Mathura is a city located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most ancient and holy cities in India, known for its rich cultural and religious heritage. The city is located on the banks of the Yamuna River and is considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered Hindu deities. Mathura is also known as Braj Bhoomi, as it is believed to be the land where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and performed many of his divine acts.

Mathura has a rich history that dates back to the ancient times, and it has been ruled by several dynasties, including the Mauryas, Kushanas, Guptas, and Mughals. The city was an important center of art, culture, and religion during these periods, and many magnificent temples, palaces, and monuments were built during this time.

Mathura

Mathura is also an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, as it is home to several ancient temples, including the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, which is believed to be the exact place where Lord Krishna was born. Other important temples in the city include the Dwarkadhish Temple, the Vishram Ghat Temple, and the Banke Bihari Temple. The city is also home to several other important religious sites, including the Govardhan Hill, the Kusum Sarovar, and the Radha Kund.

Apart from its rich religious and cultural heritage, Mathura is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of sweets and snacks. Some of the popular dishes in the city include peda, lassi, and kachori.

Mathura is easily accessible from major cities in India by road, rail, and air. The city has a well-developed infrastructure, and visitors can find a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Overall, Mathura is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural and religious heritage of India.

History of Mathura

Mathura is an ancient city with a rich history that dates back to the ancient times. The city has been ruled by several dynasties, and each of them has left their mark on the city’s history and culture.

The earliest reference to Mathura is found in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, which mentions the city as the capital of the kingdom of Surasena. According to Hindu mythology, Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered Hindu deities. Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood and youth in Mathura, and he is said to have performed many of his divine acts in the city.

Mathura was an important center of art, culture, and religion during the Mauryan Empire, which ruled India from 322 BCE to 185 BCE. The city was a major center of Buddhism during this time, and several Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built in and around the city.

In the 1st century BCE, Mathura came under the rule of the Kushanas, who were known for their patronage of art and culture. The city became a major center of sculpture during this time, and several magnificent sculptures were created, depicting various aspects of Hindu and Buddhist mythology.

History of Mathura
History of Mathura

In the 4th century CE, Mathura was ruled by the Gupta Empire, which was known as the “Golden Age” of Indian civilization. The city was a major center of learning during this time, and several universities and colleges were established in the city.

Mathura continued to flourish under the rule of the Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 19th century. The city was a major center of art and culture during this time, and several magnificent palaces and monuments were built in and around the city.

Today, Mathura is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over India and the world. The city’s rich history and culture continue to fascinate visitors, and it remains an important center of art, culture, and religion in India.

Culture of Mathura

The culture of Mathura is deeply rooted in its rich history and religious heritage. The city is known for its vibrant and colorful traditions, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the year.

Mathura is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, and it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The city is home to several ancient temples and shrines, and it attracts millions of devotees from all over India and the world. The city is particularly known for its festive atmosphere during Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, which is celebrated with great pomp and show.

The people of Mathura are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. The city has a diverse population, and it is home to people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its art and architecture, which is a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Mughal styles.

Culture of Mathura
Culture of Mathura

Mathura is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of sweets and snacks. Some of the popular dishes in the city include peda, lassi, and kachori. The city is also famous for its milk-based sweets, which are prepared using traditional recipes passed down from generations.

The city has a rich tradition of folk music and dance, which is performed during various festivals and occasions. The Raas-Leela, a dance-drama depicting the life of Lord Krishna, is particularly famous in Mathura and is performed with great fervor during Janmashtami.

Overall, the culture of Mathura is a reflection of its rich history and religious heritage. The city’s vibrant traditions, warm hospitality, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of India.

Must visit places in Mathura

Mathura is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are several must-visit places in and around the city that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past. Here are some of the top places to visit in Mathura:

  1. Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: This temple is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna and is one of the most popular attractions in Mathura. The temple complex includes several shrines, a museum, and a beautiful garden.
  2. Dwarkadhish Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna is a magnificent example of Rajasthani architecture. The temple is famous for its beautiful carvings and intricate designs.
  3. Vishram Ghat: This is a holy bathing ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna. It is believed that Lord Krishna rested at this spot after killing the demon Kansa. The ghat is a popular spot for tourists and devotees alike.
  4. Kusum Sarovar: This is a beautiful and serene lake located about 25 km from Mathura. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for picnics and boating.
  5. Govardhan Hill: This hill is located about 22 km from Mathura and is considered to be a sacred site for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Krishna lifted this hill on his finger to protect the people from a flood.
  6. Mathura Museum: This museum houses a large collection of ancient sculptures, coins, and artifacts from Mathura’s rich history. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture.
  7. Radha Kund: This is a sacred pond located about 25 km from Mathura. It is believed to be the site where Radha, Lord Krishna’s consort, used to bathe.
Krishna_Janmabhoomi_Temple_Mathura
Krishna_Janmabhoomi_Temple_Mathura
Dwarkadhish_Temple
Dwarkadhish_Temple
Radha Kund
Radha Kund
Vishram Ghat
Vishram Ghat
Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill

These are just a few of the must-visit places in Mathura. The city has several other attractions, including other temples, historical sites, and natural beauty spots, that are worth exploring.

