Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 6-7, 2023, to honor Lord Krishna, the avatar of Lord Vishnu, on his birthday.
This festival holds special significance in Hinduism, and people visit Krishna temples to worship and sing devotional songs.
On this occasion, you can also explore famous places related to Lord Krishna’s life.
Exploring Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a must-visit during this time. The streets of Gokul and Vrindavan hold the essence of Krishna’s childhood.
While planning your visit to Mathura and Vrindavan, keep in mind that it might not be an extended holiday or a weekend, but you can still make a one-day trip to these sacred towns.
Create a well-organized plan to explore Mathura, Barsana, Vrindavan, and Gokul in one or two days.
A Mini Trip to Mathura and Vrindavan
If you reside in Delhi or any nearby district, you can easily reach Mathura in just a few hours.
A road trip from Delhi to Mathura via the Yamuna Expressway takes approximately two and a half hours.
You can also reach Mathura by bus or train. If you plan for a one-day trip, start early in the morning to witness the morning rituals and take a dip in the Yamuna river.
Mathura offers various famous and affordable temples and places to explore.
Important Temples in Mathura and Vrindavan
Krishna Janmabhoomi:
Start your journey from Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born.
Inside this temple, you can explore an intriguing cave with a separate ticket where you can see glimpses of Lord Krishna’s life with sound effects.
Banke Bihari Temple:
A short distance from Vrindavan, you’ll find the Banke Bihari Temple. The temple’s architecture follows the Rajasthani style, and you can witness Lord Krishna in his child form here.
This temple has no bells or conches, as it is believed that Lord Krishna didn’t like the sound of musical instruments.
Ranganath Temple:
On the Mathura-Vrindavan route, you’ll find the Ranganath Temple, also known as Rangaji Temple.
It follows the South Indian architectural style and houses Lord Krishna in his Ranganath avatar. Here, Lord Krishna’s idol is in the form of a groom.
Prem Mandir:
Among the most attractive places in Mathura-Vrindavan is Prem Mandir, built by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.
The temple complex has beautiful gardens and grand sculptures. Visiting this temple during the evening is recommended.
Budget for a Mathura-Vrindavan Trip
You can explore Mathura and Vrindavan comfortably within a day or two without spending extravagantly.
Traveling from Delhi to Mathura by bus costs around 200 INR, while train tickets may range up to 2000 INR.
In Mathura, you can find good hotels ranging from 500 to 3000 INR. The cost of food and accommodation is quite reasonable.
Getting Around Mathura and Vrindavan
To stay within your budget and have a comfortable trip, consider using local transportation. Mathura and Vrindavan have narrow streets where it can be challenging to drive.
You can hire a local taxi or e-rickshaw from your hotel, which will cost you approximately 300 to 500 INR. An e-rickshaw driver can efficiently take you to all the significant religious sites in one day.