Location: Vrindavan
Top Things to do in Vrindavan
What to do and see in Vrindavan, India: The Best Places and Tips
Vrindavan ( pronunciation (help·info)) is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the site where according to Hinduism, Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. The town is about 11 km away from Mathura, Krishna's birthplace on the Agra-Delhi highway (NH 2). The town hosts many temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is considered sacred by Vaishnavism.
Restaurants in Vrindavan
1. Prem Mandir - Shyama Shyam Dham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 764 reviews
2. ISKCON Vrindavan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 604 reviews
The Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, situated in the Raman Reti area of Vrindavan, holds a special significance for devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. This grand temple represents the fulfilled dream of Srila Prabhupada, founder acharya of ISKCON, who wished to construct a temple of unparalleled beauty for the worship of the transcendental brothers Krishna and Balaram in the same village where they played more than five thousand years ago. Prabhupada directly oversaw all aspects of design and construction and personally called the Lord to come and accept the worship of His devotees from around the world. He said "Lord Balaram is the source of spiritual strength, and I have built this temple just to give strength to the devotees". Today, the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir is a booming spiritual center. Every day of the week pilgrims flood in great numbers from nearby Delhi and all over the world. In fact, the large green government signs posted over the highway turn off to Vrindavan only give directions to two temples: Banke Bihari and ISKCON. Visitors to the temple first pass under the brilliant white marble archway of Srila Prabhupadas samadhi, an architectural wonder of winding peacock stairways and intricately carved walls and domes. They then enter through the gigantic wooden temple doors and find themselves transported to the spiritual world upon seeing the palace of Krishna Balaram with its sunken black and white checkered marble courtyard, beautified by a living tamal tree. The music of the kartals, mrdanga and sweet harmonium of the 24 hour kirtaneers enters the heart, and everyone, including young and old, spontaneously raise their arms and dance in ecstasy. Ascending the courtyard steps, visitors approach the effulgent gorgeous forms of the source of all beauty, the presiding Lords Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balaram and Radha Shyamasundar. Standing transfixed with open eyes and folded hands, pilgrims drink in the dazzling vision of the Lord, artistically decorated with no consideration of expense or effort, truly a festival for the eyes. This entire temple complex is a busy preaching powerhouse comprised of thirty departments including a guesthouse, welcome center, Samadhi museum, ten book stalls, bakery, restaurant, broadcast studio, residential Brahmacari ashram and a Deity department with one of the highest standards of worship in the world, engaging more than one hundred devotees directly in the seva everyday.
Reviewed By Aravind V - Bengaluru, India
Had visited ISKCON, Vrindavan last week. A nice place to spend an evening. I had been to ISKCON Bangalore (even though it was a few years ago). Compared to Bangalore, I see a lot more people, especially foreigners, trying to sell you books here.
Even though I heard that there is an annadana here, could not figure out where it was.
3. Banke Bihari Mandir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By srimanone - Joshua Tree, California
One of the most famous temples in all of India. Chaotic, full, amazing and rushed. Could have spent a long time in here. Don't let the trappings affect you like the wall clocks or the hustle, get up front and see the dieties, regardless of what you have to do. Amazing place and yes, leave shoes at reputable place.
4. Banke Bihari Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 551 reviews
Reviewed By Chandan K
I visited this place during Holi festival the experience was just surreal!! Its a once in a lifetime experience to witness the craziness. Half of Vrindavan is gathered here for seeking blessings. Especially the view from the gallery during Holi or on any other day is worth seeing. E-autos and sharing autos are available from Prem Mandir till 9 pm or so.
5. Seva Kunj and Nidhuban
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By kvs05 - Ahmedabad, India
It is the place where lord krishna play "raas" with radika and other gopi.
The people say that even today lord krishna spend their pastimes here every night. So Everyone leaves this at dusk.It was saying if someone stubbornly tries to remain here during the night, and in the morning is found dead. Others have by some means escaped death, but have become completely insane.
