Vrindavan, a destination that is more than just any other beautiful idyllic town, has stolen the hearts of many. With the essence of spirituality and stories about Shri Krishna’s exploits encircling this holy town, Vrindavan is one of a kind. There are many things to do in Vrindavan in which tourists can busy themselves like visiting Dozens of temples, which are constructed in all shapes and sizes.
A major part of Lord Krishna’s childhood was spent in Vrindavan. It was here that Lord Krishna and Lady Radha’s love story bloomed, and all the stories of the notorious teasing of the Gopis were based. The destination witnesses a myriad of pilgrims visiting all year round. For first-time visitors, here are a few experiences that are a must-try in this holy town of Lord Krishna!
11 Best Things To Do In Vrindavan
From marvelling at the glorious structures to relishing a huge glass of delicious lassi, from biting into mouth-watering pedas to being a part of the crazy festivities, there are countless things to do in Vrindavan, India. Find below a few of those experiences that will make your vacation fun-filled. You never know, you might just get under the town’s spell and crave to visit it again asap, like every other Krishna lover!
1. Vrindavan Parikrama: Circle Around The Town
2. Holi Festival: Soak In A Thousand Shades Of Colors
3. Brahmotsavam Festival: Largest One In Vrindavan
4. Banke Bihari: Visit The Most Important Attraction
5. Delicacies: Relish The Most Delicious Pedas!
6. ISKCON Vrindavan: Lose Yourself In Melodious Rhythms Of Kirtan
7. Nidhi Van: Witness The Spot For Rasleela
8. Prem Mandir: Attend The Evening Aarti
9. Bhagavad Geeta Classes: Attend At ISKCON Temple
10. Radha Kund: Bathe in The Scared Holy Water Tanks
11. Keshi Ghat: Maha Aarti Along The River
1. Vrindavan Parikrama: Circle Around The Town
Parikrama is one of the major rituals of Hindu religion which involves moving in a clockwise direction around a spot or an object. This is done to indicate their reverence for their Lords. Several hundred and thousands of pilgrims perform the Vrindavan Parikrama. This Parikrama in Vrindavan is around 13 kilometres long and it takes approximately three hours to complete it on foot. Taking place on the Vrindavan Parikrama Marg, one can witness individuals of every age group walking around this temple town.
If you wish to witness the best of the experience, plan your trip according to the Ekadashi from the Hindu calendar. It is on this day that a huge number of pilgrims get together and walk around, chanting the Maha Mantra. Some of the places that fall along the way are Madana Ter, Kaliya Ghata, Madana Mohana Temple, Imli Tala, Sringara Vat, Keshi Ghat, and Seva Kunj temple.
Location: Gaudholi Puram Twp, Panigaon Khader, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: No fixed hours, though the Parikrama generally starts in the morning hours.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: One can make a tour of all the important temples in Vrindavan on the Parikrama including Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Madan Mohan Mandir, Neemkarori Baba Ashram, and Ramanreti etc.
Note: It is best to go for Parikrama early in the morning from ISKCON Vrindavan.
Also Read: Holi In Mathura
2. Holi Festival: Soak In A Thousand Shades Of Colors
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Popularly known as the ‘Festival of Colors’, Holi is a festival that is celebrated with the utmost enthusiasm in the city of Vrindavan. Hence, it is among the top things to do in Vrindavan in 2 days. Several thousands of devotees visit to celebrate Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan with the Lord, in his home.
Apart from colours, Vrindavan is known for other elements including various flowers or even lathis. Holi is played by showering flowers and water on each other in the Banke Bihari Temple, while in Barsana, a village near Vrindavan, Lathmar Holi is played, where women beat men with sticks when they try to throw colour on them. It is all the fun and jest, and none the violence. On this day, Bihariji (Krishna’s other name) is dressed in all white and brought closer to the devotees to play Holi with gulal and water. Vrindavan is the town that can offer you the best experience of celebrating Holi in the entire country!
