Mathura!
india-guide.in
india-guide.in
Population
450,000
Best Time
October to March
Time Needed
2-3 days minimum
Currency
Rupee (₹)
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Mathura, located in Uttar Pradesh, is the birthplace of Lord Krishna and a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. The city is dotted with temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha, and it's known for its vibrant Holi celebrations and delicious sweets.
Mathura offers a deep dive into Hindu culture and mythology, attracting devotees and tourists alike. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals. The city can also be overwhelming for those not accustomed to the intensity of Indian pilgrimage sites. If you are looking for a peaceful and clean destination, this may not be it.
To fully experience Mathura, plan for at least two to three days. Consider visiting during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience. Getting around is best done by auto-rickshaw or cycle rickshaw.
October to March
10-30 degrees C
Pleasant and dry weather. Days are sunny and evenings are cool.
Why Visit:
This is the ideal time to explore the temples and participate in outdoor activities. The weather is perfect for sightseeing and attending festivals. It's also a good time to visit nearby Vrindavan. Holi celebrations in February/March are particularly vibrant, though crowded.
Tip: Expect larger crowds, especially around major festivals like Janmashtami and Holi. Book accommodations and transportation in advance.
July to September
25-35 degrees C
Monsoon season with moderate to heavy rainfall. Humidity is high.
Why Visit:
The landscape turns lush and green during the monsoon. The crowds are thinner, and you might find better deals on accommodations. However, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.
Tip: Carry an umbrella or raincoat. Some temples might have restricted access during heavy rainfall.
April to June
35-45 degrees C
Extremely hot and dry weather. Heatwaves are common.
Why Avoid:
Avoid visiting during these months due to the scorching heat. Sightseeing can be uncomfortable, and outdoor activities are best avoided. The heat can also lead to dehydration and heatstroke.
Note: If you must visit, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
This temple marks the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is the most important religious site in Mathura. The complex houses a prison cell where Krishna's...
Read more arrow_forwardThis temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, also known as Dwarkadhish. It is famous for its intricate architecture and vibrant paintings....
Read more arrow_forwardThis is a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after defeating Kansa. It's the main ghat...
Read more arrow_forwardThis fort is believed to be the site of King Kansa's palace. While much of the original structure is in ruins, it offers panoramic views of the Yamuna...
Read more arrow_forwardThis museum houses a rich collection of artifacts from the Mathura School of Art, including sculptures, pottery, and coins. It provides insights into ...
Read more arrow_forwardThese two sacred ponds are believed to have been created by Radha and Krishna. They are important pilgrimage sites for devotees....
Read more arrow_forwardDedicated to Krishna and Balaram, this ISKCON temple is a serene and beautiful place of worship. It's known for its cleanliness and spiritual atmosphe...
Read more arrow_forwardEnjoy a leisurely boat ride on the Yamuna River. You'll get to see the ghats and temples from a different perspective....
Read more arrow_forwardParticipate in the vibrant Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan. It's a unique and unforgettable experience....
Read more arrow_forwardLearn to make traditional Mathura sweets like peda and rabri. A local chef will guide you through the process....
Read more arrow_forwardTake a day trip to nearby Vrindavan, another important pilgrimage site associated with Lord Krishna. Explore the many te...
Read more arrow_forward1 hour | Free
The evening aarti is a beautiful ritual performed at Vishram Ghat. Priests offer prayers and light l...
Read more arrow_forward1-7 days | Free (costs for colors)
Braj ki Holi is a unique and vibrant celebration of Holi in the Braj region. It involves various tra...
Read more arrow_forward2 hours | Free (donations welcome)
Visit a gaushala, a shelter for cows, which are considered sacred in Hinduism. Learn about cow prote...
Read more arrow_forward2 hours | Free
Attend a discourse on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture. Learn about the teachings of Kris...
Read more arrow_forwardVaries | ₹500-1000 per hour (private tutor)
Take a crash course in Braj Bhasha, the local dialect of the Braj region. Learning a few basic phras...
Read more arrow_forward1-2 hours | Free
Kirtan is devotional singing accompanied by musical instruments. Participate in a kirtan at a local ...
Read more arrow_forward
Indian Sweets and Snacks
📍 Near Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
A popular sweet shop known for its traditional Mathura sweets. The quality is consistent and the sweets are fresh. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
₹300-500 for two
Indian Vegetarian
📍 Near Mathura Railway Station
A popular vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of Indian dishes. The food is tasty and reasonably priced. Good for a quick and satisfying meal.
₹400-600 for two
💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person
⚠️ Tips: Be cautious of hygiene. Choose stalls that look clean and have a high turnover of customers.
More restaurants & dishes from Mathura
Best for pilgrims wanting to be close to the main temple. Can be crowded and noisy, especially during festivals.
Best For: Pilgrims
A quieter area located between Mathura and Vrindavan. Good for those wanting to visit both cities. Offers a mix of hotels and guesthouses.
Best For: Travelers visiting both cities
₹800-1500/night
📍 Near Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi
Basic but clean rooms with essential amenities. Convenient location for temple visits.
₹800-1500/night
📍 Near Mathura Railway Station
Simple and affordable accommodation. Good for travelers arriving by train.
₹700-1200/night
₹1800-3000/night
📍 Near Dwarkadhish Temple
Comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Offers a restaurant and room service.
₹1800-3000/night
📍 Vrindavan Road
Well-appointed rooms with a range of facilities. A good option for visiting both Mathura and Vrindavan.
₹2000-3500/night
₹4500+/night
📍 Delhi-Agra Highway
Luxurious rooms with modern amenities. Offers a swimming pool, spa, and multiple dining options.
₹4500+/night
📍 Vrindavan
Upscale guest house with well appointed rooms. Close to many Vrindavan Temples.
₹3500+/night
Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 160km from city
Mathura Junction (MTJ)
Main railway station with connections to major cities.
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
Note: Trains more comfortable for long distances.
💰 ₹50-150 per trip
Best for: Short distances within the city
Bargain for the fare before starting the journey. Agree on the price beforehand.
💰 ₹30-80 per trip
Best for: Exploring the ghats and narrow lanes
A slower but more eco-friendly option. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
💰 ₹15-20 per km
Best for: Longer distances and day trips
More comfortable and convenient than auto-rickshaws. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Cover your shoulders and knees. Light and breathable clothing is recommended, particularly during summer.
Daily Budget: Budget: ₹800, Mid: ₹2000, Luxury: ₹4000+
ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Mathura.
Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred for small transactions, especially at street vendors. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at local markets and with auto-rickshaw drivers.
Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid tap water and ice.
Food: Eat at reputable restaurants and avoid street food that looks unhygienic. Be cautious of spicy food.
Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, and stomach upsets are common. Carry sunscreen, a hat, and ORS (oral rehydration solution).
SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good coverage. A local SIM card costs around ₹200-300 with data.
WiFi: Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants.
Language: Hindi is the primary language. English is spoken by some locals, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Hindi phrases will be helpful.
Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50
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