How to Plan Mathura – Vrindavan – Agra via Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul – Budget Trip

This post is about How to Plan Mathura – Vrindavan – Agra via Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul – Budget Trip (Inc. Travel Cost, Stay, and Food) From New Delhi / Chandigarh.

Mathura

It is scattered with numerous temples having significance; the town’s main temple is the Dwarkadheesh temple, where the devotees assemble during every festival. Sri Krishna Janam Bhumi is another site to visit; it is where Lord Krishna was born; similarly, Lord Krishna’s rest place after his triumph over the tyrant Kansa is the Vishram Ghat. Other points of attraction are the Gita Mandir, Radhakund, and more.

Vrindavan

You get to find out more about Lord Krishna’s childhood and love interests with your visit to another town near Mathura, Vrindavan. Explore more what all these temples have to offer. The Banke Bihari Temple is a well-known shrine; the temple it is dedicated to is believed to have been the great Krishna devotee. The oldest temple in the area is the Madan Mohan Temple; the most beautifully designed temple is the Sri Radha Raman Mandir temple. Other temples are the Prem Mandir, ISKCON temple, and more.

Nandgaon

Nandgaon is a significant religious and tourist destination owing to its association with Lord Krishna. Every year thousands flock to the town during Holi to witness the wonderful festival of Lathmar Holi.

It is believed that Krishna, in his childhood, resided in Nandgaon with his family. Nandgaon was named after Nand Baba, the father of Krishna.

Barsana

Barsana is believed to be the home of the Hindu goddess Radha, the consort of Krishna. It is in the Braj region. The main attraction of the town is Radha Rani Temple.

Gokul

The town where Krishna spent his childhood, Gokul, is an important pilgrimage destination. From temples dedicated to Lord Krishna to the sites where Lord Krishna lived and played is the must-see in Gokul. Performing a pilgrimage is the top thing to do in Gokul.

Govardhan

Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill during his childhood on one finger to save his village of Mathura from fierce rains and thunderstorms. This hill is considered holy and is visited by worshipers on Guru Purnima, Govardhan Puja, in devotion by walking 23 km barefoot around the mountain. After Lord Krishna had saved his village, he told everyone to worship the hill, which is why Govardhan Puja is a day after Diwali. It is a serene place and definitely, a must-visit!

Agra

Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal (17th century), designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. A complex mausoleum, the Taj Mahal is often considered to be the world’s best example of Mughal architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahān built it for his favourite wife, Mumtāz Maḥal, in the mid-17th century.

Here is the itinerary to Plan Mathura – Vrindavan – Agra via Nandgaon, Barsana, Govardhan, Gokul – Budget Trip

Day 01

Delhi – Mathura (160 KM and takes around 3 hours to reach via Road Trip)

Being reasonably close to the capital (Delhi), your journey to Mathura begins from here. It takes around 3 hours to reach (by Road) but can reduce to one hour if you opt to travel via train. 

I am living in Chandigarh and opt to go to Mathura via Train.

Chandigarh to Mathura via Train costs you approx 750 INR for the 3rd AC and 300 INR for the Sleeper Coach.

Traveling from New Delhi costs you approximately 600 INR for the 3rd AC and 200 INR for the Sleeper Coach. 

Check-in at the pre-booked Hotel, and after freshening up and having lunch, start exploring the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Stay in a Hotel (near Janambhumi) costs you approx 1200 INR per night.

1. Visit JanamBhumi (visiting hours 5 AM to 12 Noon and 4 PM to 9:30 PM.); it is where Lord Krishna was born.
2. Spend some time in Janambhumi and proceed towards Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura (visiting hours 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM), which holds an exciting architecture in the area.
3. Move towards Vishram Ghat (5 AM to 8 PM), Lord Krishna’s rest place after triumphing over the tyrant Kansa.
4. Vishram ghat is famous for its boat rides (which cost approx 50 INR per person) since it is at the center of the other ghats. You can experience the joy of capturing the scenic views along the river Yamuna. During the ride, you can view the entire stretch of the river Yamuna. Different types of boats at different prices are available at the Ghat.
5. The most beautiful aspect of all is the evening prayers and Arti that shouldn’t be missed. An Arti is held every evening. Furthermore, thousands of oil lamps float down the river, which is a beautiful sight. Arti’s timings in summer are 7 AM to 7.15 AM, and in winter, it’s 6.45 AM to 7 AM. The evening aarti timings are 7 PM, both in summer and winter.
6. You can also experience watching Kans Quila during your Boat Ride.

