Mathura Travel Guide : Places to visit & Best Time

Main Ghat of Mathura, a bath and worship place, on the banks of river Yamuna. © Adamcohn / Flickr

Mathura is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh located on the banks of the Yamuna River. According to Hindu religious epic, Mathura city is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is one of the most religious pilgrimage sites in India for Hindus. The city of Mathura is considered to be one of the seven holy cities (Saptapuri) of Hinduism as well as mention of Mathura in the Adikavya Ramayana which was earlier known as Madhupur.

This small town is surrounded by ancient temples, ghats and lanes adorned with countless stories of Lord Krishna from ages. The city has been attracting pilgrims from all over the world for centuries and devotees come from far and wide. The city of Mathura used to be the capital of the kingdom of Surasena, whose king was Maharaj Ugrasena, later its rule was taken away by his son (Krishna's maternal uncle) Kamsa. The city has many famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna all around, which is one of the eighth and most loved avatars of Lord Vishnu and is dedicated to various aspects of his life. It is said that the son of Mata Devaki and Vasudeva, Lord Krishna was born about 5,000 years ago in Dwapar Yuga in the prison cell of Kansa Fort on this holy land. The Keshav Dev Temple was built in place of Krishna Janmasthana (underground prison) in ancient times.

Mathura and Vrindavan are seen as the twin cities where God was born and where he grew up. Even today, the image of God is seen and the sound of his magical flute echoes. One side of the city is surrounded by 25 ghats of Yamuna river where you can see the locals and tourists taking a dip in the water of Yamuna river in the morning. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mathura and apart from this there are many famous temples: Dwarkadhish Temple, Govind Dev Temple, Rangji Temple, Banke Bihari Temple and Geeta Temple. Janmashtami is celebrated with great grandeur every year in Mathura. Every nook and cranny of the city still retains the charm of an old-time world, you will be able to experience the history of Mathura only by knowing the architecture of ancient times, the crumbling ruins of old houses and the general feasibility of the local people. Even today Mathura touches the soul with its rich cultural heritage and in the culture of Mathura you will get to experience the love of people, which is only in Mathura.

History of Mathura

One of the most holy River Yamuna at Mathura, begins from Yamunotri. © Aleksandr / Flickr

Mathura is an ancient city which is also known as Brij Bhoomi. In religious and historical identity, the city is famous for the birthplace of Shri Krishna and his pastimes (Leela) where he spent his youth. The first mention of the city is found in the highly revered Adikavya Valmiki Ramayana in Hinduism, it has also been displayed in the Mathura Museum by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The history of this city begins from the Satyuga, in the primitive period the city used to be a dense forest, known as Madhuvan or Madhu Nagari. In the golden age, Madhu used to be the kingdom of salt demon on this city, so it was called Madhuvan. Madhu demon possessed a trident, Which he found by doing austerities to Lord Mahadev ji, and this Trident was a blessing that whoever has this trident cannot be slaughtered.

Later, Madhu demon gave this trident to the son Lavanasura. After Lavanasura got the trident the fear of death ended, due to which he started torturing the earth. In the Treta Yuga, when Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Rama and his 14-year exile took over, God ordered the younger Anuj (Shatrughan ji) to go to Madhuvan and kill Lavanasura and he was killed by Shatrughan ji. In the slaughter of Lavanasura, he was supported by Mahamuni Bhargava ji, according to his guidance Shatrughan ji killed Lavanasur while returning from antelope. After the slaughter of Lavanasura, Shatrughan ji established the Madhu city here after cutting the forest and later Lord Rama made Shatrughan ji the king of Madhu city.

According to the time cycle, the name of Madhu Nagari was changed to Madhupur. The city got its main identity from the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Dwapara Yuga. In Dwapara Yuga, the city came to be known as Mathura, whose king was Ugrasen, the maternal grandfather of Shri Krishna. Aakashvani took place at the time of marriage of Devaki and Vasudev ""Listen Kansa, you will be killed by the eighth son of the sister whom you are going to bid farewell to."" Kansa had closed his sister and brother-in-law in the palace jail because of Akashvani. He took away the kingdom from his father and himself became the king of Mathura. Due to more persecution in Mathura of Kansa, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura. Lord Shri Krishna was born in Yaduvansh from the womb of Mother Devaki and later killed Kamsa and freed his parents from the confinement. Mathura has been attracting many tourists and pilgrims by acquiring religious and historical identity.

