansa’s wrath. At this place, Krishna did many of his childhood miracles, including his mischievous pranks and the famous incident of showing the universe in his mouth at Brahmand Ghat. Gokul is also famous for Raman Reti, the sand where Krishna used to play as a child and rolling in this sand is considered very auspicious by devotees.

Gokulnath Temple is the main worship place for Krishna in his infant form. The town is less commercialized but recent improvements in the road have made it more accessible to visitors. Govardhan Hill where Krishna lifted the mountain to save the villagers from Indra’s wrath is also nearby. Because of its rich heritage and connection to Krishna’s childhood make it a significant part of the Braj Yatra.