A Memorable Family Trip from Delhi to Mathura

A few weeks ago, my family and I were planning where to go for a long weekend. While I suggested going to Manali so that I could take aesthetic photos, the idea that was kicked off by my mother, we somehow ended up deciding to go on a spiritual trip. And when you are living in Delhi, the first place that comes to mind is Mathura. Being a place that is so near Delhi, and can be explored in a day, we confirmed this idea. And I must say, it turned out to be one of the most memorable trips we've ever taken together.

Planning the Mathura Trip 

For travelling from Delhi to Mathura, we started off planning on how to reach there. Planning was simple, first we checked Delhi to Mathura distance, which was 183 km. This was a journey that we could have covered by our own car, but according to my father, cars must also get rest on holidays, so instead we booked a Tempo Traveller on rent in Delhi to Mathura. While it was a little big according to our family of 4, and one of our cousins, the comfortable travel covered it all. After booking that all we had to do was just be on time. The next day, when we had to start our trip, just like every family in the world, the driver with his tempo traveller was on time, but we were late. 

Delhi to Mathura: The Road Trip Begins 

While the driver could have scolded us for being 10 minutes late, he was quite calm. We left at 5:10 am, which should have been sharp 5. This was a journey of approximately 3 hours and a little extra; most of my family fell asleep except for my father. As seamless as the journey was, we reached Mathura by 8:55 am. The moment we reached to the city of Mathura, there was something different, like you know you are in Mathura - with a sense of peace and positive spiritual energy.

First Stop: Shri Dwarkadhish Temple

Around 9 am, we entered the Dwarikadhish Temple. This is considered one of the oldest Hindu temples in Mathura. The temple was like a painted poem, full of life and devotion and just so beautiful. The idol of Lord Krishna was adorned beautifully, and the people were completely immersed in devotion and chanting. We were a little late, so we couldn't join the Gwal Aarti. But even then, the vibe of the temple wasn’t faded. We did miss Aarti, but for you, here are the Dwarikadhish Aarti timings so that you don't make the same mistake as ours:

Second Stop: Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

After such a good start, we went to the next Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple.  This is the very temple where Lord Shri Krishna manifested Himself in the prison house of the cruel king Kansa and set free his father Vasudeva and his mother Devaki. It is just 3 km away from the Dwarikadish Temple. The temple timings here were general, but here you will find different complexes within the temple that are -  

Garbha Griha Shrine - a prison cell, the exact place where lord Krishna was born.
Keshavdev Temple - Also known as Rangbhumi, it is one of the most beloved complexes built by Ramkrishna Dalmia in loving memory of his mother.
Bhagavata Bhavan - This building was constructed to display five shrines that are dedicated to various deities such as Radha-Krishna, Balarama, and Jagannath. And the ceilings and walls of the hall were so captivating as they narrate the life of Krishna through the paintings.
Potra Kund - this was a large with tiered water pool that was used for bathing baby Krishna.
Who knew that a temple could give much information? 

Strolling Through the Lanes of Mathura

After visiting these temples, we went to stroll through the lanes of Mathura. The Narrow streets, bustling and filled with shops selling brass idols, religious books, colourful bangles, and delicious street food. We bought a few souvenirs like a tiny Krishna idol, tulsi malas and a beautiful painting for our home.Once we were done Shopping, we went to one of the hotels in Mathura just to freshen up. It was around 1:30 pm when we decided to take a small break. After having a delicious lunch, we continued our journey.

Going from Mathura To Vrindavan

After exploring this much of Mathura, we went to explore Vrindavan and reached there around 4:30. Our first stop here was the Prem Mandir.

First Place - Prem Mandir in Vrindavan

This temple was as beautiful as its name, The temple was just opening as it was 4:30 pm. As soon as it opened, it filled quickly with people. The Temple was just so beautiful, made with white marble, temple looked like something out of a dream. Inside, the idol of Radha-Krishna was placed in the centre. As evening came, the lights around the temple slowly lit up, and the entire place started glowing. We sat in the garden for a while, listening to bhajans playing softly in the background. 

Second stop - Banke Bihari Temple - 

Banke Biharai Temple in Vrindavan opens for evening darshan around 5:30 PM, so we were quite on time. The unique thing here is the curtain that opens and closes every few seconds to give devotees a glimpse of the deity. It's believed that the idol of Lord Krishna is so mesmerising that a continuous gaze might cause one to faint, which actually felt true. Every place here actually gave a new, unforgettable experience. 

Third and the best - Nidhivan, Vrindavan

After beautiful Temple darshan, we went to Nidhivan. This is what we all have heard so much about, a place where Lord Krishna, along with Radha and his gopis, come to perform the Ras Leela every night.  No one is allowed to go inside the premises of the temple after the sun sets. We explored the place a little, took some blessings and then went for our next stop. 

Next stop - Iskcon Temple

The one temple that is so very much famous on Instagram and every other platform. This place was like magic. We entered the temple, and all we heard was Hare Rama, Hare Krishna. People dancing on bhajans, completely immersed in devotion, like they were hypnotised to do so. We danced, sat for a little while in those enchanting surroundings. Purely Heaven! 

Returning from Vrindavan to Delhi

After such a devotional time, by 7:49 pm, we were almost free. We had our dinner, spent a little family time and then continued are journey back to Delhi. While we were heading back, we made a stop at Keshi Ghat. Here, one must witness the Yamuna aarti. But we were late, and the timings of Keshi Ghat are 6 am to 8 pm, but we did take a glance at the amazing place. 

This was an amazing and successful one-day trip from Delhi to Mathura and Vrindavan. We laughed, prayed, reminisced, and simply enjoyed being in each other’s company - and of course, survived each other. I was so tired that I went to the last seat and lay down, so glad that we booked a 7 seater tempo traveller for 5 people. But as laid down, I realised that we don’t always have to go to some place fancy or cool, with family, a simple temple tour can be equally fun.