Mathura Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Mathura, located in the Uttar Pradesh region of India, is a city steeped in history and spirituality. Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year who come to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage.

One of the main attractions in Mathura is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This temple complex is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and showcases the divine connection between Lord Krishna and the city of Mathura. The complex also houses the Dwarkadhish Temple, a stunning architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Another must-visit destination in Mathura is the Vishram Ghat, a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River. This ghat is believed to be the spot where Lord Krishna rested after slaying the demon Kansa. Pilgrims and tourists gather here to take a dip in the holy river and seek blessings.

Mathura is not only known for its religious significance but also for its vibrant festivals. The city comes alive during Holi, the festival of colors, when locals and tourists alike indulge in playful and lively celebrations. The streets of Mathura are filled with people dancing, singing, and smearing each other with color, creating an unforgettable experience.

For those interested in history, Mathura Museum is a must-visit. The museum houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures, artifacts, and coins dating back to the Gupta and Kushan periods. It provides a glimpse into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the region.

Mathura is also famous for its delectable sweets, especially the famous Mathura peda. These sweet treats are made from condensed milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, making them a perfect souvenir to take back home.

In addition to its religious and cultural attractions, Mathura is also a gateway to nearby destinations such as Vrindavan and Agra. Vrindavan is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood and is dotted with numerous temples dedicated to him. Agra, on the other hand, is home to the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Local name: मथुरा Population: 330.5 thous.Area: 1432.05 mi²Elevation: 584 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 27°29'51"N, 77°40'37"E

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Uttar PradeshIndia

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Mathura Top Attractions

Mathura Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mathura offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Government Museum, Kesava Deo Temple, Kans Quila, Jama Masjid. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Archaeological museum • Buddhist architecture
Government Museum
The Government Museum, located in the vibrant city of Mathura, India, stands as a testament to the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This museum is a treasure trove for those interested in exploring the ancient civilization that once flourished in this...
Temple
Kesava Deo Temple
The Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex is a group of Hindu temples in Mallapura, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. These temples are built at the location where the Hindu deity Krishna is believed to be born, and is adjacent to the Eidgah mosque built by Aurangzeb.
Forts and castles
Kans Quila
Kans Quila is a fortified castle located in Mathura, India. The fort is named after "Kansa", a king who lived around 5500 BC, in the ancient city of Mathura, India. Kansa was the maternal uncle of Krishna, a Hindu deity. The fort is believed to be from the age of Mahabharata, about 5500 BC.

