How to Explore Vrindavan and Mathura in 3 Days?
Vrindavan is more than just a destination to explore; it is an experience to be felt. The atmosphere gradually touches your heart. Everywhere you go, you will hear people greeting each other with "Radhe Radhe," and the chants resonate throughout the area. This is the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. From the numerous ghats to the beautiful temples, the streets exude a sense of peace. You won’t need to seek out tranquility here; it naturally arises from within you. Vrindavan is located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India.
How to Reach Vrindavan?
Vrindavan is such a city that can be accessed from any place in India by Air, Road, or Rail.
By Air
Agra in Uttar Pradesh is the nearest airport to Vrindavan. However, you will need to drive an additional 80 km from the airport to Vrindavan. You can opt for a private cab or use local transportation, which is readily available.
By Rail
Although Vrindavan has a railway station, not all trains stop there. Mathura Junction is the main railhead and is accessible from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi. Vrindavan is located 10 kilometers from Mathura, and shared autos and buses are available to travel between the railway station and Vrindavan.
By Road
Vrindavan and Mathura are well connected by road. If anyone is planning to drive using a personal vehicle, the national highways are well linked to major states in India.
Why is Vrindavan known as the divine place in India?
Vrindavan is a divine place because it is deeply connected to the life of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. It is believed that Krishna spent his childhood here, making it a sacred site for his devotees. He was born in a prison in Mathura and later defeated his uncle Kansa, after which he moved to Dwarka. Since then, Vrindavan has flourished as a pilgrimage site, and many temples have been built in Krishna's name. Over the decades, many foreign visitors have been attracted to Vrindavan. Organizations like ISKCON have played a major role in introducing Krishna's life to the world. Many foreigners have embraced Indian culture and settled in Vrindavan.
My Experience of Visiting Vrindavan for the First Time.
My German friend and I were travelling to Vrindavan and nearly missed our train. It had already started moving when we reached the platform, but we somehow managed to run and get into the general compartment just in time. The compartment was crowded and stuffy, but we were just relieved to be on board. The whole scene was rushed and messy, but looking back, it was one of those moments that turn into a good story..
By the time we reached Mathura, it was noon, and the journey had taken nearly 24 hours. This trip tested our patience as we turned strangers into companions along the way.
We headed to our pre-booked hotel, and it was quite hot since it was a sunny day. At around 4 PM, we set out for one of the sacred sites: the ISKCON temple in Vrindavan. This temple is a major hub for devotees from around the world and is dedicated to Krishna, Radha, and Balaram. We entered the temple at 4 PM and stayed until around 8 PM. The Kirtan at the ISKCON temple creates a spiritual atmosphere for devotees, and this Kirtan continues throughout the temple's operating hours.
The ISKCON temple hours are as follows:
- 5 AM to 12 PM
- 4 PM to 8:30 PM
On the second day, we planned to head to the Banke Bihari Temple, one of the most revered temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Krishna. We initially intended to visit the Radha Raman Temple first; however, since it opened quite late, we decided to go to the Banke Bihari Temple instead.
We waited in line for around 15 minutes, eagerly anticipating the temple's opening at 8 AM, which is a popular time to visit. The crowd was not as large as we had expected. As we entered through the main gate of the Banke Bihari Temple, the experience was unlike any other. The air was alive with devotion, filled with the chanting of "Radhe Radhe." The atmosphere inside the temple was deeply spiritual.
The curtain in front of Lord Radha Krishna is drawn back repeatedly, and it is said that his attraction is so strong that it protects devotees from being overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of his divine face. After our visit, we headed to a nearby chat counter to enjoy some Tikki chaat and Lassi.
After a divine darshan at Banke Bihari, we headed to Nidhivan, which was about a 15-minute walk away. Although you can't enter the main area of Nidhivan, you can explore the surroundings as we did. There are railings placed on both sides, so you'll need to walk along those. Nidhivan is the same place where Lord Krishna is believed to have performed Raas Leela. People still claim that every night, Krishna performs Raas Leela here. However, it's important to note that no one is allowed to enter after 5 PM, and no one attempts to see it, as it is said that Krishna's energy is not easy to handle.
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| A sacred mystery where every tree whispers the eternal love of Radha and Krishna |
After exploring the sacred Nidhivan, we took the same path to another sacred temple, Radha Raman, which is about a 15-minute walk away. Arriving at Radha Raman is a unique experience, as it houses the self-manifested form of Kanha (Lord Krishna). This temple is more than just a place of worship; it embodies divine grace in its purest form.
Be cautious of the monkeys in the area; if they spot anything in your hands, including your sunglasses, they may try to snatch it away.
