Top 7 Places to Visit In Mathura You Should Visit at Least Once

Walking through Mathura’s narrow lanes feels like stepping into ancient Indian mythology. Every corner reveals Lord Krishna’s stories and positive vibes. I discovered several tourist attractions in Mathura, from the sacred Janmabhoomi Temple to the serene marble beauty of Prem Mandir.

Beyond these landmarks, the Yamuna River Ghats offer a more unique experience where you can get a bath and soak in spirituality. The devotional energy is captivating, but for a true experience, the nighttime Parikrama around Govardhan is a must. It is a sensory experience amidst a spiritual journey under the stars that adds a spiritual dimension impossible to describe. But one thing is possible and that is to say that Mathura is not just a religious destination but a living town of history, art, and culture.

If you are contemplating a visit to Mathura, read this write-up to get information about places to visit in Mathura so you can make the most of your time here.

List of Must-Visit Attractions in Mathura for Every Traveler

1. Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple

Do you know that most visitors plan to visit Mathura to explore Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi? Now you know the importance of this temple, that’s why it is at the top of our list of the best places to visit in Mathura. 

It is Krishna’s birthplace, and the temple atmosphere is soothing, making you want to stay for a long time. The air thrums with bhajans at dawn, while devotees jostle to touch the sacred garbha griha (sanctum). Don’t miss the adjacent Keshav Dev Temple’s intricate carvings of Krishna’s childhood antics.

• Duration to explore: 2 –3 hours (add 2 hours during Janmashtami)
• Opening/Closing Time: 6:30 am–8 pm
• How to reach: The temple is situated about 2.5 km away from Mathura Junction. You can hire an auto rickshaw from outside the station, which will take you directly to the temple.
• Things to do: Attend the aarti, explore the archaeological museum’s Gupta-era relics
• Entry fee: Free
• Distance from Mathura: 2.5 km

2. Dwarkadhish Temple

Do you know what Dwarkadhish means? Dwarkadhish is another name of Lord Krishna because he built the city of Dwarka with the help of Vishwakarma. As it is dedicated to Krishna, this temple is known as the Dwarkadhish Temple.

The 19th-century temple features a black marble Krishna idol. There are frescoes on the ceiling depicting Krishna stealing butter. Thousands of devotees visit to seek Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and spiritual growth.

During festivals like Janmashtami, thousands of devotees gather to enjoy bhajans, dances, and rituals.

• Duration to explore: 2 –3 hours 
• Opening/Closing Time: 6:30–11 am, 4–7 pm
• How to reach: Take a rickshaw or book a cab to reach Dwarkadhish Temple. It will take around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the temple.
• Things to do: Experience the “Jhulan Utsav”
• Entry fee: Free
• Distance from Mathura: 3.0 Km

3. Prem Mandir

Prem Mandir stands as a breathtaking white marble wonder that looks like something from a fairy tale. It is one of the unique spiritual places compared to others, where ancient stories come to life through art. Sculptures that represent Lord Krishna’s divine journey and scenes of the epic Mahabharata allow you to track down India’s sacred history peacefully.

As daylight fades, hundreds of lights illuminate the marble, creating a heavenly glow that gives your eyes a treat. Moreover, the evening atmosphere fills with devotional music and the soft sounds of fountains. A visit here is all about experiencing the timeless beauty of Hindu heritage.

• Duration to Explore: 2-3 hours (Best to visit in the evening for the light show)
• Opening/Closing Time: 8:30 am–12 pm, 4:30–8:30 pm
• How to Reach: Train to Mathura Junction, then auto or taxi
• Things to do: Attend the Evening Light Show, walk through the gardens, and listen to devotional songs.
• Entry Fee: Free 
• Distance from Mathura: 12 km

4. Char Dham Vaishno Mandir

This sacred temple was recently built and tagged as one of the most beautiful temples in this region, which fills your heart with devotion. Designed like the sacred Katra temple, it gives devotees the same peaceful and powerful feeling. 

