Holy Destinations of India

Mathura, a little town on the River Yamuna is synonymous with Lord Krishna who is believed have been born here. Alive with devotion to Lord Krishna - the evergreen hero of Hinduism, the lover of Radha and re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu - it has a peaceful and refreshing air about it. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without Christ.

The city of Mathura is located at a distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra (India). The city has for long attracted Krishna devotees from across the world. Even the casual visitor finds the temples and monuments set in idyllic environs refreshing to core. Places of interest include:

History of Mathura

Mathura experiences an extreme and tropical type of climate. The summers are generally hot and winters are chilly and foggy. From July to September it experiences southwestern monsoon rains. The ideal time to visit Mathura is during the winter season, between the months of October and March. For the summer season cotton clothing is ideal while heavy woolens are recommended for the winters.

Facts and Figures:

Photos of Mathura

Tourist Attraction of Mathura

Jama Masjid

Built by Nabir Khan in 1661 A.D., the Mosque has four lofty minarets, with brightly colored plaster mosaic of which a few panels currently exist.

Vishram Ghat

This is the sacred spot where Lord Krishna is believed to have rested after slaying the tyrant Kansa.

Dwarkadheesh Temple

Built in 1814, it is the main temple of the town. The best time to visit the temple is during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali as it is grandly decorated.

Archaeological Museum

Located at Dampier Park, this museum has the finest collection of rare items from the Gupta and Kushan period (400 BC to 1200AD).

Mansarovar

The rare wetland grove and bird sanctuary, roughly five acres in size, is located a few miles across the Yamuna River. Local tradition has it that the lake, or 'sarovar', was formed from the tears of Sri Radha, while in an intensely emotional state of wounded love. She came here alone when she feared she had lost Krishna. In her memory a solitary image of her is worshipped in a small shrine beside the lake.

Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Hill was about 16 miles (29 km) high 5,000 years ago. Govardhana is formed in the shape of a peacock. Radha Kunda and Syama Kunda are the eyes. Dan Ghati is its long neck. Mukharavinda is the mouth and Punchari is its back and tail feathers. A peacock often curves its neck and puts his head under its stomach. Govardhana Hill is shaped in this pose of a peacock. It is believed that the hill is sinking by the height of a mustard seed daily as it was cursed by Pulastya Muni.

Kusuma Sarovara

Kusuma Sarovara is a 25 minutes walk from Radha Kunda. Kusuma means "flower," and here the gopis would pick flowers for Krishna. Kusuma Sarovara is the best swimming spot in Mathura.

Holy Tirthas

There are 25 holy tirthas (bathing places or ghatas) in Mathura. Visram Ghata is in the middle and there are 12 ghatas south of Visrama Ghata and 12 ghatas north. The 12 ghatas in the south extend to Moksa Ghata.

These holy tirthas are mostly located about 400m south of Visrama Ghata, almost right next to each other. Many of the ghatas are known now by different names. Asi Ghata, Prayaga Ghata, Chakra Tirtha Ghata, Krishna Ganga, Dhruva Ghata and Visrama Ghata are still known by the same names.

How to Reach There :

By Train

Mathura is an important railways junction. Most trains between Delhi and Agra stop in Mathura. The journey from Delhi takes 2 - 3 hours depending on the train type, while from Agra the trip takes about one hour. Most of the south bound and west bound trains stop at Mathura. August Kranti Rajdhani Express(for Mumbai) for Delhi stops at Mathura. Other than that almost all major trains from Delhi and Agra stop at Mathura. It is well connected to national capital New Delhi, state capital Lucknow and all major cities by rail.

By Road

Mathura is situated in between Delhi and Agra on National Highway 2, about 150 km south of Delhi and 50 km north of Agra.NH-2 is one of the best highways of country. Upcoming Taj expressway is in east of the city. Mathura is well connected to national capital New Delhi, state capital Lucknow and all major cities by road. Many state transport departments busses are running through Mathura.

 By Air

Nearest airport is Agra (Kheria Airport); It is 50 KM from Mathura. Perhaps most of the international and domestic flights are landing into IGI Airport, New Delhi. IGI Airport is 150 KM from Mathura. Upcoming new international airport will also been accessible via Taj expressway [1.5 hr] from Mathura.

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