Mathura Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and explore in Mathura, India - the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This guide includes tips on transportation, safety, local customs, and nearby excursions.
- Introduction to Mathura
- List of Places to Visit in Mathura
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mathura
- Best Things to Do in Mathura: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mathura
- Food and Drink Scene of Mathura
- Where to Stay in Mathura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mathura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mathura
- Best Time to Visit Mathura
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mathura
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mathura: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mathura
- Where to Go Next from Mathura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Mathura is a beautiful city, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is widely known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The city is an important pilgrimage center, and it offers a lot of cultural, religious, and historical attractions. Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, Mathura has something special in store for you. In this comprehensive travel guide to Mathura, we will take a closer look at the must-visit places, the best things to do, the local culture, and useful travel information.
Introduction to Mathura
Mathura is located in the Doab region of Uttar Pradesh, which is between the rivers Ganges and Yamuna. The city boasts a rich history that dates back to the ancient times, and it has been a center of power for various empires, including the Kushan, Gupta, and Mughal dynasties. Today, the city is home to several impressive temples, historic monuments, and colorful bazaars that offer a glimpse into the vibrant life of the locals.
List of Places to Visit in Mathura
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Krishna Janmasthan Temple
- Dwarkadhish Temple
- Kusum Sarovar
- Govardhan Hill
- Mathura Museum
- Vishram Ghat
Natural Attractions of Mathura: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Radha Kund
- Barsana Hill
- Kans Qila Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chhata Bazaar
- Yamuna River
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mathura
- Vrindavan Parikrama
- Govardhan Parikrama
- Nandgaon Parikrama
Best Things to Do in Mathura: Activities and Tours
- Attending the Krishna Janmashtami festival
- Participating in a Holi celebration
- Exploring the bazaars of Mathura
- Taking a cooking class to learn how to cook local dishes
- Joining a guided tour of the city
Week-Long Itinerary for Mathura
Day 1: Visit Krishna Janmasthan Temple and Yamuna River Day 2: Visit Dwarkadhish Temple and Mathura Museum Day 3: Go for Vrindavan Parikrama and visit Radha Kund and Barsana Hill Day 4: Enjoy the Kusum Sarovar and Govardhan Hill Day 5: Visit Nandgaon Parikrama and Kans Qila Wildlife Sanctuary Day 6: Explore Chhata Bazaar and take a cooking class Day 7: Attend a Holi celebration and enjoy local food
Food and Drink Scene of Mathura
Must-Try Dishes
- Bedai and aloo ki sabzi
- Peda
- Mathura ke dubki wale aloo
- Kachori
Local Beverages
- Lassi
- Thandai
Where to Stay in Mathura: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Brijwasi Lands Inn
- Hotel The Royal Bharti
- Shri Radha Brij Vasundhara Resort & Spa
- Hotel Goverdhan Palace
What to Buy in Mathura: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Marble handicrafts
- Brassware
- Miniature paintings
- Mathura Peda
Local Culture and Customs of Mathura
Mathura has a deep-rooted cultural and religious significance, and it is important to respect the local customs and traditions. Some of the important customs include taking off your shoes before entering a temple, dressing modestly, and abstaining from alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
Best Time to Visit Mathura
The best time to visit Mathura is during the winter months, from November to March. The weather is pleasant, and the city sees a lot of festivals and celebrations during this time.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mathura
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Try local food and beverages
- Check out the lively bazaars of Mathura
Don’t:
- Wear revealing clothes
- Disrespect religious sites and monuments
- Drink tap water
Safety and Health
Safety in Mathura
Mathura is generally safe for tourists, but it is advised to be cautious in crowded places and to keep an eye on your valuables. Foreigners should also register with the local police station on arrival.
Health in Mathura
Tourists should drink bottled water and avoid street food to prevent stomach problems. It is also recommended to get vaccinated for common diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus before visiting the city.
Getting to Mathura: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mathura
The nearest airport to Mathura is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is about 150 km away.
Bus Stations Near Mathura
Mathura has a well-connected bus network with major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.
Other Options
Tourists can also opt for trains or taxis to reach Mathura from Delhi, Agra, or nearby cities.
How to Get Around in Mathura
Tourists can get around Mathura by auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws which are a cheap and convenient mode of transport.
Where to Go Next from Mathura: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Agra - famous for the Taj Mahal and other Mughal monuments
- Fatehpur Sikri - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Vrindavan - another sacred city regarded as the playground of Lord Krishna
Conclusion
Mathura is a treasure trove of ancient history, rich culture, and religious significance. The city offers something for all kinds of travelers - from temples and museums to outdoor adventures and food trails. To make the most of your Mathura trip, follow this guide, respect the local customs, and indulge in the vibrant flavors of Mathura cuisine.
