Mathura and Vrindavan are two towns and separated by a 11 km road. Mathura is the birthplace of Krishna — one of the most widely worshipped deities in Hinduism — and has been a pilgrimage center for over 2,500 years. Vrindavan is where Krishna is said to have spent his childhood, and the town contains over 5,000 temples.
Places
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
The temple complex marking the birthplace of Krishna. The complex contains the Keshav Dev Temple and the adjacent Shahi Idgah mosque — the two structures share a common wall and the site has significant historical and religious sensitivity.
Timing: Open daily, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Dwarkadhish Temple
A large Vaishnava temple dedicated to Krishna as Dwarkadhish (Lord of Dwarka), built in 1814. One of the most active temples in Mathura. The temple is known for its ornate painted facade and intricately carved interior.
Timing: Open daily, 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Vishram Ghat
The principal ghat in Mathura on the Yamuna river, where Krishna is said to have rested after defeating Kansa. Evening aarti takes place here daily at sunset. The ghat is surrounded by a cluster of smaller ghats and temples.
Timing: Sunrise to Sunset. Evening aarti — at sunset
Entry Fee: No entry fee. Negotiate for Boat rides
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Government Museum Mathura
One of the most important archaeological museums in North India, housing a significant collection of Mathura School sculpture — a distinct artistic tradition from the 2nd century BCE to the 12th century CE that shaped Buddhist and Hindu iconography across Asia.
Timing: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays
Entry Fee: —
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Banke Bihari Temple
A temple in Vrindavan, dedicated to Krishna as Banke Bihari. Built in 1864, the temple is known for its distinctive curtain ritual — the deity is hidden behind a curtain that is drawn and redrawn throughout to prevent the continuous gaze of devotees.
Timing: Open daily, 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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ISKCON Vrindavan (Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir)
A large temple dedicated to Krishna and Balarama. The complex is one of the most visited in Vrindavan, particularly by international visitors and the Western Vaishnava community.
Timing: Open daily, 4:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Prem Mandir
A large white marble temple. The complex is known for its elaborately carved marble facade depicting scenes from the life of Krishna and Radha. The temple is illuminated in the evenings.
Timing: Open daily, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Radha Raman Temple
A 16th-century Vaishnava temple dedicated to Radha Raman (Krishna). One of the oldest continuously functioning temples in Vrindavan, with an unbroken tradition of daily worship.
Timing: Open daily, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Nidhivan
A sacred grove in the heart of Vrindavan where Krishna is traditionally said to have performed the Raas Lila (divine dance) with Radha and the gopis. The grove is closed after sunset — no visitors are permitted inside after dark.
Timing: Open daily, Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Govind Dev Temple
A 16th-century red sandstone temple built by Raja Man Singh of Amber in 1590, one of the oldest and architecturally most significant temples in Vrindavan.
Timing: Open daily, 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM and 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Vrindavan Parikrama
A circumambulation route around the sacred boundary of Vrindavan, covering approximately 10 km. Pilgrims walk the full circuit as a religious practice. The route passes through temples, ghats, and sacred groves.
Timing: –
Entry Fee: –
Getting There
Mathura and Vrindavan are well connected to Delhi and other cities by rail and road. Whether arriving or departing, use the station codes and bus terminal information below.
Mathura & Vrindavan — Stations, Terminals & Bus Stands
Rail Stations: Mathura Junction (MTJ)
Airport: No airport in Mathura or Vrindavan. Nearest airports is in Agra (AGR).
Bus Terminals: Mathura Bus Stand | Vrindavan Bus Stand
By Train
Search "Mathura" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Agra Cantt (AGC) is the main station. A city may have multiple railway stations — select the main one (usually named after the city) and choose a train based on journey duration, departure time, and class availability.
By Flight
There is no commercial airport in Mathura or Vrindavan. The nearest airport is Agra Airport (AGR).
By Bus
Buses (AC or non-AC) operate from the bus terminal — head to the counter and ask for your destination. Or, use app-based platforms such as redBus or AbhiBus to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (RSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
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