Top 7 Attractions To Visit In Mathura (2024)
Mathura is undoubtedly one of the most time-honoured cities of the province of Uttar Pradesh. The city of Mathura is closely associated with the Hindu Mythology of Vishnu Puran. The birthplace of the Shri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
It is considered as a sacred land, known for its architecture and temples, related the adventures of Lord Krishna and his friends in their childhood.
There are also traces of Jainism and Buddhism, practiced in Mathura, which ultimately makes it a royal and glorious traveler and pilgrim attraction in India.
We’ll take you through some of the most adored and divine attractions in the city of Mathura.
Top 7 Attractions To Visit In Mathura
1. Radharani Temple: A Colourful Treat For The Eyes
Radharani Mandir, situated at the heart of the township of Barsana, Mathura, remark the home of Lord Krishna’s companion, Radha. Radharani temple is renowned all over the globe for the Lathmaar Holi festivities.
Lathmaar Holi is more of a celebration, which takes place at the RadhaRani temple in the township of Barsana. The festivities take place some days before Holi, and it started as a celebration between two sides, the suburbs of Nandgaon and Barsana.
The youngsters and middle-aged of Nandgaon village will visit the Barsana village and ladies of Barsana will greet them with sticks, which are dodged using a shield. In this way, they’ll chase them away.
Radharani temple is the only temple in India where the lady love of Lord Krishna, Radha is worshipped as a primary deity. The colours, different shades of water and the local drink called ‘Thandai’ which is an alternate version of the famous ‘Bhang’.
The bottom line, it’s an uncommon and a unique festival of spreading love and the message of equality.
Best Time To Visit:
Radha Ashtami – Late August or beginning of September
Lathmaar – usually a couple of days before Holi
Where: Mukhiya Ji Bhawan, Radha Bag Marg, Barsana, Uttar Pradesh 281405
Timings: (Everyday) 5am–2:00pm and 5pm–8:30pm
How To Reach:
By Train: The nearest railway station is 50 km away.
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport – 150 Kms and Agra Airport – 110 Kms
Popular Hotels To Stay at Mathura:
- Hotel Raj Palace
- Hotel Krishna Guest House
- Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara – The Resort and Spa
Top Restaurants to Try at Mathura:
- Shri Radharani Chaat Bhandar shop
- Asli Pappu Dhaba
- Om Shiv Restaurant
- Bansiwala restaurant
- Hotel Royal and Brijwasi resort
- Garma Garam Rasoi
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Shriji temple
- Dan Bihari temple
- ISKCON temple
- Radha Kushalbihari temple
2. Dwarakadish Temple
The Dwarakadish Mandir of Mathura completes the list of some of the earliest and prodigious places of worship. The temple has all the elegance and splendour mixed with the royalty of Gwalior who restored the magnificence to where it belongs.
Lord Krishna is worshipped as Dwarakadish, whose idol is built of black marble. This temple in Mathura is well known for its architectural marvel, crafted in the traditional Rajasthani cut.
The temple, followed by a giant green lawn, is a breathtaking visual. This temple is one of those places as a pilgrim; you may wish that you never leave. The divine atmosphere here is so fulfilling, and the chants of Lord Krishna in the air is merely overwhelming.
Best Time To Visit:
Annakut Utsav – first week of the new year as per Hindu calendar
Rath Yatra day – Late June or at the beginning of July
Janmashtami – Late August or September beginning
Dhanderas – late October or November beginning-mid dates.
