Mathura Tour Packages

Mathura is one of the most esteemed pilgrimages that one can go on in India. This holy city is closely tied to the pages of Hindu mythology and history and has always been a major destination for spiritual tourism. If you are interested in going on a holy journey to this city, you can consider opting for the Mathura tour packages by Thomas Cook. Find all you need to know about Mathura tourism on this page.

Most Popular Mathura Tour Packages

Historical and Cultural Importance of Mathura

The city of Mathura in Uttar Pradesh is a very important place in Hinduism. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Mathura is also a part of the Sapta Puri, meaning it is one of the seven cities considered sacred for Hindus. Just 15 km from Mathura is Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s spiritual home and the twin city of Mathura. The mention of Mathura is even found in the Ramayana, the oldest Indian epic. This is why people of the Hindu faith, especially the devotees of Lord Krishna, are drawn towards this city for pilgrimage. However, Mathura’s immense cultural and historical heritage doesn’t just end there. It has been an active centre of Brahmanism, Jainism and Buddhism for decades in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The incredible Mathura culture comprises regional art, festivals and religion, making it an iconic site for not only spiritual but also cultural tourism. The rich history of Mathura can be dated back to 2500 years in the past. The land had been a part of many major empires, including the Kushan Empire under Kanishka. The mentions of this city can also be found in the accounts of the celebrated Chinese ambassador, Fa Hien, who came to India back in the 5th century CE. Explore the religious wonders and prominent temples at Mathura with the handpicked Mathura tour packages by Thomas Cook.

Traditions and Rituals Practised in Mathura

The rich heritage, culture and tradition of Mathura have an immense impact on Indian culture. The regional art and festivals of Mathura are incredibly popular around the globe. The region celebrates major events and festivals like Janmashtami, Govardhan Puja, Guru Purnima, Rath Yatra, etc., which are marked by elaborate rituals, colourful dances and songs, and so on. There are also unique traditions followed in Mathura that are an important part of its culture, such as Raasleela, a dance-drama depicting Krishna’s dance with the gopis of Braj, Charkula, a dramatic dance with earthen lamps on the head of female dances during the time of Holi, Rasiya, traditional folk songs from Braj area, etc. If you want to experience these events, make sure to plan the Mathura itinerary accordingly.

Places to Visit in Mathura 

Here are some popular religious sites and unique attractions in the region that you can add to your Mathura itinerary;

Other religious places to visit in Mathura

Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Hill is only 25 km from the city and is a major attraction that you can visit on your tour to Mathura. As per legend, Lord Krishna raised this hill with one finger to save his hometown from thunderstorms and heavy rain. He also stated that this hill is not distinct from him. This is why his followers worship and adore the hill same as him. Govardhan Hill is one of the most important religious places to visit in Mathura.

Radha Kund

It is one of the most prominent holy places to see in Mathura. On the behest of Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna created a lake, called Shyam Kund, so he could wash off his sin of killing a demon bull named Aristasura. Goddess Radha also created a lake with her friends, which came to be called Radha Kund. It is believed, whoever takes a dip in Radha Kund will be blessed with “Prem-Bhakti”.

Vishram Ghat

It is a sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River, only 3 km from Mathura city centre. One of the best things to do in Mathura for devotees is to visit this ghat to take a holy bath and perform traditional rituals. According to legends, Lord Krishna used this ghat as a resting place after defeating the wicked king, Kansa. It is one of the most iconic Mathura tourist places.

Unique features of Mathura

Yamuna is one of the most sacred rivers according to Hinduism in India. The district of Mathura is situated on the beautiful banks of this river. People on their Mathura trip love to visit this river to embrace its natural beauty and take ritualistic baths to wash away their sins. The landscape of Mathura is also blessed by a majestic hill called Govardhana Hill, which is also an important sacred site. Nidhivan of Vrindavan, in Mathura district, is a sacred forest in the region, associated with the legend of Sri Krishna and many mysteries. You can hire a local Mathura travel guide if you want more information while visiting these sites.

