Top 9 Things Mathura Is Famous For

1. Pilgrim place for Hindus

As a pilgrim place for Hindus, Mathura’s fame stems from it being Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Apart from being a pilgrimage town, it is part of the seven cities regarded as sacred places in India. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple (also known as Kesava Deo Temple) is the most important place of worship in Mathura. A small fortress in the building is the exact spot where Krishna was born. Legend has it that Krishna’s mother gave birth there while in captivity. Kansa, a tyrant who ruled at the time, held Krishna’s parents’ captive in an underground prison. Spreading outward is the Kesava Deo temple; it has murals depicting how Krishna lived here.

2. Government Museum

Government Museum contains an array of archaeological artifacts, coins, paintings, and sculptures. The museum building is a work of art, thanks to its octagonal shape with a red sandstone finish. As an art enthusiast, you will love the numerous sculptures of Buddha, and that of the headless Kanishka holding a sword and sheath. Multiple terracotta pieces, plaques, and images from a civilization that spans over 3,000 years are another highlight of the museum. Besides the creativity depicted in its displays, the museum provides information that helps visitors understand what the art forms stand for as well as their origins. Without visiting the Government Museum, your trip to Mathura is incomplete.

Government Museum, Mathura

Address: Museum Road, Dampier Nagar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

Website: Government Museum, Mathura

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 0.34 USD for Foreigners; 0.07 USD for Adults; 0.03 USD for Children

3. Mathura ke Pede

Mathura ke Pede is a traditional Indian delicacy made from clarified butter, sugar, milk powder, mawa, and flavored with cardamom powder. During preparation, all the ingredients are mixed and stirred thoroughly. After that, the mixture is boiled to syrup before being allowed to cool. Once settled, it is shaped and garnished with cardamom powder and seeds. Mathura ke Pede has a distinct light brown color. It is a popular sweet among the locals and globally famous among tourists. You, too, must indulge in this confectionery that is synonymous with the city of Mathura. Feel the sweetness melt inside your mouth and buy a box or two for later.

4. Birthplace of Lord Krishna

As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Hindus believe that the deity was born in Mathura at a site where the Kesava Deo Temple presently stands. Kesava Deo Temple is part of a group of holy buildings that make up the Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex. A visit to these temples reveals the architectural grandeur of ancient India. In a twist of humor, you will encounter monkeys that grab your personal things only to return them for fruit juice. While on tour, take a break and sample the local tea served in a container known as a kulhad.

5. Tilak Dwar Market

At the colorful Tilak Dwar Market, you will find an array of religious artifacts, including brass statutes, embroidered pieces, weaved beads, sculptures, and paintings. Carry a few as souvenirs or to decorate your house. You can get these items at reasonable prices. The are many sweet shops dotting the area; make sure to drop by one of them and try the freshly made sweets. Besides, there are several places of worship in the market - Vishram Ghat and Dwarikadhish temple are particularly noteworthy.

Tilak Dwar Market

Address: Tilak Dwar, Mathura.

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

6. Kusum Sarovar

Kusum Sarovar features a water reservoir surrounded by magnificent sandstone buildings. A flight of stairs leads on to the pond, where you can take a dip or swim in the emerald green water. Behind the buildings bordering the water body is a forest filled with traditional Indian flowers like campaka, yuthi, and chameli. Hindus believe that Lord Krishan collected these flowers and used them to make garlands. A host of temples adorns the vicinity. Beautiful paintings that depict Krishna’s life are a must-see. In the evening, you can watch the sunset while sitting under the iconic Kadamb tree where Krishna used to play.

Kusum Sarovar

Address: Govardhan Hill between Manasi Ganga and Radha Kund, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh

7. Lathmar Holi

Lathmar Holi, a Hindu festival in Mathura, recreates a legend. The tale has it that Lord Krishna visited his friend, Radha, who resided in Barsana town. At one point during the visit, Krishna indulged Radha in a teasing game, and in response, she took offense. Accompanied by her friends, she fought back and drove Lord Krishna out of the town. To keep the legend alive, every year, men drenched in color, visit Barsana. Upon arrival, they encounter women who hurl sticks at them. Locals call these sticks “lathi.” In the process, the women capture some of these men and force them to dance while dressed in female attire. An exciting aspect of Lathmar Holi is that it lasts for a week or two.

8. Vishram Ghat

A “ghat” is a bathing place — and Vishram Ghat, nestled along the banks of River Yamuna, is the main one. According to Hindu beliefs, Krishna relaxed at this ghat following his victory over Kansa, an evil demon king. While resting, Lord Krishna also took a bath. Elegant temples line up the area. In the evening, devotees hold a prayer ceremony called the aarti, featuring small floating oil lamps. As they drift, the river comes alive with hundreds of flickering lights. You must not miss this beautiful sight.

Vishram Ghat

Address: Vishram Bazar, Choubey Para, Gol Pada, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, 281001, India

9. Braj Holi

Braj Holi is similar, in all aspects, to the Holi festivity in Lathmar. Celebrations start a few days earlier than the rest of India. Of all festivities in this country, Holi is the most colorful. In Braj, the festival involves song and dance with performances themed around Lord Krishna’s life. The Brijwasi dress in their most colorful attire before converging at Vrindavan, the town center. As dance songs play in the background, the locals dance while splashing colored water on one another. Residents decorate their houses, streets, and temples. Everywhere you go, you will see colorfully decorated streets. Also, you can enjoy freely distributed sweets.

Explore the sacred city of Mathura

As Lord Krishna’s birthplace, Mathura is no doubt a holy city. Nothing depicts this more than the dozens of temples with their unique architecture. There are plenty of things to do in Mathura. Be there when the myths unfold, let the Holi colors brighten your day, and get fascinated by the attractions that make Mathura famous.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of the attractions may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.