Wednesday, August 30, 2023: Arrival and Exploring Mathura
Start your trip by arriving at Mathura, a city known for its rich religious and cultural heritage. In the morning, visit the iconic Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Afterward, head to the Dwarkadhish Temple to witness its magnificent architecture. In the afternoon, explore the Mathura Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts and sculptures. Wrap up the day with a peaceful evening boat ride on the Yamuna River, offering a serene view of the city.
Evening boat ride on Yamuna River: INR 200 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious Indian breakfast at Bansal Bhojanalaya. This popular restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional dishes like parathas, poha, and samosas. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Radhe Krishna Restaurant. This vegetarian eatery serves a range of North Indian and South Indian delicacies along with thalis. Don't miss their mouthwatering Rajasthani thali. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Brijwasi Mithai Wala. Known for its delectable sweets and savories, this restaurant also offers a variety of traditional Indian dishes. Try their famous paneer tikka and rajma chawal. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Thursday, August 31, 2023: Exploring Vrindavan
On the second day, venture into the enchanting town of Vrindavan, about 10 kilometers from Mathura. Begin your morning with a visit to the famous Banke Bihari Temple, known for its beautiful deity of Lord Krishna. Afterward, explore the Prem Mandir, a grand spiritual complex showcasing exquisite architecture and intricate carvings. In the afternoon, head to the ISKCON Temple, one of the largest and most vibrant temples in Vrindavan. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the Radha Raman Temple.
Banke Bihari Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Prem Mandir: Free entry, 1-2 hours
ISKCON Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Radha Raman Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
Restaurants
Head to Kesar Mathura Wale for a delicious breakfast of piping hot jalebis and crispy kachoris. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious lunch at Brijwasi Mithai Wala, known for its authentic vegetarian thali meals. The average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, dine at Govinda's Restaurant, located at ISKCON temple premises, offering a wide variety of vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, September 1, 2023: Exploring Goverdhan and Barsana
Day three takes you to the nearby towns of Goverdhan and Barsana, both associated with Lord Krishna's childhood pastimes. Start your morning by visiting the Goverdhan Hill, an important pilgrimage site for Krishna devotees. Enjoy a scenic walk or take a vehicle to reach the top and soak in the panoramic views. In the afternoon, head to Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, and visit the Radha Rani Temple. Explore the town's narrow lanes, known for their vibrant local culture and traditional Holi celebrations. Return to Mathura in the evening.
On the fourth day, delve deeper into the sacred temples of Mathura. Begin your morning by visiting the famous Gita Mandir, adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Explore the Keshav Dev Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and admire its intricate architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Rangji Temple, known for its unique blend of South Indian and North Indian architectural styles. Lastly, visit the Vishram Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River, a serene spot to relax and witness the evening aarti.
Gita Mandir: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Keshav Dev Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Rangji Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Vishram Ghat: Free entry, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Govindas, a vegetarian restaurant known for its wide variety of freshly prepared dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a scrumptious lunch, head to Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a popular eatery famous for its traditional sweets and savoury snacks. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Shri Radha Raman Bhandar, a cozy restaurant serving authentic local cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, September 3, 2023: Exploring Nandgaon and Radha Kund
On the final day, embark on a journey to the towns of Nandgaon and Radha Kund, closely associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. Begin your morning by visiting Nand Bhavan, believed to be the house of Lord Krishna's foster father, Nanda Baba. Explore the temple complex and witness the enthusiasm of the locals. Afterward, head to Radha Kund, a holy lake associated with Radha's divine love for Krishna. Take a dip in its sacred waters and visit the nearby temples. Return to Mathura in the afternoon and bid farewell to this spiritual journey.
Nand Bhavan: Free entry, 2-3 hours
Radha Kund: Free entry, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, try the famous local eatery, Govinda's Bhojanalaya, known for its delicious vegetarian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Radhika's Kitchen, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of North Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the culinary delights of Brijwasi Mithai Wala, a popular sweet shop and restaurant known for its delectable Indian sweets and savory dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
When in Mathura, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kusum Sarovar, a beautiful reservoir surrounded by lush greenery and stunning architecture. It's a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Another hidden gem is the Braj Foundation Museum, which showcases the rich heritage and folklore of the region. Explore the museum to learn more about the cultural significance of Mathura and Vrindavan. These off the beaten path attractions offer a unique glimpse into the local culture and are cherished by the residents.
For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit kayak.com.