Things to do in Mathura

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

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  According to the legends, the temple is centred in a jail where Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his maternal uncle, Kamsa.

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  The complex is home to three more structures - the Garbha Griha Shrine, the Keshavdev Temple, and the Bhagavata Bhavan.

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  Temple Timings: Summer: 05:00 am to 12:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:30 pm | Winter: 05:30 am to 12:00 pm and 03:00 pm to 08:30 pm

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  Aarti Timings: Mangala Aarti: 05:30 am | Makhan Bhog: 08:00 am | Sandhya Aarti: 06:30 pm

Other Popular Temples in Mathura

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  Shri Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura: Home to a black-marbled deity of Lord Dwarkadhish, an avatar of Lord Krishna, the temple is known for its architectural beauty. The art painted across the temple ceiling depicts different phases from Lord Krishna’s life. Temple Timings: Morning: 6:30 am to 10:30 am | Evening: 4:00 am to 7:00 pm

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  Birla Mandir: Also known as Gita Mandir, the temple was born out of Jugal Kishore Birla’s devotional love for Laxmi Narayana and Bhagwat Gita. The temple walls showcase inscriptions from Gita, making it a prime example of fine craftsmanship. Temple Timings: Summer: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm | Winter: 5:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm

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  Shri Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple: One of the oldest temples in the city, it is dedicated to Shiva Lingam, an avatar of Lord Shiva. The temple is also a Shaktipeeth and is home to Patal Devi Cave. Temple Timings: Morning: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm | Evening: 4:30 am to 10:30 pm

Must-visit Attractions in Mathura

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  Govardhan Hill: A prominent sandstone hill with mystical significance, visited by pilgrims to perform a 21 km-long parikrama.

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  Vishram Ghat: This sacred spot invites devotees to experience lively evening aartis, where oil lamps, devotional chants & spiritual enrichment are constants.

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  Government Museum: One of the country’s oldest archaeological museums, boasting over 6,000 artefacts, ranging from relics to sculptures.

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  Kans Qila: Ancient ruins of a palace that was once considered the residence of Kamsa, set along the banks of Yamuna River.

Best Areas to Stay in Mathura

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  Mathura Railway Station: The area, lined with hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, is always bustling with devotees reaching and leaving the city.

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  Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi: Set in the city’s busy heart, the area has its grounds covered in homestays, hotels, villas, and guest houses.

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  Giriraj Temple: The area is located close to Janmabhoomi and provides guests with varied accommodation options, like hotels, homestays, and dharamshalas.

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  Vishram Ghat: The guest houses, hotels, and homestays in this colourful and lively area promise easy connectivity to top spots in Mathura.

Good to Know Before You Travel

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  How to Reach: The closest transit hubs when visiting the city are Mathura Junction and Agra Airport, which is approximately a 60 km drive away.

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  What to Buy: Top markets, including Holygate, Lal Bazaar, and Krishna Nagar Market are filled with religious items, including idols and puja essentials, paintings and sculptures, and silver jewellery.

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  What to Eat: Trip to Mathura will be incomplete without indulging in tangy chaats, bedai with aloo sabzi, lassi, thandai, and pedas. If visiting during winters, don’t forget to grab a cup of Malaiyo.

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  Janmashtami: Janmashtami in Mathura is a month-long celebration complete with temples adorned in floral arrangements, pujas and rituals, rasleela performances, and jhankis.

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  Radha Ashtami: Hosts of devotees are welcomed by grand processions, ceremonies in temples, and soulful sounds of bhajans when celebrating Radha Ashtami in Mathura.