This year the festival of Holi is being celebrated on 25 March 2024. On the occasion of Holi, people play colors with the people of their neighborhood and celebrate the festival with enthusiasm. Banks remain closed on Holi and most offices remain closed. This time it is the weekend before Holi, that is, if you get Saturday and Sunday off in the office and you are also getting a Holi holiday on Monday, then you are getting three days to spend time with family.
On the occasion of Holi, you can go somewhere on a three-day holiday. If it is Holi time, then plan to visit such places where you can enjoy the colors and traditions of Holi. Although the festival of Holi is celebrated all over the country, the celebration of Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan is different. This time on the occasion of Holi, you can go to Mathura Barsana with family, children, or friends.
Day to visit Mathura Vrindavan
You can easily visit the temples and tourist places of Mathura Barsana in two to three days and it will not cost much. The journey from Delhi to Mathura via Yamuna Expressway is just two and a half hours. From Delhi you can go to Mathura by car or bus. There are many temples to see here. But if you are going to Mathura on a two-day holiday, then visit only some famous and selected places.
How to visit the temples of Mathura Vrindavan
The roads of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Gokul are narrow. The temples here are also in the streets. In such a situation, if you have gone for a tour in your car, then you can leave your car at the hotel and book a local taxi or e-rickshaw to travel to Mathura-Vrindavan.
For just Rs 300 to 500, e-rickshaw drivers take you to 5 to 6 famous and important temples here. He will easily visit all the philosophical places in a single day. You can also take a bath at Yamuna Ghat in the morning. Here you can go across the ghat and take a dip in Yamuna by paying 20 to 30 rupees per person to the boatman.
Places to visit in Vrindavan-Mathura
Banke Bihari Temple
From here go to Vrindavan where there is Shri Banke Bihari Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The building of this temple is built in Rajasthani style. The temple houses the image of Lord Krishna in the form of a child. There is not a single bell or conch in this temple, because it is believed that the Lord did not like the sound of these instruments here.
Ranganath Temple
Shri Ranganath Temple is situated on the Vrindavan-Mathura road, it is also called Rangji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Ranganath Ji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, which is built in South Indian style. Here the idol of Lord Krishna is kept in the form of a groom. That bride is Goda. It is one of the largest temples in North India.
Prem Mandir
In the year 2001, Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj constructed Prem Mandir. The beauty of this temple attracts the devotees. There are gardens around the temple complex, where large tableaus can be seen. It would be better to visit this temple in the evening. Apart from this, you can also visit ISKCON Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Nidhivan, Govardhan Parvat, Kusum Sarovar, and Yamuna Ghat. Two days are enough to see them all.
The unique tradition of Lathmar Holi
Holi of Mathura and Braj is known all over the world for its unique colors and traditions. It is also famous for its unique way of celebrating India’s most colorful festival. On this day, the cowherd children of Nandgaon go to Barsana to play Holi, where the women of the village shower sticks on them. Lathmar Holi is organized here a few days before Holi. It is said that in the Dwapar era, Lord Shri Krishna started the tradition of Lathmar Holi with his friend Radha and her friends. From then till today this tradition is followed here.
How did Lathmar Holi start?
Lathmar Holi of Barsana is a part of the pastimes performed by Lord Krishna in his time. It is believed that Shri Krishna along with his friends used to reach Barsana with a whip tied around his waist to play Holi with Radha Rani and her friends. Fed up with his antics, Radha and her friends used to beat him with sticks to teach him a lesson. Krishna and his friends used sticks and shields to escape their attacks, which gradually became a Holi tradition. Let us tell you that thousands of people come here to see this beautiful view.
Cost of visiting Mathura-Vrindavan
The fare to go to Mathura-Vrindavan is not high. You can go to Mathura by bus from Delhi. The cheapest ticket you will get is Rs 200. You can also go to Mathura by train, which will cost you up to Rs 2000. The cost of accommodation and food is also not high in Mathura. You can get a room in a good hotel for Rs 500 to Rs 3000. You will have to spend around Rs 500 to 1000 on food.
For those traveling on a budget, Mathura offers many cost-effective hotel options that offer basic amenities like clean rooms, private bathrooms, and sometimes free Wi-Fi. These hotels are ideal for backpackers or those looking to spend most of their time exploring the city.
Mid-range hotels
Mid-range hotels in Mathura offer a balance between comfort and cost. These establishments typically have more spacious rooms, on-site dining options, air conditioning, and sometimes additional amenities such as fitness centers and business services.
Luxury Hotel
For travelers looking for a more luxurious stay, Mathura has a selection of high-class hotels and resorts. These hotels offer top-class amenities, including elegant rooms and suites, fine dining restaurants, spas, swimming pools, and concierge services, ensuring a relaxing and pampered experience.
Guesthouses and homestays
For a more intimate and personal experience, consider staying in a guesthouse or homestay in Mathura. These accommodations allow travelers to experience local hospitality and culture up close. They are often family-run and provide home-cooked meals, making them a great choice for those who want to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
Ashrams
Given the spiritual importance of Mathura, staying in an ashram can be a unique and gratifying experience. Ashrams offer simple accommodation and a peaceful environment, ideal for those seeking spiritual enrichment or quiet relaxation. They often organize yoga, meditation sessions, and religious discourses.
Booking Tips
- Plan: Mathura can be crowded during religious festivals and holiday seasons. It is wise to book your accommodation in advance to secure a spot and avoid inflated prices.
- Location matters: Consider staying near major attractions or in the city center to reduce travel time. However, if you prefer a quieter environment, look for options a little further away from the main tourist areas.
- Read reviews: Before booking, read reviews from previous guests to make sure the hotel meets your expectations and to get information about their experiences.
Conclusion:
When planning your Holi trip to Mathura and Barsana, remember that this vibrant celebration attracts visitors from all over the world, making early booking important. Whether you choose a budget-friendly hotel, a mid-range accommodation, a luxurious stay, a homey guesthouse, or a serene ashram, make sure your choice enhances your festival experience. Reading reviews and considering the location can greatly improve your stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the unique traditions and colors of Holi in Mathura and Barsana.
Also Read: When is Holi 2024? How to do puja? Everything you need to know