Mathura & Vrindavan Travel Guide
Explore the sacred land of Lord Krishna - Complete guide to temples, attractions, and spiritual experiences
Top Places to Explore
Six divine destinations in the Krishna circuit
Mathura
Birthplace of Lord Krishna
Vrindavan
Land of Krishna's childhood
Gokul
Krishna's foster home
Barsana
Radha's birthplace
Nandgaon
Krishna's foster father's village
Govardhan
Sacred hill lifted by Krishna
Mathura - Krishna's Birthplace
Must-visit temples and sacred sites
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
The most sacred site - Krishna's birthplace. Visit the prison cell where Krishna was born.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Visit early morning to avoid crowds. Photography not allowed inside.
Dwarkadhish Temple
Magnificent 19th-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna with beautiful architecture.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Don't miss the evening aarti at 7:00 PM
Vishram Ghat
Holy bathing ghat on the Yamuna where Krishna rested after killing Kansa. Evening aarti is spectacular.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Best visited during evening aarti (7:00 PM)
Gita Mandir
Beautiful red sandstone temple with Bhagavad Gita verses inscribed on walls.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Peaceful environment, perfect for meditation
Kans Qila (Mathura Fort)
Historic fort believed to be Kansa's prison, now partly a museum.
Timings: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Government museum with ancient artifacts
Vrindavan - Land of Divine Love
Experience the eternal playground of Krishna
Banke Bihari Temple
Most famous temple in Vrindavan, known for the playful deity that 'moves'. Always crowded but worth the visit.
Timings: 7:45 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend rush. Flowers not allowed.
ISKCON Vrindavan
Magnificent temple complex with beautiful gardens, museum, and cultural center.
Timings: 4:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Free entry. Attend the mangal aarti at 4:30 AM for spiritual experience
Prem Mandir
Stunning white marble temple with intricate carvings and beautiful light and sound show.
Timings: 5:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Don't miss the evening light show at 7:00 PM (free)
Radha Vallabh Temple
Unique temple dedicated to Radha, with Krishna's crown placed beside her deity.
Timings: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Peaceful and less crowded
Nidhivan
Mystical garden where Krishna is believed to perform Raas Leela at night.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Visit before sunset. Local belief: no one should stay after dark
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip according to the season
Winter (October - March)
10°C - 25°C
Best time to visit. Pleasant weather, perfect for temple visits and sightseeing.
Festivals:
Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Holi (March)
Summer (April - June)
25°C - 45°C
Hot and dry. Visit early morning and late evening. Hotels offer discounts.
Festivals:
Janmashtami preparations
Monsoon (July - September)
25°C - 35°C
Moderate rainfall. Yamuna river swells. Good for budget travelers.
Festivals:
Janmashtami (August/September)
Suggested Itineraries
Choose your perfect trip duration
1 Day
- 1Morning: Krishna Janmabhoomi & Dwarkadhish Temple
- 2Afternoon: Vishram Ghat & Lunch
- 3Evening: Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
- 4Night: Evening aarti at Prem Mandir
2 Days
- 1Day 1: Mathura temples (Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadhish, Vishram Ghat, Gita Mandir)
- 2Day 1 Evening: Yamuna aarti
- 3Day 2 Morning: Vrindavan (Banke Bihari, ISKCON)
- 4Day 2 Evening: Prem Mandir light show, Nidhivan
3 Days
- 1Day 1: Complete Mathura temple circuit
- 2Day 2: Vrindavan temples and Nidhivan
- 3Day 3: Gokul, Govardhan Parikrama
- 4Evening: Shopping at local markets
4 Days
- 1Day 1: Mathura exploration
- 2Day 2: Vrindavan full day
- 3Day 3: Barsana and Nandgaon
- 4Day 4: Gokul, Govardhan, and Yamuna safari
Travel Tips & Guidelines
Make the most of your spiritual journey
Dress modestly when visiting temples - cover shoulders and knees
Remove shoes before entering temples - keep socks handy
Best to visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
Carry water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in summer
Be cautious of monkeys near temples - don't show food
Hire authorized guides at major temples for detailed information
Book hotels in advance during festival seasons (Janmashtami, Holi)
Try local street food like kachori, jalebi, and lassi
Respect photography restrictions in temples
Keep small currency notes for prasad and donations
Stay at Hotel Shivoham
Perfectly located near Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and warm hospitality.
Prime Location
Walking distance to major temples
Excellent Service
24/7 front desk & room service
Budget Friendly
Best rates guaranteed
Find Us on Map
Hotel Shivoham - Your gateway to Mathura-Vrindavan