Family-Friendly Itinerary: Mathura Vrindavan

Sunday, August 13, 2023: Arrival in Mathura

Arrive in Mathura, a holy city in Uttar Pradesh, known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Start your day by visiting the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. Explore the temple complex and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, head to the Dwarkadhish Temple to witness the grandeur and beauty of this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Yamuna riverfront and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

• Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Dwarkadhish Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Yamuna Riverfront: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Mathura is Shri Radhe Radhe Eating House, known for its delicious Aloo Puri and Bedai. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 100 per person.
• If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try Brijwasi Mithai Wala which offers a variety of traditional sweets, snacks, and North Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
• For dinner, head to Brijwasi Chat Corner which serves mouthwatering street food like bhel puri, pani puri, and dahi papdi chaat. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.

Monday, August 14, 2023: Explore Mathura

Start your day by visiting the Mathura Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures, artifacts, and paintings depicting the rich history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, make your way to the Vishram Ghat, one of the most important ghats in Mathura, where you can witness the evening aarti (ritual) and take a boat ride on the Yamuna river. As the evening unfolds, visit the Birla Mandir, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, offering panoramic views of the city.

• Mathura Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 (approx. $0.27), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Vishram Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Birla Mandir: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Govindji's, a quaint little restaurant known for its delicious traditional Indian breakfast items such as hot fluffy puris and spicy aloo subzi. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Radha Madhav Dhaba, a popular roadside eatery famous for its authentic North Indian thali meals that include a variety of curries, rotis, rice, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For dinner, dine at Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a well-known restaurant famous for its mouth-watering vegetarian dishes and delectable sweets. From sabzis to dal makhani, you'll find a wide range of options here. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.

Tuesday, August 15, 2023: Explore Vrindavan

Start your day by visiting the Banke Bihari Temple, one of the most famous temples in Vrindavan dedicated to Lord Krishna. Witness the mesmerizing arti and experience the devotional atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Prem Mandir, a stunning temple complex known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. Spend some peaceful time in the serene surroundings. As the evening approaches, visit the ISKCON Vrindavan temple, attend the evening aarti, and enjoy a spiritual discourse.

• Banke Bihari Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Prem Mandir: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• ISKCON Vrindavan: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Wednesday, August 16, 2023: Departure from Mathura

Before leaving Mathura, make a visit to the Krishna Balaram Mandir, a prominent temple complex in Vrindavan. Experience the divine atmosphere and seek blessings. In the afternoon, head back to Mathura and explore the Kans Qila, an ancient fort associated with the mythological story of Lord Krishna's birth and his battle with King Kansa. As your trip comes to an end, depart from Mathura with beautiful memories of the holy city.

• Krishna Balaram Mandir: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kans Qila: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Mathura and Vrindavan, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Govardhan Hill, a sacred site associated with Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted this hill on his little finger to protect the villagers from torrential rains. Another must-visit place is the Radha Kund, a holy pond considered to be the bathing place of Radha, Lord Krishna's eternal consort. These off the beaten path attractions offer a unique glimpse into the mythology and traditions of the region, making them perfect for a family-friendly experience.

For hotel and flight prices in Mathura Vrindavan, you can check here.