A Family Friendly 5-Day Itinerary in Mathura Vrindavan
Saturday, September 16, 2023: Arrival in Mathura Vrindavan
Begin your trip by arriving in Mathura Vrindavan. Check into a comfortable hotel and take some time to relax and settle in. In the afternoon, visit the famous Dwarkadhish Temple, known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual significance. Explore the temple complex and witness the evening aarti ceremony. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Yamuna River, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning view of the riverbank.
Dwarkadhish Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Yamuna River Walk: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Cafe Mathura: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Mathura, known for its wide variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Govinda's Restaurant: For lunch, head to Govinda's Restaurant, a popular vegetarian eatery offering a range of delectable North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Brijwasi Mithai Wala: Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Brijwasi Mithai Wala, renowned for its traditional Indian sweets and flavorful vegetarian thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Sunday, September 17, 2023: Exploring Mathura
Start your day with a visit to the Mathura Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures from the region. Learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Mathura. In the afternoon, head to the Kusum Sarovar, a picturesque lake surrounded by beautiful gardens. Take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple Complex, where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.
For breakfast, head to Radhika Sweets, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its delicious Indian breakfast options. Enjoy piping hot samosas, kachoris, and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a local favorite known for its vegetarian thali meals. Indulge in a variety of traditional Indian dishes served on a banana leaf. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, visit MVT Restaurant, a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and try their popular paneer tikka and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, September 18, 2023: Day Trip to Gokul and Goverdhan
Embark on a day trip to Gokul and Goverdhan, two significant locations associated with Lord Krishna's childhood pastimes. Start with a visit to Gokul, where you can explore the Gokulnath Temple and experience the divine ambiance. Then, make your way to Goverdhan, a sacred hill believed to have been lifted by Lord Krishna. Visit the Goverdhan Temple and enjoy breathtaking views from the top of the hill. In the evening, return to Mathura and visit the Vishram Ghat to witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Gokulnath Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Goverdhan Temple: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Vishram Ghat: Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Radha Madhav Dhaba, a popular vegetarian eatery known for its delicious parathas and aromatic chai. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try Gopal Sweets and Restaurant, a family-friendly place serving authentic North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their thali, which offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a renowned restaurant famous for its delectable sweets and savories. Their thali is a must-try, offering a delightful mix of flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023: Discovering Vrindavan
Head to Vrindavan, a town synonymous with Lord Krishna's eternal pastimes. Begin your day by visiting the iconic Banke Bihari Temple, known for its beautiful deity of Lord Krishna. Witness the vibrant morning aarti and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Prem Mandir, a magnificent temple complex showcasing intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Conclude the day with a visit to the beautiful ISKCON Temple, attending the evening aarti and enjoying the peaceful ambiance.
For breakfast, try the famous Govinda's Restaurant, located near Banke Bihari Temple. They serve delicious vegetarian meals with options like aloo puri, poha, and fresh fruit juices. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, head to Shri Nathji Dosa Corner, a popular local eatery famous for its variety of dosas and South Indian delicacies. You can enjoy a filling meal with options like masala dosa, uttapam, and coconut chutney. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For dinner, dine at Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a well-known sweet shop and restaurant in Vrindavan. They offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes like paneer tikka, dal makhani, and delectable Indian sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹250 per person.
Wednesday, September 20, 2023: Excursion to Nandgaon and Barsana
Embark on an excursion to Nandgaon and Barsana, two villages associated with Lord Krishna's playful activities. Start with a visit to Nandgaon, the village of Lord Krishna's youth, and explore the Nand Bhavan and Nandishwar Hill. Witness the unique tradition of Lathmar Holi, where women playfully beat men with sticks during the Holi festival. Then, proceed to Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, and visit the Radha Rani Temple. Experience the rich culture and traditions of these villages before returning to Mathura Vrindavan.
A popular breakfast spot in Mathura Vrindavan is Shriji Restaurant, serving delicious vegetarian Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head over to Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a well-known vegetarian restaurant known for its sweets and snacks. They offer a wide variety of dishes at an average cost of 300 INR per person.
If you're looking for a great place for dinner, Radhe Krishna Bhojnalaya is a must-visit. This vegetarian restaurant serves authentic North Indian cuisine, and the average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience, consider visiting the Kesi Ghat in Mathura during sunrise. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna bathed before starting his day. Witness the mesmerizing sight of devotees taking a holy dip in the Yamuna River and participating in morning rituals. Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to savor the local delicacies of Mathura Vrindavan, such as peda (a milk-based sweet), lassi (a refreshing yogurt-based drink), and kachori (a deep-fried snack). These culinary delights are loved by locals and will surely leave you craving for more.