Mathura

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Excursions 

Vrindavan  
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is where krishna indulged in adolescent pranks like flirting with gopis in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. Little now remains of the legendary forests and the river has meandered away from most of Vrindavan's bathing ghats, but this town still attracts huge numbers of pilgrims. Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples. The bulky red sandstone Govind Dev Temple is the most impressive building in Virndavan. The name means Divine Cowherd-in other words Krishna. Architecturall it's one of the most advanced Hindu temple in northern India and was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. There are many other temples in Vrindavan, including the popular Bankey Bihari, Radha Ballabh (built in 1626), Madan Mohan, the 10 storey Pagal Baba, and the Nidhi Van.

Gokul
Gokul 16 km. The town where infant Krishna was brought up in secrecy and home of his foster mother. Yashoda Maiya. The most important temple is Gokul Nathji. Gokul is particularly known for the festivals of Janmashtami. Annakut and Trinvat Mela, which are celebrated here in a distinct style

Barsana
47 km. Birth place of Radha. consort of Lord Krishna, it was previously known as Brahmsarin. The four prominent hills are adorned by temples in honour of Radha. called Ladliji. A small lake, Prem Sarovar. is believed to be the first meeting place of Lord Krishna and Radha. Barsana is famous for its holi celebrations, called Lath-maar holi, enacted between the residents of Nandgaon and Barsana

Govardhan
Govardhan is situated 26 km west of Mathura on the state highway to Deeg. A famous place of Hindu pilgrimage, Govardhan is located on a narrow sandstone hill known as Giriraj which is about 8 km in length. The young Lord Krishna is said to have held Giriraj up on the tip of a finger for 7 days and nights to shield the people of Braj from the deluge of rain sent down by Lord Indra. Govardhan is set along the edge of a large masonry tank known as the Mansi Ganga, which is believed to have been brought into existence by the operation of the divine will. Its enclosures were built by Raja Bhagwan Das of Amer in 1637 and embellished by Raja Man Singh, who built a long flight of steps leading up, from the end of the tank. Close by is the famous red sandstone temple of Haridev and the Kusum Sarovar with exquisitely carved chhatris - the cenotaphs of the members of the royal family of Bharatpur, who perished whilst fighting against the British in 1825. Towards the south is the beautiful chhatri of Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur. Fine frescoes - illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depict darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.

Nandgoan
Nadgaon lies 8.5 km north of Barsana on the metalled road to Mathura (56 km). According to tradition, it was the home of Shri Krishna's foster father, Nand. On the top of the hill is the spacious temple of Nand Rai, built by the Jat ruler Roop Singh. The other temples here are dedicated to Narsingha, Gophinath, Nritya Gopal, Girdhari, Nand Nandan and Yashoda Nandan which is located half way up the hill. A little beyond is the Pan Sarovar, a large lake with masonry ghats along its sides. Legend has it, that this was the place where Shri Krishna used to take his cows for water. Not far away is the Kadamb grove called Udhoji - Ka- Kyar.

Mahavan
18 km. On the left bank of the Yamuna river, it is associated with early childhood of Lord Krishna Amongst its places of interest are temples of Mathura Nathji and Assi Khamba. or eighty Pillars, which follows the contemporary style of Buddhist architecture. Mahavan is connected by regular bus services with Mathura.

Agra
Once the capital of the Mughals and the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is just 50 km from Mathura. The Taj Mahal, a symphony in white marble, a tribute to eternal love, was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Other splendid examples of Mughal architecture in Agra include the Agra Fort with its exquisite Pearl Mosque, palaces and darbar halls; the imposing mausoleum of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, built in an amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles and Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb, embellished with coloured stone inlay and filigree marble screens

Fatehpur Sikari
(60 km from Mathura) The wonderful city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Emperor Akbar. The marvellously preserved fort, palaces and the tomb of Salim Chishti with its delicate lacy marble screens are worth seeing.

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