My Travel Memories: From Goa and Mumbai to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh
V Rajesh Mohan Rao•
About Mathura
Overview
Mathura is an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh’s Braj region and is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Pilgrimage, temple rituals and festivals shape much of the city’s identity, particularly during Holi and Janmashtami. Mathura and nearby Vrindavan are closely connected, but each has its own religious traditions and atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Mathura
Plan your trip around the right season
Nov-MarBest Window
Why visit
Cool weather makes Krishna Janmabhoomi, the ghats, and Vrindavan day trips very comfortable. Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, in February or March, is one of India's best-known festivals.
Keep in mind
Janmashtami, Holi, and other festival dates bring lakhs of devotees. Book trains and hotels months in advance.
Apr-Jun
Why visit
Finish all sightseeing before 11am and you can cover the main spots.
Keep in mind
Braj plain summer is intense. Open ghats feel very hot by mid-morning.
Jul-Oct
Why visit
Yamuna water level rises and the river looks full. Shravan month has good devotional energy.
Keep in mind
Humidity and thundershowers, walking barefoot on wet stone steps is slippery.
Nov-MarBest Window
Why visit
Cool weather makes Krishna Janmabhoomi, the ghats, and Vrindavan day trips very comfortable. Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, in February or March, is one of India's best-known festivals.
Keep in mind
Janmashtami, Holi, and other festival dates bring lakhs of devotees. Book trains and hotels months in advance.
Apr-Jun
Why visit
Finish all sightseeing before 11am and you can cover the main spots.
Keep in mind
Braj plain summer is intense. Open ghats feel very hot by mid-morning.
Jul-Oct
Why visit
Yamuna water level rises and the river looks full. Shravan month has good devotional energy.
Keep in mind
Humidity and thundershowers, walking barefoot on wet stone steps is slippery.
How to Reach Mathura
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Mathura Junction is the main station. The nearest airport with regular flights is Agra, about 60 km; Delhi airport is about 150 km via the Yamuna Expressway.
Getting Around Mathura
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
Autos, e-rickshaws and tongas in the lanes, and app cabs for the run to Vrindavan.
Best Areas to Stay in Mathura
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Around Krishna Janmasthan
Temple visitsDharamshalas and small hotels within walking distance of the Janmasthan and Vishram Ghat.
Masani and the Delhi highway
Families with a carBigger hotels on the Delhi road, easier if you are travelling with elders or by car.
Vrindavan
Longer Braj staysA 15 km hop to Vrindavan, with far more ashrams and guesthouses than Mathura itself.
Must-Try Dishes in Mathura
Local food specialties and traditional favourites
Mathura Peda
Dense milk peda, Mathura's best-known sweet.
Bedai
Spiced fried puri with aloo sabzi and jalebi, the Braj breakfast.
Lassi
Thick sweet or salted lassi, sold all over the old city.
Articles and stories
Articles and stories from Mathura
