Right from childhood, you may have heard fascinating stories about Lord Krishna. His mischievous antics as a kid and playing a pivotal role in the Mahabharata are spread across the pages of mythology and folklore. And Mathura is the place where his story began, in a dark prison cell.
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura is among the top pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, and the many temples here are just one part of it. Whether you’re a devotee or not, the city has plenty to offer and this 2-day Mathura itinerary has all the major spots for you.
Places To Visit On Day 1
- Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple
- Govardhan Hill
- Radha Kund
- Kusum Sarovar
1. Shri Krishna Janmasthan
When you’re in Mathura, this is the first place you must visit. The Shri Krishna Janmasthan is a temple complex comprising three temples. One is the Keshavdev temple dedicated to the Lord himself, the Garb Griha which is believed to be his birthplace, and the Bhagavata Bhavan where Lord Krishna and his consort Radha are the deities.
The temple has been destroyed many times by several rulers over centuries. Despite that, the temple was reconstructed and still stands strong now. Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, and Janmashthami are the festivals when the influx of people visiting the temple peak is the highest and the celebrations are grand!
Timings: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
2. Govardhan Hill
Remember that one story of Lord Krishna lifted an entire mountain with his pinky finger to protect the people of Vrindavan from intense downpour? This is that hill. Legend has it that Govardhan was once 29 km high! After a sage cursed it to shrink in size of one sesame seed daily, today, it’s just 30 meters tall.
Govardhan Hill is just about 22 km away from Mathura, and you can easily get cabs and buses that ply between the two places. You can visit the Giriraj Ji temple built on the hill. If you’re up for it, you can go on a 23-km-long parikrama (revolution) around the hill. It makes for great scenery and adds to the spiritual experience!
3. Radha Kund
After Lord Krishna killed a bull – a symbol of religion – Radha was upset with him and asked him to bathe in all the holy rivers to wash away the sin. Instead of traveling everywhere, Krishna struck the ground with his heel and sacred water from all the rivers appeared there. The Gopis of Radharani also dug a kund (a tank/pool) with their bangles, creating the Radha Kund.
Located close to Govardhan Hill, Radha Kund is believed to be blessed by Lord Krishna and anybody who goes inside this kund for a dip can wash away their sins. It’s also the only place where devotees are known to take midnight dips also known as ardh ratri snana. You can even do a Radha Kund parikrama. As you go around, you’ll feel the love between Lord Krishna and Radha come to life.
4. Kusum Sarovar
Right between Govardhan and Radha Kund, pilgrims visit Kusum Sarovar to bask in the serene ambience and bathe in the emerald green waters. It’s believed that Radha and Lord Krishna spent a lot of playful moments here.
This pond was restored in 1675, and since then a lot of the devotees come to receive the nectar of ‘Prem Bhakti’ – the promise of experiencing profound love. If you’re looking for a tranquil evening, this is the perfect way to end your day! You can rest under the Kadamba trees and sink in the history of Mathura.
Places To Visit On Day 2
- Dwarkadheesh Temple
- Vishram Ghat
- Government Museum
- Kans Qila
- Barsana
1. Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, this temple is an architectural marvel with beautiful Rajasthani patterns. During the month of Shravan, you’ll see Lord Krishna on a Hindola, a type of swing set.
You can enter from any one of the two gates. Devotees go all out during Janmashtami and Diwali and have a grand celebration planned. Vendors are selling Tulsi plants that you can take to place on the idol as an offering. Photography is banned and you’re also not permitted to carry cellphones.
2. Vishram Ghat
After a long battle with evil uncle Kans and coming out a victor, Lord Krishna rested on this ghat. Lots of devotees come here to take a dip in the holy water. Attending evening aarti is a must-visit at Vishram Ghat. Priests chant the name of Lord Krishna as all the devotees gather around; it’s a spiritual experience you don’t want to miss out on!
3. Government Museum
Also known as the Mathura Museum, you’ll find gold and silver coins, terracotta goods, and paintings all preserved safely. You’ll also see a grand collection of sculptures made when the Mathura School of Arts was flourishing during the Gupta period.
There are over 6,000 stone sculptures, 25,000 coins, 3,000 terracotta figures, 350 metal figures, and 1,300 other works of art that tell you the history of Mathura. So, you surely want to take some time and spend it here.
4. Kans Qila
Witness a beautiful blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture at this fort. As the name suggests, the fort belongs to Lord Krishna’s evil uncle Kans. The fort has undergone a lot of changes and now it’s in a state of ruins! Nevertheless, you should still stop by.
One of the eye-catching qualities of the fort is the old hall – a building that is divided into three aisles. The hall was even converted into a school but was destroyed by rulers. Now, the place is even referred to as the Old Fort of Mathura.
5. Barsana
If you don’t know the old tale, let us tell you. Barasana is a small town where Krishna would often go during the festival of Holi to spray some colors of Radha and her friends. In return, they would playfully hit Lord Krishna. So now, women of Barsana hit men with sticks during Holi! Visit during the festival to see this Lathmar Holi celebration with your own eyes.
Summing Up
Mathura is filled with shenanigans of Lord Krishna. From his triumphant stories to his love story with Radha, the land is full of tales you’ve probably only heard about. These places might seem overwhelming for a two-day Mathura itinerary, but by the end of it, you can proudly check off all the important places to see in Mathura.
FAQs
Why Is Mathura Famous?
One of the 7 sacred cities of India, Mathura is famous for being the land where Lord Krishna was born.
Did Krishna Live In Mathura?
He did. Krishna spent ten years in Mathura from the age of 18 to 28.
Is Mathura And Vrindavan The Same?
Not really, no. But, Vrindavan is the twin city of Mathura – it’s the city where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.
What Is The Famous Drink In Mathura?
Mathura Lassi is a favorite of all the locals and you should also try it when you’re visiting.
