Things to Do in Mathura

Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is located in the holy city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It is built around the prison cell in which Lord Krishna’s parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa. The temple is of great significance for the Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

The Dwarkadhish Temple, touted as one of the holiest temples in Mathura, is famous all over the country for its elaborate architecture and paintings. Built in 1814, the temple is relatively new but is highly revered. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadheesh, a form of Lord Krishna known as Dwarkanath, depicted in a black marble idol.

Located on the Vrindavan - Mathura Road is the famous Birla Mandir, also popularly known as Gita Mandir. It is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan - an avatar of Vishnu. The architecture of the temple speaks of its magnificence and the exquisite carvings and paintings of its grandeur.

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.

Situated near Govardhan Hill in the small town in Mathura is one of the holiest places in Braja - the Radha Kund and Shyam Kund. The two holy water tanks lying next to each other are considered to be the supreme of all holy places, containing pure and sacred water, also known to contain magical properties to heal for conception.

The standout of the town's cuisine is its sweets and milk products. Pede, a form of sweet dish made from condensed milk, is a speciality here.  The famous shop for trying out pedas are Brijwasi Pede wala, Gusai Peda waala, Prabhu Halwai and Brijwasi Sweets. One must try Kachori, Jalebi, Chaat, Panipuri, Samosa, Dhokla, Aloo tikki and Lassi.

Rangji Temple, also known as Sri Ranganath Temple, is situated on the Vrindavan - Mathura Marg. It is dedicated to Lord Sri Goda Ranagamannar - a South Indian Vaishnava Saint, and Lord Ranganatha - an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The highlight of the temple is the idol of Krishna present in the form of the groom with Goda (Andal) as his bride.

Located between Govardhan and Radha Kund in Vrindavan, Mathura, Kusum Sarovar is a beautiful reservoir fringed by palatial sandstone buildings from the bygone era. The reservoir has a flight of stairs which can be used to descend into the pond. The Sarovar is believed to have got its name from one of the girl attendants of Radha, named Kusum.

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'.

Vishram Ghat is a revered and sacred bathing ghat located at about 4.5 kilometres from Mathura Junction on the banks of River Yamuna. It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats.

Lathmar Holi is celebrated 4-5 days before the festivities of other states. However, it is interesting to note how this festival is celebrated in a rather peculiar way in Nandgaon and Barsana towns in the Mathura district. The towns are some 42 kms from Mathura and are extremely popular for the celebrations during Holi. The natives are known for playing Holi with not only colours but also sticks. Thandai (a sweet drink) and Holi go hand in hand, so don't miss out on it!

Initially known as Curzon Museum of Archaeology, Government Museum Mathura is located at Dampier Park. Also called Mathura Museum locally, the repository is one of the finest in the country and houses a fairly big collection of ancient relics, sculptures, coins and paintings.

The Jama Masjid in Mathura was constructed in 1661 by Abd-un-Nabi Khan, the Governor of Aurangzeb. With its four minarets and mosaic plastering along with the marvellous carvings, this structure leaves one spellbound with its beauty. Abd-un-Nabi remained in Mathura from 1660 to 1668 when he died.

Tilak Dwar in Mathura is a local market surrounding the Dwarikadish Temple and Vishram Ghat. It is also known as the Holy Gate. The market is known for trinkets like brass statue, rosary beads, handicrafts, painting, sculptures, and hand embroidered items at low prices. The famous Brijwasi Mithaiwala shop is also located at Tilak Dwar.

Krishna Nagar is one of the high-end markets of Mathura, located around 2km from Krishna Janmasthan Temple. It is known for branded shopping places like Levi's, Tanishq, Manyavar, Nike, etc. Small shops also sell souvenirs, dress materials, jewellery, shoes, leather goods and accessories.

Known as the ‘Bhagwan Krishna Janambhoomi’, Mathura is the land of temples scattered in every nook and corner of the city. However, these temples in Mathura are not just dedicated to Lord Krishna but also to Lord Shiva. Thus bringing together the whole Vaishnavite and Shaivite cultures together.

Ashrams in Mathura are beautiful, serene places where people visit to find peace and blessings from the revered temples. Whether it be the Jaigurudev Ashram or Lord Krishna temples, Mathura is a religious abode for many.