Day 02

1. Wake up early and move towards Nandgaon; it’s approx 55 KM from Mathura and takes 1 hour 30 minutes to reach. 
2. Visit Nand Mahal and Paawan Sarovar.
3. Move towards Barsana (Nandgaon to Barsana is 10 KM far and takes approx 20 minutes)
4. Visit Radha Rani Mandir
5. Move towards Govardhan (21 KM distance from Barsana and takes approximately 35 minutes to reach) and enjoy your Brunch here.
6. Now it’s time for Govardhan Parikrma (14 KM); you can also opt via Rikshaw (100 INR per person) 
7. Visit Giriraj Mandir, Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, and move towards Mathura (22 KM in the distance and takes approx 50 minutes).
8. Enjoy your Dinner here, and now it’s time to sleep.

Day 03

1. Wake up early and move towards Vrindavan (15 KM and takes approx 25 minutes to reach)
2. Visit Pagal baba mandir, Radha Vallabh Temple, Banke Bihari Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Kaanch Mandir, Vaishno Devi Mandir, Nandi Van, Keshi Ghat, Madan Mohan Mandir, Radha Raman Temple, Rangnath Mandir, Birla (Gita) Temple and Prem Mandir (the Evening is ideal for exploring Prem Mandir, Vrindavan.), visiting hours of all these temples are about 5 AM to 11:30 AM and 4 PM to 8 PM. 
3. Dinner in Mathura

Day 04

1. It’s time to check out from Hotel and move towards Gokul (10 KM in Distance and takes approx 30 minutes)
2. Visit Gokul Dhaam and Raman Reti Aashram
3. Enjoy your Brunch in Gokul and Move Towards Agra (55 KM Distance and takes approx 1 hour 10 minutes)
4. Check-in at pre-booked Hotel and explore the local market of Agra in the Evening.

Day 05

1. Enjoy your Breakfast
2. Check out From the Hotel and Visit Tajmahal (8 AM). To visit the main mausoleum of the Tajmahal, one has to buy an additional ticket of 200 INR along with the regular ticket. A regular ticket costs 50 INR for Indians and 1100 INR for Foreigners. Keep in mind that Tajmahal is closed every Friday. Use Cloakroom to keep your luggage. There are two cloakrooms at each East and West gate of the Taj Mahal with 107 storage blocks, including lockers. Small handbags are allowed at the Taj Mahal complex, but big bags are prohibited at the Taj Mahal. You may carry only a mobile phone, camera, and small money bag, but smoking items, eatable items, and electronic items like a camera tripod, Pendrive, knife, lighter, matchbox, etc., are not allowed.
3. Visit Redfort. Agra Fort timings are from sunrise to sunset on all days of the week. The opening hours are between 6 AM to 6 PM. Entry tickets are 50 INR (Weekdays except for Friday) and 40 INR (Friday) for Indians, and foreigners have to pay 650 INR (Weekdays except for Friday) and 600 INR (Friday) for the entry.
4. Visit Mehtab Bagh. Entry tickets are 25 INR for Indians, and foreigners have to pay 300 INR for the entry.
5. Visit Agra Railway Station to head back to Delhi/ Chandigarh or from wherever you are from or where ever you want to go. The trip has ended, but the fond memory of the place remains.

Here is the Day wise Price Summary

Day 01

Day 02

Day 03

Day 04

Day 05

Here is the Summary of Complete Trip (5 Days and 4 Nights)

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