Location: Town squares and various temples
Timings: No fixed hours
Duration: Typically a couple of hours, or more depending on one’s enthusiasm
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Holi is celebrated with a religious zeal in Vrindavan which is not seen in the rest of the country. Various local traditions around Holi are celebrated here.
Note: Make sure you carry a pair of old clothes to play Holi as it gets difficult to clean the outfits after the celebrations!
3. Brahmotsavam Festival: Largest One In Vrindavan
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Perhaps among the best things to do in Vrindavan in 2 days after Holi is being a part of yet another grand festival. Taking place around ten days after the Holi celebrations, sometimes in February and sometimes in March, Brahmotsavam is one of the largest festivals that is celebrated in Vrindavan.
This festival witnesses more than a hundred thousand people visiting. Rath Ka Mela is hosted on the main day of the festival. On this day, all the pilgrims and devotees come together to pull a giant chariot made of wood. The chariot is carried from the Rangji Temple to the temple gardens and then back. Various yagnas and havans are performed daily and idols of deities are brought out of the temples and set on chariots made of gold and silver and taken on a procession around the city. The atmosphere is that of celebration and joviality.
Location: Rangji Temple, Burja Road, Chaitanya Vihar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: All day long
Duration: It is a 10-day festival
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Bhil Lootan Leela, a captivating reenactment of a story of mercy involving Lord Krishna and a robber takes place at the temple entrance.
Note: Make sure you mark your calendars as per the Hindu calendars to celebrate the festival.
Related Post: Govind Dev Temple In Vrindavan
4. Banke Bihari: Visit The Most Important Attraction
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When you ask someone about what to do in Vrindavan, visiting the Banke Bihari Temple is perhaps the first thing that is suggested by them. This is one of the most popular and significant temples that cover the floors of Vrindavan. Falling in the list of seven temples dedicated to the ‘Thakur of Vrindavan’, Shri Banke Bihari temple is a marvel to behold.
Adorning the Rajasthani style of architecture, this temple has several arched windows and some stunning stonework that attracts architecture lovers. One can hear the melodious chants of Radha Krishna till far from the temple. In the temple, the combined form of Radha and Krishna stands together as one idol, signifying their strong love and devotion to each other. The temple is usually crowded, especially on the weekends, but one can still embrace a sense of calmness that exudes from the centuries-old walls and turrets of the temple.
Location: 373 Purohitpada Vrindavanbangar Vrindavan Mathura
Timings: 8 am – 8:30 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: The temple was named Banke Bihari, because of the idol’s ‘tribhanga’ posture (a classical dance pose which is bent in three places).
Note: It is best to visit the temple in the early hours of the morning.
5. Delicacies: Relish The Most Delicious Pedas!
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Apart from the temples and holy rituals, another thing that this town is famous for is the scrumptious little snacks and the ever so drool-worthy lassis. Be it meethi or namkeen, malai wali or plain, lassi is one thing that one must try out when in Vrindavan. The best place is to have it from the markets sitting near the Banke Bihari temple.
Another thing that one must try is the sweets when shopping in Mathura and Vrindavan, especially pedas. Mouth-watering Jalebis dipped in creamy Rabri are sure to launch your taste buds into heaven. The variety of Indian sweets found here can surely get overwhelming but boy, do they make you crave more and more. Made in all desi ghee, the mithais from Vrindavan can also turn out to be the best kind of souvenir, just saying!
Location: Brijwasi on Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Hira Sweets near Priyakant Mandir, and Ram Sweets Pede Wale in Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan.
Timings: 9 am – 8 pm
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: A kg of milk sweets costs on average between 200-400 INR.
Highlight: Vrindavan’s pedas are famous all over India. You would be terribly remiss not to buy a lot of them.
Note: Get a box of mixed sweets from the little shops sitting on either side of the narrow street that leads to Banke Bihari Temple.
