Vrindavan, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is a sacred city located on the banks of the Yamuna River and a popular pilgrimage destination. Vrindavan city, which is home to Lord Krishna's deity, attracts spiritual visitors seeking satisfaction and tranquility from all over the world. Vrindavan tourism has flourished throughout the years due to its perfect blend of beauty, religion, and history. It is a sight you cannot afford to miss, with scenic splendour surrounding the elegant structures composed of beautiful white marble. This town's wonderful beauty will soothe your soul and bring spirituality and joy to your heart. Vrindavan is your go-to for a delightful escape away from the stress and bustle of city life.

The history of ancient Vrindavan

Krishna loved and played in Vrindavan with a slew of divine beings who manifested as the cows. He cared for his cowherd friends, the lovely milkmaids with whom he spent long and lovely evenings in the forest, and all of the other plants and creatures like peacocks, parrots, monkeys, trees, creepers, and even grass blades. The river goddess Yamuna is a key figure in Krishna's celestial entourage, and she plays an important role in assisting individuals seeking Krishna in achieving the essential moods and modes of being. The devotees begged Vajranabh, Lord Krishna's great-grandson, to go to Vrindavan and restore the lila stahls (places of Lord Krishna's lilas) many years after Lord Krishna's death. These were the locations where Krishna's life events - full of amazing deeds, joyful delight, childish mischief, and divine romance – had been forgotten for a long time. Vrindavan's long-forgotten lila sthals -  forests, water tanks, hills, trees, and more – were revealed to Vajranabh after he prayed to Sri Radha and Sri Krishna. At several of these lila stahls, Vajranabh built temples and installed deities.

Festivals in Vrindavan

The festivals of Vrindavan are marked by religious fervor. They're bright and cheerful, and they promote fraternity and solidarity.

• Janmasthami - The Hindu festival of Janmashtami commemorates Lord Krishna's birthday. August is the most common month for it to happen. During the event, there is a feeling of euphoria across the city. Lord Krishna chanting and Bhajans continue to be heard throughout the city. It's a joy to be a part of the Janmashtami celebrations.
• Holi -The "festival of colours" is the most colourful and joyful event in Vrindavan. During the festivities, the mood is quite intense.
• Basant Panchami - A Hindu holiday noted for kite flying, Basant Panchami is held all over the country. During the monsoon season, this celebration is observed.

Places to visit in Vrindavan

• Banke Bihari Temple - The beautiful Rajasthani-style architecture of the Banke Bihari Temple greets you as you approach it, with arched windows and careful brickwork. The temple's depiction of Lord Krishna depicts a kid standing in the Tribhanga pose. The Lord dislikes the sound of bells and conches, hence there are none in the Banke Bihari temple. The tranquil chants of 'Radha Naam' are used to invoke the divine.
• Prem Mandir - This temple is known for its architectural splendour, as it is made of white marble and embellished with extremely detailed carvings. The main shrine is covered with statues of Shri Krishna and his devotees depicting key events in the Lord's life. On the periphery of the Prem Mandir, several incidents from Krishna's life have been represented, such as raising the Govardhan Mountain. The temple's illumination, especially at night, enhances its magnificent appearance.
• Radha Raman Temple - It's dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is known as Radha Raman, or Radha's Pleasure Giver. The temple is noted for housing the original Shaligram idol of Krishna, as well as Radharani, the self-manifested deity from Shaligram Shila who wears a magical grin. The samadhi of Gopal Bhatta, which is immediately next to Radha Raman's appearance spot, is also housed within the Radha Raman temple complex.
• ISKCON Temple - Swami Prabhupada's (ISKCON's founder-acharya) goal of erecting a temple for the brothers - Krishna and Balaram - in the same sacred city where they used to play together years ago. The ISKCON temple, which is located in Vrindavan's Raman Reti neighbourhood, has become the city's most popular attraction, drawing followers from all over the world, including those from nearby Delhi.
• Keshi Ghat - Keshi Ghat is the main ghat of Vrindavan, and the only one still remaining. It is believed that in dwapara yuga, Lord Krishna killed Keshi here who was a horse demon sent by Kansa. The Madanmohan Temple is located nearby while the ghat itself is one of the most significant places of worship in Vrindavan. Yamuna maha-aarti is performed at Keshi Ghat every evening.
• Madan Mohan Temple - The oldest temple in Vrindavan is Madan Mohan Temple (also known as Sri Radha Madana Mohan Temple). It is 50 feet high and is situated near Kaliya Ghat on Dwadasa Aditya hill, which overlooks the Yamuna River. Following his victory over Kaliya Naag, Lord Krishna is said to have rested here. Here, along with Madana Mohan, Radha and Lalita Sakhi are adored (Sri Krishna). The temple offers a spectacular perspective of Vrindavan.

How to reach? 

• By Air - Because Vrindavan does not have its own airport, the closest is Kheria Airport (AGR) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (53 kilometres). Flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Mumbai are also available to get you to the city.
• By Road - Apart from one in Mathura, which is the closest city, Vrindavan has no direct non-stop bus connections from major Indian cities (at a distance of 10 km). The alternative option is to go 45 kilometres to Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
• By Rail - The 'chord,' or lifeblood, for the holy tourist attraction, is Mathura Junction Railway station. With seven routes and lines ferrying passengers to every nook and cranny of the country, Vrindavan is well-connected to major towns across the country via the Northern Railways and South-Western Railways (southbound and westbound trains).