Top 10 Things To Do In Mathura, Uttar Pradesh - Updated 2024

Charmaine
Charmaine 
Updated
| 5 min read

Planning a visit to India to get that country checked off your bucket list? You would not want to miss an important pilgrimage destination in India, Mathura. The city is known to be the home and birthplace of a major deity in Hinduism, Lord Krishna. The city is located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh state. It is considered to be one of the seven holy places in Hinduism. In ancient times, a temple by the name of Kesava Deo Temple was built on the site where Lord Krishna was born. Hence, Mathura is one of the few chosen places considered to be a heritage city in India. While this city has many legends and stories to tell, there is also a lot to explore here. Check out our list of the top things to do in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Experience peace at Krishna Janmasthan Temple (from USD 196.0)

A very important religious place for Hindus, Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is one of the most visited places in Mathura. Since it is Mathura’s main pilgrimage spot, thousands of Hindus throng to it to worship Lord Krishna. Many feel blessed and elated upon visiting the sacred prison cell where Lord Krishna was born. Aside from Hindus, people of different beliefs and traditions also come to experience the peaceful and positive ambiance of the temple. A place for meditation, the entire temple complex is clean, well-kept and secure.

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Krishna Janambhoomi & Holy Goverdhan Parikrama from Delhi

Duration: 12 hours

1 review

2. Visit Elephant Conservation & Care Center

Posted by Wasif Shaikh on Sunday, 15 March 2020

Experience the heartwarming and inspiring work of Elephant Conservation & Care Center in Mathura, which creates a safe haven for abused elephants. A visit to this amazing sanctuary is an eye-opener to people of all ages on how cruel human beings are to these gentle giants. Aside from seeing the injured elephants being taken care of, an educational video is presented to visitors showing the different struggles of elephants. Every visitor will leave the place sure of never taking an elephant ride ever again.

Elephant Conservation & Care Center

Address: Near Sachdeva Institute of Technology, Thurmura Ghari, NH2, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281122, Agra, India

Website: Elephant Conservation & Care Center

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

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3. Embrace the beauty of Lord Dwarikadheesh Temple

Dwarka - Temple 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Venkygrams used under CC BY-SA 4.0

A must-visit in Mathura, Lord Dwarikadheesh Temple, is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city. Built in the Rajasthani style of architecture, various aspects of the life of Lord Krishna are depicted in the beautiful and colorful paintings on the temple’s ceiling. Situated on the banks of Yamuna river, visitors can buy flowers to offer at the temple and take a dip or float in the river too.

Lord Dwarikadheesh Temple

Address: Raja Dhiraj Bazar Road, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11am, 3:30pm - 7pm (daily)

Price: free

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4. Explore ancient India at Mathura Government Museum

Archaeology Gallery - Government Museum - Mathura 2013-02-22 4761
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Biswarup Ganguly used under CC BY 3.0

A great place to visit, Mathura Government Museum showcases ancient India’s history with its superb artifacts collection. Set up in the late 1800s, the archaeological pieces collected from in and around Mathura are stored and displayed inside this museum. Objects that are thousands of years old as well as pieces from the Kushana and Gupta periods are also showcased in the museum.

Mathura Government Museum

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

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

Price: 0.06 USD onwards

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5. Admire the sparkling Yamuna river at Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Umang108 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

With beautiful temples flanking it on several sides, Vishram Ghat is the starting and ending point of the traditional parikrama (Hindu ritual of reverentially moving clockwise around a holy object or structure). Aside from the temples, some of Mathura’s most important shrines can also be found near Vishram Ghat. One should never miss the opportunity of taking a boat ride and witness, if not join in the aarti, a ritual where little oil lamps are offered with prayers to the gods. It is truly a sight to behold, where the water of Yamuna river sparkles with the lights of these lamps.

Vishram Ghat

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

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

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6. Delight in the intricate architecture of Katra Masjid

Katra masjid backside
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user SanchariBhattacha... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Another significant holy place in the city, Katra Masjid - Mathura is a mosque with four towers built in the Mughal architectural style. With an unparalleled architecture and designs that are excellently carved, one could say that the mosque was built by the best architects of its era. It is truly a must-visit spot for those who appreciate sophisticated architectural designs. The mosque sits directly beside Krishna Janmasthan Temple, the new version of the original Kesava Deo temple.

Katra Masjid - Mathura

Address: Deeg Marg, Janam Bhumi, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

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7. See one of Mathura’s oldest structures - Sati Burj


An attractive monument built in red sandstone, Sati Burj, deserves a visit among the many stunning temples and monuments of Mathura. The four stories, 17 meters (55 feet) tall tower was erected in 1570 AD, in commemoration of the death of the widow of Raja Biharimal of Amer. She performed the ancient Hindu ritual of ‘sati’ sacrifice after the death of her husband. Sati Burj is not only rich in a religious and historical sense but also visually appealing and very picturesque.

Sati Burj

Address: Ghat Kinara Rd, Gol Pada, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

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8. Discover blended religious architecture at Kans Qila


Located on the banks of Yamuna river, Kans Qila was the home of Lord Krishna’s maternal uncle, the demon, Kansa. Aside from being built over a large area, the fort’s walls are highly fortified. The beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture seen in the fort resulted from the passing of its ownership to several rulers. It is said that an observatory, though no sign of it can be seen now, was built in the fort by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur.

Kans Qila

Address: Ratankund, Chowk Bazar, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001, India

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 7am - 5pm; Sat: 7am - 7pm

Price: free

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9. View the beautiful Holi Gate


A major landmark in Mathura is Holi Gate, the entryway to the old city of Mathura. The gateway showcases elements of beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. This massive gateway is surrounded by a large number of activities. This is also the venue for the celebration of a major festival, Holi, otherwise known as the festival of colors. Hindus consider this site as a great part of their cultural and religious heritage. Hence, it is often used as a place to celebrate important events. The best time to visit Holi Gate is during festivals, but if that’s not possible, then a selfie taken at this huge entryway is definitely worth posting on all your social media platforms!

Holi Gate

Address: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281001

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

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10. Go to a holy reservoir - Shiv Tal


Another attraction in this heritage city is Shiv Tal, a kund (reservoir) believed to be holy because this was where Lord Krishna’s clothes were washed in ancient times. There are several other kunds in the area, which are mostly built of red sandstone and consist of many stairs. Legend states that there were originally 159 kunds here but only four exist today, including Shiv Tal, Saraswati kund, Balbhadra, and a nameless kund.

Shiv Tal

Address: Shiv Tal Kund, Sonkh Adda, Near Mukund Palace, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: free

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Experience the best of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Indeed, Hinduism has played a major role in the architecture, practices, activities, and arts of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. By visiting this holy city, you will learn more about the Hindu faith and how they value and respect their gods, as seen in various structures and temples. If you are someone who loves to learn about India’s deep cultural heritage, then the city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh is a great place to visit.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Charmaine is a Filipino food and travel blogger who is in constant search for new adventures and experiences. Travelling around the world has given her a wider perspective about life and a deeper...Read more

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