Mathura and Vrindavan are two of India’s most sacred cities, having a strong correlation to Lord Krishna’s life. Mathura is his birthplace, while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood and performed some great miracles. Traveling to these cities is not merely a pilgrimage; it is moving through the stories recounted in an ancient scripture. It is a place for devotees, students, and curious travelers alike. Planning a trip to Mathura and Vrindavan would be a spiritually and culturally gratifying experience for all. The following article has highlighted the ideal ways to reach Mathura and Vrindavan, as well as details on local attractions, lodging options, and travel tips to have a handy little guide for a smooth trip.
Where Are Mathura and Vrindavan Located?
Mathura and Vrindavan is in the state of Uttar Pradesh, situated approximately 160 km from Delhi, and 60 km from Agra. The two cities are 10-12 km apart from each other, making it possible to visit each within the same trip. The cities are located along the Yamuna River and are well-connected by road / rail and bus services.
Book Tour Package: Same Day Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package
| City | Distance from Delhi | Distance from Agra |
| Mathura | 160 km | 60 km |
| Vrindavan | 170 km | 70 km |
How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan?
Traveling to Mathura and Vrindavan is pretty simple, with various routes. Train, bus, cab, or a nearby flight (airport) seems to be the common means of getting there.
Recommended Route from Delhi:
- By Car/ Cab: Via Yamuna Expressway (Approx. 3 – 4 hours)
- By Train: Board a train to Mathura Junction (2.5 – 3.5 hours)
- From Mathura to Vrindavan: Take a local cab, auto, or e-rickshaw (20 – 30 mins)
| Mode of Travel | Details |
| By Train | Mathura Junction (MTJ) is a major station connected to Delhi, Agra, Lucknow. |
| By Road | Buses and cabs are available from Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. |
| By Air | Nearest airports: Agra (70 km), Delhi IGI (170 km). |
Best Time to Visit Mathura and Vrindavan
Though these cities can be explored year-round the best time to go for a tour is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Festivals like Holi and Janmashtami will guarantee a lot more crowds and bigger festivities.
| Season | Weather | Experience |
| October – March | Cool and pleasant | Ideal for sightseeing, temple visits |
| April – June | Hot and dry | Not recommended for long walks |
| July – September | Rainy season | Fewer crowds, moderate climate |
Top Places to Visit in Mathura
Mathura is filled with cultural/religious sites. You might easily spend half a day, even more visiting the ancient temples and ghats.
Popular Places in Mathura:
- Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple- Krishna’s exact birthplace, with deep spiritual energy.
- Dwarkadhish Temple- Famous for its colorful decorations and rituals.
- Vishram Ghat- Holy river ghat where Krishna rested after killing Kansa.
- Government Museum, Mathura- Home to rare sculptures and artifacts from ancient eras.
Top Places to Visit in Vrindavan
Vrindavan, sometimes referred to as the city of temples, is known for having been the setting for Krishna’s adolescent pastimes with Radha-Krishna bhakti.
Must-Visit Temples and Spots in Vrindavan:
- Banke Bihari Temple- One of the most visited Krishna temples with vibrant celebrations.
- Prem Mandir- A beautifully lit temple with marble carvings and fountains.
- ISKCON Temple- Spiritual center known for peaceful ambiance and global devotees.
- Radha Raman Temple- Famous for its original self-manifested deity of Krishna.
- Nidhivan- Believed to be the place where Krishna still performs Ras Leela at night.
| Place | Specialty |
| Banke Bihari Temple | Live deity, lively celebrations |
| Prem Mandir | Light & sound, marble architecture |
| ISKCON Vrindavan | Global spiritual center |
| Nidhivan | Myth of divine Ras Leela at midnight |
Recommended Tour Itinerary (1-2 Days)
Visiting Mathura and Vrindavan will depend on how much time you can devote to your trip. Even if you have one day, you should be able to take in both cities’ spiritual vibe. If you want a little bit more relaxation and time to enjoy visiting each temple, I would suggest taking a 2-day itinerary. Ahead are our two great suggestions for itineraries.
1-Day Mathura Vrindavan Tour Itinerary
This itinerary is geared towards those simply wanting to cover the primary sites in one-day. Be sure to bring an early start to your day to avoid crowds and make the most of your time.
| Time | Activity |
| 8:00 AM | Arrive at Mathura and visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi |
| 9:30 AM | Visit Dwarkadhish Temple |
| 10:30 AM | Explore Vishram Ghat |
| 11:30 AM | Head to Vrindavan by cab or auto |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at a local vegetarian restaurant |
| 1:30 PM | Visit ISKCON Temple |
| 2:30 PM | Visit Banke Bihari Temple |
| 4:00 PM | Explore Prem Mandir |
| 5:30 PM | Visit Nidhivan and end your tour |
| 6:30 PM | Return to Mathura Railway Station or your hotel |
2-Day Mathura Vrindavan Tour Itinerary
A 2-day plan is better for a more leisurely experience if you have an extra two days. You will have more downtime, be able to take breaks, enjoy the evening aartis, and even go shopping more leisurely.
| Day | Activity Summary |
| Day 1 | Mathura Temples + Museum + Local Markets |
| Day 2 | Vrindavan Temples + Prem Mandir Light Show + Nidhivan |
Book Tour Package: 4 Days Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package via Agra
Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan
Both Mathura and Vrindavan have some very affordable hotels, a lot of medium-range stays, as well as spiritual guesthouses for pilgrims and tourists. Be sure to book your accommodation several days ahead on festival days like Holi and Janmashtami, as they tend to fill up fast.
| Hotel Type | Options | Average Price/ Night |
| Budget Hotels | Hotel Sheetal Regency, Hotel Ganga | ₹700 – ₹1500 |
| Mid-Range Hotels | Radha Ashok, Brijwasi Royal | ₹2000 – ₹4000 |
| Ashrams/ Guesthouses | ISKCON Guesthouse, MVT Vrindavan | ₹500 – ₹1500 |
Local Food and Shopping
Mathura and Vrindavan are also famous for their pure vegetarian meals and sweets, pedas, kachoris, aloo tikkis, lassi, etc. You should try a traditional thali when eating at local establishments.
Popular Markets:
- Chatta Bazaar- Famous for puja items, idols, clothes
- Lohawan Bazaar- Great for sweets and dry fruits
- Krishna Nagar Market- Best for local souvenirs and toys
Book Tour Package: 5 Days Mathura Vrindavan Tour Package via Taj Mahal
Tips for First-Time Travelers
If you are new to religious tourism, planning your trip smartly can help you avoid some of the stress and confusion of a crowded and new environment.
Helpful Tips:
- Dress modestly while visiting temples
- Carry cash, as many places may not accept cards
- Start early to avoid crowds in Banke Bihari Temple
- Avoid carrying expensive items
- Keep your ID handy for temple entry
How to Plan a Mathura Vrindavan Tour FAQs
- How far is Vrindavan from Mathura?
Vrindavan is around 12 km from Mathura and takes about 20-30 minutes by road.
- Can I cover Mathura and Vrindavan in one day?
Yes, you can visit major temples in both cities in a well-planned day trip.
- What is the best time to plan the tour?
October to March is ideal, with cool weather and easier movement.
- Are cabs available from Mathura to Vrindavan?
Yes, local cabs, autos, and e-rickshaws are easily available.
- Do I need to book hotels in advance?
Yes, especially during festivals and weekends, advance booking is recommended.
