Vrindavan, the sacred land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and performed miraculous Raas Leela, is one of the most-visited religious sites in India. It is located in the Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh. Vrindavan is also known as the twin city of Mathura and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. The places to visit in Vrindavan have distinct stories related to Krishna’s childhood and are dotted with various temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The city is also popular for the Vrindavan forest, which is believed to be one of the largest forests in the country. The forest extends from the present-day city of Vrindavan to Varsana and Nandagram on one side, and Govardhana on the other. So, if you are interested in experiencing the spirituality and magic of this sacred city, we have a complete guide on the places to visit in Vrindavan.
Let’s dive into the history of Vrindavan, followed by the best time to visit, modes of transportation and best places to visit in Vrindavan.
History of Vrindavan
The history of Vrindavan has an inevitable mention of Krishna, as the place became famous for his playful activities during his childhood. Some of these activities include teasing the cow-herding girls, gopis in common parlance and hiding the clothes of the gopis as they took a bath in the Yamuna River. Most of the places where Krishna performed his mischievous activities are preserved and are popular places to visit in Vrindavan to worship Krishna. Over time, the place has changed geographically as the river has now meandered away and the erstwhile woods have also vanished and only some wooden parklands are left today.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a holy city that attracts devotees and tourists throughout the year. The best time to visit Vrindavan depends on personal choice and festivities. Here is a detailed description of the climate of the city to help you choose an ideal time for your trip.
- Summer Season (April – June): The summer months are not considered ideal to visit Vrindavan and are usually avoided by most tourists due to the scorching heat. The temperature rises to 45 degrees Celsius during the daytime. But, since the city is less crowded during this time, it can be a perfect time for a budget-friendly trip. You can visit the temples early in the morning and late evenings while relaxing in the hotels in Vrindavan during the daytime.
- Monsoon Season (July – September): The season is considered an ideal time to visit Vrindavan as the temperature ranges between 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius with occasional to moderate rainfall. Also, the major festivals like Rath Yatra and Janmashtmi fall during these months, making it the best time to experience the festivities of the city.
- Winter Season (October – March): This season is also a preferable time to explore the places to visit in Vrindavan due to pleasant weather conditions. The temperature during the winter months ranges between 5 to 27 degrees Celsius. You can also plan your trip around the festival of Holi, when the whole city gets drenched in colours.
How to Reach Vrindavan
Vrindavan is a famous pilgrimage destination and has excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. The city of Vrindavan lies on the Delhi Mathura Highway and can easily be reached through air, rail and road.
By Air:
The nearest domestic airport to Vrindavan is the Kheria Airport in Agra, which is located 55 kms away from the city. Indra Gandhi International Airport, at 130 kms is the nearest international airport. From these cities, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach Vrindavan. Moreover, numerous hotels are offering private cab facilities for convenient travel.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Vrindavan is Mathura Railway Station on the Northern and South-Western Railway line. It connects the city to all parts of the country through regular trains. From the railway station, you can easily find taxis and autos to reach your accommodation in Vrindavan.
By Road:
Vrindavan is located on NH 2 and is easily accessible by road from the neighbouring cities and states. There are various state and privately owned buses running to and from Vrindavan to the major cities like Agra, Delhi, Noida and Haridwar.
While exploring the places to visit in Vrindavan, an e-rickshaw or an auto is considered best to avoid city traffic.
With many budget-friendly hotels in Vrindavan, staying in the city for a few days will not be a hassle.
Places to Visit in Vrindavan
1. Banke Bihari Temple
One of the most famous places to visit in Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple, is believed to be a place where Krishna still resides. The image of Krishna as Bihariji installed in the temple was granted to Swami Haridas by the celestial couple Shyama-Shyam themselves. Swami Haridas was the reincarnation of Lalita “sakhi” (female friend) of Lord Krishna.
It is believed that the lord appeared in person with his divine consort to submit to the desires of his devotees and left back a black, charming image before disappearing. The old, charming temple and its mythological stories attract not just Krishna devotees but tourists also. For easy accessibility and to avoid peak-hour traffic, book your stay at hotels near Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan.
- Timings: 7:45 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
- Location: Bankebihari Colony, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
2. ISKCON Temple Vrindavan
The first temple constructed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1975, ISKCON Temple Vrindavan, has become one of the most stunning places to visit in Vrindavan. The temple is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The temple complex mesmerises the visitors with its beautiful idols and carvings, making it a perfect place to find solace and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
The most auspicious time to visit the temple is during the artis and festivals like Rath Yatra, Boat Festival, Janamashtmi and Kartik Month. If you are visiting the city during these festivities, make sure to book your stay at hotels near Iskcon Temple Vrindavan in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
- Timings: 4:30 AM – 12:45 PM and 4:30 – 8:00 PM.
- Location: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
3. Prem Mandir
A unique temple dedicated to Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Sita Ram, Prem Mandir, Vrindavan is a representation of Indian art and architecture. Spread across 54 acres of land, surrounded by beautiful gardens, the temple has become one of the most-visited places in Vrindavan since its inauguration in 2012. The foundation stone was laid by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj and it took 12 years to complete the temple structure.
The temple is filled with figurines, panels and pictures depicting various pastimes and deeds of valour of Shri Krishna. Additionally, the temple looks stunning during the late evening hours as a result of the laser show.
- Timings: 8:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
- Location: Jagadguru Kripalu Dham, Shyama Shyam Dham, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Shri, Sri Kripalu Maharaj Ji Marg, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
4. Nidhivan
One of the most sacred and mysterious places to visit in Vrindavan, Nidhivan, is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna performs Raas Leela with Radha and the Gopis even today. The place is filled with spiritual energies and secrets unknown to humankind.
So, if you wish to experience the divine energy by yourself, then make sure to add Nidhivan to your list of places to visit in Vrindavan.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
- Location: Nidhivan Rd, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
5. Radha Raman Temple
An early modern period Hindu temple, Sri Radha Raman Temple, was constructed at the request of Gopala Bhatta Goswami at around 1542 AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna as Radha Ramana and is among the 7 temples of the Thakur of Vrindavan. This 500-year-old temple houses the original self-manifested Shaligram deity of Krishna alongside Radharani.
While visiting the temple, you can witness a mystic smile on the deity’s face, which leaves the visitors spellbound.
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM, 9:30 AM – 12 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
- Location: Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121.
6. Kesi Ghat
After a long day of visiting the temple, you may feel like soaking in the energies of the place at a serene spot. If so, then Kesi Ghat is one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan, which comes alive in the evening. You can sit on the banks of the sacred Yamuna River or take a boat ride to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river surrounded by green, low-lying trees and plains.
It is also the iconic ghat where Lord Krishna, in his childhood, performed his miraculous deeds and killed demons.
- Timings: All Day.
- Location: Parikrama Marg, Seva Kunj, Gotam Nagar, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, 281121, India.
If you wish to take a short detour to Mathura, you can, as the city is nearby. Furthermore, with many great hotels in Mathura, you can stay there without any hassle. Thus, places to visit in Vrindavan teleport you into Lord Krishna’s childhood and let you immerse yourself in spirituality. The city casts its spell on the visitors, and you may want to visit the place time and again. Moreover, the affordable Treebo hotels in Vrindavan offer a comfortable stay near the famous sites.
Book your stay at Treebo Club’s website or app for additional discounts.