Address: Raja Dhiraj Bazar Road, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Timings: (Everyday) 6:30am to 11:00 am and 3:30pm to 7:00pm
How To Reach:
By Train: Mathura Railway Station: 3.5 km
By Air: Agra Airport: 60 km
Top Places To Stay:
- Hotel Roma Kristo
- Hotel Dwarawati
- Hotel Sky
- Hotel Devkinandan
- The Dwarika Hotel
- Angel Hotels
Top Food Places:
- Taj Family Restaurant
- Dosa Plaza Divinity
- MVT Restaurant
- Sheel Gopal
- Ammaji’s Restaurant
- Shankar Mithai Wala
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Vishram Ghat
- Kans Qila
- Jama Masjid
- Dauji Mandir
- Gopeshwar Mahadev temple
3. The Govardhan Hill
If you are a Hindu mythology enthusiast or you are really into the ancient scripts, then you’ll be familiar with the story of Govardhan Hill and its importance in Lord Krishna’s legend. The foothills of Govardhan in Mathura is said to be the grazing grounds of the cattle from Vrindavan.
Anyway, at present Govardhan hills constitute a significant pilgrim destination of interest, home to some of the beautiful temples in Mathura.
The hill is worshipped as a part of Lord Shri Krishna, as he resides in the body of the mountain.
Best Time To Visit:
Govardhan Puja – Late October or Beginning of November, after Diwali
Gopashtami – Mid or late in November
Janmashtami – Late August or beginning of September month
Diwali – Late October or November
Where: Aanyor, Uttar Pradesh 281502
What to See:
- Giriraj Temple
- Kusum Sarovar
- Sri Chaitanya Temple
- Radha Kund
- Mansi Ganga Lake
Timings: It’ll take nearly 5 hours for completing the Govardhan Parikrama, which is approximately 21 Kms.
How To Reach:
By Train: Mathura Junction: 28 Kms. And Goverdhan Junction: 6.6 Kms
By air: Agra Airport: 96 km
Top Hotels to Stay Near Govardhan Hills:
- Divinity by Audra Hotels
- Hotel The Mansion
- Hotel Queen Palace
- Hotel Pragati Palace
- Treebo Trip Panache
- Hotel Ganpati Palace
Top Restaurants to Try Near Govardhan Hills:
- Ninety-nine restaurant
- Mirchi Tadka Sip and Bite
- Taj Family Restaurant
- Giani’s Ice cream parlour
- Dosa Plaza Divinity
- MVT Restaurant
- Sheel Gopal
- Ammaji’s Restaurant
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Radha Damodar Temple
- Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
- Prem Mandir – Shyama Shyam Dham
- Gita Mandir
A tour of Joy and Experience
4. Vishram Ghat
The beautiful lakes and the breathtaking view from the countless Ghats are a standout feature of pilgrimage destinations in Uttar Pradesh. Vishram Ghat is the most prominent Ghat in Mathura, which is just glorious for its morning and evening Arti.
It is such a gratifying and pleasant sight, especially with the sunrise and the sunset with the chants, turning the stage into complete bliss.
You can go for a nice swim, take a bath in the waters. There are also boats and canoes in the lake that’ll give you an enjoyable ride through the waters.
According to the mythological scripts, After killing his uncle Kans, Lord Shri Krishna relaxed on this Ghat, which is the story behind its name Vishram(Rest) Ghat.
Even though Mathura is blessed with plenty of Ghats, Vishram Ghat is the nuclear one.
Best time to visit:
Chunri Manorath Festival – Mid December
Every day during Morning and Evening Arti
Address: Banks of River Yamuna, Mathura 362001 India
Timings: Best time to visit: Morning and Evening Aartis
Morning: 7:00 to 7:15
Evening: 6:45 to 7:00
How To Reach:
By Train: Mathura Central: 4.4 Kms
By Air: Agra Airport: 69 km
Top Hotels To Stay:
- Gaurav Boarding House
- Country Inn Kosi
- Hotel Radhika Palace
- Hotel Wingston
- Agra Hotel
- Madhav Muskan Residency
- Divinity by Audra Hotels
Top Restaurants to Try Nearby:
- Shankar Mithai Wala
- Brijwasi Mithai Wala
- Babylon Restaurant
- Tadka From Punjab
- Sheel Gopal
- Mirchi Tadka Sip and Bite
- Chaat Chatore
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Krishna Janmasthan Temple
- Krishna Janmabhoomi Complex
- Mathura Nath Ji Maharaj Mandir
- Temple Shri Gatashram Narayan Ji
5. Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex
The most sacred structures of the Mathura city, The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is the birthplace of Lord Shri Krishna. Located in the province of Mallapura, this structure was a victim of several attacks from the Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb.
