Where Krishna spent his childhood

Vrindavan

The town of a thousand temples, 12 km from Mathura — Banke Bihari, ISKCON, Prem Mandir's evening light show and the Yamuna ghats where Krishna played with the gopis.

3 Vrindavan tours

Best time to visit

October to March. Holi week and Janmashtami are the most joyful (and crowded) times.

Ideal duration

1 day (with Mathura)

How to reach

By road: 12 km from Mathura, 3 hrs from Delhi, 1.5 hrs from Agra. Nearest railway station: Mathura Junction.

Must see

Top places to visit in Vrindavan

Banke Bihari Temple

The most beloved temple of Vrindavan — expect crowds and pure devotion.

Barsana

Radha Rani's hilltop temple, 45 km away.

Govardhan Parikrama

The sacred 21 km walk around Govardhan hill.

About Vrindavan

Vrindavan is the land of Lord Krishna's childhood leelas and one of the most devotional places in India. Its lanes ring with "Radhe Radhe", and every temple has its own aarti, bhog and festival rhythm.

Temples you should not miss

Banke Bihari Temple — the most loved temple in Vrindavan; the curtain is drawn every few minutes during darshan
Prem Mandir — white Italian marble temple with a beautiful evening light-and-fountain show
ISKCON Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir — kirtan, peaceful courtyards and a clean prasadam hall
Radha Raman, Radha Vallabh and Nidhivan — the old heart of Vrindavan

Combine Vrindavan with Mathura, Gokul, Govardhan and Barsana for a complete Braj darshan.