Accommodation in Mathura

Mathura is a popular tourist destination, and there are several options for accommodation in the city. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mathura:

  1. Radisson Hotel: This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Mathura. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and several dining options.
  2. Brijwasi Royal Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel located close to the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and a rooftop bar.
  3. Clarks Inn Mathura: This is a budget-friendly hotel located in the city center. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
  4. Hotel Mukund Palace: This is a budget hotel located close to the Vishram Ghat. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and a rooftop terrace.
  5. Hare Krishna Orchid: This is a guest house located close to the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. The guest house offers clean and comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including a restaurant and a garden.

These are just a few of the options for accommodation in Mathura. The city has several other hotels, guest houses, and homestays that cater to a range of budgets and preferences. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season.

Best time to visit Mathura

The best time to visit Mathura is between October and March, which is the winter season in India. During this time, the weather in Mathura is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 8°C to 25°C. This is also the peak tourist season in Mathura, and the city is bustling with activity during the festive season of Diwali and Holi, which are celebrated with great fervor in Mathura.

If you plan to visit Mathura during the summer months of April to June, be prepared for hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging between 25°C to 45°C. This is the off-season in Mathura, and you can expect fewer crowds and lower hotel rates during this time.

The monsoon season in Mathura starts in July and lasts till September, and the city receives moderate to heavy rainfall during this time. While the rain can bring relief from the heat, it can also lead to waterlogging and flooding in some parts of the city, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit during the monsoon season.

Overall, the best time to visit Mathura is between October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the city is alive with festive celebrations.

How to reach Mathura

Mathura is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach the city from other parts of India. Here are the different ways to reach Mathura:

  1. By air: The nearest airport to Mathura is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is approximately 150 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mathura.
  2. By train: Mathura Junction railway station is one of the major railway stations in India and is well-connected to several cities in the country, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. There are several trains that run between Mathura and these cities, making it easy to reach the city by train.
  3. By road: Mathura is well-connected by road to several cities in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of India. There are several state-run buses as well as private buses that run between Mathura and nearby cities like Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur.
  4. By taxi: You can also hire a taxi from nearby cities like Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur to reach Mathura. Taxis can be hired for a one-way trip or a round trip, depending on your travel plans.

Overall, Mathura is easily accessible by all modes of transport, making it a convenient destination for travelers.

Costs of visiting Mathura

The cost of visiting Mathura varies depending on several factors, including the time of year, mode of transport, accommodation, and the activities you plan to do. Here are some of the approximate costs of visiting Mathura:

  1. Accommodation: The cost of accommodation in Mathura varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses can cost anywhere between INR 500 to INR 2000 per night, while mid-range and luxury hotels can cost upwards of INR 3000 per night.
  2. Transportation: The cost of transportation in Mathura depends on the mode of transport you choose. Local buses and shared auto-rickshaws are the most economical mode of transport and can cost as low as INR 10 to INR 20 per trip. Taxis and private cabs are more expensive and can cost anywhere between INR 1500 to INR 3000 for a full day.
  3. Food and drinks: The cost of food and drinks in Mathura varies depending on the type of cuisine you prefer. Street food is the most economical option and can cost as low as INR 50 to INR 100 per meal. Mid-range restaurants and cafes can cost upwards of INR 500 per meal, while fine dining options can cost upwards of INR 1000 per meal.
  4. Sightseeing: The cost of sightseeing in Mathura depends on the places you visit and the activities you plan to do. Entry tickets to most monuments and temples cost between INR 10 to INR 100 per person. Boat rides at Vishram Ghat can cost anywhere between INR 100 to INR 500 depending on the type of boat and duration of the ride.

Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend anywhere between INR 1000 to INR 2000 per day in Mathura, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend between INR 2000 to INR 5000 per day. The costs can go up significantly if you opt for luxury accommodation and transport options.

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