Afterward, we headed to Yamuna Ghat to spend some relaxing time. Since it was noon, all the temples were closing due to the heat, so we decided to return to our hotel and wait until 4 PM to venture out again. While the heat was intense, our spirits remained high.
As the sun began to set in Vrindavan, we made our way to Prem Mandir. I had to submit my tripod since it was not allowed on the premises. The security is quite strict, and you are not permitted to carry bags, cameras, or sticks. We chose to visit Prem Mandir in the evening because it looks stunning at that time. The entire temple is constructed from white marble that sparkles in the light. There is a fountain show at night, and several restaurants inside the temple offer famous dishes from Vrindavan. The wall carvings depict the life of Krishna, and bhajans are played through speakers, creating a serene atmosphere as people stroll slowly while listening to the devotional songs. We ended our day at ISKCON to soak in the positive vibes of Krishna chanting: "Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Ram Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare."
The third day was the day when we traveled 50km by Local bus at Vrindavan for just 70 INR.
Barsana is the village of the beloved Radha Rani. The journey from Vrindavan takes about two hours. As you travel here by local bus, you can observe the everyday life of the Braj people. This area is quite hilly, so the Radha Rani temple is situated on a hill. There are several steps to climb to reach the temple. The atmosphere in Barsana is slower and feels more spiritual than in Vrindavan. Be sure to visit during Holi to experience the unique Lath Mar Holi celebration.
After a long day, we returned to our hotel. The second half of the trip was dedicated to visiting Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna.
Krishna was born in a prison cell, and a temple has been built on the same site, now known as Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi. This temple attracts thousands of visitors daily. The area is a high-security zone, and you are not allowed to bring bags, phones, cameras, earphones, or smartwatches into the temple. Even without these items, you can still feel the presence of Krishna and, for a moment, imagine life during the time of his birth. This is a must-visit place if you are in Mathura.
Vrindavan, on the other hand, is not just a place to explore; it is a place to feel and to dig deep into your own life.
What are the Places to stay when you are in Vrindavan?
Vrindavan offers a wide range of accommodations for all types of travelers. You can choose from luxury hotels to Dharamshalas that provide dormitory-style single beds for budget-conscious visitors. There are also many ashrams where you can stay within your budget.
It’s advisable to arrange your stay in Vrindavan at a location where all the key places are within a 2 to 3 km range. You can book your accommodation through online sites, or if you’re visiting during the summer, you can walk in and book your stay directly.
Accommodations range from luxury hotels to Dharamshalas that offer dormitory beds at budget-friendly prices. There are also many ashrams available for those looking for more economical options.
Overall, it’s best to choose a place to stay in Vrindavan that allows you easy access to all the main attractions within a distance of 2 to 3 km. You can book your stay online or, during the summer, visit and make arrangements in person.
Starting from luxury hotels to Dharmashala, which offers a dormitory with a single bed for travelers. As per your budget, everything is available here.
There are many ashrams where you can stay on your budget.
It is better to arrange a stay in Vrindavan, from where all the places are within a distance of 2 to 3 km. One can try to book via online sites, and in the summer, you can directly visit and book your accommodation.
What food should to try when you are in Vrindavan?
Vrindavan offers a delicious variety of purely vegetarian food. Numerous small eateries around Vrindavan serve multi-cuisine meals to travelers.
Famous street foods like Kachori, Jalebi, Pedha, Lassi, Aloo Tikki, and Rabadi are must-tries here. Many devotees enjoy fresh food in this area. Don’t forget to sample the fresh curd of Vrindavan—there’s no need to worry about food options while you’re here.
When you visit the ISKCON temple, be sure to try the Sweet Sheera and Dal Khichdi.
Best time to visit Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a sacred place that remains open throughout the year. Considering the climate, the best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. This period is perfect for those who want to perform Parikrama. Winter brings a peaceful charm that attracts many visitors.
The holy festival in Vrindavan is very famous and tends to be quite crowded, lasting for 21 days. Traveling during the monsoon can be tricky, so it is advisable to avoid this season if you seek tranquility. Summers can be very hot and humid, with the sun being particularly intense from 10 AM to 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
Things to remember before you go to Vrindavan
- Vrindavan is the place for Monkeys, so be aware and do not keep any food material in hand, also do not wear a cap and goggles in front of monkeys
- Many temples are closed between 12noon to 4pm so plan accordingly
- Don't come to Vrindavan for 1 or 2 days, come for a minimum of 4 days
- Ola, Uber service is available to travel around also rental bike service available
- It is completely safe for female solo travelers
- Do not litter the area around it.
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