Mathura is one of the popular religious places in India and is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most adored deities. There are 25 ghats lining the Yamuna River in Mathura, which are best visited during dawn (just after sunset) when hundreds of diyas are afloat during aarti and sunrise (just after sunset). In August/September, when Janmashtami (the birthday of Lord Krishna) occurs, Mathura is filled with tourists and pilgrims. In February/March, Holi is celebrated, which attracts crowds from worldwide.
Famous Places To Visit In Mathura
1. Radha Kund
One of the most prominent Mathura tourist places, Radha Kund is tucked near Govardhan Hill in Mathura. It is mostly popular for its pure and sacred water that is believed to contain magical healing powers, making it an important holy site in the city. The Radha Kund dates back to the days of Krishna and Radha and is a symbol of their undying love. It is said that a single dip in the Radha Kund can rid you of your sins and purify your soul, which is one of the many reasons it serves as a significant pilgrimage site for the locals and devotees who come from far.
2. Government Museum Mathura
Previously known as the Curzon Museum of Archaeology, the Government Museum in Mathura is situated at the Dampier Park. The local people simply like to call it the Mathura Museum, and never get tired of acknowledging that it is one of the finest museums in the country housing an enormous collection of ancient relics, sculptures, coins, and paintings. Other than historical relics and artifacts, what makes it one of the most respected Mathura destinations is its display of discoveries made by celebrated archaeologists in and around Mathura.
3. Kans Qila
Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River, the majestic Kans Qila is an ancient fortress and one of the best places to visit in Mathura in night. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Kans – Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle. Located close to the Krishna Ganga Ghat and Gau Ghat, this huge fort serves as a popular tourist spot attracting a large number of travelers every month with its Hindu-Muslim fusion architecture. Even though it’s in a dilapidated state today, Kans Qila doesn’t fail to attract history geeks and architecture lovers from across the country. Given its history and charm the places contributes a lot to tourism in Mathura.
4. Rangji Temple
This temple too is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Mathura. Located on the road between Mathura and Vrindavan, this temple has been established as a tribute to Sri Goda Ranagamannar, who is a South Indian goddess as well as Lord Ranganatha who is believed to be a reincarnation of the Lord Vishnu. The temple is admired for its architecture that has been inspired from the South Indian temples.
5. Kokilavan
Kokilavan Dham is located at a close distance to Kosi Kalan and is known for Shani Temple, which is devoted not only to Shani Dev but also his guru named Barkhandi Baba. The name of this tourist place in Mathura is based on the fact that it is erected right in the middle of a lush-green jungle. Saturday is known to be the most bustling day of the week.
6. Bhuteshwar Mahadev Mandir
This is one of the most visited temples in Mathura and is established in Garravkendra. Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is also believed to be a Shaktipeeth, signifying a mythological story that the ring of Goddess Sati fell here during the time when her body was burning. This is the reason why this place is considered to be sacred.
7. Vaishno Devi Dham
This is one of the most admired temples in Mathura owing to the lifelike idol of Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi Dham is more than just a temple. There’s a dispensary as well as library established in the temple’s complex. The Dham also has two dharamshalas where many devotees come to stay throughout the year.
8. Jai Gurudev Mandir
This temple is also known by the name Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir. The temple has been built as a symbol of devotion towards Baba Jai Gurudev, who is deeply respected by the devotees. This temple lies between Agra and Delhi on National Highway 2.
9. Chamunda Devi Temple
When looking for one of the most visited or admired temples in Mathura, do visit this one for a memorable travel experience. This temple is located on Chamunda Devi Marg. It is quite popular amongst both the tourists as well as locals for all the right reasons.
10. Potara Kund
Potara Kund is among the popular places to see in Mathura. This is one out of the four kunds in the town of Mathura. It is believed that it is in the pond of this kund where Lord Krishna’s clothes were washed. Apart from the mythological aspects, this place is a must visit owing to the awe-striking water tank that has been made with red sandstone.
11. Dauji Mandir
Dauji Mandir is one of the most famous places to visit in Mathura. This temple is located close to the southeastern region of the town of Mathura. Apart from the religious reasons, this temple is admired for its historicity. The temple is said to have been established 5000 years and is dedicated to Lord Balarama, Lord Krishna’s sibling.
12. Iskcon Temple
A stunning white-structure and the beautiful idols of Lord Balrama attracts a lot of tourists to Iskcon Temple. This temple is one of the most famous places to visit in Mathura and it is perfect for those who want to relax their weary soul. Visit the temple in the evening and you will a lot of devotees chanting prayers and dancing in the temple. Many foreigners visit the Iskcon temple and attend the morning and evening prayers as this place is surrounded by serenity and a peaceful environment.
13. Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill, or Giri Raj, is 22 km away from Vrindavan. It is mentioned in the Holy Bhagavad Gita that Govardhan Parvat is no different from lord krishna itself, according to Lord Krishna. All his worshippers thus worship the hill’s simple stones just as they worship his idol. The hill is made of sandstone with a length of 38 km and a height of 80 ft. Many important sites such as Mansi Ganga, Mukharvind and Daan Ghat can be visited.
History tells us that Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Hill on one finger during his youth to save his Mathura village from heavy rain and thunderstorm. Hence, this hill is considered sacred and is visited in devotion by worshipers on Guru Purnima, Govardhan Puja by walking around the mountain for 23 km barefoot, which is called govardhan prakriya lord krishna asked everyone to worship the hill after Lord Krishna had rescued his village and that’s why Govardhan Puja is a day after Diwali. It’s a serene spot, and a must experience, certainly!
14. Krishna Janmasthan Temple
Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple is situated in the holiest town Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. It is constructed around the prison cell where his wicked uncle Kansa imprisoned the family of Lord Krishna, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva. For the Hindus, the temple is of great significance as it is believed to be Lord Krishna’s birthplace. In addition to the prison cell, there are other temples in Mathura region, dedicated to lord Krishna The sacred aura and its simplicity, fill the heart with the certainty, that this is indeed the location, where Lord Krishna manifested himself when he entered the temple.
15. Radha Vallabh Mandir
Radha Vallabh Mandir, one of the seven temples in Thakur of Vrindavan, is located near Gautam Nagar on the cliff of Bankey Bihari temple. This temple is the epitome of Radha and Krishna’s holy and spiritual devotion, shown in the unique’ Ras-bhakti’ form. The temple, created by Lord Krishna, has no god of Radha. Alternatively, to indicate her presence, it has a crown positioned next to Lord Krishna. Due to its stunning architecture and beautiful decor, Radha Vallabh Mandir stands out. Moreover, this is among the best places to visit in Mathura for couples.
16. Vishram Ghat
Another one of the best sightseeing places in Mathura is Vishram Ghat. On the banks of the River Yamuna, a sacred ghar is located about 5km from Mathura, which is the center to 25 ghats. There is a parikrama that pilgrims take around the ghat. Translating to a place of relaxation, Lord Krishna rested at this place after killing the evil demon, Kansa. There is a heavy crowd around the ghat during Bhaidooj for the holy dip. People can also take a boat ride at the ghat.
17. Kusum Sarovar
A beautiful reservoir made of sandstone and a true remnant of the bygone era, the Kusum Sarovar has a flight of stairs that descend into the pond. According to folklore, the reservoir got its name from one of Radha’s dasis, Kusum. It is a great place for taking a dip during summers. One can also find many temples in its vicinity and around it during their trip to Mathura. The emerald green water is cool and the pond has a floral border, boasting different flowers. It is believed that Radha collected these flowers to make garlands and floral jewelry for herself. Perfect for quiet evenings, you can watch the sunset here.
18. Nand Gaon
Around 50 km from Mathura, NandGaon is a quaint town situated in the Nandishwara Hills. It is the home to Krishnaji’s adoptive parents – Nand Ji and Yashoda Maiyya. There are many temples situated on the top of this hill. Other popular temples here are Nritya Gopal, Nand Nandan, Udhav Kyaro and Gopinath. There is a beautiful lake here called the Pan Sarovar that is much loved by tourists also making it one of the best things to see in Mathura.
19. Dolphin Water World
Visiting this water park is one of the most fun things to do in Mathura. Made on 14 acres of land and full of great thrilling slides and roller coasters, Dolphin Water World was inaugurated in 2002 and has been one of the most loved tourist spots in Mathura. It has a play area for kids, locker room facilities and is a great recreational center for tourists and people native to the city. Not only kids, but adults can also have a blast here as the rides are age appropriate for all kinds of tourists.
20. Birla Mandir
Situated around 6.5 km from Mathura junction on the Mathura-Vrindavan Road, the peaceful Birla Mandir, also called Gita Mandir, is among the most famous places to see in Mathura. It happens to be a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site that is frequented by devotees and pilgrims year-round. Dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan, this holy shrine has a remarkable architecture that speaks volumes of its magnificence and shows off its exquisite carvings and paintings with pride.
21. Jama Masjid Mathura
Mathura’s Jama Masjid was built in the year 1661 by Abd-un-Nabi Khan, who was the then Governor of Aurangzeb. Featuring four minarets and beautiful mosaic plastering along with stunning intricate carvings, this sanctum is bound to leave you spellbound with its beauty, making it one of the many reasons why Mathura is among the finest plans to explore near Delhi . Other than its brilliant architecture, the history and peaceful aura of this shrine also makes it one of the most revered tourist places in Mathura.
