Exploring Mathura, Vrindavan, and Rishikesh: A Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Mathura
   1 hour 30 minutes (56.6 miles) from Delhi International Airport

   Morning: Visit the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Afternoon: Explore the Dwarkadheesh Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and one of the oldest temples in Mathura. Evening: Take a boat ride on the Yamuna river to see the aarti ceremony at Vishram Ghat.

2. Day 2: Vrindavan
   30 minutes (11.6 miles) from Mathura

   Morning: Visit the Banke Bihari Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and known for its unique architecture. Afternoon: Explore the Prem Mandir, which combines traditional Indian and modern architecture. Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at ISKCON temple.

3. Day 3: Mathura
   30 minutes (11.6 miles) from Vrindavan

   Morning: Visit the Gita Mandir, which has a unique exhibition on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Afternoon: Explore the Kusum Sarovar, a picturesque lake surrounded by temples and gardens. Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at the Krishna Balaram Mandir.

4. Day 4: Rishikesh
   6 hours (230.3 miles) from Mathura

   Morning: Visit the Beatles Ashram, which was home to the Beatles during their visit to Rishikesh in 1968. Afternoon: Explore the Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges river. Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

5. Day 5: Rishikesh
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Lakshman Jhula

   Morning: Take a dip in the holy Ganges river and attend a yoga session. Afternoon: Visit the Neer Garh Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

6. Day 6: Rishikesh
   20 minutes (3.2 miles) from Parmarth Niketan Ashram

   Morning: Explore the Rajaji National Park, which is home to diverse flora and fauna. Afternoon: Visit the Bharat Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at Trimbakeshwar Temple.

7. Day 7: Rishikesh
   15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Trimbakeshwar Temple

   Morning: Take a sunrise hike to the Kunjapuri Devi Temple for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Afternoon: Visit the Swarg Ashram, a spiritual center with a serene environment. Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at the Ghat.

Recommendations

Other local attractions include the ISKCON temple in Mathura, the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Rishikesh, and the Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh. You can also take a side trip to Haridwar, which is 30 minutes away from Rishikesh, and experience the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Ghat. To maximize your fun, try local street food and go shopping for souvenirs at the local markets.

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