Mathura in Kali Yuga became part of the mighty Mauryan Empire sometime during the first century BCE. Under the rule, it flourished, transforming into a primary centre for arts. Ashoka, the great Mauryan king of the Maurya, is credited with the construction of several Buddhist monuments in and around Mathura in the 3rd century BC. The Mughals ruled India over time and most of the temples were demolished during that time. Subsequently, the city was ruled by the British and after independence Mathura is maintaining its religious identity.

Places and Attractions to Visit in Mathura

Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple in Mathura, It built where Lord Krishna is born. © Travel.lover03 / Instagram

Krishna Janmasthan Temple - Mathura is also known as Sri Krishna Janma Bhoomi. The main pilgrimage place in Mathura is the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple or the birth place of Krishna. It is said that this temple is built around the prison cell, where Krishna appeared from the womb of Lord Mother Devaki.

This temple is considered to be one of the most revered temples in India, and the focal point of famous legends of Lord Krishna. The temple is located to the west of the old city of Mathura. According to a legend it is said that this temple was built by Vajranabh, grandson of Lord Krishna, and Millions of pilgrims visit this temple every year, during the festivals the grandeur of the temple increases more. Those who come to seek the blessings of their beloved.

Yama-Yamuna Temple - Yama-Yamuna Temple (Yamuna-Dharmaraja Temple) is one of the oldest temples and one of the most auspicious temples in Mathura dedicated to Yam, the god of death and Yamuna, the goddess of the river. The temple is located a short distance from the Vishram Ghat on the route to the Dwarkadhish temple. It is said that this temple was built about 4,900 years ago by Vajranabha, the grandson of Lord Shri Krishna. According to Hindu mythology, Yam and Yamuna are siblings - the god of death and the goddess of the river. Legend has it, Goddess Yamuna ji invited her brother Yama on the occasion of Bhai Dooj. After the meal, Yam Dev told Yamuna ji what she wanted from him, as is the practice on this day. But Yamuna ji had no material desire, Goddess Yamuna asked for her eternal blessings. That is why even today, his Ghat Bhai Dooj is illuminated, and people come to the temple to seek blessings. The entrance of the temple is a small gate, so you will have to bow to go the main court of the temple. The main prayer hall of the temple is simple and makes you feel warm. In which the idols of Dev Yama and Goddess Yamuna are installed in black stone and their Karkamal (Hands) stands for blessing with true heart.

Mahavan - Mahavan is a very ancient place located on the other bank of Yamuna near the outskirts of Mathura.It is one of the 12 major forests of the Braj region, which is considered to be the playground of Balakrishna. This forest is called Mahavan because it is larger in volume than all the forests and it is a group of green forests. It is also called Mahavan, Gokul or Brihadvana, which is about 12 km east of Mathura. The Mahavan is a beautiful forest and the visitor experiences peace while coming here, while this place is full of the pastimes of Lord Krishna's childhood. This Mahavan was the chief among the eighty-four forests of Vraj. There is a temple of Chhathi-Palana in Mahavan, which used to be the palatial residence of Rohini, mother of Baldev. Apart from this, Mahavan has various temples, including Raman Reti, Yogmaya, Shyamalji, Trayanratri, Rasakhan Samadhi, Chintaharan Mahadev, Brahmananda Ghat and Mahamall Rai Ji's Palace. Another attraction of Mahavan is the 84 pillars (Chaurasi Khambha).

Kans Qila - Kansa Fort is situated on the northern bank of the sacred Yamuna River. This fort is dedicated to Lord Krishna's maternal uncle Kamsa. It now stands as only ruins, but its partial ruins still reflect its former grandeur. In this fort, the parents of Lord Krishna were kept captive. After exchanging several hands in the cycle of time, the present fort was built by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur during the 16th century. This was followed by an observatory added to the fort by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The fort was constructed with red sandstone. The fort is a popular tourist destination which is still attracting tourists.

Birla Mandir is in Mathura-Vrindavan road, is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan © Travelcaptura / Instagram

Birla Mandir / Gita Mandir - Birla Mandir is one of the famous temples situated on the Mathura-Vrindavan road which is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan. Which is also known as Geeta Mandir. The temple has been constructed using skilled craftsmanship using marble and red sandstone. The grandeur of the temple reflects its architecture and exquisite carvings and the marble walls have exquisite paintings of deities. The idols of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Narayana are all decorated with beautiful ornaments and adornments in the temple premises. Apart from this, there is a pillar in the temple garden in which the verses of Geeta are engraved. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Birla temple was built by Jugal Kishore Birla in memory of his parents.

