Thinking of a trip with Family? Mathura and Vrindavan are the places for you to be. Considered as the two holiest places in India, it is a place that gives you inner peace from the chaotic thoughts in you. Planning for a family trip near Delhi? You know where to go now. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. The first thing to observe when you reach the holy land is the soil smeared on the forehead of the devotees around. Two of the Indian festivals that are celebrated in a grand manner are Holi and Janmasthami. Your trip during this time of the year will enlighten you more on the culture of the city. Apart from these two festivals, Mathura-Vrindavan can be visited between October up until the end of March (Winters). Being a place that accounts for many mythological and cultural experiences, you will be very close to Nirvana. Many people prefer solo trips to these two cities for self-healing and meditation. Apart from being a cultural hub, you will know the specialty of these two holy lands. Read on!
Things to do and visit in Mathura/Vrindavan
1. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple
Another name for this temple is Krishna Janmasthan Temple (Mandir). This is because Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell and a temple had been built around the same prison cell. Get the most out of your weekend getaway with family and friends with the presence of spirituality around you.
2. Kansa Qila
We all know about Kansa Mama. The qila where he lived is a famous connotation to Indian mythology. At the bank of the river Yamuna is the Kansa Qila remains. People flock to this qila and get intrigued by witnessing the remains there.
3. Barsana
Where there is Lord Krishna, there has to be Radha. Barsana is the same place where Radha was born.
4. Gokul
A name that we have been hearing since childhood. This is the place where Lord Krishna spent a part of his childhood in secret. This place is at a distance of 10 kilometers from Mathura and a place visited by people from across the globe.
5. Govardhan
Do you remember the story of baby Krishna holding a mountain on his little finger for exactly seven days. This was not a stunt by him but a gesture to help the locals from the heavy rainfall in the area caused by Indra devta. Though it is not much of a mountain now as it’s been urbanized. People from not only India but around the globe visit this holy place and perform a Parikarama (orbit around the holy mountain).
6. Kusum Sarovar
If not an adventure trip, this spot will definitely be counted in making your trip a blissful one. The pond is an evidence of the meetings between Lord Krishna and his gopiyas.
7. Nidhivan
As the name suggests, it is an intriguing forest area where Lord Krishna and Gopiyas performed Ras Leela 5000 years ago. There is also a path made of stone. This path leads to the holy samadhi (final resting place) of Swami Haridas, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. His devotion was so intense that it is said that Lord Krishna appeared in this Nidhivan. This place is mysterious. Therefore, calls for an adventure trip with friends and family.
8. Vishram Ghat
This ghat or the bank is a treat to watch early in the morning and in the evening. The chanting of mantras along with the diyas lighted around turn the place into a dream. The place got its name after Lord Krishna and his brother Balaram rested there after killing their uncle Kansa. Vishram means rest and that is what they did there.
9. Baldeo
There is also a temple dedicated for Lord Balaram. You will see devotees coming here and seeking the blessings of the lord.
10. Banke Bihari Temple
In this temple, the child form of Lord Krishna is worshipped. Unlike most of the temples in India, the bells are not rung. The reasons is the bell sound may wake the child posed as sleeping. The eyes of Banke Bihari is said to be so gorgeous that someone may even faint. Hence, there are priests taking care of the curtains to be opened and closed every few minutes. This also maintains the old belief in Hindu.
11. Other Attractions
Other places to visit in Mathura/Vrindavan are Cheer Ghat, Dwarkadhish temple, Gayatri Topobhumi, Gita Mandir, Govind Dev temple, ISKCON temple, Madan Mohan temple, Mahavan, Pagal Baba temple and more.
If you have time and want to experience the Hindu culture in its purest form, you can try doing the Parikramas. Popularly known as Govardhan Parikrama, there are three parikramas to choose from. You either do barefoot parikrama or doodh parikrama or dandavat parikrama. You can even do all three if you like.
Budget?
Ideally a trip will not cost you more than Rs. 5,000 for two days, but again, it totally depends upon how much you are willing to spend and how much you are willing to cover.
How to reach Mathura and Vrindavan?
Mathura/Vrindavan are two of the holy places near Delhi that never lose their charm. If you are travelling from cities such as Agra, Delhi, Varanasi, Gurgaon or Lucknow, you can take a bus and reach Mathura directly.
There is a railway station in Mathura known as Mathura railway Station. It is exactly one kilometer away from Mathura. This railway station is connected to most of the cities including Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi and Mumbai.
The nearest airport is Kheria airport in Agra which is at a distance of 62 kilometers. You can hire a cab from there to Mathura. On the other, if you want to cross by the city Delhi, you can fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is at a distance of 178 kilometers from Mathura. From here, you can take a train, bus or a car. The choice depends on your preference.
Nearby Places to Mathura and Vrindavan
While you are in Mathura/Vrindavan or travelling to these two holy places, there are nearby places that you can visit too. New Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Jaipur and Udaipur.
These two holy places are favorites of not just the people of India but also of foreigners. You will be surprised to see the number of people from outside India. This will instill the greatness of these places and make you feel prouder. Pack your bags and be ready to take a deep breath into the beauty of Hindu culture and mythological significance. You can even plan a trip with friends.
