Vrindavan, Brindavan, and Mathura are all the names of this sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna. This town is famous among all ages of tourists for different reasons. Some people know it for Holi celebration & some want to visit it for the delicious delicacies. A lot of tourist visits during Janmashtami. It is the perfect place to disconnect, relax, unwind & reconnect with mind, body & soul.
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Things to do in Vrindavan
Apart from the famous places in Vrindavan, you can also try other activities on your trip–
- Take a walk through the Nidhivan in Vrindavan. The dense grove of basil and other plants make this avenue a calming and tranquil zone surrounded by greenery. But you can only explore this place in the daytime.
- Among other temples in Vrindavan, don’t miss the recently constructed Lotus Temple Vrindavan, which boasts the shape of a blooming white lotus on the top.
- You can also stay in one of the ashrams or find a homestay in Vrindavan and discover how the town’s cultural and religious history remains an integral part of the local life.
- You can also visit the sister town of Mathura, Gokul, Agra, and other nearby places on your trip. With a Mathura tour package, you can explore all the visiting places in both Mathura and Vrindavan. You can easily cover most of the places to visit in Mathura and Vrindavan in one day.
Famous Temples in Vrindavan
1. Prem Mandir
Temple History – The temple was founded by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj on January 14, 2001. It took 11 to 12 years to complete the construction and it was opened to the public on February 17, 2012, after a three-day inauguration ceremony.
Interesting Facts –The huge marble edifice boasts incredible architecture with intricate stonework and is adorned with manicured gardens, courtyards, and fountains. The main temple features statues of Krishna and his disciples, devotees, and admirers, and portrays important events and scenes from Krishna’s life.
Temple timings – 8:30 AM to Noon, 4:30PM to 8:30 PM
Dresscode – Ethnic formal
Best time to visit – Evenings
2. ISKCON Temple at Vrindavan
Temple History – This temple is acknowledged as the first temple constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It was built in 1975, with the foundation of the shrine laid by Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON.
Interesting Facts – This is one of the most prominent sites of ISCKON in North India and is famous for hosting Janmashtami and Rathyatra celebrations. The temple is also known for implementing the best ethics of hygiene and great deity adoration in the whole of Vrindavan.
Temple timings – 4:30AM -12:45PM and 4:30PM – 8PM (summer), 4:30AM- 1PM and 4PM-8:15PM (winter)
Dresscode – Ethnic formal
Best time to visit – Winter months.
3. Radha Damodar Temple
Temple History – The temple was established in 1542 by Jiva Goswami. In 1670 during Aurangzeb’s invasion, the deities moved to Jaipur and were brought back to Vrindavan in 1739.
Interesting Facts – The temple is said to house the Giriraj Shila which was given to Srila Sanatana Goswami by Sri Krishna.
Temple timings – 4AM- 12:45PM & 4:30PM- 9PM (summer), 4:30AM – 12:45PM & 4PM- 8:45PM (winter)
Dresscode – Ethnic formal
Best time to visit – Anytime
4. Radha Raman Temple
Temple History – The temple was originally established in 1542 but was renovated later in 1826 by Shah Behari Lallji, the construction of which still stands today.
Interesting Facts – Although the temple is dedicated to and named after Radha, there is no deity of Radha in the temple. Only a crown is kept next to Krishna to signify her presence.
Temple timings – 8 AM – 12:30 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM, Mangalaarti- 4 AM in winter and 5:30 AM in summer
Dresscode – Ethnic formal
Best time to visit – Anytime
5. Mirabai Temple
Temple History – It is said that Meerabai stayed at this very place while she was in Vrindavan from 1524 to 1539, after which she left for Dwarka. The temple was built by Thakur Ram Narain Bhatti in 1842 and are managed by the descendants of the same family.
Interesting Facts – The presiding deity of this temple, Krishna, is worshipped in the form of a ‘Shaligram Shila’, which is supposed to be the same one worshipped by Meerabai herself.
Temple timings – 7:30AM – 12PM, 5PM – 8PM
Dresscode – Ethnic formal
Best time to visit – Anytime
Tourist Places to visit in Vrindavan
There are also a few places to visit except temples. For the regular tourist, here are some of the best places to visit in Vrindavan –
1. Keshi Ghat
Open Timings – 6 AM – 9 PM
Fee- Free
2. Vrinda Kunj
Open Timings – 5 AM – 8.30 PM
Fee- Free
3. Kusum Sarovar
Open Timings – Sunrise to sunset
Fee- Free
Places to visit nearby
Visit these places near Vrindavan and Mathura for a holistic tour
- Nandgaon, 50KM – It is a quiet town at the base of the Nandisvara Hill and is a popular pilgrimage destination. Nandgaon is famous for its hilltop temple and other temples dedicated to Krishna. You can also visit the beautiful Pan Sarovar lake area, which boasts a tranquil surroundings.
- Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, 57KM – Also called Kaladeo National Park, this is the largest avifauna reserve in the country. It houses more than 230 species of resident and migratory birds and is best for birding tours, forest treks etc.
- Agra, 70KM – Home of the Taj Mahal and many other iconic historical structures of ancient India Agra is a major landmark in India’s history and has evolved as a major centre of art, architecture, and culture. Don’t miss the Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, and Agra Fort.
Places to Eat in Vrindavan
These are some of the best restaurants in Vrindavan to sample the local flavours –
- Sri Govinda’s Restaurant
- 11 Flowers Rooftop Café
- Food Art Fine Dining
- Bharti Vyanjan
- Royal Bharti Foods
More About Vrindavan
Sitting on the banks of the Yamuna River, Vrindavan is an ancient religious town in Uttar Pradesh and one of the oldest cities of this region. It is also the most sacred place of Vaishnavism and an important pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Vaishnavism. The city sits at 11KM from its sister town Mathura and roughly 200KM from the country capital of New Delhi. Vrindavan is located in the Braj Bhoomi region, which is said to be the place where Krishna spent most of his growing up years and hence considered a sacred place and an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Vaishnavas.
The name of the town is derived from the Sanskrit name of the region, Vṛndāvana, which comes from the dense groves of vṛndā or holy basil and vana as in woods/groves.
Banke Bihari Vrindavan Temple
Vrindavan tourism is centred on the Banke Bihari temple, otherwise known as the Vrindavan temple. This 19th-century temple is dedicated to Krishna and is the major highlight of the town, and the most popular site for both tourism as well as the most revered site for pilgrimage. The temple’s architecture reflects classic Rajasthani artwork featuring arched windows with intricately carved stone facades and interiors.
It is one of the temples in India which enshrines an idol portraying half Radha and half Krishna. The shrine of Krishna is portrayed in the Tribhanga pose.
The history of this temple dates back to the time of Swami Haridas, a renowned poet and classical musician of the Dvapara Yuga and guru of Tansen. It is believed that when Haridas was once singing a religious verse in Vrindavan for his disciples, Radha and Krishna appeared in front of him. He then asked the couple to merge into one. At his request, Krishna and Radha fused into the form of what we see as Banke Bihari. It is said that the temple houses the same idol that Haridas witnessed.
Interesting Facts on Banke Bihari Vrindavan Temple
This temple of the Radha Vallabha tradition was constructed in 1864 and is one of the seven temples of Thakur (Krishna) of Vrindavan, including those of Radhavallabh, Radha Govind, Radha Raman, Radha Madan Mohan, Radha Shyamasundar, and Radha Damodar.
The name Banke Bihari comes from the Devanagari words ‘Bānke’ means ‘bent’, and ‘Bihāri’ or ‘Vihāri’ means ‘one who enjoys‘. This is how Krishna, who is bent in three places, got the name “Bānke Bihāri”.
How to Plan a Trip to Vrindavan
How to Reach Vrindavan
By Train
The nearest railway terminus is at Mathura Railway Station, 16KM away. There are regular trains to Vrindavan from all major towns and cities in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India. From Mathura, you have to book a cab or rent a private car to reach Vrindavan.
By Road
Vrindavan is well-connected to the rest of Uttar Pradesh and the national capital region via Taj Expressway/Yamuna Expressway, NH 19, and NH 44. There are regular state-run and private buses to Vrindavan from Delhi, Gurgaon, Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Alwar, Faridabad, Gwalior etc. The best way to travel from either of these places to Vrindavan is to book a cab and do a road trip.
By Flight
There is no airport in Vrindavan so the town has no flight connectivity. The nearest airport is in Agra, at Kheria Airport, about 72KM southward. From Agra, you have to take the local buses, book a cab or rent a car to reach Vrindavan by road. The nearest international airport is in New Delhi, 144KM away. There are regular flights available from all major cities and towns in India to both Delhi and Agra. From either of these airports, you have to book an airport taxi to reach Vrindavan.
Best time to visit Vrindavan
Sitting in the northern plains, Vrindavan weather experiences extreme patterns. The summers are hot and sultry and winters are cold and chilly but pleasant. So, the best time to visit is during the winter months, between October to March, when you can go sightseeing or engage in activities that require travelling. The rainy season is also a great time to visit since the landscape turns serene and green with pleasant weather all day.
Best hotels and resorts
From the best luxury resort to the cheapest Dharamshala, you can find all kinds of options to stay in the religious town. Find your best place to stay in Vrindavan –
- Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan
- MVT Guest House & Restaurant
- Resort Krishna Vaibhav
- Vrindavan Cottages by Sheosante
- Kadamb Resort Spiritual Stay
- Anandam Clarks Inn Suites & Resorts
Experience the divinity of Vrindavan by booking a car rental to take you to all these places with a local driver. Install Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by blogadmin
