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Vrindavan!

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Population

63,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

2-3 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (₹)

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location_on Uttar Pradesh map North India 🕉️ Spiritual Pilgrimage Religious Sites Vrindavan Krishna Uttar Pradesh Pilgrimage Temples ISKCON

Vrindavan is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh, India, revered as the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. It's a major pilgrimage site for Hindus, drawing devotees from across the world.

Vrindavan offers a deeply spiritual experience, with countless temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals, and persistent vendors. The town also highlights the plight of widows in India, with numerous ashrams providing shelter, which can be a sobering experience.

Located about 160 km from Delhi, Vrindavan is best explored over 2-3 days to fully immerse yourself in its religious atmosphere. Getting around is primarily by auto-rickshaw, and accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

20-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather makes it ideal for temple visits and outdoor activities. Days are sunny, and evenings are cool.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for exploring the temples and attending religious ceremonies. The major festivals like Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated with great fervor during this period. It's also a good time to visit the sacred groves.

Tip: Expect larger crowds and higher prices, especially during festivals. Book accommodations and transportation in advance.

Shoulder Season

July to September

30-35 degrees C

Monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall. The humidity can be quite high.

Why Visit:

The landscape turns lush and green, offering a different perspective of Vrindavan. Fewer crowds and lower prices are advantages, but temple visits might be affected by rain.

Tip: Be prepared for occasional flooding and disruptions to travel plans.

Avoid

April to June

35-45 degrees C

Extreme heat makes it uncomfortable to be outdoors for extended periods. The dry weather can also lead to dust and pollution.

Why Avoid:

The intense heat makes temple visits and other outdoor activities very difficult. The risk of heatstroke is high, and the overall experience can be unpleasant.

Note: If you must visit during this time, stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Banke Bihari Temple

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most revered temples in Vrindavan, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol of Krishna is in the 'Tribhanga' posture....

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Prem Mandir

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Prem Mandir is a magnificent temple dedicated to divine love, showcasing scenes from Krishna's life. It's a relatively new temple, known for its stunn...

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ISKCON Vrindavan

⏱ 2 hours Free

ISKCON Vrindavan is a prominent temple established by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It's a major center for Krishna devotees fr...

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Radha Raman Temple

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Radha Raman Temple is an ancient temple known for its self-manifested deity of Krishna. The deity is believed to have appeared from a saligram shila....

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Govind Dev Ji Temple

⏱ 1-2 hours Free

Govind Dev Ji Temple was once a magnificent seven-story structure, but it was partially destroyed by Aurangzeb. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishn...

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Seva Kunj and Nidhuban

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

Seva Kunj is a garden where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested and performed 'raslila' with Radha and the gopis. Nidhuban is a dense forest belie...

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Things To Do

attractions

Boat Ride on Yamuna River

⏱ 1 hour 💰 ₹200-300 per person

Enjoy a serene boat ride on the Yamuna River, which flows alongside Vrindavan. The river is considered sacred by Hindus....

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attractions

Attend a Kirtan

⏱ 2-3 hours 💰 Free

Participate in a 'kirtan' (devotional singing) session at one of the temples or ashrams. Kirtan is an integral part of t...

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attractions

Visit a Gaushala (Cow Shelter)

⏱ 1-2 hours 💰 Donations welcome

Visit a 'gaushala' (cow shelter) to see and interact with cows. Cows are considered sacred in Hinduism....

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attractions

Cooking Class (Vegetarian)

⏱ 3-4 hours 💰 ₹1500-2500 per person

Learn to prepare traditional vegetarian dishes from the Braj region. Classes often focus on temple-style cooking using f...

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Witness the Holi Celebrations

Several days | Free

Holi is celebrated with unmatched fervor in Vrindavan, commemorating the divine love between Radha a...

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celebration

Attend Janmashtami Celebrations

Several days | Free

Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Vrindavan is the epicenter of these celebrations....

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celebration

Visit a Widow Ashram

1-2 hours | Donations welcome

Vrindavan is home to numerous ashrams that provide shelter and support to widows. This reflects the ...

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celebration

Listen to Braj Bhasha Music

Varies | Free

Braj Bhasha is the local dialect and the language of devotional songs in Vrindavan. The music is dee...

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celebration

Experience the Evening Aarti at Keshi Ghat

1 hour | Free

Keshi Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat on the Yamuna River. The evening aarti is a beautiful ceremony....

