Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Varindavan

Wednesday, August 23: Explore the Temples

Start your trip by visiting the famous Banke Bihari Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. In the morning, immerse yourself in the spiritual vibes and witness the morning Aarti. In the afternoon, head to the Prem Mandir, a stunning temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, where you can admire intricate carvings and enjoy the musical fountain show. As the evening sets in, visit the ISKCON Temple and participate in the evening Aarti ceremony.

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

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Govindas Café, a cozy vegetarian restaurant located near Banke Bihari Temple. Enjoy their delicious Indian breakfast options like dosas and parathas. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
• For lunch, try the Annapurna Bhojanalaya, a popular restaurant known for its authentic North Indian thali meals. Indulge in a variety of traditional dishes like dal, sabzi, roti, and dessert. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• For dinner, visit the Sankirtan Restaurant, a serene rooftop eatery with a view of the ISKCON Temple. Relish their delectable vegetarian cuisine inspired by the flavors of Vrindavan. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.

Thursday, August 24: Explore the Yamuna River

Start your day by taking a boat ride along the Yamuna River. In the morning, enjoy the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Keshi Ghat and take a dip in the holy river. Explore the nearby gardens and relax amidst nature. As the evening approaches, witness the mesmerizing Yamuna Aarti and soak in the spiritual ambiance.

• Boat Ride on Yamuna River: Estimated cost - Depends on the operator, Time spent - 2 hours
• Keshi Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Yamuna Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Friday, August 25: Discover the History

Spend the morning exploring the historic sites of Varindavan. Start with the Krishna Janmasthan Temple, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and learn about his fascinating life. In the afternoon, visit the Madan Mohan Temple, known for its architectural beauty. Explore the nearby Radha Vallabh Temple and experience the divine love story of Radha and Krishna. In the evening, take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Varindavan and indulge in local street food.

• Krishna Janmasthan Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Madan Mohan Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Radha Vallabh Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, August 26: Visit Vrindavan Gardens

Start your day by visiting the beautiful Vrindavan Gardens. In the morning, explore the well-maintained gardens, fountains, and intricate sculptures. Enjoy a picnic amidst the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Seva Kunj and Nidhuban, a peaceful garden where Lord Krishna is believed to perform his Raas Leela dance. As the evening sets in, witness the enchanting light and sound show at Vrindavan Gardens.

• Vrindavan Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Seva Kunj and Nidhuban: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Light and Sound Show at Vrindavan Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Sunday, August 27: Explore Wildlife and Nature

Embark on a wildlife adventure by visiting the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. In the morning, explore the sanctuary and spot various bird species. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the lake. In the afternoon, visit the Gokul Barrage and enjoy the scenic views. Take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Yamuna River. In the evening, explore the nearby Gokul town and indulge in local delicacies.

• Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - Entry fee, Time spent - 3 hours
• Gokul Barrage: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Exploring Gokul Town: Estimated cost - Depends on personal expenses, Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, August 28: Visit Govardhan Hill

Start your day by visiting the sacred Govardhan Hill. In the morning, take a holy parikrama (circumambulation) around the hill, which is considered highly auspicious. Visit the Mansi Ganga Lake and perform rituals. In the afternoon, explore the nearby temples and soak in the religious fervor. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Govardhan Aarti and seek blessings.

• Parikrama around Govardhan Hill: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3 hours
• Mansi Ganga Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Govardhan Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, August 29: Experience Rural Life

Immerse yourself in rural life by visiting the nearby village of Nandgaon. In the morning, experience the traditional lifestyle and interact with the locals. Witness the colorful Holi celebrations and learn about the significance of this festival. In the afternoon, visit the Nand Bhavan and explore the beautiful temple complex. Enjoy a traditional meal with a local family and savor the flavors of authentic cuisine.

• Exploring Nandgaon Village: Estimated cost - Depends on personal expenses, Time spent - 3 hours
• Nand Bhavan: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Traditional Meal with a Local Family: Estimated cost - Depends on personal expenses, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the sacred Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, two holy ponds associated with Radha and Krishna. These serene places hold great significance in Hindu mythology and offer a peaceful atmosphere for meditation and reflection. Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Seva Dham, a charitable complex that provides free food and medical assistance to the underprivileged. It's a great opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and experience selfless service.

For checking hotel and flight prices, you can click here.