Location
Vrindavan is 10 km north of Mathura, which is 47 km north of Agra and 141 km South of Delhi.
Famous For
It is famous for old and modern temple.
Climate
The climate of Vrindavan is tropical. Summers from April to mid July are the most awful periods with excessive heat and humidity. Winters are relaxed, the average dips down to 14 degree Celsius. The third week of July marks the commencement of Monsoon which continues till middle of September. This is a great respite from the heat but increases the level of humidity substantial.
The best time to visit : Vrindavan is from November to March when the climate is pleasant, temperature is considerably low especially during the nights, and lots of festivals going on to keep you engaged. Other important time to visit Vrindavan is August when Janmashtmi (birthday of Lord Krishna) celebrations take place and entire Vrindavan and other places in the region becomes totally Krishna country.
The City
The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna and the place is 15 kms from Mathura. It is vitalized by the presence of several old and modern temples. This beautiful city has many jewel palaces and temples surrounded by the best of nature's gift. The royal swans in the waters of the Yamuna, among the beautiful lotus flowers, the kadamba trees; sweet-scented flowers and the sweetly singing make it place of spiritual peace with over 5,000 temples. Attracting about many pilgrims every year, mainly during major festivals like Janmashtami, Holi and Radhashtami, it is noted for its numerous temples, old and modern, big and small, believed to be around 5000 in number.
Attractions in the city
The Pagal Baba Temple : Founded by Late Pagal Baba, this lustrous white temple has eleven stories in all. One of the modern architectural examples, the temple retains the playfulness of Pagal Baba in the spirit of his disciples who are ready to welcome the visitors into the temple's interior. The followers of Pagal Baba take up the task of decorating the temple during festivals like Holi and Janmashthami.
Bankey Bihari Temple : One of the most important and lively temples is the Bankey Bihari, which comprises a sacred image of Krishna known as Thakur Ji, which shows Krishna embodied in almost black color. The basic structure of the Bankey Bihari Temple consists of a hall and an inner sanctuary that comprises the deities. It is built on a small elevation. You need to climb a bit to reach the inner alcove of the temple.
Rangaji Temple : The high Rangaji Temple is another important temple of Vrindavan. This temple is a weird mixture of architectural styles, which includes a Rajput-styled entrance gate, an elevated South Indian-styled gopuram i.e gateway tower, and an Italian-influenced arcade.
ISKCON Temple : International Society of Krishna Consciousness was established with finances from various devotees across the world. It has marble buildings that radiate brilliancy and offers an example of intricate carving to others. Swami Prabhupada, a Hindu disciple born in Bengal in 1896 is the person behind this temple.
Other places to visit
Mathura : This city lies near Vrindavan, is the place according to Hindu mythology where Lord Krishna was born. It is also the place where he spent his childhood, adolescence and last years of his life. Therefore, city seems to be a reminiscent of Krishna everywhere. The most important tourist spot in Mathura is the Krishna Janambhoomi temple and the temple lies in the very heart of the city.
Gokul and Mahaban : Gokul that lay 16 odd kilometers from the city Mathura has an importance of its own in the story of Lord Krishna. It is famous as the place where infant Krishna was brought. 'Raman Reti' is a place in Gokul where devotees come rolling over the sand and ask the blessings of Lord Krishna.
Barsana : This is the place where Krishna's love, Radha was born. The place is particularly exciting during the festival of Holi when the women of Barsana attack the men of nearby village Nandgaon with brushwood and play the Lathmar Holi.
How to reach
By Air : The nearest airport is Agra, at a distance of 67 km. Agra is connected to several cities of India through a number of flights.
By Rail : Vrindavan has a small railway station of its own but the major railway station nearby is Mathura, which is connected by express trains to and from major cities of India. The route between Mathura and Vrindavan is covered by 3 local trains.
By Road : Vrindavan is well connected to Mathura and other places of interest by bus services.  |
