Excursions
Agra
Agra, where the world-famous Taj Mahal is located, is 50 km away from Mathura. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is a beautiful symphony in white marble. Other splendid examples of Mughal architecture include the Agra Fort with its famous Pearl Mosque and the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra, which is an amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.

Fatehpur Sikri
Built by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri lies 60 km from Mathura and has a marvellously preserved fort, palaces and the tomb of Salim Chishti. It is well worth a visit.

Deeg
An 18th century stonghold of the Jat Rajas with picturesquely created fairy-tale palaces and gardens set at the edge of reservoirs of water, Deeg is a popular tourist rendezvous 27 km from Vrindavan.

Festivals
Since the ethos of Mathura is centred around Krishna and his tales, Mathura sees heightened activities during major festivities related to the Lord, like his birthday or Janamashtmi in Aug-Sept., Radha's birthday or Radhashtmi in Aug. and Holi, the festival of colours in February-March The lesser-known festivals like Kans Vadh, Hariyali Teej, Guru Purnima, Govardhan Puja, Jhulan Yatra and Basant Panchmi are also occasions for celebration. Most of the temples are decorated beautifully for the celebrations.

Janamashtmi is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Translated, the word Janam means birth and Ashtmi is the eighth day in the Hindu calendar. Krishna was born on the eighth day in the Hindu month of Shravan, which falls in the months of August-September. A twenty-four hour fast is observed on this day and prayers are chanted at midnight, the time of Lord Krishna's birth. The idol of Krishna is bathed and placed in ornate cradles. Decorated tableaus show scenes from Krishna's birth stories. The Raaslila (a form of dance) is enacted, recreating the many legends of Krishna's life and his amorous exploits.

Holi, the spring festival of colours (celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalgun in Febuary-March) has a special flavour in Brajbhoomi and is celebrated for several days. Men and women play with coloured powder (gulaal), water and flowers. The atmosphere is filled with a spirit of teasing and playful repartee. In Barsana the festival includes colourful processions with music, song and dance and the famous 'Lathmaar Holi'.

Other places to visit include the Brahmanand Ghat in Gokul, where Krishna revealed his true identity to Yashoda, the kadamba tree where he is believed to have stolen the clothes of the milkmaids, the narrow 'Sankri khoh' where Krishna is believed to have waylaid the milkmaids of Barsana, and Nidhivan, where believers are convinced that Krishna still plays raas with gopikas. Every grove, every tree, every mountain in the area is richly interwoven with the Krishna legend and is held in great reverence by his thousands of devotees.

Climate
Mathura is hot in summers, with day temperatures going up to 45° C. Winters are comfortable, at 32°C in the day and 14°C at night. Except for the monsoon months between July and September, the climate is dry. Light cottons in summer and monsoons, and light woollens in winter are sufficient.

Weather conditions in Mathura are the best between November and March.

How to get there
Air
The nearest airport is 62 km away at Kheria, Agra, while the Delhi Airport is 155 km away.

Rail
Mathura is on the main lines of central and western railway and is connected with other important cities of the country such as Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur and Calcutta.

Road
It is linked by the regular state bus services of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana.

Shopping
Mathura, the land of cows, is famed for its milk-based sweets. A special sweet prepared with milk, called peda, is very famous. Most temple complexes are ringed with numerous small shops selling stone and clay idols of various kinds, charming combinations of gorgeous glass beads, with glass and wooden beads strung together with tulsi and rudraksh. Vrindavan is famous for its marble and alabaster products embossed with semi-precious stones or synthetic gems.

Food
The entire region of Braj follows the Vaishnavite tradition of vegetarianism. The local fare is light and inexpensive.

General Guidelines
Please remember to observe the general rules for visiting any holy site in India - namely...

Do not wear revealing clothes.
Remove footwear before entering any building.
Ask before taking a photograph.
Do respect the religious views of the locals.

Accomodation
Accommodation to suit all budgets is available at Mathura. Given below are some three-star options with basic comforts.

Hotel Best Western Radha Ashok
Masani Bypass Road, Chhatikara
Mathura-281001,
Uttar Pradesh.
Tel. 0565-405557
Fax 0565-409557

Hotel Madhuvan
Krishna Nagar,
Mathura-281004,
Uttar Pradesh.
Tel. 0565-421350, 420064
Fax 0565-420684

Hotel Mansarovar Palace
State Bank Crossing,
Mathura,
Uttar Pradesh.
Tel. 0565-408686/409966/406525
Fax. 0565-401611

UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow
Civil Lines, Mathura,
Uttar Pradesh.
Tel. 0565-407822

- Bindu Bhadana

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