Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise for soft light and smaller crowds; note the Taj is closed on Fridays and generally open 6:00–18:30 (verify seasonal timings).
Go to the ashram reception to enquire about darshan/meeting times and procedure; many ashrams have morning and evening darshan windows — confirm exact schedule on arrival.
Steps: 1) Speak to ashram reception or call/WhatsApp their office to request a slot, 2) Provide arrival date and preferred time (common windows: early morning 6:00–9:00 or evening 6:00–8:30), 3) Offer a respectful donation if requested and follow ashram rules (no footwear inside, quiet behaviour).
Two important Vrindavan shrines with distinctive architecture and devotional services; temples are generally open early morning to late evening — check noticeboards for exact hours.
Attend the ashram’s assigned darshan slot if confirmed; arrive 15–20 minutes early and follow ashram etiquette (no footwear, maintain silence, no large bags).
Short drive (~45–60 minutes depending on route) to Barsana — best to start early to enjoy cooler weather and quieter temple atmosphere; roads into Barsana are narrow, so use a local driver familiar with lanes.
Visit the principal Radha Rani Temple (commonly called Radha Mandir) in Barsana — this is Radha’s birthplace shrine with significant devotion and early-morning aarti; temple hours typically begin before sunrise and continue through evening, but confirm locally.
Walk the cobbled lanes and visit spots associated with Lathmar traditions and small shrines; local shops sell sweets and handicrafts — ask permission before photography of people.
Visit Krishna Janmabhoomi (birthplace) complex — expect security checks and crowds; the site is open in morning and afternoon, but precise darshan windows vary so be prepared for queues.
Visit the sacred ghats where devotees perform rituals; late afternoon is good for quieter observation and photography, though mornings/evenings host more aartis.
If you wish, take a short drive to a nearby Govardhan viewpoint for sunset — full Govardhan parikrama is long (several hours) so plan only a brief stop unless you allocate more time.
Early breakfast and check-out; choose between private car (~3.5–4 hours) or train (Mathura Junction → New Delhi Shatabdi ~2–2.5 hours) depending on comfort and schedule.
Train is quicker into central Delhi and avoids some highway traffic; book seats in advance (Shatabdi preferred) or arrange a reliable car service for door-to-door comfort.
Explore Red Fort (generally open 9:30–16:30) and then walk Chandni Chowk lanes with a short rickshaw ride — allow extra time for security checks and crowds.
Qutub Minar (a 12th-century monument) is open mornings to late afternoon; Akshardham is a modern temple complex with exhibitions and an evening water show, closed on Mondays and with strict security (no electronics inside).
Humayun’s Tomb provides serene Mughal gardens and is best in the morning; Lotus Temple (Bahá'í) is open daily for quiet reflection — both have morning-to-evening visiting hours.
Allow ample buffer for Delhi traffic — for domestic flights arrive 2 hours prior and for international 3 hours prior; pre-book transfers and verify terminal.