Mathura Travel Guide: Krishna Janmabhoomi & Holi Festival
Overview of Mathura
Mathura is a very old and holy city. It is in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. This sacred place sits on the banks of the Yamuna River.
The city is famous all over the world. It is the birthplace of the Hindu god Lord Krishna. So, the air here feels very spiritual and full of devotion.
This guide will help you plan your Mathura travel. You can discover beautiful temples and busy riverbanks. Also, you will learn about its grand festivals.
Entry Details and Timing for Mathura
Most temples in Mathura open very early in the morning. They welcome visitors from around 5:00 AM. They close for some time in the afternoon for a break. Then, they open again in the evening for prayers.
Shops in the main markets usually open by 10:00 AM. They stay open until about 9:00 PM at night. So, you have plenty of time for shopping.
To see the main sights, you need about two or three days. This gives you enough time to visit the temples. You can also explore the river ghats without a rush. A full visit allows you to feel the city's peaceful pace.
What To Expect at Mathura?
When you visit Mathura, expect to see a city full of life. The streets are often narrow and filled with people. You will hear temple bells and devotional songs everywhere you go. The air smells of incense and flowers offered to the gods.
You will see many sadhus, or holy men, in saffron robes. The local people are very religious and friendly. They are always happy to help visitors. Also, you can try some of the famous local foods. Mathura's milk sweets, like pedas, are very tasty. There are many great things to do in Mathura for every traveler.
History of Mathura
The history of Mathura is ancient and very important. The city has been a home for people for thousands of years. It is mentioned in the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. So, it is one of the oldest living cities in the world.
For a long time, it was a major center for trade and art. The famous Mathura School of Art began here. It created many beautiful sculptures of gods and kings. Over the years, the city was ruled by many different empires.
Today, Mathura is special because of its deep connection to Lord Krishna. This history makes it a top pilgrimage site for Hindus. Millions of people come here to feel close to their faith.
Why Mathura is Known For
- Mathura is most famous as the sacred birthplace of Lord Krishna. The main temple complex is built at the exact spot where he is believed to have been born. This makes it a very powerful and holy place for pilgrims.
- The city is known for its countless temples dedicated to Krishna and Radha. Each temple has its own unique story and style. They are centers of daily worship, music, and celebration.
- The grand festivals held here are a huge attraction. Janmashtami, which is Krishna's birthday, is celebrated with great joy. But the Holi festival is the most famous, with a week of colors and fun.
- It is also well-known for its delicious milk-based sweets. The local 'peda' is a famous sweet made from condensed milk. You can also enjoy fresh lassi and other tasty dairy products.
More About Mathura Scenery
The scenery in Mathura is shaped by the holy Yamuna River. The river flows gently past the city's edge. Along the river, there are many 'ghats,' which are long flights of stone steps. People come to these ghats to pray, bathe, and watch the world go by.
At sunrise, the river looks golden and calm. You can take a boat ride to see the temples from the water. In the evening, the ghats light up with lamps for the 'aarti' ceremony. This is a beautiful ritual of fire and song dedicated to the river. The view is very peaceful and fills your heart with a sense of calm.
Architecture and Style of Mathura
The architecture in Mathura is mostly about its temples. Many temples are built in the North Indian Nagara style. This style includes tall, curved towers called 'shikharas'. These towers point towards the sky like mountain peaks.
The temples are often made of red sandstone or marble. They have detailed carvings of gods, goddesses, and scenes from holy books. Inside, you will find large halls called 'mandapas' where people gather to pray. The main idol of the god is kept in a small, sacred room.
The older parts of the city have a different style. Here, you will find old houses called 'havelis'. They are built close together along narrow, winding lanes. These buildings often have decorated doors and small balconies.
Best Time to Visit Mathura
The best time to visit Mathura is during the winter months. This is from October to March. The weather during this time is cool and very pleasant. The sunny days are perfect for walking around and visiting temples.
Summers, from April to June, can be extremely hot. It is not the best time for outdoor activities. The monsoon season is from July to September. The city gets a lot of rain during these months.
To avoid large crowds, try to visit on a weekday. Weekends and festival days can get very busy. For a truly unique experience, plan your Holi festival travel in February or March. You can see the famous Lathmar Holi celebration in nearby towns.
How to Reach Mathura
Reaching Mathura is quite easy from major Indian cities. The nearest airport is the Kheria Airport in Agra, about 60 kilometers away. The closest major international airport is in Delhi, about 180 kilometers away. From either airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
The city has a major railway station called Mathura Junction. It is very well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other big cities. Many express and local trains stop here every day. This makes train travel a popular and easy option.
Mathura is also connected by a network of good roads. The Yamuna Expressway connects it directly to Delhi and Agra. You can drive your own car or take one of the many state-run or private buses that go to the city.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mathura
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will need to do a lot of walking on old streets and inside large temple areas.
- Carry water bottles. It is important to stay hydrated, especially during warmer days.
- Follow the local rules. Temples are places of worship, so it is important to be quiet and respectful inside.
- Stay safe at the spot. Keep your bags and phones close to you, especially in crowded places.
- Respect the Mathura culture. The local customs are very important, so be polite and observe them.
- Bring good clothes. It is best to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
- Do not bring banned items. Leather goods, cameras, and mobile phones are often not allowed inside main temples.
Top Attractions In or Near Mathura
- Krishna Janmabhoomi: This is the most sacred and important temple in Mathura, built on the site of Krishna's birth. The complex has a temple and a replica of the prison cell where he was born.
- Dwarkadheesh Temple: This is another major temple in the city, famous for its grand architecture and vibrant art. The black marble idol of Lord Krishna is very beautiful, and the temple is full of energy during festivals.
- Vishram Ghat: This is the main ghat on the Yamuna River where Lord Krishna is said to have rested after defeating Kansa. It is a peaceful spot for a boat ride and to watch the evening aarti ceremony.
- Banke Bihari Temple: Located in the nearby holy town of Vrindavan, this is one of the most beloved temples in the region. The unique feature here is that the curtain in front of the idol is opened and closed every few minutes.
- Govardhan Hill: You can explore many places to visit near Mathura, and this sacred hill is a must-see. Devotees walk around the entire hill as a form of prayer and respect.
- Vrindavan: Taking a Mathura Vrindavan tour is essential as this town is just a few kilometers away and is deeply connected to Krishna's childhood stories. It is filled with hundreds of temples, each with a tale of its own.