Related Post: Sri Radha Vallabhji Temple In Vrindavan
6. ISKCON Vrindavan: Lose Yourself In Melodious Rhythms Of Kirtan
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Another one of the unique things to do on your Vrindavan trip is paying a visit to the famous ISKCON temple. Also called Krishna Balaram Mandir, the idea behind establishing the ISKCON temple was to promote the teachings of the Vedas and the holy Bhagavad Gita.
Constructed in 1975, ISKCON Vrindavan is not only famed for its tranquillity that is easy to embrace but also its marvellous structure. The entire temple is made of white marble and adorns an archway that leads straight to the samadhi of Swami Prabhupada, who was the founder of ISKCON.
Not only in India but the teachings of Bhagavad Gita have now been spread all across the globe, thanks to this establishment and its subsidiaries abroad. One can lose themselves in the harmonious music of the prayers or join the devotees in temple dance to the rhythm of kirtan. Serenity abounds in this temple.
Location: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 4 am – 8:45 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Various religious festivals are celebrated with much aplomb here. Besides the birth anniversaries of the presiding deities – Krishna Janmashtami, Radhashtami, and Balarama Purnima, festivals like Holi and Deepawali are also celebrated on a grand scale.
Note: ISKCON Temple is very particular about the timings. Make sure you visit the temple before 8 pm.
7. Nidhi Van: Witness The Spot For Rasleela
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Vrindavan is a destination that is known for being a destination that has holy tales revolving around Lord Krishna, Sri Radha, and the gopis. One such place on your Vrindavan city tour, where Krishna rested with Radha is Nidhi Van, a shrine. There is a bed that is decorated every evening by the priests.
It is believed that every night, Lord Krishna visits Nidhivan in Vrindavan with Radha and performs the famous Ras Leela along with gopis. For this very reason, no one is allowed inside the premises after the sun settles down. There is a tale of a priest who was found dead after spending a night inside the shrine. In the daylight, however, the place is a beautiful garden that reminds one of Shri Krishna’s exploits of the youth.
Location: Nidhivan Rd, Gotam Nagar, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 8–11 am, 5:30–7:30 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Nidhivan has two temples inside that visitors can see during the daytime – Rang Mahal, the place where Shri Krishna and Radha rest after the exhausting dance, and Sri Bansichori Radharani Temple, a shrine dedicated to Swami Haridas.
Note: Make sure you keep your cameras safe from the notorious monkeys found here!
Related Post: Hotels Near Nidhivan
8. Prem Mandir: Attend The Evening Aarti
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As the name suggests, this is a temple dedicated to love and thus also known as The Temple of Divine Love. Built across 54 acres, this is one of the youngest temples in Vrindavan-Mathura, the foundation was laid in 2001 by Shri Kripalu Maharaj and the construction finished in 2012. Located on the outskirts of Vrindavan, this temple is a grand structure made entirely out of Italian marble and is aesthetically pleasing and intricately carved. The architecture at Prem Mandir represents the revival of ancient Indian art and Nagara architecture and blends Rajasthani and Gujarati styles together.
The temple is devoted to Shri Radha Krishna and Shri Sita Ram, and devotees come from all over India to offer prayers and seek blessings regarding their love lives. The evening aartis are a grand affair, and locals and tourists join in at the temple. The Parikrama is performed at 7:00 PM and the evening Shayanaarti is held at 8:10 PM. The temple doors close at 8:30 PM.
Location: Sri Kripalu Maharaj Ji Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Rajpur Khadar, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: 8:30 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Every year the festivals of Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Shri Radhashtami are celebrated at this temple and other temples in Vrindavan with much pomp.
Note: The best time to visit Prem Mandir is from February to April and from October to December. This is the time when the temperature stays moderate and pleasant in Vrindavan.
9. Bhagavad Geeta Classes: Attend At ISKCON Temple
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Iskcon Temple provides services in the educational sector as well. The temple has affiliated itself with many institutes, instructors, and educators to create courses around religious and ecclesiastical themes and subjects such as yoga, Bhakti philosophy, and the Bhagavad Gita. The courses are arranged in levels according to difficulty and there are options even for an MBA in Conscious Leadership. The courses are designed by highly trained professors and scholars of the texts.