Gayatri Tapobhoomi - Gayatri Tapobhoomi was founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya (Gurudev) in 1950 by collecting sacred soil from 2400 pilgrimage sites and concluding 24 Gayatri Mahapuranas. Where each Mahapuruscharan includes 2.4 million Gayatri Mantra recitations per year. The temple is located on the austerity land of sage Durvasa and sage Angira, on Vrindavan Marg in Mathura. It is the first Gayatri temple in the world.

Baldeo & Dauji Mandir - The city of Baldev is located on the outskirts, about 25 kilometers from Mathura. This small quaint and charming city was ruled by Lord Balarama, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. And it is also called "Dauji" of Mathura and other nearby cities. Located in the city center is the famous temple of Baldev ji from which the name originates. Lord Balarama is called Dau ji Maharaj and Lord Krishna himself used to call Balaram ji as Dau. Near the temple complex is an eighty-square pond called Kshirsagar or Balabhadra Kund. According to a belief, the idol of the temple originated from this pond, which was taken out of the pond by Gosain Gokulnathji. Lord Balarama had told Gosainji about his idol in the dream, upon searching, a statue of about 7 feet high made of black stone was found. This temple of Balarama is believed to have been established by King Vajranabha around 5000 years ago.

Dwarikadheesh Temple, One of the oldest and largest Hindu temples of Mathura © Dwarakadheeshkidiwanee / Instagram

Dwarikadheesh Temple - One of the most famous temples in Mathura is Dwarkadhish Temple which is globally famous for its exquisite architecture and paintings. It is located on the banks of the Yamuna river resting place in Mathura. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Dwarkadhish Lord Krishna. The temple was built in 1814 by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior. In the main hall of the temple, the idol of God is installed in black marble, while the idol of Radharani is set in white marble. The temple is decorated with floral designs in many beautiful colors and yellow pillars, And the gate leading to the courtyard is beautifully carved in beautiful Rajasthani style. Devotees will not be able to stop themselves from appreciating the various carvings and paintings of deities on the walls and pillars of the temple complex. In the present day the temple is managed by the followers of the Vaishnava sect. In the month of Shravan, the temple becomes the center of many interesting activities, the idol of the Lord is placed in a swing, the Lord enjoys the swing.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir - Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Bhuteshwar crossroads in Mathura. The ancient Shivling of Lord Shiva is installed in the Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. According to the legend, when the city of Mathura was established after the destruction of Madhu Namak Datya, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev ji was also established. Since then it has been the temple, Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev ji was appointed Field keeper of the city of Mathura. It is one of the oldest temples, unless the traveler visits Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Ji, his journey is not considered complete. In addition to Lord Shiva, Shri Kali, Shri Giriraj Maharaj, Shri Patal Devi, etc. are temples in Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. Every year the Parikarma of Brij Chaurasi Kos starts and ends on this month of Bhadrapada month.

Chamunda Devi Temple - Out of 51 Shaktipeeths, this ancient temple of Goddess Chamunda is situated in front of Mother Gayatri Tapobhumi situated on the Mathura-Vrindavan road. This temple is built at the place where the hair of Devi Sati fell. The mention of this Shaktipeeth temple is also found in the Mahapuran Shrimad Bhagwat. Lord Krishna visited this temple of Maa Chamunda after killing the dragon in Dwapar.

Vishram Ghat on the banks of Yamuna River and near well known Dwarakadhish Temple © Thehindumart / Instagram

Vishram Ghat - Vishram Ghat is one of the most popular and sacred bathing ghats which is located in Mathura on the banks of river Yamuna. It is the main ghat in Mathura and the center of 25 other ghats. In Hindi language 'Vishram' means rest, hence the name of this ghat is Vishram Ghat. It is said that Lord Krishna rested here after slaying the evil demon Kamsa with Balaram. Pilgrims from all over the country come to this ghat to bathe in the holy water, And the circumambulation of all important religious places of the city starts from this ghat and ends here. There are 12 ghats along the banks of Yamuna in the north of Vishram Ghat and 12 in the south also. Vishram Ghat is equipped with beautiful temples, including the Mukut Temple, Radha-Damodar, Murali Manohar, Neelkantheshwar, Yamuna-Krishna, Langot Hanuman and Narasimha Temple. The steps of the ghat are made of marble stone, one feels happy by experiencing the aarti held at the ghat every evening.ou can see earthen lamps (earthen lamps) floating on the river Yamuna. In the evening one can enjoy the sightseeing of the Vishram ghat by boat ride.

