YOUR ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TO MATHURA

Essential Information

Country, State: India, Uttar Pradesh
Timezone: GMT +5:30
Languages Spoken: Hindi, Braj Bhasha, English
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)

Weather and Climate

January – February: Cool and dry, ~10°C to 25°C
March – May: Hot and dry, can touch 40–45°C+
June – September: Monsoon; moderate to heavy rain, humid
October – December: Pleasant and dry, ~15°C to 30°C

Discover Mathura: A City Overview

Mathura, on the banks of the Yamuna, is the spiritual heartland of Krishna devotion—its ghats, shrines, and lanes echo with aartis, kirtans, and Braj culture through the year. Temples like Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Dwarkadhish anchor a living pilgrimage tradition alongside museums preserving Mathura’s famed sculptural art. Festivals such as Janmashtami and Holi intensify the city’s devotional energy and draw pilgrims from across India.

Best Time to Visit Mathura for Optimal Weather

October – March: Ideal season
- Pros: Pleasant, cool weather for temple circuits and riverfront walks
- Cons: Peak crowds around Holi and Janmashtami; book early
April – June: Summer
- Pros: Fewer tourists and better hotel deals
- Cons: Extreme heat limits daytime sightseeing
July – September: Monsoon
- Pros: Greener vistas and thinner crowds
- Cons: Humidity and occasional flooding can disrupt plans

How to Get to Mathura & Visa Requirements

Flights: Agra Airport (AGR) approx. 50 km; Delhi (DEL) approx. 160 km with wide connectivity
Trains: Mathura Junction (MTJ) is a major railhead with pan‑India links
Visa Requirements: Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa; apply online (e‑Visa) or via embassy/consulate
Airport Transfers: Taxis and buses run from Agra/Delhi; pre‑book private transfers for convenience

Fun/Historical Facts

Tradition holds Krishna was born in a prison cell at Mathura; his father Vasudeva carried the infant across the Yamuna to Gokul to save him from Kansa, a story cherished in temple lore and local ritual.

Top Things to See and Do: Mathura Attractions

Top 10 Attractions in Mathura

Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: Birthplace complex centered on the historic prison cell
- Address: Deeg Gate/Janam Bhumi area, Mathura 281001
Dwarkadhish Temple: Ornate Krishna shrine famed for carvings and festivals
- Address: Raja Dhiraj Bazar, Mathura 281001
Vishram Ghat: Sacred Yamuna ghat for evening aarti and boat rides
- Address: Mathura 281001
Government Museum, Mathura: Celebrated Mathura School of Art collection
- Address: Dampier Nagar, Mathura 281001
Kansa Tila (कंस टीला): Archaeological mound linked to Kansa’s palace lore
- Address: Mathura 281001
Radha Kund & Shyama Kund: Twin sacred tanks revered by devotees
- Address: Radha Kund, Mathura 281005
Rangbhoomi: Arena associated with Krishna‑Balaram’s wrestling episode
- Address: Near Janmabhoomi, Mathura 281001
Potara Kund: Pond tied to Krishna’s infancy traditions
- Address: Mathura 281001
Krishna Ganga Ghat: Quiet ghat for reflective river views
- Address: Mathura 281001
Birla Mandir: Modern temple noted for clean lines and calm ambience
- Address: Mathura 281001

Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path in Mathura

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple: Ancient Shiva shrine with distinctive lingam
- Address: Bhuteshwar Road, Mathura 281001
Mathura Art Gallery: Rotating displays by local artists (check locally for venue)
Kusum Sarovar: Picturesque tank and chhatris between Govardhan and Radha Kund
- Address: Govardhan–Radha Kund Rd, 281502

Local Festivals and Events in Mathura

Janmashtami: Night‑long celebrations of Krishna’s birth with processions and décor
Holi: Exuberant color festivals across Mathura–Vrindavan
Radha Ashtami: Celebrations honoring Radha with special pujas and kirtans

Day Trips from Mathura: Explore Beyond the City

Vrindavan (approx. 15 minutes): Temple town with Prem Mandir, ISKCON, Banke Bihari
Gokul (approx. 1 hour): Krishna’s childhood sites and pastoral settings
Govardhan (approx. 45 minutes): Parikrama around sacred Govardhan Hill
Agra (approx. 1 hour): Taj Mahal and Agra Fort highlights
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (approx. 1.5 hours): Avian hotspot at Keoladeo National Park

