Hey readers! This is Adya back with another story about my recent trip to Vrindavan and Govardhan Parvat with my family.This was my first time there and I had a really great time exploring the Bhakti Yog of Spirituality. It was a one day trip and be covered easily but if you wish to spend some time meditating and exploring the place, I’ll suggest you to book a room. Now without further ado, let’s begin our journey to the land of Krishna.
We hired a cab from Delhi and left at 6 AM, making a stop at a highway restaurant for breakfast, where I had sandwich and tea. Always try to eat light whenever you’re on a long journey and keep emergency medicines.
To get to Vrindavan from Delhi, there are various modes of transportation available. One of the most convenient ways to travel is by car or taxi. You can easily hire a taxi from Delhi to Vrindavan, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the traffic. Another option is to take a bus. Several buses operate on this route, and you can choose from different types of buses, including deluxe, semi-deluxe, and Volvo buses. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the traffic.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also take a train from Delhi to Mathura, which is located around 12 km from Vrindavan.
Travel Tip:
Make sure to keep your phones, glasses, cameras and other belongings safely packed away. Wear lens if you really need your specs to walk. The monkeys of Vrindavan will try to snatch your belongings all the time and if they end up snatching something, you will have to buy them a frooty to get it back.
Temples and Our Heritage
Our first stop was the Banke Bihari Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most famous temples in Vrindavan.
As we entered the temple through the narrow streets and crowds, I was struck by the beautiful architecture and intricate carvings on the walls. The temple was filled with the sweet fragrance of incense, and we could hear the melodious chanting of bhajans. I was surprised to see the devotion of the crowd towards the God. Many people were carrying a baby doll that was a symbolism of Gopal to them. I was really fascinated seeing the way devotees loved the lord and were completely soaked in his vibrant colours.
Next we went through the streets trying Lassi, Lemon Soda, Puri Kachori etc. We also bought several souvenirs from multiple shops lined up on the streets. Next we visited popular temples like ISKCON, and Madan Mohan Temple, Prem Mandir among others. However, I advise fellow travelers to be cautious with their belongings due to the presence of monkeys and potential scams.
The air itself was full of devotion and love in Vrindavan. All you could hear all day was people say “Radhe-Radhe” and dance to bhajans. It was nothing like I’d ever experienced before. The devotional and spiritual energy rejuvenated my soul as I let myself loose and dance with strangers at Vrindavan Rasleela.
After that we made our way to a restaurant just outside ISKCON to have lunch. There we had a delicious and fulfilling vegetarian meal at a very low cost.
After having lunch, we suddenly decided to take a trip to Govardhan Hill instead of returning to Delhi. Govardhan Parvat is known for its spiritual and serene atmosphere. It is said that Shree Krishna lifted the entire hill on his pinky finger to save the villagers from heavy storm and downpour. I was really excited to see this mystical place!
We took an e-rickshaw to explore the hill, who took INR 100 and visited temples like Govardhan Temple and Mansi Ganga Kund. What I loved about Govardhan Hill was that it was much less crowded and peaceful than Vrindavan, which made it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We did a parikrama of the hill while watching the sunset, for which the rickshaw charged extra and then made our way back to our car in the parking. I suggest keeping a minimum budget of INR 2000 per person for the entire trip.
Adya loves to explore places by becoming a part of the destination. She takes her time to slowly understand the places she visits and embrace the local stories and folklore. Travel for her is about leaping into the unknown without any fear. What’s better than meeting new people, having new adventures and striving to be Alive?
The best time to visit Vrindavan is during the months of October to March. The weather during this time is pleasant with cool breezes, and it’s perfect for exploring the temples and the surrounding areas. You must also visit during festivals like Holi and Janmashtami to witness the true celebrations of the city.
Adya loves to explore places by becoming a part of the destination. She takes her time to slowly understand the places she visits and embrace the local stories and folklore. Travel for her is about leaping into the unknown without any fear. What’s better than meeting new people, having new adventures and striving to be Alive?
