About the Place
Matthura and Vrindavan—the towns along the holy Yamuna River in Uttar Pradesh—are among India's top spiritual spots. Mathura is said to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood days, executing his divine plays and forming eternal attachments. Both towns are the essence of Krishna worship and draw pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and sometimes the curious travelers from across the world.
Striding the streets of Mathura and Vrindavan, one can feel the spirit of living worship. Temple bells ring; devotees chant bhajans; colorful flower garlands, incense, and spiritual artistry decorate the temples and shops. Cows amble freely; monks chant mantras; and nearly every corner has a shrine or temple of great significance in the Krishna lore.
The townsfolk, in both places, are really warm and sincere, deeply spiritual, many of them having pledged their lives to worship and service. Whether one is on a pilgrimage, a cultural excursion, or a meditative retreat, Mathura and Vrindavan undoubtedly stay with you forever.
History
It is said to be one of the most ancient and holiest of places in India, dating back to over 5,000 years. It is considered as one of the Sapta Puri, the seven sacred cities of pilgrimage in Hinduism. According to some ancient scriptures, such as the Mahabharata and the Puranas, Mathura was the Capital of King Kansa, the cruel uncle of Lord Krishna. Krishna was born inside a prison at Mathura, and his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, were held captive there by Kansa. Today, this site is occupied by the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, which is an important point of pilgrimage.
Historically, it also grew as an art and trade center of Medieval India. During Kushana rule, it became the seat of Buddhist and Jain Triple-ities of Learning and Sculpture. Numerous archaeological finds have shed light on Mathura's multifaceted cultural history.
The town of Vrindaban is located at a distance of about 10 kms. from Mathura and is the place where that Krishna passed his childhood days. As the forest was full of tulsi plants, it got its name- Vrinda (tulsi) and van (forest). This constituted the backdrop to a number of divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, which included his frolicsome sporting with the gopis, friendship with Radha, and playing the flute by the banks of the Yamuna.
During the 16th century, Vrindavan was rediscovered and revived by saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and other Vaishnava saints. Since then, thousands of temples have been built, each commemorating a different aspect of Krishna's life. Vrindavan remains a center of the Bhakti movement and continues to inspire devotional practices around the world.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to tour Mathura and Vrindavan is from October to March when the skies are clear and the weather condition comfortable enough to even permit temple visits, walking tours, and attending evening aartis.
Winter season is best for travel, meaning October to March. Any time from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius feels best to tour either of these two towns. Most important festivals like Diwali and then Janmashtami (depending upon the calendar) and Holi in an extravagant manner in Vrindavan occur in this time.
On the other hand, Summer (April to June) is just so very hot; temperatures climb well above 40 degrees Celsius. Wandering about all afternoon can be such a tiring experience, which is why even tourists tend to avoid visiting in the summer unless forced.
The arrival of Monsoons (July to September) could mean some depleting heat and it beautifies green for one to appreciate, but damn, the rains do come unannounced to upset one's plans. Yamuna would be full and pleasing to see, but the roads and temple spaces would be slippery.
For the colorful and spiritual Vrindavan experience, Holi is an unforgettable time to be there. But, it lures hordes of mad crowds, so only pre-planning of some sort and bookings can help.
Food
A full vegetarian diet is what is basically followed in Mathura and Vrindavan, often prepared without onions or garlic, respecting the sattvik food restrictions. The food here is simple, delicious, and deeply intertwined with religious aspects.
Mathura peda, a soft, milk-based sugary delicacy that usually gets distributed as prasad, should not be missed. Common breakfast items include media with aloo sabzi, puris stuffed with spicy lentils, and potato curry. Kachoris, samosas, and jalebis are some other popular street snacks.
Makhan mishri, the white butter and crystal sugar mixture, is said to have been Krishna’s favorite and is often offered in temples. For a refreshing break, thick lassi or chaas can be sampled, especially during summer.
Many ashrams and temple guesthouses are the hosts to satvik thalis, which contain roti, rice, vegetables, dal, and a sweet. They would typically be simple yet wholesome and cheap.
Also, Brijwasi Mithai Wala in Mathura for sweets, MVT Restaurant in Vrindavan for international vegetarian cuisine, and Govinda's inside the ISKCON temple for pure and sattvik food are quite popular. Many small and local dhabas and sweet shops across both the towns offer fresh and cheap vegetarian meals all through the day.
Tips for Planning
- Be ready to do some last-minute planning whenever you wish to attend during any festival like Holi, Janmashtami, or Diwali. This is the busiest time of the year when the accommodation fills quickly.
- Dress conservatively. Being religious towns, Mathura and Vrindavan demand modest dressing, especially when entering temples. Do not wear sleeveless tops, shorts, and anything revealing.
- Start early. Temples open by 5 or 6 AM, and early mornings are the least crowded and peaceful. Evening aartis are mesmerizing enough to attend.
- Be ready to walk. A majority of temples and markets in Vrindavan come under the pedestrian-only category. So, wear comfortable shoes and keep drinking water with you.
- Local guides can offer a great deal of insight into temple history and the life stories of Krishna; make certain you agree on the price of services before hiring to avoid confusion later on.
- Keep your belongings secure! It gets very crowded near the temple areas, so keep your valuables safe from pickpockets, especially phones and wallets.
- Respect the temple culture. Go in only if carrying leather is forbidden. Photography may not be permitted all over, particularly in caves near the deity section, so ask before taking pictures.
- Eat from local joints but consider hygiene. Street food becomes tempting if one wishes to grab-a-bite, but is generally unhygienic; pick vendors with a clean standing. Ashrams and centers of ISKCON serve very good safe nourishing food.
