Religious Places in Uttar Pradesh

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Mathura
Mathura popularly known as ‘Krishna Janmabhoomi’ or the birthplace of Lord Krishna is situated on the Western side of river Yamuna, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is approximately 50 kms north of Agra and 150 kms south of Delhi. During the ancient period it was an economic and cultural hub. Mathura has a long history and has seen rule of many dynasties. The Buddhists, Jains, Muslims and Brahmins apprehend it for sacredness in an equal way.

Tourist Attractions: Sri Kishna Janambhumi, Jama Masjid, Vishram Ghat, Dwarkadheesh Temple, Gita Mandir and Government Museum.

How to reach
Air: Nearest airport is Kheria (Agra), 62 kms.
Rail: Mathura is on the main lines of the Central and Western Railways and is connected with all the important cities of the state and country such as Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hydrabad, Chennai, Lucknow, etc.
Road: Mathura is connected to all the major cities, by National Highways. It is linked by the regular state bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Vrindavan
Vrindavan, also spelled as Vrindaban or Brindavan is an ancient forest where lord Krishna spent his childhood days. According to folk stories Krishna is also described as meeting and dancing with Radha Rani and the local girls of Vrindavan village, which is known as ‘Ras Leela’ at this place. Vrindavan, popularly called Vraj by the locals living in the area is about 15 kms away from the Mathura city.

Vrindavan, situated on the bank of river Yamuna, is the twin city of Mathura and a major place of pilgrimage. Here, one can visit numerous well-renowned temples that are ancient as well as modern.

Tourist Attractions: Madan Mohan Temple, Banke-Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Jaipur Temple, Shahji Temple, Rangaji Temple, Govind Deo (Govindaji) Temple, Shri Krishna-Balram Temple, Seva Kunj, Sriji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Kesi Ghat, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Meera-Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varaha Ghat and Chira Ghat.

How to reach
Air: The nearest airport is Agra around 67 km away from Vrindavan.
Rail: Though Vrindavan itself is a railway station; the major railway station nearby is Mathura on the Delhi-Chennai and Delhi-Mumbai main line.
Road: Vrindavan is connected to Mathura and all other places of interest in Braj by bus services and is on direct road link from Delhi and Agra.

Gokul
Gokul is a village with pastoral beauty, located about 15 kms southeast of Mathura on the banks of the Yamuna. It was here that Yashoda and Nanda Baba brought up Lord Krishna, after being shifted by his father Vasaudeva from Mathura.

Gokul gained importance in the 16th century when Vallabhacharya started preaching, after which it became a major bhakti zone. This place has one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Tourist Attractions: Gokulnath Temple, Madan Mohan Temple, Vithalnath Temple, Dwarika Nath Temple, Balkrishna Temple, Gokulnath Temple, Raja Thakur Temple, Gopal Lalji Temple and the Morwala Temple.

How to Reach
Accessible only by road - 15 kms from Mathura

Govardhan
Govardhan, located 26 kms west of Mathura is a famous Hindu pilgrimage. Govardhan is named after Govardhan hillock, which is said to be raised by Lord Krishna on the tip of his little finger for 7 days and nights, to protect the people of Braj from the cascade of rain sent down by angry Lord Indra.

Tourist Attractions:
Mansi Ganga, Haridev Temple and the Kusum Sarovar & Chhatri of Raja Surajmal.

How to Reach
Accessible only by road - 26 kms from Mathura