So, devotees can feel the same spiritual energy without going far. The temple has big statues, cave-style paths, and calm surroundings that make you feel close to the Goddess. Walking through the tunnel feels like going on a real yatra. The sound of temple bells and holy chants makes the place even more special. Visiting here gives you peace, faith, and a deep sense of joy.

• Duration to Explore: 1-2 hours (Best during morning or evening Aarti)
• Opening/Closing Time: 7 am–8 pm
• How to Reach: Take a local auto or cab from Mathura Junction
• Things to do: Pray in the main temple, walk through the cave tunnel, and attend Aarti
• Entry Fee: Free
• Distance from Mathura: 10 km

5. Banke Bihari Temple

Banke Bihari temple is another must-see place in Mathura; it is one of the oldest temples that exudes energy, devotion, and joy. As you step into this sacred space, you can feel a deep connection and feel of spiritually cleansing your aura.  Here, the idol is so enchanting that the priests draw a curtain every 7 minutes. So you get short, blissful glimpses without being overwhelmed by his divine charm.

But the fun begins even before you enter. Watch out for the naughty monkeys around! They are experts at snatching spectacles, purses, and even mobile phones. The good news? You can get your stuff back with a sweet bribe of a Frooti! It is their way of saying “Welcome to Vrindavan!”

To avoid long queues and for a peaceful darshan, arrive around 4 AM. Do not forget to keep your bags in the nearby shops, as the temple’s entry and exit lanes are narrow and different.

• Duration to explore: 2-3 hours 
• Opening/Closing Time: 7:30 am–12 pm, 5:30–9:30 pm
• How to reach: Book an autorickshaw to reach the Banke Bihari Temple, it will take approximately one hour to get there.
• Things to do: Buy Radha-Krishna idols from nearby craftsmen
• Entry Fee: Free (VIP Darshan available with a separate fee)
• Distance from Mathura: Approx 11.4 km

6. Vishram Ghat

Following his victory over his uncle Kansa, Krishna rested here; as a result, it became a popular pilgrimage spot in Mathura. Thousands of devotees come here to take a dip in holy water. As the sun sets, priests hold flaming lamps, drums crescendo, and a thousand flickering diyas illuminate the river.

Attending the Aarti at Vishram Ghat is an experience you shouldn’t miss, so whenever you visit this place, don’t forget to visit here. 

• Duration  to explore: 1.5 hours (sunset is golden hour)
• Opening/Closing Time: 24 Hours open
• How to reach: From outside the station, take an autorickshaw to Vishram Ghat. It takes about 20 minutes to get there.
• Things to do: Boat ride, take part in Aarti
• Entry fee: Free
• Distance from Mathura: 3.8 km

7. Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Hill is not just a place it is a symbol of spirituality that is mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Today, it stands as a powerful site of devotion, drawing countless pilgrims from all across the country.

What makes Govardhan truly special is the Parikrama, a holy walk around the hill that devotees take as an act of love and surrender. And here’s the best part, and that is it never sleeps. The Parikrama Marg is open 24 hours a day, so you can begin your journey at any time.

Some choose to take a rickshaw for comfort, but most walk barefoot or in simple footwear. The full walk usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, but every step feels like a prayer.

If you want to feel the magic, do the Parikrama at night. Under the starlit sky, with soft moonlight guiding your path and a sea of glowing diyas and chanting devotees around you

• Duration  to explore: 5 to 6 hours
• Opening/Closing Time: 24 Hours open
• How to reach: From outside the station, take a cab or rickshaw to the Govardhan Hill. It takes about 40 minutes to get there.
• Things to do: Hiking, Temple Visit
• Entry fee: Free
• Distance from Mathura: Approx 26.3 km

Final Words

The city of Lord Krishna vibes with joy, happiness, and culture, and its tourist attractions showcase that with grace. Once you have explored these sacred spaces, you can tick off spirituality, heritage, and Indian culture all with a one trip. And the best part is that along with Mathura, you can explore Vrindavan, which is situated near this town and houses loads of attractions.

For a hassle-free experience, choose SuperbWorldTrip.com’s Mathura tour package. With the package, you’ll get incredible deals on holiday packages, hotels, and flights.