Mathura is among the most religious and sacred places in India. Every nook and cranny of the city is filled with spiritual tranquility and enlightenment.
The city is located about 150 km from Delhi and is best known to be the “birthplace of Lord Krishna.” The place consists of many religious and historical sites to visit.
One of the most significant places to visit in Mathura is the jail where Lord Krishna was born. The janmabhumi of Lord Krishna also has a temple attached which is highly visited by tourists.
Even if you simply walk around the beautiful city and in each and every lane, you can witness the old-world charm and architecture. The remnants of the ancient houses and beautiful architecture are mesmerizing.
Now, if you are planning to travel to Mathura, there are a few places to visit in Mathura that you should know about.
1. Govardhan Hill
One of the places to visit in Mathura Vrindavan is the Govardhan Parvat or Hill. About 22km from Vrindavan, this hill is mentioned in the Holy Bhagavat Gita. Lord Krishna mentioned that the Govardhan Parvat is a part of him.
The followers of Lord Krishna worship each and every stone of the Parvat as they would worship the Lord. The hill is made of sandstone, its length is about 38km, and its height is about 80 ft.
According to history, Lord Krishna lifted this huge parvat with just one finger in his youth to save the villagers of Mathura from thunderstorms and heavy rain. That’s why the hill is worshipped on the days of Guru Purnima and Govardhan Puja, a day after Diwali.
Lord Krishna requested everyone to worship the hill as it saved everyone in his village. Hence, the parvat is worshipped by walking around it barefoot, known as the Govardhan Prakriya.
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
2. Krishna Janmasthan Temple
One of the holiest places to visit in Mathura is the Lord Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura. The temple is constructed surrounding the jailhouse where Lord Krishna’s Uncle King Kansa imprisoned his birth family, Pita Vasudeva and Mata Devaki.
This place is of the utmost significance for his followers, as this is the place where Krishna was born. During the festivals of Janmasthami, Holi, Deepawali, and Basant Panchami, the place is decorated with the utmost devotion.
Location: Mathura- Deeg Marg, near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001.
Time Required: 1 to 2 Hours
3. Vishram Ghat
This holy ghat is situated on the banks of River Yamuna. Situated 5kms away from Mathura, it is the center ghat among 25. It is said in literary texts that Lord Krishna came here to take a rest after he killed his evil uncle Kansa.
This is why the literal translation of the place is “relaxation.” Thousands of devotees visit here during Bhaidooj for the sacred dip in the river. There are boat rides available on the river.
Time Required: 2 hours
4. Radha Kund
It is among the most prominent tourist places to visit in Mathura and Vrindavan is the Radha Kund. Located under the protection of Govardhan Hill, it is a sacred place for devotees.
You can easily count the Govardhan and Radha Kund as the places to visit in Mathura and Vrindavan in one day.
It is believed that the Radha Kund contains the purest and most sacred water that has healing powers. A dip in the will get rid of all your sins and will purify the soul. This is the reason for thousands of devotees to migrate to this holy Kund.
The Kund dates back to when Radha and Krishna were on Earth. The Kund is also a symbol of their undying love for one another.
Time Required: 2 hours
5. Radha Vallabh Mandir
Located near Gautam Nagar, the Radha Vallabh Mandir is among the 7 temples in Vrindavan. This temple is considered the epitome of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna’s spiritual and holy devotion to each other. This was shown in their ‘Ras-bhakti’ avatar.
The unique thing about this temple is that there is no idol of Radha beside Krishna. Instead, a crown is placed beside Lord Krishna’s idol, signifying Radha’s presence. The serene decoration of the temple is why it is one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan and Mathura.
Location: Vrindavan, District Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
6. Dwarkadhish Temple
The Dwarkadhish Temple is the most famous places to visit in Mathura. The temple is world famous for its amazing architecture with intricate designs and paintings. Built around 1814, it is highly devoted though it is new.
Located at an ideal spot near the Yamuna River, the temple has a lot of activities surrounding it. The ceiling is covered with intricate and exquisite paintings that look magnificent.
Location: Raja Dhiraj Bazar Road, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
7. Nand Gaon
If you travel about 50km away from Mathura, you will reach Nand Gaon. This is a small and quaint town situated in the Nandishwara hills. This was the home to Lord Krishna’s adoptive parents, Maiyya Yashoda and Nand Ji.
This is where Lord Krishna grew up. Here are several temples situated, namely Nand Nandan, Nritya Gopal, and Gopinath. Here is also a beautiful lake known as the Pan Sarovar, which attracts a lot of tourists.
Places To Stay Here: Saffron House, Beyond Stay Mahua Bagh Murud, SnehPusph Holiday Home and the Nandai Villa
Time Required: 2 hours
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Mathura is famous for a lot of things, but mostly because this is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. And it was also a popular center for Buddhism in ancient India. And the Mathura School of Art was also built and flourished here during the Kushana dynasty in the 1st century AD.
Surrounded by beautiful temples and old architecture, Mathura is among the most popular and spiritual places in India. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, which only multiplies the history of the place.
Mathura is grander with luxury hotels and great public transport. It has the best tourist attractions as well. But if you are looking for something more low-key, then Vrindavan is a better option, with affordable options as well.
Wrapping Up!
So here are the popular places to visit in Mathura; you are definitely going to love all these places. The history and beauty of all these places are unmatched by any other.
If you are going to visit Mathura, then it would be best to avoid the summer months as it gets very hot during that time. Mathura would be best if you travel during the festive seasons, although it will be a bit crowded then, it will be a great experience.
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