Start your journey in Mathura with a visit to the Banke Bihari Temple. One of the most famous and revered temples in Vrindavan, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. You'll be amazed by the beautiful interiors and intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings. Make sure to schedule your visit during one of the daily aartis to witness the devotees’ pure and spiritual devotion. You can also enjoy delicious “Prasad” from the temple's kitchen.
Next up on your itinerary is Prem Mandir, located on the outskirts of Vrindavan. This stunning white marble temple complex is dedicated to the divine love of Radha and Krishna. The temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures and spectacular light and fountain shows, which take place in the evening. You can also enjoy a vegetarian feast at the Annakshetra (food court) within the temple premises.
End your day one itinerary with a visit to ISKCON Vrindavan, also known as the Krishna-Balaram Temple. It's an important pilgrimage site, and thousands of devotees gather here every year to offer their prayers to Lord Krishna and Balaram. You can attend the regular kirtans and aartis, or take part in one of the temple's many spiritual activities such as book reading or chanting. The temple's “Prasad” and “Bhandaras”(feast) are also some of the best in the city, so make sure you don't miss out.
Start day two of your itinerary with a visit to Govardhan Hill, located approximately 20 kilometers from Mathura. The hill is of great religious significance and is believed to be the sacred site where Lord Krishna performed several miraculous deeds. You can circumambulate around the hill or visit the several temples located atop the hill. Make sure to capture some beautiful panoramic views of the hill from Mansi Ganga Lake.
Your next stop is the Radha Damodar Temple, located in the heart of Vrindavan. It's a must-visit temple for all the “Bhakti” devotees. The temple is famous for its deity of Radha Damodar, which was self-manifested by the great Vaisnava saint Rupa Goswami. You can attend various kirtans and talks on the spiritual teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The temple's “Prasad” and “Langar” (free food distribution) are delicious and spiritually satisfying for your taste buds and soul.
Capping off your 2-day itinerary, visit the beautiful Kusum Sarovar. It's a 450-foot-long tank located near Radha Kund, a must-visit place in Vrindavan. The serene atmosphere will give you peace, and the temples located on its banks add to the spiritual aura. You can also take a stroll around the beautiful gardens and witness the traditional style of boating called “Hilsha” here. You can also shop for some souvenirs from the local market located nearby.
If you have more time, we recommend visiting places like Radha Kund, Krishna Balarama Mandir, and Seva Kunj. If you have less time, we suggest cutting out one temple from day 1 itinerary and/or skipping the circumambulation around Govardhan hill.