The construction of the structure here, runs back to the 6th century BC, from then it faced a lot of attacks from the invaders. This holy place was a representation of our culture, tradition and our mythology which confronted a lot of attempts of destruction.
Later the temple complex was rebuilt to the present state, and it houses three magnificently constructed temples – Keshav Dev Mandir, Garba Griha Mandir, Bhagavata Bhavan and the underground confinement where Lord Krishna’s birth took place.
The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex also comprises Putra Kund, which means a son’s pond and Lord Shri Krishna’s first bath was believed to be taken in these holy waters.
Beyond any doubt, The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is the most prominent and pious attraction in Mathura and a dream destination of every pilgrim. The chants turn the whole atmosphere mystical and blissful. It is indeed a journey of a lifetime.
Best Time To Visit:
Krishna Janmashtami: Late August to Mid September
(Famous for Chappan Bhog and Panchamrit)
Deepavali: Late October or November beginning-mid
Holi: Mid to Late March
What to See:
- Keshavadeva Mandir
- Garba Griha Mandir
- Bhagavata Bhavan
- Putra Kund
Address: Mathura – Deeg Marg, near Deeg Gate Chouraha, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001
Timings: (Everyday)
5:00am to 12:30pm
4:00pm to 8:30pm
How To Reach:
By Train: Mathura Railway Central: 3.5 Kms
By Air: Agra Airport: 72 km
Top Hotels to Stay:
Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi Athiti Grah is a ( The temple authority-owned guest house, maximum proximity to the temple complex).
Top Restaurants to Try Nearby:
- Vaishnav Bhojanalaya
- Babylon Takeaway
- Shri Balaji Bhojanalaya
- Shri Krishna Bhojanalaya
- Puran Sharma Bhojnalaya Ji
- Madras Restaurant
(These are some of the restaurants in maximum proximity, which provides with good quality food and a lot of street food stalls to explore nearby)
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Mathura Museum
- Jama Masjid, Mathura
- Radha Damodar Temple
- Keshav Deo Temple
- Yogmaya Devi Mandir
- Divya Desam Vadamadurai Mathurapuri Nathan Temple
- Santh Shri Kabir Das Satsang Ashram
- Prachin Mandir Shri Gopinath Ji Maharaj
- Shahi Mosque Eidgah
- Dahiya Badshah Park
6. Radha Kund
Also known as Radha’s Pond, Radha Kund is contemplated as a divine and blessed pool of water near Govardhan hill. According to the scriptures, which reads that after exterminating Aristasura, in the physique of a raging bull, Shri Krishna cleansed the hands, bathed in a pond of his creation known as Shyama Kund.
Radha, Krishna’s companion, insisted him to do so. Lord Krishna with his mystical powers, unified the pond with another water body, what we call now as Radha Kund.
As per the theories of ancient saints, belonging to the Vaishnavas, Radha Kund is a space of hallowed spiritual serenity.
This pool is an absolute indication or more like a gesture of companionship shared by Radhekrishna. The midnight bath here at Nishita Samay, recognised as the eighth night of the new moon, is regarded to be a blessing.
The prophecy is, finishing a bathe at this auspicious occasion will fulfil the couple’s wishes for a lifetime together.
So if you are planning a walk or ride to Govardhan Hill, take a little stroll to explore the splendour and elegance of Radha Kund, which is just a couple of kilometres away.
