Kokilavan, situated near Kosi Kalan in Mathura, houses the famous Shani Temple, dedicated to Shani Dev (Saturn) and his guru Barkhandi Baba. Since the site is located amidst the jungle hence, it has also come to be known as Kokilavan Dham. The pilgrims perform a parikrama of the temple and take a dip in the holy kund here.
Distance from Mathura: 51 km
Located at a distance of 8 km from Barsana and 50 km from Mathura, Nandgaon is a quaint little town situated at the base of a Nandisvara Hill and which holds immense religious significance. The town is highly revered by Hindu pilgrims as it is believed to be the home of the foster parents of Lord Krishna- Shri Nandji and Yashoda Maiyya. There is also a spacious temple situated atop the hill which is dedicated to Shri Nandji.
Distance from Mathura: 1,026 km
Govardhan Hill or the Giri Raj is situated at a distance of 22 km from Vrindavan. It has been stated in the Holy Bhagwat Gita that according to Lord Krishna, Govardhan Parvat is not different from him. Therefore, all his worshipers worship the pure rocks of the hill just like they worship his idol. The hill is made up of sandstone and stands 80 ft tall with a circumference of 38 km. Some interesting places one gets to visit the hills including Mansi Ganga, Mukharvind, and Daan Ghati.
Distance from Mathura: 26 km
Situated near Govardhan Hill in the small town in Mathura is the Radha Kund which is famous for the holy pond known by the same name. It is considered to be the supreme of all holy places, containing pure and sacred water, also known to contain magical properties to heal for conception. Purification from sins by a dip in the water is one of the reasons why Radha Kund is a significant pilgrimage site.
Distance from Mathura: 26 km
Located between Govardhan and Radha Kund in Vrindavan, Mathura, Kusum Sarovar is a beautiful reservoir fringed by palatial sandstone building from the bygone era. The reservoir has a flight of stairs which can be used to descend in the pond. The sarovar is believed to have got its name from one of the girl attendants of Radha, named Kusum. The water is ideal for swimming and dips. Kusum Sarovar also has several temples and ashrams in the vicinity.
Distance from Mathura: 23 km
Situated near Gotam Nagar on the cliff near Bankey Bihari temple is the Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven temples of Thakur of Vrindavan. This temple is the epitome of the sacred and divine love of Radha and Krishna, displayed in the rarest form 'Ras-bhakti'. Enshrined by Lord Krishna, the temple does not have a deity of Radha. Instead, it has a crown placed next to Lord Krishna to signify her presence. Radha Vallabh Mandir stands out due to its striking architecture and magnificence decor.
Distance from Mathura: 10 km
Known For : Taj Mahal Agra Fort Taj Mahotsav
Home to one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra is a sneak peek into the architectural history with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites as Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. History, architecture, romance all together create the magic of Agra and hence makes for a must-visit for anyone living in or visiting India. Located on the banks of river Yamuna, History fanatics, as well as architecture buffs, can have a ball here with the sheer expanse of the Mughal art and culture on display.
Distance from Mathura: 57 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Bharatpur National Park Lohagarh Fort Banke Bihari Temple
Bharatpur is located in the Braj region of state Rajasthan, around 38 km from Mathura. Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladeo National Park, which habitats over 370 species of animals and birds. It is recognised as one of the most popular birds feeding and breeding grounds. In 1982 the park was marked as a National Park, and later in 1985, it came on the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This National Park, locally known as Ghana, has been a winter home for the Siberian Crane; an endangered species.
Distance from Mathura: 39 km
Best Time: November to February
Known For : Jama Masjid Aligarh Aligarh Fort Sir Syed House Museum
Nestled in the populous state of Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh has grown as a prominent educational centre as well as a commercial centre in North India. Known as Kol or Koli in the ancient times, the city is said to have been founded by the Dor Rajputs in 372 AD and has housed the famous Aligarh Muslim University since 1875. Aligarh is also famous for its lock industry.
Distance from Mathura: 65 km
Best Time: October to February
Known For : Worlds of Wonder Water Park The Great India Place DLF Mall of India
A part of the National Capital Region, Noida, with the inauguration of Budhh international circuit for the formula one racing, Sunburn arena where international artists perform, and upcoming projects of one of the tallest buildings in North India. Noida is just busy running towards faster growth. Noida is a short name for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority.
Distance from Mathura: 140 km
Best Time: September to December, February to March
Known For : India Gate Red Fort Qutub Minar
The capital of India, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a historic old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from an extensive network of the modern metro system to Delhi University campus, Dilli has multiple personalities and is considered to be the city with a heart.
Distance from Mathura: 163 km
Best Time: October to March
Barsana is a place of historical significance which is located in the district of Mathura at Uttar Pradesh, India. The town is nicknamed as the Birthplace of Radha Rani as the Hindu goddess Radha (Lord Krishna's consort) was born in this city. Barsana is also popular for the grand celebration performed during the Holi festival, known as the Lathmar Holi.
Distance from Mathura: 49 km
Best Time: October to March