Mathura & Vrindavan — overview
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 to visit in Mathura & Vrindavan
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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Keshi Ghat
The most important and visually striking ghat in Vrindavan on the Yamuna River. According to tradition, Krishna defeated the demon Keshi here. The riverside setting, historic architecture, and evening aarti make it one of the most atmospheric locations in Vrindavan.
Timing: Open daily
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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Kusum Sarovar
A sandstone reservoir and cenotaph complex near Govardhan, built in the 18th century by the rulers of Bharatpur. The site is regarded as one of the most scenic monuments in the Braj region and is associated with Krishna traditions.
Timing: Open daily, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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How to get around in Mathura & Vrindavan
Metro in Mathura & Vrindavan
Metro is not available in Mathura & Vrindavan.
Local buses in Mathura & Vrindavan
Local buses are not practical in Mathura & Vrindavan. City buses run across the city but routes are difficult to navigate without local knowledge.
Ride-hailing apps in Mathura & Vrindavan
Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are partially practical and operate with limited availability in Mathura & Vrindavan. Select the vehicle type and book through the app; fares are shown upfront before confirmation. Drivers may call to confirm the pickup point. Before getting in, verify the vehicle number and OTP shown in the app. Payment can be made by card through the app or in cash directly to the driver at the end of the trip.
Street Hailing | Auto Rickshaw in Mathura & Vrindavan
Street hailed auto-rickshaw is practical in Mathura & Vrindavan for short distances (5-15 km) or when apps are unavailable. Tell or show the auto driver your destination — they can refuse, in which case move to the next one. Agree on the fare (approx. ₹20—₹30 per km) before you get in. Know the distance to your destination via maps before negotiating.
Fairs and Festivals in Mathura & Vrindavan
Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan host the most famous and extended Holi season in India — not one day but seven days of distinct celebrations across different locations. Lathmar Holi at Nandgaon and Barsana (villages 50 km away) is the opening event, where women beat men with sticks. Phoolon ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is played with flower petals. The main colour Holi at Dwarkadheesh Temple in Mathura draws the largest crowds.
2026 Dates:
Janmashtami in Mathura & Vrindavan
The birthday of Lord Krishna, observed at Mathura — his birthplace — with the largest gathering of the year at the Krishna Janmabhoomi. Processions, all-night devotional singing, and celebrations at every temple. The Dahi Handi (clay pot breaking) event draws massive crowds in Mathura and Vrindavan.
2026 Dates:
What food is Mathura & Vrindavan known for
Mathura and Vrindavan's food is largely vegetarian — no meat, no fish across the vast majority of establishments. The food tradition is inseparable from the temple culture — preparations follow the offerings made to Krishna.
Local food to eat in Mathura & Vrindavan
Mathura ke pede · Bedai with sabzi · Kachori · Chaat · Rabri · Makkhan mishri (butter and sugar) · Panjiri · Lassi · Khichdi prasad
Food streets in Mathura & Vrindava
• Holi Gate market, Mathura — bedai, kachori, sweets, morning food
• Banke Bihari Temple lane, Vrindavan — morning bedai and sabzi, jalebis
• ISKCON Temple road, Vrindavan — sattvic restaurant, prasad meals
• Dwarkadhish Temple area, Mathura — sweet shops, peda, traditional snacks
How to reach Mathura & Vrindavan
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) | Agra Cantt (AGC)
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" or "Agra" as your origin (if departing) or destination (if arriving). Agra Cantt (AGC) is the main station. 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 to search and book buses on your route. Both state-run (UPSRTC) and private operators are listed — prefer buses with ratings of 4★ or higher.
All fees and charges listed on this page are applicable to foreign nationals only.