Potra Kund, a large stepwell in Mathura, which sanctifies the soul. © Arnov007 / Instagram

Potra Kund - Mathura is the home of Lord Krishna's pastime (Leelao). Many places in Mathura city are famous among devotees, while on the contrary there are many places which are highly revered but not famous. One of those places is the Potra Kund, which sanctifies the soul. This kund holds a special place in the heart of the devotees of Lord Krishna. The legend of the Kund will take you to the childish leelao of God, according to popular legend, Mata Devaki and Vasudev used to wash their child Krishna's clothes in this kund. The word Potra means clothes, thus this Kund was named Potra Kund.

Nandgaon - Nandgaon is located 51 km north-east of Mathura and about 8 km north of the famous mythical village Barsana. The village is home to Lord Krishna's foster father Shri Nandji and his foster mother Yashoda. It is situated on a beautiful hill called Nandishwar. It is one of the major shrines of Krishna devotees. To escape Krishna from the demons sent by Krishna's maternal uncle Kansa, Shri Nandji had left Gokul and came for residence in Nandgaon with Shri Krishna and Gop Gwals.

According to legend, this village was ihabited on a hill by Nandarai, the foster father of Lord Krishna. This is the reason why this place was named Nandgaon. It is believed that Krishna spent his childhood here and some traces of his childhood are found here. There is a temple of Nand Rai on the hill in the village, which is also known as Nand Bhavan or Nandagram Temple. Two black marble idols of Lord Krishna and Balarama are installed in the temple. The deities in this temple were originally established by Vajranabha. Also, Nandgaon has another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known as the Nandishwar Temple. There is also a lake called Pavana Sarovar where the cattle of Lord Krishna are believed to drink water. And it is one of the most favorite lakes of Lord Krishna. Nandgaon also has Charan hill. Charan Pahari is a shrine situated on the south-west side of Nandagram, close to the road to Kamyavan. There is an impression of Lord Krishna's feet here.

Barsana - Barsana is located 21 km north of Govardhan. According to mythology, Barsana village is the place where Lord Krishna's wife Radharani was born. Originally known as Brahmasaran, Barsana is inhabited on the slope of the peak. The four major peaks of the hill are considered to be the symbol of divinity. Barsana has many famous spiritual temples, of which the Radharani temple is the most popular and prominent. This temple is also known as Ladliji, Ladli Lal (The beloved one) and Shreeji, and this temple was established by Vajranabha about 5000 years ago. Another one temple is famous for Radha Ji, known as Maan Mandir in Barsana. It is said that when Radha ji got angry with Lord Krishna, she used to come here in solitude and Lord Krishna used to plead her to please him. There is a small tunnel, which leads to a small room, which is said to be Radha's seat. You can also enjoy the Mor Kutir in Barsane, a place where Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna danced as peacock and peahen. Apart from this there is also Krishna Kund or Radha Sarovar, which is situated in the center of forests and caves where they used to bathe. It is a narrow passageway called Sankari Khor, where Krishna and the shepherd boys used to ask yogurt, butter and ghee for Radharani and his companions letting them pass through Sankari Khor.

Gokul - Located about 10 km south-east of Mathura is a rustic village connected with Lord Krishna. It is a suburb of the inland city of Mahavan on the banks of the Yamuna River. This is the village where Lord Krishna was raised secretly by his foster father and foster mother, Yashoda. Gokul is often crowded during the Krishna Janmashtami and Annakoot festivals. Gokul immersed in the colorful history of Lord Krishna has a special significance in his heart for the devotees of Lord Krishna, this village is also associated with the saint Vallabhacharyaji who used to live here. There are two reservoirs here named Radha Kund and Shyam Kund. Apart from this, there is a popular ghat here, Shri Thakurani Ghat, on this ghat, Shri Vallabhacharya Ji had seen the darshan of Shri Yamuna Devi. Thus, this place holds special significance for the followers of Lord Vishnu. Gokul also has many other scenic spots, including the Raja Thakur, Yogmaya, Gopal Lalji, Gokul Nath, Dauji and Morwala temples. Subsequently, the most prominent is the Nanda bhavan which was built by the divine architect Vishwakarma Deity on a hill 5000 years ago. . Which is home to Krishna's foster father Nand Baba. Another place which is famous by the name of Raman Reti, it is said that Lord Krishna used to play in the sand in the form of child. The famous saint, Swami Gyanandasji, had done austerities in this Raman Reti for 12 years and was pleased by his devotion and appeared by God. The main idol in the Rangbihariji temple is the exact image of Lord Krishna in the temple described by the saint Sri Swami Gyanadasji.