6. Radha Damodar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By Kamal M - New Delhi, India
No words can express the beauty and glamour of this temple.. seeing is believing..a must for every traveler to Vrindavan. centrally located.. approach is by rickshaw only...oldest temple.. where govardhan shilla is there.. priest gives yu a short darshan with details...lord has blessed this place.. for all as yu do 5 parikarmas of the temple.. yu do one parikarma of goverdhanji... if yu are there then please donot let this oppurtunity go waste its very simple comfortable for all age groups,,yu should be there by 11am or 5,30pm. very close to sewakunj and nidhi ban...
7. Madan Mohan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Lakshman S - Bengaluru, India
Sanatana Goswami, one of the 6 Goswamis of Vrindavan discovered the deity of Madana Mohana and this was the first temple built on a hill which can be spotted from far off distance. The deity we see here is the replica of the Madana-Mohana while the original deity was taken to Karauli in Rajasthan for protection during the Mughal attacks in the 16th century.
This is located close to Kaliya Ghat and Bankey Bihari temple on Vrindavan Parikrama marg. For elderly persons, it’s very difficult as the temple entry has quite a few stairs to climb.
Not much activity takes place at this temple except for its historical importance. We had taken a guide attached to ISKCON temple for visiting all Goswami temples of Vrindavan and it’s advisable to engage a guide so as to know the realistic history. One has to be careful about monkeys who snatch bags and spectacles/goggles!
8. Mata Vaishno Devi Dham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By PradeepKumarVaid - Birmingham, United Kingdom
This is something unique place that you never be missed when you are in Vrindavan, one needs to walk at least a kilometer inside to see the entire temple which is in two levels, inside are several portraits, pictures with description and history of various deities which is worthwhile to know for every one.
9. Vrindavan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By kritilakhwani86 - Pune, India
Vrindavan is a very small place to be covered in one single day but its beautiful having famous temples around-
Bankey bihari ji temple- to visit first in morning
Then iskon temple, nidhivan( take a guide - it takes 20/- rupees) .
For premandir visit in evening around 6pm to enjoy its lights.
Food wise we couldnt find any good place to eat.
10. Govinda Dev ji
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By chanse3 - Bengaluru, India
A temple with unique architecture in Vrindavan. The temple is built on a raised plinth with red stone. One has to climb a flight of steps to reach the main hall of the temple. Whole structure is well carved and was built in1590 by Man Singh. The original structure had 7 floors but after being plundered only 3 stories are remaining. The original statue of Lord Govindev has been moved out of this place to Jaipur.
You will be invaded by Pandiths who will be interested to guide you for ₹50/- . They will be wearing regular pant shirt & coat. One has to identify only by their SHIKHA along with regular hair. I feel there is understanding between the cab driver and the pandiths. Once you have engaged he will take you to the Govind Dev temple explains the temple and then handsover to another assistant to show other places. He will take you in the narrow streets of Vrindavan to place with a big hall where you can see few “widows of Vrindavan”. He explains that this was the place legendary Meera lived and did bhajans praising the Lord. We can see locked rooms on the first floor and he claims that only 2 widows stay in each room! Passing through the huge hall we can reach other side of the road, he takes to flower seller and asks us to buy 2 malas at ₹40/-. Then we will be led to another place where a priest is sitting with curtain closed sanctum. The priest opens the curtain briefly and claims that the statue of Lord Radha Madhav as swambu. He gives an explanation of Widows of Vrindavan and how they are taken care and requests to donate money for their sake. He will start writing the receipt and asks to pay ₹3500/-. He claims that a marble plak with engraved name of ours will be pasted on the walls of the huge hall! I feel this is all well planned money extracting business. One has to be careful before falling into the trap. If not paid he will curse you that we will have problem while returning to our destination. WhatI have observed all the widows will be begging in front of Lord Balaji temple. Donation is not much help except you will lose money.
One has to be careful of MONKEYS. They will snatch your belongings and they don’t spare even the eye glasses.
It is open from 5.30am to 11am & 4.30pm to 8pm.