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celebration

Explore the Sacred Groves

2-3 hours | Free

Vrindavan is surrounded by sacred groves, believed to be the sites of Krishna's pastimes. These grov...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Mathura Peda
Mathura Peda

A sweet made from condensed milk, a local specialty (try at Brijwasi Sweets)

Lassi
Lassi

A creamy yogurt-based drink, perfect for hot weather (try at local stalls)

Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki

Fried potato patties served with chutneys (try at street food stalls near Banke Bihari Temple)

Rabri
Rabri

A sweet dish made from thickened milk (try at Brijwasi Sweets)

Where to Eat

Brijwasi Sweets

Brijwasi Sweets

₹₹

Indian Sweets and Snacks

📍 Near Banke Bihari Temple

A popular sweet shop offering a wide variety of traditional Indian sweets and snacks. It's a great place to try local specialties.

Mathura PedaRabri

₹400-600 for two

Govinda's Restaurant (ISKCON)

Govinda's Restaurant (ISKCON)

₹₹

Vegetarian

📍 ISKCON Temple

A clean and hygienic restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian dishes. It's a good option for a wholesome and affordable meal.

Thali

₹500-700 for two

Street Food Spots

Near Banke Bihari Temple

Near Banke Bihari Temple

💰 Budget: ₹50-150 per person

⚠️ Tips: Be careful about hygiene. Choose stalls that look clean and have a high turnover of customers.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Vrindavan

More restaurants & dishes from Vrindavan

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Near Banke Bihari Temple

This area is ideal for those who want to be close to the main temple and experience the bustling atmosphere. However, it can be very crowded and noisy.

Best For: Devotees, first-time visitors

Near ISKCON Temple

A quieter area with a more international feel. It's a good option for those who prefer a less chaotic environment.

Best For: ISKCON devotees, international travelers

Accommodation Options

Budget

💰

₹800-1500/night

Hotel Hare Krishna Orchid

📍 Near ISKCON Temple

Clean rooms and a convenient location make this a good budget option. It's close to major temples and offers basic amenities.

₹800-1500/night

MVT Guesthouse

📍 Near Banke Bihari Temple

A simple guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere. It's within walking distance of the main temple, but can be noisy.

₹600-1200/night

Mid-Range

🏨

₹2000-3500/night

Hotel Krishnam

📍 Near Prem Mandir

Offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The location is convenient for visiting Prem Mandir and other attractions.

₹2000-3500/night

Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan

📍 Mathura Road

A comfortable stay with good service and amenities. It's slightly outside the main town but easily accessible by auto-rickshaw.

₹2500-4000/night

Luxury

₹4500+/night

Mantra Resort Vrindavan

📍 Mathura Road

Offers luxurious rooms, a swimming pool, and a spa. It's a great option for a relaxing stay away from the crowds.

₹4500+/night

The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

📍 Near Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

Offers luxurious accommodations with a focus on spirituality and wellness. It is situated next to the upcoming Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir.

₹5000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), 160km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Mathura Junction (MTJ)

The closest major railway station. Many trains from Delhi and other major cities stop here.

Vrindavan Road (VRBD)

A smaller station closer to Vrindavan, but fewer trains stop here.

Routes:
  • From Delhi: 2-3 hours (₹300-800)
  • From Mumbai: 16-20 hours (₹800-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Mathura Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Delhi: 3-4 hours (₹300-600)

Note: Trains more comfortable

Getting Around

local_taxi

Auto-rickshaw

💰 ₹50-150 per trip

Best for: Short distances, temple hopping

Bargain for the price before starting the journey. Agree on the fare beforehand.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Cover your shoulders and knees. Light, breathable clothing is recommended.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: ₹1000, Mid: ₹2500, Luxury: ₹5000+

ATMs: Available in Mathura and Vrindavan

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred, especially for small transactions. Credit cards are accepted at some hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Expected for auto-rickshaws and street vendors

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice from unknown sources.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants or stalls. Avoid street food that looks unhygienic.

Common Issues: Heatstroke, dehydration, stomach upset. Carry sunscreen, water, and basic medications.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Available from Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio. Requires passport and visa.

WiFi: Available at some hotels and restaurants

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English proficiency is limited. Hindi and Braj Bhasha are widely spoken. Learn a few basic Hindi phrases.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: ₹20-50

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