Hello Adventurous Souls, Harsh Jashnani is here!!!
As students on a budget, my friends and I decided to embark on an exciting trip to Mathura from Nagpur. Also, the train journey cost us around Rs. 1700 each way, making the round trip Rs. 3400. Joining me were three of my friends, and we planned this adventure to coincide with the vibrant festival of Holi.
Experiencing Holi in Mathura-Vrindavan had been a long-time dream of mine, and I was thrilled to finally make it happen. Also, our total expenses for the trip amounted to Rs. 8,000, covering 3AC train tickets, hotel accommodations, transportation, food, and everything else we needed for a memorable journey.
Reaching the Heart of Krishna: A Journey from Nagpur to Mathura
We left Nagpur on a night off and arrived at Mathura station around 1 p.m. From the station, we took a taxi to Vrindavan, which cost us Rs. 500. Also, the distance from Mathura to Vrindavan is around 15 km, so we arrived in Vrindavan by 2 PM.
Affordable Comfort for a Memorable Stay in Mathura-Vrindavan:
During our stay, we lodged at the Barka Dham Ashram. The room rates were Rs. 900 per day, totaling Rs. 2700 for our three-day stay. Also, it was a comfortable and affordable accommodation option for our trip.
Things to do in Mathura-Vrindavan:
- Immersed in joyful festivities on Day 1 in Vrindavan:
After reaching Vrindavan, we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and set out to explore Vrindavan. We visited Gopeshwar Mahadev Mandir and Radha Raman Mandir, where we played Holi. In the evening, we went to Keshi Ghat, enjoyed boating, played Phoolon Wali Holi, and watched the Yamuna Aarti at the ghat.
- A Spiritual Journey at Radha Vallabh Ji on Day 2:
In the morning, we started our adventure before the sun even rose! We sprung from our beds at 2 a.m., eager to meet Premanand Maharaj. Also, the pre-dawn streets whispered secrets as we made our way to his presence. By 5 AM, the world was waking up with us as we joined the enchanting Mangla Aarti at the ISKCON Mandir, our souls dancing to the rhythm of devotion.
The next stop was a pilgrimage through Vrindavan’s sacred sites. At Radha Vallabh Mandir and Banke Bihari Mandir, we felt the divine presence in every whisper of the wind. By 10 AM, we reached the charming town of Barsana, just 25km from Vrindavan. Also, barsana unfolds its stories through Kirti Mandir and Radha Rani Mandir, each step weaving deeper into the weaving of devotion.
As evening painted the sky, we found ourselves at Govardhan, 20km away, where the ancient hills echoed with chants. Moreover, circumambulating the sacred Govardhan Hill was a pilgrimage of the heart.
Returning to Vrindavan under the night’s canopy. We let the day’s adventures settle as we savoured the flavours of street food.
- Embracing Braj Ki Holi in Vrindavan on Day 3:
This was the ultimate Holi experience, fulfilling a long-awaited dream: witnessing the Braj Ki Holi. We began our day by visiting the Banke Bihari Mandir to play Holi with Kanha himself. Then, we immersed ourselves in the colourful chaos of the streets of Vrindavan, joining strangers in playful revelry. It was a blast. As the evening approached, we unwound at Keshi Ghat, enjoying a peaceful boat ride while watching the sunset paint the sky. Finally, we concluded our day with a visit to Prem Mandir.There we savoured a delicious dinner, bringing a perfect end to our memorable day.
- A Divine Journey From Vrindavan to Mathura on Day 4:
We started early, checking out of our hotel around 10 a.m. Our destination was Mathura, just about 15 kilometres away from Vrindavan. In Mathura, we visited the Dwarkadhish Mandir and the Krishna Janmabhoomi, the sacred site of Lord Krishna’s birth. Later in the evening, we made our way to the station.Also, our train to Nagpur was scheduled for 6 p.m. Before leaving, we enjoyed a last meal together, reflecting on our unforgettable trip.
Delicious Delights: Must-Try Foods in Mathura and Vrindavan
- Delight for the taste buds!!! Try some lip-smacking aloo tikki chaat for just Rs. 30. Then, to cool off, we savoured a refreshing lassi for Rs. 50. Also, savour the famous Vrindavan ki kachori, a local favourite priced at just Rs. 30. Moreover, with every bite, we tasted the essence of this sacred land, filling both our stomachs and our souls.
- Also, for lunch in Mathura we stopped at Brijwasi Restaurant. Moreover, we ordered a dosa, which cost us Rs. 150. Also, we enjoyed chole bhature for Rs. 150 and rajma chawal for Rs. 140. It was a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
Best Time to Explore Mathura and Vrindavan
The ideal time to visit Mathura is from October to March, as this period offers the best weather and experiences the peak tourist season. However, be prepared for some crowds during this time. If you prefer to avoid large gatherings, consider visiting during the moderate-weather months of July to September. Also, I travelled on the Holi holiday; it was an amazing time in March.
Packing Essentials: What to Bring for Your Journey
No specific items are necessary to pack for Vrindavan.
- Carry your regular essentials and clothing.
- Also, pack a water bottle and snacks for the trip.
- Moreover keep Sunscreen and Mosquito repellent.
Tips for travellers to Mathura Vrindavan:
- Increased risk of theft or robbery due to heightened tourist activity during peak season for Holi.
- Also, it was the peak season of Holi, there was a huge hike in hotel prices.
- Moreover, autos and taxis exploit the high demand by demanding additional fees from tourists due to it being too crowded.
As I said goodbye to this special place, I took with me memories that will always be in my heart. The peaceful Yamuna riverbanks, the beautiful Bhajan songs, and the feeling of devotion in the air—each moment showed me the everlasting charm of Mathura and Vrindavan. Experience more unforgettable travel stories at https://sowl.in/stories/. Happy travels!!!
