Welcome to our blog highlighting the best places to visit in Mathura! Mathura, a city in India known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is filled with amazing attractions. From ancient temples to colorful markets, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Join us as we uncover the top places to visit in Mathura, a charming city.

Places to Visit in Mathura

Mathura is a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It sits on the Yamuna River about 145 kilometers south of Delhi. Mathura has great religious importance as it is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Millions of devotees from all over the world visit Mathura every year to pay their respects at its many revered temples and holy sites. Here are the 7 top places that should be on your must-visit list when traveling to Mathura.

Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex

This sacred temple complex marks the traditional birthplace of Lord Krishna. The main temple houses a serene black marble sculpture of the infant Krishna. Surrounding the main temple are several other temples and holy sites connected to Krishna’s life and mythology. As Krishna’s literal birthplace, this is the most sacred place for Krishna devotees in Mathura and one of the most venerated sites in all of Hinduism.

How to Reach: The temple is located in the heart of Mathura near the Mathura Junction Railway Station. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the station.

Nearby Places: The Dwarkadhish Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and the sacred Vishram Ghat along the Yamuna River are right next to the complex.

What to Do: Attend the magical morning aarti ceremony, explore the different shrines, and simply soak in the divine atmosphere.  

Opening Times: The temple is open from 5 am to 12:30 am every day. Entry Free.

Banke Bihari Temple

This gorgeous temple contains stunning iconography and architecture from the 16th-century Rajput era. It houses the revered Banke Bihari deity of Lord Krishna along with special chambers dedicated to Radha and other incarnations. The lifelike and expressive murtis (sculptures) here are considered the most beautiful in Mathura. It’s also one of the Navavidha Bhakti centers for expressing nine forms of devotion.  

How to Reach: Located in the heart of Mathura, just a short walk from the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex.

Nearby Places: The Sri Govardhan Hill, an important Krishna pilgrimage site, is about 25 km away.

What to Do: Marvel at the intricate carvings and deities, attend lively musical celebrations, and try the famous pede sweet at the Prasad stalls.

Opening Times: 6 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9:30 pm daily. No entry fees.

Dwarkadheesh Temple

This huge temple compound is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Dwarkadhish avatar as the ruler of the holy city of Dwarka. It features a soaring 55-meter-high edifice topped by an enormous lotus-shaped dome. It’s one of Mathura’s grandest and most visually stunning temples, built in the classic Rajasthani architectural style using high-quality marble and stone. 

How to Reach: Just adjacent to the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex at the heart of Mathura.

Nearby Places: Close to the lively Holi Gate market area with many eateries and shops.

What to Do: Attend mesmerizing aarti ceremonies, admire the intricate carvings and designs, and participate in lively festivals.

Opening Times: 6 am to 9pm daily. No entry fee.

Vishram Ghat

This revered riverside ghat (a series of ancient steps leading to the water) marks the spot where Lord Krishna is said to have rested after killing the wicked King Kansa. It’s considered one of the most sacred ghats along the Yamuna River. The holy Yamuna River itself along with the mythological events associated with Krishna lend great religious significance to this site.

How to Reach: Located right next to the Krishna Janmabhoomi complex, about 10 10-minute walk from the railway station.

Nearby Places: The bustling Mathura marketplace is right across from the ghat area.  

What to Do: Perform sacred rituals, take a dip in the Yamuna, attend vibrant celebrations during festivals, and explore the lively surrounding area.

Opening Times: Always open and accessible, best visited in the morning and evening hours.

Kusum Sarovar

This ancient square-shaped lake with beautifully carved ghats on all sides is believed to have been dug by Krishna and his cowherd friends to quench the village’s thirst. Colorful festivals take place here throughout the year. It holds immense mythological significance for being created by Lord Krishna himself along with its ties to numerous other legends and stories related to his life.  

How to Reach: Located about 4 km from the city center, accessible by auto-rickshaw or cycle-rickshaw.

Nearby Places: The famous ISKCON Krishna Balarama Temple is situated adjacent to the Kusum Sarovar.

What to Do: Attend lively celebrations, admire the ancient architecture, and pay respects at the small shrines along the banks.

Opening Times: Always open and accessible. Best to visit early morning or evening.

Govardhan Hill

As one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Krishna devotees, this small hillock has great religious and mythological value. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s incredible feat of holding up the entire hill on his little finger to shelter the villagers from torrential rains. The powerful legends and mythology surrounding this site along with its many age-old temples and shrines make it a top Krishna pilgrimage destination.

How to Reach: Located around 25 km west of Mathura city center, best reached by car/taxi or local bus.

Nearby Places: The famous Govardhan Parikrama path goes around the 8 km circumference of the hill.

What to Do: Participate in the exhilarating annual Govardhan Puja celebrations, trek up the hill for panoramic views, and visit the ancient temples.

Opening Times: The hill and temples remain accessible at all times.

In conclusion, Mathura boasts numerous captivating attractions for visitors of all ages. From sacred sites like Krishna Janmabhoomi to the vibrant markets and serene parks, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, Mathura offers it all, making it an ideal destination for your next getaway.

Those are the top 7 places to visit in Mathura that devotees flock to for their deep connections to the life and stories of Lord Krishna. With its timeless spiritual heritage and vibrant celebrations, Mathura offers a truly soul-stirring experience for any traveler.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best time to visit Mathura? 

Ans. The best time to visit Mathura is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and cool. 

Q2. What are the must-visit places in Mathura? 

Ans. The top places to visit are Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Banke Bihari Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Vishram Ghat, Kusum Sarovar, Govardhan Hill, and Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi archaeological site.

Q3. What adventure activities can one do in Mathura? 

Ans. Adventurous activities in Mathura include trekking up Govardhan Hill, taking a boat ride on the Yamuna River, and participating in vibrant festivals like Holi and Janmashtami.

Q4. What is the approximate cost for a Mathura trip? 

Ans. A 3-day trip to Mathura for one person can cost around ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, including accommodation, local transport, food, and entry fees.

Q5. How can one spend 3 days in Mathura? 

Ans. Day 1: Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi, Banke Bihari, and Dwarkadhish Temples. Day 2: Explore Vishram Ghat, Kusum Sarovar, and ISKCON Temple. Day 3: Trek Govardhan Hill and see Sri Krishna Janma Bhumi.

Also Read:

7 Amazing Vrindavan Places to Visit: A Spiritual Journey

7 Incredible Places to Visit in Varanasi

References:

https://mathura.nic.in/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Tourist_attractions_in_Mathura_district
https://uptourism.gov.in/