Welcome, fellow travellers, to a spiritual journey to the holy land of Mathura and Vrindavan with me, Divya. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of amazement for my friend. Join me as the city unravels the timeless charms of this ancient city, where every street corner whispers tales of Lord Shree Krishna.
Routes to Mathura and Vrindavan
We started the journey by taking a bus from Chandigarh in the evening. Also we were excited as it would be an overnight ride to Mathura. Additionally, we decided to travel at night so we could reach Mathura early in the morning. Just in time to witness the temples opening doors.
Places to visit in Mathura in one day:
- Krishan Janam Sthan: We visited the temple where Lord Krishna was born, called Krishna Janam Sthan. Stayed there for a while and enjoyed the peaceful and spiritual energy of the atmosphere.
- Dwarkadhish temple: After visiting Lord Krishna’s birthplace temple, we continued our journey to Dwarkadhish, a temple specifically devoted to him. Later on, we made our way to the Yamuna River ghat. There we had the opportunity to go boating, feed birds, and immerse ourselves in the peaceful surroundings. Also, make sure that the temples in Mathura close in the afternoon. Ultimately, we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local food, Lassi and Kachori, with aloo sabzi. In the evening, I saw a mesmerising water show in Mathura, which was a much-needed sight to visit.
Places to visit in Vrindavan:
- Banke Bihari temple: The next morning, we got up early and made our way to Banke Bihari temple. It is one of the most renowned temples in Vrindavan, to start our second day.
- Nidhivan: Continuing our journey, we ventured to Nidhivan, a divine sanctuary cherished by Lord Krishna’s devotees. Also, we were immersed in the rich tales surrounding Nidhivan, which added a great spiritual experience to our journey. Later, we explored many beautiful temples and architecture in Vrindavan, enjoying flavorful delights like lassi and papdi-chaat.
- Keshi Ghat: In the evening, we visited Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan. There we witnessed the beautiful sunset and the Yamuna aarti. It was a peaceful and blissful way to end a truly remarkable day.
- ISKCON temple and Prem Mandir: On the third day, we explored the local markets in Vrindavan. In the morning and evening, we visited ISKCON and Prem Mandir. In fact, the light show and musical fountain show at Prem Mandir were mesmerising. Also, I danced to the music and had a fantastic day.
Hidden Gem of My Trip:
On the fourth day, we had two options:
- Either visit Varsana which is Radha Rani’s place,
- Go to Agra, located just 50 km away from Vrindavan.
Later, we decided to visit Agra and explore the majestic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Ultimately, it was an amazing experience. In the evening returned to Vrindavan, feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness a place of love.
Best time to visit Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra
The ideal time to visit Mathura, Vrindavan, and Agra is from October to February. Also, the weather during these months is pleasant.
Necessary things to pack:
- As I went to the holy place, I carried traditional clothing.
- Also, carry your own snacks and water.
- Pack comfortable footwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good backpack.
Tips for Travellers:
- The temple did not allow phones or luggage inside, which added to the serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- Also, opt for a homestay or ashram that offers the amenities of a clean and comfortable hotel.
- Explore the area by travelling in e-rickshaws, regular rickshaws, autos, or simply by walking around.
The total expense for this trip was around Rs. 13,000 for a two-person budget, and we travelled via bus. As we boarded the bus back to Chandigarh, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy and happiness. My spiritual journey to Mathura and Vrindavan has been a truly enriching experience.