Best Time To Visit:
The Holy Midnight Bath – Between late October and mid-November (The eighth night of the new moon, in Kartik)
After this ritual, until march, it is a great time to pay a visit to Radha Kund. The ambience and the divine atmosphere is a must-have experience.
What to See: Radha Kund is located adjacent to The Govardhan Hill, which is home to several magnificent pilgrimage destinations.
- Giriraj Temple
- Kusum Sarovar
- Sri Chaitanya Mandir
- Shyam Kund
Address: Uttar Pradesh 281504
Timings: (Everyday) 6:00am to 6:00pm
How to Reach:
By Train: Mathura Central: 28 Kms, Radha Kund Junction: 6.8 Kms
By Air: Agra Airport: 98 km
Top Places to Stay:
- Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort and Spa
- Hotel Santosh Dham
- Hotel Gokul Inn
- Hotel Abhinandan
- Hotel Wingston
- Nidhivan Sarovar Portico
- Hotel The Royal Bharati
- Banke Bihari Spiritual Stay Vrindavan
Top Restaurants To Try:
- Bansuri Vyanjan
- Brijwasi Sweets Govardhan
- Brijwasi Mithai Wala
- Rolls nation Mathura
- Cafe brew 24
- Foodpoint
(These are some of the local food joints serving some great delicacies you may, not wanna miss)
Top Nearby Destinations:
- Radha Madan Mohan Mandir
- Radha Gokul Ananda Mandir
- Kundaleshwara Mahadeva Temple
- Radha Krishna Purana Mandir
- Radha Kanta Mandir
- Radha Kunj Bihari Mandir
- ISKCON Gopala Manipur Mandir
Taking a journey to this beautiful land, where even the breathing air is filled with devotional chants, temples of different deities, mantras scripted on walls of the streets, an unforgettable aroma of the Mathura delicacy, the ambience inside these monumental structures, the memories are irreplaceable.
7. Other Popular Attractions in Mathura
We took a journey through some of the prominent pilgrim destinations in Mathura, what are these destinations well known for but yes, that’s not it. The ethnicity and culture, the spiritual feeling and the sanctity of these destinations can’t be described or covered in words. There are some more pilgrim destinations, which deserves a mention here for their authenticity and initial vision, the enlightenment it offers to humanity.
Birla Temple:
Well Known For:
- The engraving of Srimad Bhagavad Gita in the towers or stambh of this architectural marvel
- Ultimately build of red sandstone
- Worshipping Radhekrishna and Sitaram, including his biggest devotee, Anjaneya
- The chariot of Lord Shri Krishna
- The portrayal of Lord Shri Krishna’s Rasleela and stages of his spiritual journey through Mahabharat as scriptures and paintings.
- Popularly known as Gita Temple too, that came from the Gita Pillar established here.
Address: Kishori Nagar Birla mandir, Uttar Pradesh 281003
Rang Ji Temple
Well known for
- The giant flag post made of gold
- The blend of North Indian and South Indian rituals in all the temple related activities
- Lord Krishna resides in this temple as Lord Shri Goda Rangamannar, as the husband of Andal, who is one of the most prominent devotees and worshippers of Lord Shri Krishna.
- The Shri bramotsav festivities are a treat to the eyes.
- Lord Shri Ranga Nathan is a principal deity among the Vaishnava community, who unconditionally worship the only god, Vishnu.
- It is located at Rangnath mandir in Godha Vihar, UP.
Still, it’s not the end. The pilgrimage through the real city is a path taken to know ourselves. It’s an ultimate path to salvation. The soil here is where Lord Govardhan, who is worshipped by billions, is born and brought up. Mathura is The land that witnessed every single prank played by him, his adventures and how he slew the monsters sent by his evil uncle Kans.
The earth that bore the fall of the mighty ruler Kans, also shed tears when their saviour left the soil.
A week or more in Mathura will teach you a lot. It’s a great place to spend some time in peace, getting out of the clumsy, everyday world and finding some time to invest in the search for yourselves.