The Bhagavad Gita course is a self-paced course with theme-based lessons that cover all 18 chapters of the book. All information is presented in a lucid and practical manner with real-life examples. The course aims to make Lord Krishna’s teachings easy to understand for even beginners and impart invaluable knowledge and wisdom to the student. You get online assessments to test your knowledge and at the completion of the course, you’re presented with a certificate and a lifetime personal mentorship. Iskcon temple is one of the must-visit places on your trip to Mathura & Vrindavan
Location: Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 4 am – 8:45 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: The course costs INR 999. An added fee of 300 rupees for the books is charged.
Highlight: Interactive Q&A sessions with the instructors are also a part of the course.
Note: You can take the lessons at the temple or even after going back home. All course material will be couriered to you, and video lessons are available.
Related Post: Lotus Temple Vrindavan
10. Radha Kund: Bathe in The Scared Holy Water Tanks
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One of the most popular things to do in Mathura and Vrindavan for tourists is to visit the Radha Kund and take a dip. Devotees long to experience the ‘Prem-Bhakti’ of Shri Radha Krishna as it is said that the pool of water was blessed by Lord Krishna himself.
According to the legends, after fighting with a demon, Shri Radha asked Krishna to take a bath. Krishna dug his hell into the ground and a small lake of water spouted in that place, giving rise to what is called the Shyam Kund today. Krishna then started boasting about the glory of the Kund, at which Radha also decided to dig a Kund with her own hands and with the help of the other women of the village they made a pond and filled it with pots of water. Now the Radha Kund in Mathura stands next to Shyam Kund, and it is said that whoever takes a bath in the Radha Kund is blessed with the true love and devotion of Radha Shyam.
Location: 3 Biharipura, Vrindavan – 281121 Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Every year on the 8th day of the Kartik month, also called Gopashtami, a big festival takes place around the Kund. An annual fair also takes place in the months of October and November.
Note: It is advisable not to go visit the Kund in harsh summers as the water can be quite hot.
11. Keshi Ghat: Maha Aarti Along The River
Keshi Ghat is an important historical place in Vrindavan. Many stories of Lord Krishna’s Leelas are associated with the Ghat. The Ghat is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and is a sacred place that observes a confluence of hundreds of thousands of devotees every year. With the undulating Yamuna River, green trees on the shore, and visions of the various temples situated along and opposite the Ghat, it is a treat to visit the Ghat at any time of the day.
The Ghat however comes alive during the evening aartis. It is a significant worship place in Vrindavan and tourists and devotees throng at the Ghat in the evening. According to the stories about Lord Krishna’s life, when he was a child, many demons were sent after him by his uncle King Kamsa to kill him. One such demon was Keshi, a giant horse demon, whom the child Krishna vanquished at this Ghat. You must visit this destination on your 1 night 2 day trip to Mathura and Vrindavan.
Location: Namita Rd, Keshi Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh 281121
Timings: Open 24 hours
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee, INR 100 – 150 for the Boat Ride
Highlight: Devotees take a bath at this Ghat to absolve themselves of sins.
Note: Evening Aarti Timings are in between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
How To Reach Vrindavan
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By Road: Vrindavan is well connected to nearby cities and states via well-maintained roads. One can hire cabs and private taxis, drive their own vehicle to Vrindavan if they’re starting from somewhere near, and get AC and luxury buses from any major cities in Uttar Pradesh like Agra, Allahabad, Lucknow, Varanasi and more.
By Air: Travel by air has never been easier than it is in UP. The state has 3 international and 6 domestic airports, all of which are equipped with the best amenities and infrastructure. Kheria Airport is the nearest one to Vrindavan, at a distance of 55 km, and is a domestic airport that connects the major cities of the state itself. Agra Airport is another good one to go with if you’re taking flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, or the other big cities in the country. The flights at these airports are regularly scheduled and are economical.