Temples to Visit in Mathura 

Here are the most important and popular temples in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh; 

Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple

Shri Krishna Janmashthan Temple is one of the most sacred temples at Mathura. This shrine is constructed around the jail cell where Lord Krishna's parents were held captive by his cruel uncle, Kansa. Being the birthplace of Sri Krishna, the shrine holds a place of massive religious and cultural significance for Hindus. The complex also houses Keshavdev Temple, Garbha Griha Shrine, Bhagavata Bhavan, and Potra Kund. You can easily find Mathura tour packages featuring this temple on our website.

Dwarkadhish Temple

The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of Mathura’s most beautiful temples, known for its stunning architecture and intricate murals. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Dwarkadhish, a form of Lord Krishan called Dwarkanath. The black marble idol of the deity is located within the temple. Some of the finest works of craftsmanship are found within this temple in the form of ceiling paintings, wall murals, architectural patterns, etc. It is one of the top places to visit in Mathura and a common inclusion of popular Mathura tour packages.

Radha Vallabh Mandir

The Shri Radha Vallabh Mandir is one of the seven shrines of Thakur of Vrindavan. It is one of the purest symbols of the bond of love between Radha Rani and Lord Krishna, regarded as the rarest form of “Ras Bhakti”. It is the RadhaVallabh sect’s main shrine and one of the most important places to visit in Mathura for religious tours. The principal deity at this temple is Radha Rani, but there is no idol of the goddess in the shrine. The idol at the temple is considered the embodiment of both Radha Rani and Lord Krishna, highlighting their unified soul. Placed near the idol of Shri RadhaVallabh is a crown, which represents Goddess Radha. It is a standard inclusion in many Mathura tour packages.

Banke Bihari Temple

One of the most famous Mathura places to visit for spiritual tours in Vrindavan's Banke Bihari Temple. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who stands in the famous “tribhanga” pose, which is bent at three angles. Here, “Banke” means “bent in three places” and “Bihari” means “supreme enjoyer”. The temple showcases the pure devotion and love of Swami Haridas Ji for Sri Radhe-Krishna. The darshan of the presiding deity at this temple is never continuous. It is done with intermittent pauses by the use of curtains being drawn on him. It is believed if a devotee looks into the eyes of the lord long enough, they will lose consciousness. It is one of the most visited temples in Mathura.

Things to Know While Visiting Mathura 

Here are some things that you should know prior to the Mathura trip;

• If you are visiting Mathura during the Holi festival, consider wearing white clothing that you don’t mind throwing away as you are bound to get colours on you.
• When visiting the temples and any other sacred sites in Mathura, make sure to dress modestly and wear non-revealing clothes. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• Remove shoes outside the temple premises before entering for darshan.
• There are certain bans and restrictions on the sale of meat and liquor across various places in the district. 
• Be sure to respect the local culture and traditions of Mathura. 
• You can hire a Mathura tour guide if you want to learn about the local legends as you explore the sacred sites.
• Cameras and electronic equipment are not allowed inside many Mathura temples due to security concerns. Some even have restrictions on mobile photography. 

Best Time to Visit Mathura 

Go through the following pointers to find out the best time for your Mathura trip;

Summer in Mathura

The summer season in this region covers the months of April to June. The weather is extremely hot during peak summer, while the humidity stays relatively low. Temperatures can rise up to 45°C during these months, which makes summer a bad time for Mathura sightseeing and spiritual tourism. Besides the low tourist crowd, you can get good discounts on hotels, transfers and Mathura tour packages during this season.

Monsoon in Mathura

Monsoon in the region starts in July and ends in September, bringing much-needed relief from the extreme summer heat. The average temperature range of 25-35°C and frequent rainfall don’t stop tourists and devotees from making a Mathura trip plan for this season. Many consider it the best time for Mathura travel as it coincides with Shri Krishna Janmashtami, a major festival in the region. Find Mathura tour packages for monsoon on Thomas Cook.

