Brajbhoomi is the special place where Lord Krishna lived, by the Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh. The main cities there are Mathura and Vrindavan, full of Krishna’s stories. The cities feel holy by the river, and they’re not just for religious folks. In 48 hours, you can enjoy yummy food, pretty countryside, and old stories.
Walk around where Krishna’s flute might still be heard, try local treats, and dive into ancient tales. Mathura and Vrindavan are cool for people who love travel and want a mix of spirituality and fun adventures.
Getting There:
Mathura is conveniently located, just a 60km drive from Agra airport and four hours by road from Delhi. If you’re in Vrindavan, it’s only a half-hour drive from Mathura. Train travelers can get off at Mathura Junction.
When to Go:
The best time to visit is winters, offering pleasant weather for river dips and hill treks. Janmashtami, is an exciting time with lively streets, dance, and decorated temples.
Hindu festivals like Holi, celebrated with vibrant colors in Mathura, are another great time to visit. Nearby towns Barsana and Nandgaon extend Holi into a week-long celebration, where women, dressed as milkmaids, playfully drive off men with sticks in a playful reenactment of Radha and the gopis driving off Krishna and his friends.
Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan:
Mathura Options:
- The Lalita Grand (Starting at Rs4,950; (https://www.lalitagrand.com/))
- Various hotel choices available
Vrindavan Choices:
- Nidhivan Sarovar Portico (Doubles from Rs6,200; (https://www.nidhivansarovar.com/))
- In-house spa
Guided day tours available
- Mayapur Vrindavan Trust (MVT) Guesthouse (Doubles from Rs4,600; (https://www.mvt.co/))
- Located 100m from ISKCON Temple
- Steady WiFi for workations
- Tranquil sandstone gazebo in a peaceful grass lawn
- No-phone policy for a quiet, meditative atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Mathura and Vrindavan:
1- MVT Restaurant:
- Expansive multicuisine menu
- Recommended dishes: Wood-fired pizza, blueberry cheesecake, chocolate cake with cream.
- Praised by frequent visitors, like yoga instructor Niyati Karir
2- Govinda’s Restaurant:
- Located at ISKCON temples globally, including Vrindavan.
- Offers buffet and à la carte options.
3- Dasa Prakash:
- Known for South Indian fare.
4- 11 FLOWERS Rooftop Café:
- Ideal for a breezy evening meal
- Offers a relaxed atmosphere for dining.
Day 1
Visit Krishna’s Birthplace
- Explore the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple complex in Mathura.
- Key features: Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine, Bhagavata Bhavan, and Potra Kund.
- Discover the marble pavilions, spacious verandahs, and the prison cell beneath where Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva.
Trek up Govardhan Hill
- Embark on a six-hour trek in Govardhan, reaching the top of the 80ft-tall sandstone hill.
- Along the way, take a dip in Radha Kund and Shyam Kund by temples steeped in Krishna lore.
- Observe stone cenotaphs near Kusum Sarovar lake and visit Giriraj Temple, a popular spot.
- Connect with fellow travelers, including devoted circumambulators and knowledgeable saints.
Alternatively:
- Consider a visit to Barsana, an hour from Mathura, believed to be Radha’s home.
- Accessible by bus, Barsana is surrounded by sacred peaks and features the Ladliji Temple.
Explore Dwarkadhish Temple
- Visit a pretty temple called Dwarkadhish Temple.
- Inside, see beautiful pictures on the ceiling that tell stories about Lord Krishna.
- People believe it’s where Krishna, as Dwarkadhish, sits as a black marble idol.
- The temple has two gates and a big courtyard where lots of people come.
- On Janmashtami, there’s a special celebration with rituals all day.
Dive into History at Kans Qila
- Go to a place called Kans Qila.
- Long ago, it was the home of a king named Kansa, who was Krishna’s uncle.
- Now, it’s old and broken, but the walls show how it was made by different kings.
- Raja Man Singh fixed it in the 16th century.
- You can take pictures there, and it’s like a big storybook.
Indulge in Mathura’s Famous Street Food:
- Try yummy street food near Holi Gate.
- Start at Oma Pehalwan Kachauri Wale for tasty kachoris and sweet jalebis.
- Shankar Mithai Wala is another place for special snacks.
- They don’t use garlic or onion, but the food still tastes great.
- Before leaving, buy Mathura ka peda from Brijwasi Sweets.
Visit Shri Radhavallabh Lal Ji Temple
- Go to a nice temple in Vrindavan called Shri Radhavallabh Lal Ji Temple.
- People say Lord Shiva gave the idol to a devotee named Shri Atmadev.
- The temple looks amazing, and you can hear stories from local people.
- It’s one of the oldest temple.
Day 2
Perambulate Across Vrindavan:
- Experience the Vrindavan Parikrama, a 13km walking route through the town.
- Best enjoyed early in the morning, joined by locals and pilgrims.
- Pass by temples, houses, markets, and the mighty Ganga, completing the route barefoot in about three hours.
Trail the Seven Goswami Temples
- Visit seven sacred shrines established by Lord Krishna’s disciples, the Goswamis.
- Explore Radha Damodar, Radha Gokulananda, Radha Gopinath, Radha Shyamsundar, Radha Raman,
- Radha Govinda deva, and Radha Madanmohan Temples.
- Each temple holds unique oral narratives and showcases Vrindavan’s earliest temple architecture.
- Enjoy a rickshaw ride through busy streets, completing the trail in about three hours.
Marvel at Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir
- Visit the ISKCON Temple built in 1975 by Srila Prabhupada.
- Witness the marble archway resonating with Krishna chants.
- Explore the main temple built around a tamal tree, surrounded by book stalls, a museum, eateries, and a guesthouse.
- Catch the Raj Bhog aarti at 12 pm before the temple closes for the afternoon.
Hold Your Breath at Shri Bankey Bihari Temple
- Visit the popular Shri Bankey Bihari Temple.
- See the idol of Shri Krishna in his childhood form for good luck.
- Head to the basil forest Nidhivan, where the original idol of Bankey Bihari was consecrated.
Wonder at the Mystery of Nidhivan
- Explore the holy basil forest, Nidhivan, a few minutes from Shri Bankey Bihari Temple.
- Criss-cross through a forest of trees and watch for monkeys.
- Pass by Rang Mahal temple where Radha is believed to visit every night.
- Experience the mystical atmosphere where makeup and ornaments are said to be used by Radha.
Gorge on Street Food by Keshi Ghat
- Enjoy street food near Keshi Ghat as dusk settles over the river.
- Try samosas, rabri, kulhad chai, aloo chaat, and Mathura ka peda from Shri Brijwasi.
- Experience the evening aarti at 6 am and 4.30 pm with floating diyas on the river.
Watch the Light Show at Prem Mandir
- Visit Prem Mandir, a 54-acre site developed by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat.
- Explore the temple’s Nagara architecture made of Italian marble.
- Witness the illuminated facade and musical fountain show at 7.30 pm, post-sunset.
In conclusion, a 48-hour journey through Brajbhoomi, centered around Mathura and Vrindavan, offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and gastronomic delights. Immerse yourself in Krishna’s birthplace, explore ancient temples, and savor the diverse street food. The serene countryside, guided tours, and comfortable accommodations enhance the experience, making it a captivating escapade for both the spiritually inclined and adventure seekers.