The adored Lord Krishna was born at Mathura, one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. Situated in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Mathura and Vrindavan—which are just 10 kilometers apart—are frequently referred to as twin cities. A vast number of pilgrims from all over the world come to Mathura, a little town scattered with temples dating from different eras.
With its 25 ghats lining one bank of the Yamuna River, Mathura's ideal times to visit are at sunrise, when you may see pilgrims and residents taking holy dips, and at dawn (shortly after sunset), when hundreds of diyas are floating during the daily aarti. During the two important festivals, Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) in August/September and Holi in February/March, Mathura is overrun with visitors and pilgrims.
The most well-known tourist destination in Mathura is Shri Krishna Janmabhumi, where visitors may view the prison where Lord Krishna is said to have been born. This location is thought to be the precise location of Lord Krishna's birth. Throughout the entire city of Mathura, there are numerous temples, both large and little, many of which are devoted to Lord Krishna. The Gita Mandir and the Dwarkadheesh Temple are the two most significant temples in the community.
Walking around Mathura's streets is the ideal method to discover the city if you're looking for anything more than the typical tourist attractions. Despite the city's continued urbanization, this holy town nevertheless possesses an old-world charm in every corner. The only methods to fully immerse yourself in Mathura's rich history are through its charming ancient buildings, crumbling old home ruins, and the friendly, welcoming residents who are always happy to give you a tour.
Imagine a city the age of Mathura without its enticing street food culture—it is unimaginable! Remember to sample the delicacies from the area, including as chaat, aloo-puri, and kachodis, which are served at every restaurant along the streets. Popular local street food delicacies that are available at all shops throughout the day are jalebis and gulab-jamuns.
How to Reach Mathura
The biggest international airport near Mathura is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is around 147 km away, but the closest airport to Mathura is the Agra airport, which is 50 km away. Delhi and Mathura are connected via the Noida-Agra expressway. Regular trains connect the Mathura railway station to India's major cities. Additionally, busses from surrounding cities such as Delhi, Agra, Faizabad, Allahabad, Lucknow, and Varanasi can take one to Mathura.
What is the best time to visit Mathura?
The ideal months to visit Mathura are October through March, when the weather is cool and comfortable for sightseeing. Krishna Janmashthami (August/September) and Holi (March) are the best times to visit Mathura to enjoy the city's culture and feel the presence of Lord Krishna. But remember, the town has a surge of visitors during these festivities, so be ready for the lively throng. Mathura's wet monsoons and scorching summers make it difficult to travel and explore new locations during those months.