Winter in Mathura

Winter, which stretches from October to March, is the peak season for Mathura tourism. The soothing temperature and clear weather are ideal for temple visits and general Mathura sightseeing. However, do note that the mercury often drops to the low 10s during this season, so pack warm clothes for the Mathura trip. The popular festival of Braj ki Holi falls during this season, making it the best time to visit Mathura.

Quotes and Inspirations 

People often define the experience of their Mathura visit to be divine, which is something we felt during our visit. On our Mathura tour, as we were approaching the holy city, our hearts were overflowing with excitement. We were greeted with warm hospitality by the locals from the get-go, which induced a sense of belonging from deep within. As we were walking towards the revered Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, a quote from Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa was echoing in our minds. It read, “We behold what we are, and we are what we behold.” This statement is so true that we need a clear conscience to fully grasp its true meaning. After waiting in line for the Darshan for some time, we caught a glimpse of the idol in the temple and as we poured our hearts and souls through the praying hand gesture, we felt a moment of calm and happiness that resonated with everything we stood for. Our goal was to seek inner peace and divine guidance, which was fulfilled as we navigated through the holy sites of Mathura and made efforts towards learning more about its historical, cultural and spiritual heritage. 

What to Eat in Mathura?

Let the delicious local food fill your hungry stomach as you explore the famous Mathura tourist attractions. Here is a list of Mathura famous food items that you can consider trying on your visit;

Aloo Kachori

The love for Aloo Kachori is nationwide and if you want to try this deep-fried, crispy pastry stuffed with delicious potato filling with tangy and spicy seasoning, Mathura is a great choice. This famous food in Mathura is widely available as street food and is paired with yoghurt or hot or spicy chutney. 

Ghewar

Ghewar is a famous food in Mathura, mainly prepared during the festive season. This dessert is made using gee, all-purpose flour, and milk, which is then fried into golden, honey-comb-shaped discs and soaked in syrup. Garnished with silver leaf, saffron and nuts, this Mathura food item has a sweet taste and soft texture that melts in the mouth.

Rabri

Rabri is a popular Mathura sweet dish, ideal for individuals with a sweet tooth. This Mathura food item is made from milk and sugar and has a creamy texture. It is an iconic traditional food item that you can try on your Mathura travel.

Baingan Bharta

Mathura cuisine mainly focuses on vegetarian recipes and Baingan Bharta is one of its most delicious dishes. It is made by roasting eggplants on slow flame, which gives it its iconic smoky flavour. It is then mashed with garlic, onions, tomatoes and a few basic spices. It is a must-try Mathura famous food item.

Shopping in Mathura

Enjoy shopping for gifts and souvenirs at Mathura’s main markets, such as;

Tilak Dwar Market

This market, also known as the Holy Gate market, is one of the best places to visit in Mathura for shopping. It has plenty of shops selling all kinds of products, especially puja and religious items. It also has many sweet shops from where you can buy delicious sweets. 

Chatta Bazar

On your Mathura tour, visit Chatta Bazaar. It is one of the region’s oldest bazaars, known for housing several shops selling beautiful clothes, religious souvenirs and silver and brass accessories. The popular Kanhaiya Cloth Market is also within its vicinity. Some signature products to buy at this market are silver anklets and Shringar clothes for idols.

Krishna Nagar Market

The Krishan Nagar Market is one of the best places in Mathura for shopping. It is a place where you can buy all your daily-use products, from vegetables to pet food, you name it, they have it. Some popular things to buy from this market are quality leather goods, souvenirs and dress materials.

Lal Bazaar

On your Mathura city tour, make sure to drop by Lal Bazaar. The variety of products available in this market is truly impressive. If you have the right bargaining skills, you can get great deals when shopping for gifts and souvenirs. Products available for purchase here include brass idols, religious items, household puja utensils, etc.