By Train: Uttar Pradesh has 37 junctions and more than a thousand railway stations that connect the various major cities, tourist destinations, smaller towns, and cities of the state. Vrindavan has a railway station of its own and you can take a direct train to the city, however not all trains stop here. Giving preference to your timings, comfort, and convenience you can choose to take a stop at the bigger railway station of Mathura, which is only about 11 km away. A train ride is always the most comfortable and budget-friendly.
Best Time To Visit Vrindavan
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Summer: Due to extremely hot weather, summer is usually the off-season for tourism in Vrindavan. The average temperature remains between 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, and the daytime temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. Tourists who are not bothered by the temperatures might prefer to visit during summer to avoid crowds and expensive stays and tickets, but it is generally advised to take all measures to remain cool like carrying insulated water bottles with you and not entering direct sunlight.
Monsoon: Monsoon brings relief from the oppressive heat of North India. Greenery abounds, Janmashtami arrives, and festival season begins in Vrindavan in monsoon. Therefore it is a good time to visit Vrindavan between June to August. If visiting outdoors, always carry umbrellas and rain gear with you. Humidity can be a bit of a problem during the rainy season too.
Winter: The winter months in Uttar Pradesh from November to March are considered the best time to take a Vrindavan city tour. Winter is the peak season as the weather is extremely pleasant, and the temperatures remain moderate between 15 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. There is almost no humidity and it is also the time in which Holi and Diwali fall which are celebrated with great show & pomp here.
You May Also Like To Read: Temples In South India
With ample of unique things to do in Vrindavan, there is no doubt that one is bound to have the best time of their life if one seeks peace and calm. Known for being Lord Krishna’s own town, one can witness temples, priests, and various ashrams here. So, the next time you plan a trip to Uttar Pradesh and feel like embracing the holy side of the country, make sure you add Vrindavan to your list!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Vrindavan
What is the best time to visit Vrindavan?
Although Vrindavan is a city that can be visited all year long, the best time to visit it is during the winter months to avoid the heat. The months from October to March are considered the best to visit this town.
What are some places to visit in Vrindavan?
Some top places to visit in Vrindavan include Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, Nidhi Van, ISKCON Vrindavan, Keshi Ghat, and Jugal Kishor Temple.
What are the best day trips from Vrindavan?
The best destinations that offer amazing day trips from Vrindavan are Mathura, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Jaipur, and more.
What are the best places to stay in Vrindavan?
Sri Vrindavan Dham, MVT Guest House, Hotel Santosh Dham, Kadamb Resort, Hare Krishna Orchid, and Nidhivan Sarovar Portico are a few places to stay in Vrindavan.
What is Vrindavan famous for?
Vrindavan is known for being a famous holy town that is home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna. This temple is famed for its essence of spirituality that is spread all around.
What to do in Vrindavan for a day?
If you're visiting for only one day, the following places must be on your itinerary - Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Vrindavan, Vishram Ghat, Govardhan Parbat.
What are the best things to do in Mathura and Vrindavan?
There are many things to do in Mathura and Vrindavan, including visiting temples, taking part in festivals and various aartis, visiting the local bazaars, visiting the iconic locations related to Lord Krishna's life like Gokul, Nandgaon, Barsana, etc.
What are the famous things to buy in Vrindavan?
The quintessential things to buy in Vrindavan are - religious material like puja thaalis, images & idols, prayer books, handicrafts, Khadi clothing, brass ornaments, sculptures, and jewellery.
What are the best things to do in Vrindavan at night?
Evening aarti at various temples take place around 8-9 pm including Prem Mandir, Keshi Ghat, Iskcon temple. The thalis and lamps are glowy and beautiful in the dark.
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Abhay Kumar is a graduate of English Literature. Writing is both his hobby and his passion. He writes academic research articles as well as poetry and short fiction. He loves reading science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction, and translated fiction. He also loves traveling and writing about himself in the third person.
