- Best time
- Oct–Mar, Aug
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Stay a night
- ₹800–6,000
- Food a day
- ₹250–1,200
- Nearest railhead
- 0 km away
- Nearest airport
- 60 km away
Plan Mathura & Vrindavan in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Mathura & Vrindavan
Krishna’s birthplace and childhood playground — Janmabhoomi, the ghats of the Yamuna, hundreds of Vrindavan temples and Barsana’s Lathmar Holi.
Things to do in Mathura & Vrindavan
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi is a prominent temple complex built around the prison cell where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. It holds immense spiritual significance for devotees and attracts pilgrims from all over.
Tip: Leave leather items, cameras, and mobile phones at the cloakroom before entering.
Vishram Ghat Aarti
Vishram Ghat Aarti is a peaceful evening ritual held on the banks of the Yamuna River in Mathura. Hundreds of oil lamps float on the water while devotees gather to offer prayers and chants.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot near the water for watching the ceremony.
Banke Bihari Temple
Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the united form of Radha and Krishna, standing in the Tribhanga posture. Originally worshipped at Nidhivan, the sacred icon was moved to this temple constructed around 1864. It is Vrindavan's most loved temple and is very crowded.
Tip: Keep a close watch on your belongings and maintain distance from heavy crowds inside
ISKCON Vrindavan
Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir is a major Gaudiya Vaishnava temple in Vrindavan dedicated to Hindu deities Krishna and Balarama, with additional shrines for Radha Krishna and Gauranga Nityananda. It is a vibrant hub known for continuous kirtan.
Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir is a magnificent white marble Hindu temple complex in Vrindavan established by Kripalu Maharaj. Spread over a large site on the outskirts of the town, it is dedicated to Radha Krishna on the first level and Sita Ram on the second level.
Tip: Dress modestly as this is a religious site
Nidhivan
Nidhivan is a sacred grove of twisted tulsi trees in Mathura and Vrindavan. It is dedicated to the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, featuring the Rang Mahal temple and the Lalita Pond.
Tip: Watch out for the resident monkeys inside the forest premises.
Govardhan Parikrama
Govardhan Parikrama is a sacred 21 km circuit around Govardhan hill in Uttar Pradesh. Devotees walk this holy path to offer prayers and pay homage to Lord Krishna.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes as the route is long and entirely on foot.
Barsana Radha Rani Temple
Barsana Radha Rani Temple is a famous hilltop temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna. Located in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, it is widely celebrated as the vibrant home of the traditional Lathmar Holi festival.
Tip: Wear comfortable footwear as there are many steps to climb up the hill to reach the shrine.
Where to stay in Mathura & Vrindavan
Vrindavan (Raman Reti)
Near ISKCON and Prem Mandir.
Mathura city
Budget hotels near Janmabhoomi.
Chhatikara road
Bigger resorts between the two towns.
What to eat
Mathura peda
Browned-milk pedas, the town’s signature.
Kachori-jalebi
Morning breakfast near the ghats.
Kulhad lassi
Thick lassi in clay cups.
Good to know
- Holi week in Barsana, Nandgaon and Vrindavan is spectacular but packed — book early.
- Watch out for monkeys snatching glasses in Vrindavan.
Going to Mathura & Vrindavan? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.
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