Places to visit in Vrindavan

Vrindavan is an ancient holy city of Braj-bhoomi Region of India where Lord Krishna spent his playful childhood doing all the mischief and enjoying the Holi-color-play with the locals. You can feel is divine presence in every corner of this sacred city. Located just 11 kms from Mathura on Delhi-Agra NH-44 this city is visited my millions of Krishna Bhaktas from around the globe. The sir is just so spiritual here that anyone who lands here finds inner peace. There are many places for you to see during for visit here and let’s tell you about the important ones that are not to be missed.

1)Banke Bihari Temple: This holy temple is the most famous shrine here which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and built in 1854. This edifice of worship illustrates all the phrases of Lord Krishna’s life starting from birth till the Mahabharata war and Geeta Updesh. The statue of deity Lord Krishna is in Tribhangha Posture. Many festivals like Holi, Janmashtami and various religious ceremonies are held here throughout the year. And many devotees and visitors come here to pay their homage. 

Address: Goda Vihar, Vrindavan. 1 km from railway station. 

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 7:30 am to 12 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

2)Prem Mandir: This is the most visited temple of Vrindavan and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his lover deity Radha. Enen statues of Devi Sita and Lord Ram are worshipped here. Sprawling on a 54 acre lush green complex this white marble temple is astonishingly elegant with beautified jharokhas. It was built in 2012 by spiritual guru Kripalu Maharaj with a cost of 150 crores. 80 wall panels tell the story of Krishna-Radha love story. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and fountains around it.

Address: Chhatikara Road, Raman Reti, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 5:30 to 6:30 am, 8:30 am to 12 pm, 4:30 to 8 pm.

3)Govind Dev Ji Temple: King/Raja Man Singh of Amer, Jaipur built this magnificent temple in 1590 AD with 7 storeys but today only 3 storeys are standing. Lord Krishna is also known by the name of Govind Dev Ji. Made of red sandstone and a marble sanctum, the unique architecture of this temple is a wonderful mix of Greek, Hindu and Islamic styles. Sculptured lotus adorns the ceiling of the main hall. The temple is decorated with flowers and lights on the festivals of Diwali and Janmashtami.

Address: 1 km from railway station

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 8 am to 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8 pm.

4)ISKCON Krishna-Balram Temple: This heavenly looking white marble temple is very beautiful to look at. Constructed in 1975 this is the most famous ISKCON Temple in India. Dedicated to Lord Krishna and his elder brother Mahamahim Balrama this temple aims to educate people on the Vedas and Bhagwat Geeta texts. It also houses the Samadhi of Srila Mahaprabhu, the founder of ISKCON. Visit the temple for its super awesome decoration on Janmashtamai celebration.

Address: 2 Kms from Railway Station

Entry fees: Free entry

Timimgs: 4 am to 5:30 am amd 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

5)Sri Rang Natha Ji Temple: In this city of temples this temple of South Indian Dravidian style architecture has Lord Krishna and his wife Goddess Laxmi as deities. Temple is dedicated to 8th century Vaishnav sect saint Sri Goda Rangamannar and was built in 1851; being a spectator of changing times in India. The shrine has 8 Gopurams, carved pillars, Gold plated 50 feet high Flag post, a garden, a small museum and a lake to beautify itself. Brahmotsav, a 10 day festival is celebrated in this complex in the months of March-April. This festival is known as Rath-mela and its something not to be missed.

Address: Goda Vihar, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry.

Timings: 24x7.

6)Seva Jung: Also well known as Nidhikunj it is a lush green garden in Vrindavan where people flock to all year long. It is believed that Lord Krishna and Radha performed their Raas-leena (romance) here at night. People still believe that Lord comes here every night to do Raas-Leela so this place is closed down after sunset. This garden has paintings of Radha-Krishna adoring its walls and there are 1500 Tulsi plants.

Address: Kunj Gali, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 8 am to 7:30 pm.

7)Kesi Ghat: Surrounded by ancient heritage buildings and temples this beautiful ghat is an open bathing place in this holy city. It is the most famous ghat on the river Yamuna, and devotees come here to take a religious dip in the river water. Lord Krishna took a dip here after killing the demon Keshi so thus the name. The famous Madanmohan Temple stands tall on this ghat which sees a huge influx of visitors each day. Go for a boat ride and enjoy the river.

Address: 1 Km from Railway Station, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry

Timing: 6 am to 8:30 pm

8)Madan Mohan Temple: This ancient temple stands tall near Kesi Ghat on Yamuna river having deities Lord Krishna and Madan Mohan, Radha-rani and Lalita Sakhi. Due to attacks of invaders the original idol of Mandan Mohan was sent to Jaipur and a replica was put in its place. Still the original idol is in Jaipur in Govind Dev Ji Temple. This temple is 20 mts high, has oval shape and built of red sandstone. Samadhi of Sanatana Goswami (founder of temple) along with Bhajan Kutir is in this complex.  

Address: Near Kesi Ghat, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm.

9)Sri Gita Mandir: This building represents religion and culture of Vaishnavism sect. Situated on the road to Mathura it houses the idol of Lord Krishna which is serene and enlightening to look at. There is a Gita Stambh having illustrations of Gita depicting the victory of Good over Evil. 

Address: Gita Mandir Marg, Vrindavan

Entey fee: Free entry

Timings: 7 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm

10)Sri Radha Damodar Temple: Establishes in 1542 AD by Guru Srila Jiva Goswami is one of the most elegant temples in Vrindavan. Many idols were shifted to Jaipur due to frequent attacks of invaders.

Address: Loi Bazaar, Vrindavan

Entry fee: Free entry

Timings: 6:30 am to 12:3 pm and 5 pm to 9:30 pm.

11)Barsana Town:  About 48 kms from Vrindavan and 45 kms from Mathura this old town is said to be the birthplace of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. It is a beautiful town surrounded by four hills. All these 4 hills have temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha. The Holi celebration here is like no other and just not to be missed.

Travel Tips: 

•Travel in Tuk-Tuk rickshaws to move around.

•Carry a good camera to capture these ancient monuments.

•Take a holy dip in River Yamuna

•Do not miss the evening ‘Aarti’ on various ghats along the river.