Mathura is the place where Krishna was born in a prison cell. Krishna's parents are said to have been imprisoned here. Located at Katra Keshav Deo, the temple is thronged by pilgrims from all over the world. The Dwarkadesh Temple, built by Seth Gokul Das of Gwalior in 1814, is situated in the heart of the city. It has some very fine paintings all along the walls depicting the entire life of Krishna. The Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna is where Krishna rested after killing Kansa. Being a part of the Gangetic plain, Vrindavan faces extreme climate with hot and humid summer and chilly winter. The maximum temperature during the summer can reach a high of around 45°C and a low of around 5°C during the winters. Monsoon reaches this region in the first week of July and continues till the second week of September. The ideal season to visit Vrindavan is during winters (October to mid-March).

Celebrations are, in fact, a way of life in Vrindavan. Any occasion is a time to celebrate and remember the name of God. Chanting of the names of Radha and Krishna, dancing, singing, etc., are the ways that are considered to take a devotee from this physical world to the heavenly abode. Janmashtami in the months of July/August is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna and thousands of devotees throng the place from all over the country. Holi is also celebrated with as much enthusiasm. Almost everyday there is a festival in Vrindavan, but the major ones include Govardhan Puja, Guru Poornima, Holi, Govardhan Puja, Jhulan Yatra (swing festival), Radhashtami, and Basant Panchami.

Vrindavan is said to be one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage where there are temples dedicated to Gopinath, Madanmohan and Gobinda. After worshipping Lord Gobinda Gopinath, Madanmohan and the other deities are worshipped. Vrindavan is another pilgrimage filled with memories of the activities of Sri Krishna. Since a major part of Lord Gobinda Krishna's youth was spent in Vrindavan therefore Vrindavan bears witness to his innumerable antics like the meetings with his lady-love Sri Radha, the proposals of love to the Gopis (milkmaids) and the concealing of the Gopis clothes, while they were busy bathing in the river Jamuna.

There are more than 4000 temples in Vrindavan in memory of Sri Krishna and his innumerable antics and activities. The etymology of Vrindavan comes from Vrinda-the expert (daughter of King Keder of the Satyayug, according to Brahmabaibarta Purana) in the sciences of meditation and Yoga shastras, who chose this place for meditation. According to a 2nd opinion, the name Vrindavan comes from Brinda meaning Tulsi referring to a Tulsi thicket (Tulsi Van).

Best time to visit
Being a part of the Gangetic plain, Vrindavan faces extreme climate with hot and humid summer and chilly winter. The maximum temperature during the summer can reach a high of around 45°C and a low of around 5°C during the winters. Monsoon reaches this region in the first week of July and continues till the second week of September. The ideal season to visit Vrindavan is during winters (October to mid-March).

How to reach

• By Air
  The nearest airport is at Kheria in Agra, 62 km from Mathura.
• By Rail
  There are a number of tourist coaches from Delhi leaving for Mathura and Vrindavan everyday. Mathura is 57 km from Agra and 141 km from Delhi. It is an important railway junction with direct trains to many places. The Taj Express from Delhi is a good option.
• By Road
  Mathura is well connected by road to Delhi and other cities of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.