India /Uttar Pradesh /Mathura /Mathura

Mathura in the State of is mainly regarded as the birthplace of a most benevolent lord of the Hindu Pantheon. A sacred town with an array of holy shrines and sacred kunds, Mathura boast of numerous legends and myths, which has gained deep-rooted beliefs in the people. The most holy city of the Vaishnava cult, Mathura welcomes the visitors with the countless tales of the blue god. Each and every spot in this miraculous city has some connection with the most humane incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The serene banks of the river Yamuna and its holy Ghats attribute the religious fervor of the city to a great extent.British called Mathura as Muttara and the Greeks gave it the name Modoura, the literal meaning of the word is ‘city of gods’, a sobriquet well suited to its serene ambiance. Though this city is linked mainly with the fable and cult of the Krishna, it is as sacred as to the Jains and Buddhists also.Since Mathura is the holy abode of lord Krishna, city’s festivals unravels Krishna’s life from his childhood to adulthood. All festivities and fiestas are centered round the blue god and to the Maduraits celebrations of every kind is an auspicious occasion to pay reverence to the blue god. During Holy and Janmashtami, the city is thronged with exuberant artistic performances. Though the city has been severely attacked by the Muslim invaders, the monuments and buildings exhibits a unique mix of Hindu and Muslim architecture. With its enchanting holy shrines and serene spots this habitat of Lord Krishna would proffer each visitor with a new vigor and energy.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 281xxx

STD Code: 565

Info Website: 

Best Time to Visit:  October – March

HistoryEdit

Mathura is popular for the interesting mythological stories associated with it. Boasting of being the birthplace of lord Krishna, Mathura has its mention in the holy epic books of Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagwat Purana. The city is believed to have got its name from King Madhu who ruled here during 1600 BC. Historians claim the city to have been ruled by the Mauryan kings during 4th to 2nd century B.C. The various Buddhist monumental heritage that if found in the city were built by the great King Asoka during the 3rd century B.C. It was during his reign that the Mathura School of Art was established. During the ancient times, the city was known as Methora, according to the writings of Magasthenese. The historical data suggest the city to have been in control of the Indo Greeks between 180 to 100 B.C. Jain too are believed to have sojourned in Mathura around 100 B.C. The 60th century B.C.E marked the onset of the Indo-Scythians dynasty which was followed by the rule of the great Satrap king Rajuvula.After the downfall of the Mauryan Empire, the city came under the control of the Hindu Kings. It was during the 11th century that Muhamad Ghazani raided the city and ramshackle the Buddhist and Hindu shrines.The British captured the city in the year 1804 and during this time the influence of the Bhakti Cult was in full bloom. This movement led to the rise of the Hindu cult who built various temples and river front ghats in order to revive the prodigy of Lord Krishna.

Places to VisitAdd 

Mathura Sightseeing

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Delhi International airport is the nearest one, which is 147 km away from Mathura. Delhi airport is well connected with major cities within the country and abroad. Taxis are available from Delhi and it takes about 9 hours to reach Mathura and fare is about Rs 2500.

By Train : Mathura Railway junction is an important rail head in the Mumbai – Delhi, Chennai – Delhi rail route. Regular train services are available from Mathura to Delhi (Shatabdi Exp), Mumbai (Bdts Garib Rath), Kolkata ((Toofan Exp) and Chennai (G T Exp) along with many other cities in India.

By BUS : Mathura is well connected with nearby cities like Agra, Faizabad and Allahabad by state owned road transport corporation buses. Tourist Deluxe bus services are available from Delhi to Mathura, costing about Rs 500 per head.

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Muskan Hotel ; Mayur Vihar, Dhauli Pyau, Mathura, UP 281001. ; Ph – 0565 240 8310 ; Facilities – Travel Desk ,24-hour room service ,Laundry ,Doctor on call.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Goverdhan Palace ; Agra-Delhi Highway, Mathura, UP 281001. ; Ph – 099 17 112000 ; Facilities – Travel Desk ,24-hour room service ,Air conditioning ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Bus Parking ,Massage Services ,Doctor on call.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Abhinandan ; Goverdhan Chauraha, National Highway #2, Mathura, UP 281003. ; Ph – 094 12 286113 ; Facilities – Travel Desk ,24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Air conditioning ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Cocktail Lounge ,Concierge ,Lounge ,Doctor on call.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Sheetal Regency ; Near krishna Janam-bhoomi,Opp. Roopam Talkies, Deeg Gate,, Masani Rd, Mathura, UP 281001. ; Ph – 096 39 236505 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Air conditioning ,Baby sitting ,Conference facilities ,Elevators ,Laundry ,Parking ,Wheel chair access ,Non-smoking rooms ,24-Hour Security ,Cocktail Lounge ,Lounge ,Doctor on call.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Goyal Restaurants ;  Main Market,Dhauli pyau, Mathura, Mathura, UP 281001. ; M –  088 02 262635 ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Arpan Restaurant ;  Goverdhan Chauraha, Mathura, Mathura, UP 281001. ; M –  097 60 345424 ; Food Serve :  N.A.

• Taj Family restaurant ;  Daresi Rd, Manoharpura, Mathura, UP 281001. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add

SpaAd 

FestivalAdd

Holi ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  February-March ; Details:  Celebrated in the month of Phalgun (February-March), Holi is celebrated to signify the triumph of good over evil. Throwing colours and spraying water on each other. However, Holi is special in Mathura as it was also a favourite with Lord Krishna. Holi celebrations continue for a week in Mathura. Barsana is also renowned for the way Holi is played here. It is called Lathmaar Holi. men from Nandgaon come to play Holi with girls of Barsana and hope of raising their flag over Shri Radhikaji’s temple. Barsana women go all out to stop them even using staffs to thwart them. A day later, it is the turn of Barsana men. They invade Nandgaon and drench Nandgaon womenfolk in colours only to be beaten back by the women.

Janmashtami ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Celebrated to commemorate Lord Krishna’s birth, ceremonies and prayer services are held during midnight in the temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Thousands of pilgrims visit Mathura on this day. Dahi Handi celebrations are the high point of the festival. A human pyramid is formed to break a pot of curds that is suspended a high point. Songs are sung and onlookers throw water on those try to break the handi.

Shri Banke Bihari Festival ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  Also known as Bihari Panchami, a grand parade is taken out from Nidhivan to the Shri Bankey Bihari temple. Various brass bands, musical groups, adorned elephants, high flags and groups singing bhajans take part in the parade.

Radhashtami ; Venue:  N.A. ; Period :  N.A. ; Details:  A low-key festival for the rest of the country, it assumes importance in Mathura. It is celebrated to commemorate Radha’s birth anniversary.Other festivals like Diwali, Shivratri and Basant Panchami are also celebrated with great fervor.

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Mathura is a major tourist city in India.
• Avoid false saller, they may sale you fake items.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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