Mosque
Jama Masjid
The Jama Mosque is a 17th-century congregational mosque in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Abd-al-Nabi Khan, governor of Mathura during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Lake
Gokul barrage
The Gokul barrage, also Mathura barrage is a barrage on Yamuna River at Gokul in Mathura district, top of which also serves as the road bridge. Yamuna has a total of 6 barrages, from north-west to south-east, Dakpathar Barrage, Hathni Kund Barrage, Wazirabad barrage, ITO barrage, Okhla barrage and Mathura barrage.
Monuments and statues
Kimbell seated Bodhisattva
The Kimbell seated Bodhisattva is a statue of a "bodhisattva" from the art of Mathura, now in the Kimbell Art Museum. The statue is dated to 131 CE, by an inscription recording its dedication in "Year 4 of the Great King Kanishka", since the date of the beginning of Kanishka's reign is thought to be 127 CE.
Temple
Dwarkadheesh temple Mathura
Shri Dwarkadheesh Mandir is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples of Mathura city in state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The current structure of temple was built up by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of then Gwalior State in 1814, with approval and donation from Shrimant Daulatrao Scindia, Maharajah of Gwalior.
Park
Aram Bagh
The Aram Bagh is the oldest Mughal Garden in India, originally built by the Mughal Emperor Babur in 1528, located about five kilometers northeast of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Babur was temporarily buried there before being interred in Kabul.
Temple
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known colloquially as the Hare Krishna movement or Hare Krishnas, is a Gaudiya Vaishnava religious organization. ISKCON was founded in 1966 in New York City by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Museum • Art gallery
Yūpa
A Yūpa, or Yūpastambha, was a Vedic sacrificial pillar used in Ancient India. It is one of the most important elements of the Vedic ritual. The execution of a victim, who was tied at the Yūpa, was meant to bring prosperity to everyone.
Museum • Art gallery
Art of Mathura
The Art of Mathura refers to a particular school of Indian art, almost entirely surviving in the form of sculpture, starting in the 2nd century BCE, which centered on the city of Mathura, in central northern India, during a period in which Buddhism, Jainism together with Hinduism flourished in India.
27°30'41"N • 77°41'21"E
Vāsishka
Vāsishka was a Kushan emperor, who seems to have had a short reign following Kanishka II.
27°29'51"N • 77°40'20"E
Kankali Tila
Kankali Tila is a mound located at Mathura in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The name of the mound is derived from a modern temple of Hindu goddess Kankali. The famous Jain stupa was excavated here in 1890-91 by Alois Anton Führer. The mound almost rectangular in shape is 500 feet long by 350 feet broad.
27°26'25"N • 77°42'48"E
Pushtimarg Baithak
Baithak or Bethak, lit. 'seat', is a site considered sacred by the followers of the Pushtimarg tradition of Vaishnava Hinduism in India for performing devotional rituals. These sites are associated with Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu, the founder of Pushtimarg and his descendants. They mark public events in their lives.
27°30'45"N • 77°41'13"E
Vishram Ghat
Vishram Ghat is a ghat, a bath and worship place, on the banks of river Yamuna in Mathura, India. It is the main ghat of Mathura and is central to 25 other ghats. The traditional parikrama starts and ends at Vishram Ghat. Lord Krishna is said to have rested at this place after killing Kansa.
27°27'0"N • 77°43'0"E
Tiruvaaippadi
Gokul or Tiruvaaippadi is one of the "Divya Desams", the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars. located in Gokul in Mathura district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located 15 km south-east of Mathura. It was the site of Krishnas childhood past-times.

Day trips

Mathura – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mathura, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Taj Mahal (Agra), Agra Fort (Agra), Black Taj Mahal (Agra).

32 milesSE
Iconic Mughal mausoleum
Taj Mahal, Agra
The Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel and a testament to love, nestled in the heart of Agra, India. This iconic mausoleum, constructed from white marble, stands as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire.
30 milesSE
Mughal stronghold on ancient site
Agra Fort, Agra
Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire in the city of Agra, India. This majestic fort, primarily constructed from red sandstone, was established by Emperor Akbar in 1565 and further developed by his...
32 milesSE
Museum, Mughal architecture
Black Taj Mahal, Agra
The Black Taj Mahal, an enigmatic legend woven into the rich tapestry of India's history, has long intrigued tourists and historians alike. This fabled counterpart to the iconic white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, is said to be a myth shrouded in the mysteries of...
28 milesS
Palace
Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri
The Panch Mahal, a striking edifice in the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri, India, is a testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Mughal era. This five-story palace, whose name translates to "Five Palaces," was constructed during the reign of Emperor Akbar in the...
30 milesSE
Mughal mausoleum known as the 'Baby Taj'
Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra
Nestled on the eastern banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, lies the exquisite Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal due to its architectural resemblance. This 17th-century mausoleum, also affectionately known as the "Baby Taj," is...

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Best Time To Visit Mathura

Learn when is the best time to travel to Mathura weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March, May and July.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in April. Most of it rains in August.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Best Ways to Experience the City

Food & drink

Cuisine

A guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.

Mathura peda
Mathura peda is a cherished sweet treat from North India, specifically originating from the city of Mathura. Made from mawa (a type of dried milk), this delicacy is a staple in North Indian cuisine. The name "Mathura peda" has become synonymous with delectable peda...
Indian dish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Mathura?

The top attractions to visit in Mathura are:

What is the best time to visit Mathura?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March, May and July. The highest air temperature is in May, June, July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.