Adventure in Mathura in March 2024

1. Day 1: Mathura Museum
   15 minutes (3.5 km) from Hotel Goverdhan Palace

   In the morning, visit the Mathura Museum to explore the rich cultural heritage and history of Mathura. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kans Qila for an adventurous experience, where you can witness the ancient architecture. In the evening, explore the narrow lanes of the city and try some local street foods.

2. Day 2: Vishram Ghat
   10 minutes (2.3 km) from Mathura Museum

   Start your day with a visit to Vishram Ghat, the most popular and picturesque ghat in Mathura. Take a boat ride on the Yamuna river and enjoy the scenic view of the city. In the afternoon, visit the Mathura Refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in India. In the evening, visit the Dwarkadhish Temple and attend the Aarti ceremony.

3. Day 3: Govardhan Hill
   1 hour 20 minutes (28 km) from Vishram Ghat

   Take a trip to Govardhan Hill, a sacred site where Lord Krishna is believed to have lifted the hill to protect the villagers from rain and thunderstorm. Trek to the top of the hill for a mesmerizing view of the surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Radha Kund, a holy pond and take a dip in the sacred water. In the evening, attend the Yamuna Aarti at the Keshi Ghat.

4. Day 4: Barsana Hill
   1 hour 10 minutes (31 km) from Govardhan Hill

   Visit the Barsana Hill, the birthplace of Radha Rani, and explore the ancient temples and forts. In the afternoon, visit the Nandgaon village, the birthplace of Lord Krishna's father, Nanda. Attend the Phoolon Wali Holi, a unique Holi celebration with flowers instead of colors. In the evening, attend the Holi celebrations at the Lathmar Holi in Barsana.

5. Day 5: Vrindavan
   45 minutes (15 km) from Barsana Hill

   Spend the day in Vrindavan, a town known for its numerous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Visit the Banke Bihari Temple, the Radha Raman Temple, and the ISKCON temple. In the afternoon, visit the Prem Mandir, a beautiful temple with intricate marble carvings. In the evening, attend the Raas Leela show at the Nidhivan.

6. Day 6: Mathura Elephant Conservation Center
   30 minutes (11 km) from Vrindavan

   Visit the Elephant Conservation Center, a rehabilitation center for injured and sick elephants. Spend the day learning about the elephants and their history and take an elephant ride. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at the Vishram Ghat.

Recommendations

Do not miss visiting the Mathura Chhappan Bhog, a famous sweet shop in the city. Take a day trip to Agra and visit the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Try some local delicacies like the Mathura Peda, Kachori, and Lassi.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Boat ride at Vishram Ghat (2 hours, INR 500)
• Aarti ceremony at Dwarkadhish Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Trek at Govardhan Hill (3 hours, Free)
• Entry fee at Radha Kund (1 hour, INR 50)
• Entry fee at Barsana Hill (2 hours, INR 100)
• Phoolon Wali Holi (3 hours, Free)
• Lathmar Holi in Barsana (3 hours, Free)
• Entry fee at Prem Mandir (2 hours, INR 100)
• Elephant ride at Mathura Elephant Conservation Center (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Ganga Aarti at Vishram Ghat (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1750