Govardhan & Govardhan Hill - Govardhan is a sacred religious shrine and a municipal town in Mathura district, about 22 km from Vrindavan, on a hill called Giriraj. Every year pilgrims come here from different cities of India and from different parts of the world to visit Govardhan and its sacred Govardhan Parvat. Govardhan holds great importance for devotees, who come here during the Krishna Janmashtami and Annakoot festivals. God himself said in the Bhagavad Gita, Mount Govardhan is no different from me. It is recognized only in the natural form of Lord Krishna. Therefore, devotees of God worship this mountain like the embodiment of God. According to the legend, Lord Krishna held the Govardhan Parvat for seven days in his childhood to protect Devraj Indra from torrential rains on his little finger. This mountain is considered so sacred that in Govardhan Puja on Guru Purnima, devotees walk around 23 km barefoot around the mountain and revolve around Govardhan. And on the next day of Diwali, at Govardhan festival, devotees come for Govardhan's circumambulation. There are three types of revolutions of Govardhan, including a barefoot parikrama, dood (milk) parikrama and dandavat parikrama. Another site is Kusum Sarovar, where Krishna's gopis would wait for him, and Radha Kund, where Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna would meet with the gopis.

Braj Ki Holi - Holi is a festival of colors, which is considered a symbol of good over evil. Mathura is world famous for Holi celebrations, it is a grandly celebrated festival in Mathura, and is one of the major festivals of Hindus. According to the legend, Lord Krishna started the Holi festival, When he was younger, he cried to his mother saying that I am dark complexion and Radha is fair. Then Yashodha Maa asked him to smear colour on Radha and thus gave birth to Holi in Braj. It is believed that Lord Krishna from Nandgaon visited the city of Barsana to cast colour over Radha. The lord, who is known to perform Raas Leela with the Gopis, applied colour on Radha's face. All of Radha's friends in turn kicked Krishna out of the city of Barsane by hitting him with a bamboo stick. It is said that every year, Lord Krishna used to visit Goddess Radha (Barsana) from her village (Nandgaon), where Radha and Gopis play Holi with them and kick them out from barsana with bamboo sticks. Thus the Lathamar Holi is still played today in Mathura which begins in Barsana, a week before the actual date of Holi festival, and moves to Nandgaon the next day. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India along with Mathura.

Food in Mathura - Mathura has some amazingly delicious food and dishes featuring its sweets and milk products, such as Peda (sweet dish made with condensed milk). The best quality sweet shop in Mathura is "Brajwasi Mittu Wala", which is located at 4-5 places in Mathura. Yummy delicious North Indian thali can also be found. Apart from this you must try Samosa Kachori, Pudi-Aloo, Jalebi, Chaat, Panipuri, Khaman, Dhokla, Pohe, Tamra Chaat, Khoya Mithai, Son Papdi, Ghevar and Lassi and it should definitely be on your list.

Shopping in Mathura - Most of the tourists in Mathura go to see the Lord in the temples and in this Emotion they want to take with them an object associated with God. And tourists are involved in shopping on a trip to Mathura. Most of the markets here are located close to the temples area, including one of the markets to shop, Bengali Ghat, Chatta Bazaar and Chowk along with other popular markets. You can buy attractively woven pearl rosary, brass sculptures and puja utensils at reasonable prices. You can also see other items in the market, such as - dress for the idols of Lord Krishna, idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha and do not forget to carry some handicrafts including exclusive miniatures of Ashtadhatu or stores of Hindu deities. Additionally, you can also buy the most famous and delicious Peda of Mathura. Kesharia Peda which has an amazing taste of saffron will really make you like it.

How to Reach Mathura

By Road - Mathura New Bus Stand, is major bus stands in Mathura. Which is connected by state and other roadways buses by road to many cities like Delhi, Noida, Kanpur, (Uttar Pradesh) and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan). Mathura is now connected with New Delhi via Noida-Agra world class express ways. Buses are operated in this highways by many private companies, UPSRTC or other state road transport corporations. Through which Mathura can be easily reached from other cities.

By Train - Which is connected by state and other railway stations to many cities like Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) by rail. These trains are operated by Indian Railways on time. Through which Mathura can be easily reached from other cities.

By Air - Kheria Airport in Agra is a major and a seasonal airport located at a distance of 60 km, is the nearest airport from Mathura. IGI Airport is second nearest airport whoch is 150 km from Mathura. Which is majorly connected to New Delhi. Air India and its subsidiary Alliance Air fly to Agra Airport at this airport. Flight does not always run on this route. Flights from other cities will soon start at this base. Other cities may include Gwalior, Jaipur and Lucknow.

Best Travel Time to Visit Mathura

October to March is the best time to visit in Mathura, because In those days temperatures are very comfortable and winter season are also the occasion of festivals.

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