Photography Hotspots: Insta‑Worthy Locations in Mathura

Vishram Ghat: Sunset aarti, diyas, and boats on the Yamuna
Dwarkadhish Temple: Facades, arches, and festive décor
Kusum Sarovar: Symmetry of chhatris reflected in still waters
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi: Devotional ambience and architectural details
Prem Mandir (Vrindavan): Illuminated marble exteriors after dusk

Planning Your Stay in Mathura

Recommended Length of Stay

2-3 days to cover Mathura’s core sites with Vrindavan add‑ons

Top Places to Stay in Mathura

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Hotel Madhav Muskan Palace
- Address: Near Bus Stand, Mathura 281001
Hotel Brijwasi Royal
- Address: Station Road, Mathura 281001
Hotel Sheetal Regency
- Address: Krishna Nagar, Mathura 281001
Hotel Abhinandan
- Address: Opp. Railway Station, Mathura 281001
Hotel Mukund Palace
- Address: Masani Bypass Road, Mathura 281001

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel The Radha Ashok
- Address: Krishna Puri, Mathura 281001
Hotel Goverdhan Palace
- Address: Govardhan Road, Mathura 281001
Wingston A TreeHouse Hotel
- Address: Masani Bypass Road, Mathura 281001
Best Western Radha Krishna
- Address: Near Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura 281001
Hotel Shubham Majesty
- Address: Krishna Nagar, Mathura 281001

Luxury Hotels

Nidhivan Sarovar Portico (Vrindavan)
- Address: Near Prem Mandir, 281121
MVT Guesthouse & Restaurant (Vrindavan)
- Address: Chatikara Road, 281121
Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir (Pilgrimage stay)
- Address: Vrindavan 281121

Note: For full‑service luxury, consider Agra (approx. 1 hour) with wider 5‑star options

Getting Around Mathura: Transportation Options

Public Transport: Auto‑ and cycle‑rickshaws, local buses; agree fares in advance
Taxis: Book for day circuits and nearby towns
Bikes: Rentals for flexible, eco‑friendly roaming
Walking: Narrow lanes near ghats/temples—wear comfortable shoes

Preparing for Your Trip to Mathura: Practical Information

What to Pack for Your Mathura Adventure

Light, breathable clothing (summers are hot; winters cool)
Modest attire for temples (cover shoulders/knees)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses; insect repellent
Hand sanitizer, personal medicines, universal adapter

Useful Apps for Travel in Mathura

Google Maps: Navigation and temple/ghat locations
Tripadvisor / MakeMyTrip: Reviews and bookings
Zomato / Swiggy: Restaurant discovery and delivery (availability varies)
Google Translate: Quick Hindi/Braj phrases
Ola / Uber: Ride‑hailing in the wider region

Local Customs, Safety Tips, and Cultural Etiquette

Do: Dress modestly, remove shoes before temple entry, respect rituals
Don’t: Photograph people without permission; avoid public displays of affection
Scams to Avoid: Touts and unsolicited “guides”; fix ride fares upfront; buy from reputed shops

Food, Fun, and Finds: Experiencing Mathura

Top Restaurants in Mathura

Brijwasi Sweets: Iconic for Mathura peda and traditional mithai
- Address: Multiple branches across Mathura
Agrawal Chaat House: Classic chaat, samosas, kachoris in market lanes
- Address: Market areas; ask locally
Govinda’s (ISKCON): Satvik vegetarian thalis in serene setting
- Address: ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan Road, Mathura

Must-Try Dishes

Mathura Peda: Milky, caramelized sweet specialty
Aloo Tikki & Chaat: Street‑style savory staples
Kachori: Spiced lentil‑filled, crisp fried snack
Lassi / Thandai: Cooling dairy drinks with nuts/spices

Nightlife and Entertainment in Mathura

Evenings center on aartis, satsangs, and cultural programs at ghats and temples—expect devotional, not club‑style, nights

Souvenirs and Markets: What to Buy in Mathura

Mathura Peda: Pack boxes from reputed sweet shops (e.g., Brijwasi)
Krishna/Radha Idols: Various sizes/materials near Janmabhoomi and temple bazaars
Handicrafts/Textiles: Traditional crafts and garments in Raja Dhiraj Bazar
Religious Books/Media: Spiritual texts and bhajan CDs around temple precincts