Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura : Mathura is better known as the birth place of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was borne in prison which today lies in Sri Krishna Janamabhumi, a vast temple complex in the heart of Mathura. Located on the west banks of the sacred Yamuna, Mathura is fifty-six kilometers away from Agra and is at a distance of hundred and forty five kilometers from Delhi.

Mathura is dotted with several significant landmark associated with the life and times of Lord Krishna. The Dwarkhadhesh temple, the Kansa Qila, the Sati Burj and the Jama Masjid are some of the major tourist attractions of Mathura.

Speciality of Mathura : Temple in Mathura, India Holi - Holi the festival of colour is celebrated in special in Mathura. It has its distinct style which is followed since the ancient times. During Holi the entire town bears a unique character. This is the most ideal time to visit this land of Lord Krishna.

Vrindavan : Just 15 kms away from Mathura, nestles the Vraja , the land of lord Krishna. Vraja or Vrindavan is the place where Lord Krishna performed his first miracle. Devotees from all over the world come to Vraja to bathe in the consciousness of Krishna, breathe the air he breathed, talk to the people he loved. Vrindavan, is still a transcendental world, a place of Krishna's leela, (play), of deep eroticism and an archetypal connection to nature.

The land of temples is attracts tourist who are keen of exploring the pilgrimage site of Uttar Pradesh. Baanke Bihari, Gokulnanda, Gopinath, Govindeva, Madan Mohanji, Radha Damodar and Radha Shyamsunder are the only seven Prachin Mandirs ( ancient temples) of Vrindavan. Besides the ancient temples, there are two other temples which attracts tourists - Rangji and Sone Ki Palki. As an excursion, you can choose Gokul ( 10 kms from Mathura), Govardhan ( 30 km from Govardhan).

Places of Interest :

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi : It was a jail cell in which Lord Krishna is said to have been born. Today the jail cell has turned into a temple and is most visited place in the region.

Jami Masjid : The Jama Masjid was built in 1661 AD by Abd-un Nabir on the ruins of Keshav Deo temple. The temple was destroyed earlier.

Vishram Ghat : This bathing ghat is known for this is the place where Lord Krishna had rested after slaying the tyrant King Kansa.

Dwarkadheesh Temple : The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in 1814 AD by Seth Gokuldass of Gwalior.

Govind Dev Temple : A specimen of architectural brilliance of the medieval India, the temple was built in 1590 AD by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur. The temple is raised in the form of a Greek Cross, its upper four storeys were demolished during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign.

Rangaji Temple : Enclosing an area of 235.6 mt by 134.1 mt., this largest temple of Vrindaban was built in 1845 AD. Partially in Rajput style and partially in south Indian style, the complex of the temple houses a water tank, a garden and a.50 ft gold-plated flagmast.

Gokul : About 16 km from Mathura, Gokul is the place where infant Krishna was brought up in secrecy in the home of his foster mother (Yashoda). The most important temple at Gokul is of Gokul Nathji. The festivals of Janmashtami, Annakut and Trinvat Mela, are few of the festivals which are celebrated here in a immense enthusiasm.

Nandgaon : At a distance of 56 km from Mathura is Nandgaon, home of Lord Krishna's foster father (Nand). Important sites of the town are a temple devoted to Nand or Pan Sarovar, one of the four celebrated lakes of Braj Bhoomi, where, according to legend, Lord Krishna used to water his herd.