Vrindavan is one of the oldest and ancient cities located on the banks of River Yamuna. This place holds a great significance as it is believed that Lord Krishna spent his childhood here.
The name of Vrindavan is taken from two words i.e. Vrinda which means basil and van which means a grove. In relation to the meaning of the word Vrindavan, many historians believe that the name refers to the groves of Nidhivan and Seva Kunj. As it holds a great spiritual significance, many people come here in search of the ultimate - mukti.
Here you will find a great number of temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Out of these temples, some of the most famous ones include Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON temple and many others.
Best Time to Visit Vrindavan
The best time to visit Vrindavan is between the months of October to March. These months are ideal for sightseeing and exploring the place locally.
History of Vrindavan
It is believed that Vrindavan is as old as the Maurya Dynasty itself, which ruled the city from 325 BC to 184 BC. It was during 3000 BC that Vrindavan was known as an urbanised centre of trade and commerce. With this, we can have a fair idea of the vastness of Hinduism.
Many also say that it was lost for a good amount of time. However, in 1515, Vrindavan was rediscovered when the great saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu himself had gone seeking the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
Many historians believe that Vrindavan was built in 1590. However, it is only for the last 250 years, that this region has become more active and urbanised.
Major Attractions in and Around Vrindavan
1. Shri Banke Bihari Mandir
Shri Banke Bihari Mandir is a temple devoted to Lord Krishna and it’s a sacred place situated in the Mathura district. What's interesting is that you won’t find the bells or conchs in this temple, unlike other temples.
Shahji Temple was constructed in 1876 and is devoted to Lord Krishna, the main Goddess being Chote Radha Raman. It is an incredible structure with 12 magnificent spiral columns with a height of about 15 ft.
3. Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir in Raman Reiti, Vrindavan, is authorized under the organization of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Spread over 54 acres, it is dedicated to the spiritual symbol of love - Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. The construction took place between 2001 and 2012, and finally, it was inaugurated on February 17, 2012.
4. Kans Quila
Kans Quila stands among the wonderful attractions and it is located on the northern banks of the Yamuna river. It is also known as the old fort meaning Purana Quila, and is truly a terrific fusion of Hindu-Muslim architecture, thus, don’t miss this when you are on a trip to Mathura.
How to Reach Vrindavan
One of the most beautiful spiritual getaways in India, Vrindavan is considered to be the birthplace of Shree Krishna. It is located at a distance of 183, 1,359, 1,362, 1,991 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can travel to Vrindavan by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
The nearest aerodrome from Vrindavan is the Kheria Airport (AGR). It is a military airbase, one of the largest of the Indian Air Force. The aerodrome was opened during world war II. It has overall good flight connectivity with other Indian cities with many airlines flying to and fro. From the airport, you can book a taxi or avail some other means of local conveyance.
However, the closest international airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), and has very good flight connectivity with other Indian states. From the airport, you can easily find a cab or other travel options like state-run buses to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Vrindavan
By Train
If you are planning to travel by train, then deboard at Mathura Railway Station situated 15-20 km away, and located on the Agra-Delhi chord. This station is mainly responsible for serving Mathura and Vrindavan. From the station, you can easily book a taxi or take some other means of local transportation like an auto to reach your destination.
By Road
Vrindavan is well connected with other Indian cities by motorable roadways and highways. From the nearby cities and states, interstate/private buses are readily available along with state-run taxis. You can also consider travelling via your own vehicle.
- From Agra - 76 km via Taj Express Highway
- From Aligarh - 100 km via Taj Express Highway
- From Firozabad - 100-120 km via Sadabad Road or Taj Express Highway
Frequently Asked Questions about Vrindavan
Q. What are some tourist attractions in Vrindavan?
A. Some popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan include the Banke Bihari Temple, the ISKCON Temple, the Radha Raman Temple, the Rangaji Temple, and the Govinda Dev Temple.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
