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Brajbhoomi, the Uttar Pradesh area where Krishna was born and brought up, is on the banks of the Yamuna River. Mathura and Vrindavan are at its heart; in these places, his legacy lives on, and, according to legend, his flute may be heard in every alley and on every fallen leaf. The religious atmosphere of the riverside towns is enough to draw pilgrims, but visitors will find plenty to enjoy in the different places to visit in Mathura, including tasty cuisine, scenic countryside, and fascinating historical tales.
We cover the ultimate guide for the best places to visit in Mathura! Keep reading to know more.
What is the perfect time to visit the different places in Mathura?
The weather is perfect for a dip in the river and a walk up the hill in early January, making it the ideal time to come. On September 6th and 7th this year, Janmashtami will be celebrated. As part of the celebrations, temples all across Braj are illuminated and adorned with lights, and the streets are bustling with processions and dancing. If you want to see the vibrant places to visit in Mathura illuminated by Hindu festivities like Holi, that's the perfect time to visit. Holi lasts a whole week in the neighbouring twin towns of Barsana and Nandgaon. Women dress as gopis (milkmaids) and use sticks to frighten males away, a light-hearted nod to the incident where Radha and the other gopis chased Krishna and his companions away from Barsana during the festival of colours.
Places to visit in Mathura
Dwarkadish Temple
About: Renowned across the nation for its ornate architecture and murals, the Dwarkadhish Temple is often considered one of Mathura's holiest temples. Despite its youth, the temple is greatly regarded; it was built in 1814. The black marble statue of Lord Dwarkadheesh—a manifestation of Krishna known as Dwarkanath—is the centre of worship at this temple. Truly one of the best places to visit in Mathura!
Why visit: Its already majestic appearance is heightened by a plethora of exquisite ceiling paintings depicting scenes from the Lord's life, as well as by the intricate Rajasthani architectural details and carvings. There are many exciting events held at the Dwarkadhish temple throughout the year, but notably during the Shravan months when the Lord's Idol is put within a Hindola, a sort of swing set, and is overseen by the Vaishnava sect, which was founded by Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya. Holi, Janmashtami, and Diwali are three more significant festivals. Located inside the sacred gate of the city and close to the Yamuna River's ghats, the temple and its environs are the epicentre of many fascinating events. Daily, thousands upon thousands of worshippers come to this site to pay their respects.
Govardhan Hill
About: The town of Govardhan initiates a six-hour circular trip that culminates at this 80-foot-tall sandstone hill. Along the route, you'll see temples steeped in Krishna mythology; stop at the famous Radha Kund and Shyam Kund to cool off. Tourists love this as this is truly one of the best places to visit in Mathura!
Why visit: As you cross the Kusum Sarovar lake, pay attention to the stone cenotaphs and the renowned Giriraj Temple. According to Karir, the other hikers are as important. Some pilgrims go around the sacred site many times daily, while saints spend each day and night on the go with a cart that provides them with food and shelter. Because of their extensive knowledge of many languages and the Vedas and Upanishads, the saints are great resources to have at your disposal if you ever find yourself lost.
Radha Kund
About: One of Braja's holiest spots, the Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, are located in the little town of Mathura, close to Govardhan Hill. Holy water from the two tanks that sit side by side is believed to have curative powers for conception and to be the holiest of all holy sites.
Why visit: Radha Kund Town was born because of the joy and love shared by Radha and Krishna in their bygone days. The majority of visitors to Radha Kund are devotees who come to worship Lord Krishna and Radha, as well as to observe the midnight ritual of washing themselves in the pond. The Radha Kund is a popular site for tourists from across the world to swim. With it’s romantic origins, it is one of the best places to visit in Mathura!
Vishram Ghat
About: About 4.5 miles upstream from Mathura Junction on the Yamuna River lies the holy bathing ghat of Vishram. At the heart of twenty-five other ghats, it serves as Mathura's primary ghat. For the traditional parikrama that begins and finishes at Vishram Ghat, as well as to bathe in its sacred waters, pilgrims go from all across the nation.
Why visit: When the sun goes down and the prayers and aarti begin at Vishram Ghat, it becomes a breathtaking sight. Observants release oil lights and diyas into the nearby Yamuna River on paan leaves. Along with taking the holy bath, devotees also practice other Pooja rituals, such as pind pradaan, on this ghat. On the second day after Diwali, the ghat is bustling with people celebrating Bhaidooj, also called Yam Dwitiya. Taking a boat ride along the tranquil Yamuna River is a popular activity on Vishram Ghat as it allows visitors to relax and unwind.
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Tired after your spiritual sojourn? Savour the mouthwatering cuisine of Mathura at these places!
Near Mathura's Holi Gate, you may get a plethora of sweet and savoury snacks. First stop: Oma Pehalwan Kachauri Wale, one of the town's oldest establishments known for its crisp jalebis and hot kachoris. Popular among Mathurans is Shankar Mithai Wala, known for its bedai and dubki wale aloo, two dishes that are characteristic of the city's street cuisine. Despite the lack of onion and garlic in this dish, we defy you to tell them apart. Brijwasi Sweets should pack you a batch of Mathura ka peda before you go.