From marveling at the glorious structures to relishing a huge glass of delicious lassi, from biting into mouth-watering pedas to being a part of the crazy festivities, there are countless things to do in Vrindavan, India. Find below a few of those experiences that will make your vacation fun-filled. You never know, you might just get under the town’s spell and crave to visit it again asap, like every other Krishna lover!
1. Vrindavan Parikrama – Circle of The Town
2. Holi Festival
3. Brahmotsavam Festival: Must Visit
4. Banke Bihari Temple
5. Delicacies: The Most Delicious Pedas!
6. ISKCON Vrindavan
7. Nidhi Van
1. Vrindavan Parikrama: Circle Around The Town
Parikrama is one of the major rituals of Hindu religion which involves moving in a clockwise direction around a spot or an object. This is done to indicate their reverence for their Lords. Several hundred and thousands of pilgrims perform the Vrindavan Parikrama.
This ritual in Vrindavan is around 13 kilometers long and it takes approximately three hours to complete it on foot. Taking place on the Vrindavan Parikrama Marg, one can witness individuals of every age group walking around this temple town.
If you wish to witness the best of the experience, plan your trip according to the Ekadashi from the Hindu calendar. It is on this day that a huge number of pilgrims get together and walk around, chanting the Maha Mantra.
Tip: It is best to go for Parikrama early in the morning from ISKCON Vrindavan.
2. Holi Festival: Soak In A Thousand Shades Of Colors
Popularly known as the ‘Festival of Colors’, Holi is a festival that is celebrated with the utmost enthusiasm in the city of Vrindavan. Hence, it is among the top things to do in Vrindavan. There are several thousands of devotees that visit the destination around Holi to celebrate it with the Lord, in his home.(Informations only)
Apart from colors, Vrindavan is known for other elements including various flowers or even lathis. On this day, Bihariji (Krishna’s other name) is dressed in all white and brought closer to the devotees to play Holi with gulal and water.
It is definitely the town that can offer you the best experience of celebrating Holi in the entire country!
Tip: Make sure you carry a pair of old clothes to play Holi as it gets difficult to clean the outfits after the celebrations!
3. Brahmotsavam Festival: Largest One In Vrindavan
Perhaps among the best things to do in Vrindavan after Holi is being a part of yet another grand festival. Taking place around ten days after the Holi celebrations, maybe in the month of February or March, Brahmotsavam is the largest festival that is celebrated in Vrindavan.
This festival witnesses more than a hundred thousand people visiting. Rath Ka Mela is hosted on the main day of the festival. On this day, all the pilgrims and devotees come together to pull a giant chariot made of wood. The chariot is carried from the Rangji Temple to the surrounding gardens and then back.
Tip: Make sure you mark your calendars as per the Hindu calendars to celebrate the festival.
4. Banke Bihari: Visit The Most Important Attraction
When you ask someone about what to do in Vrindavan, visiting the Banke Bihari Temple is perhaps the first thing that is suggested by them. This is one of the most popular and significant temples that cover the floors of Vrindavan. Falling in the list of seven temples dedicated to ‘Thakur of Vrindavan’, Banke Bihari is a marvel to behold.
Adorning the Rajasthani style of architecture, this temple has several arched windows and some stunning stonework that attracts architecture lovers. One can hear the melodious chants of Radha Krishna till far from the temple.
The temple is mostly crowded, especially on the weekends, but one can still embrace a sense of calmness that melts the hearts of visitors. When visiting the temple, do get yourself a Chandan tika, it is bound to freshen up your minds!
Tip: It is best to visit the temple in the early hours of the morning. (Informations only.com)
5. Delicacies: Relish The Most Delicious Pedas!
Apart from the temples and holy rituals, another thing that this town is famous for is the scrumptious little snacks and the ever so drool-worthy lassis. Be it meethi or namkeen, malai wali or plain, lassi is one thing that one must try out when in Vrindavan. The best place is to have it from the markets sitting near the Banke Bihari temple.
Another thing that one must try are the mithais in Vrindavan, especially pedas. The variety of Indian sweets found here can surely get overwhelming but boy, do they make you crave for more and more. Made in all desi ghee, the mithais from Vrindavan can also turn out to be the best kind of souvenirs, just saying!
Tip: Get a box of mixed sweets from the little shops sitting on either side of the narrow street that leads to Banke Bihari Temple.
6. ISKCON Vrindavan: Lose Yourself In Melodious Rhythms Of Kirtan
Another one of the famous things to do in Vrindavan is paying a visit to the famous ISKCON temple. Also named as Krishna Balaram Mandir, the idea behind establishing the ISKCON temple was to promote the teachings of the Vedas and the holy Bhagavad Gita.
Constructed in 1975, ISKCON Vrindavan is not only famed for its tranquility that is easy to embrace but also the marvelous structure. The entire temple is made of white marvel and adorns an archway that leads straight to the samadhi of Swami Prabupada, who was the founder of ISKCON.
Not only in India, but the teachings of Bhagavad Gita have now been spread all across the globe, thanks to this establishment. One can lose themselves in the harmonious music of the prayers or join the devotees in temple dance to the rhythm of kirtan.
Tip: ISKCON Temple is very particular about the timings. Make sure you visit the temple before 8 pm.
7. Nidhi Van: Witness The Spot For Rasleela
Vrindavan is a destination that is known for being a destination that has holy tales revolving around Lord Krishna, Sri Radha, and the gopis. One such place in Vrindavan, where Krishna rested with Radha is Nidhi Van, a shrine. There is a bed that is decorated every evening by the priests.
It is believed that every night, Lord Krishna visits the spot with Radha and performs the famous Ras Leela along with gopis. For this very reason, no one is allowed inside the premises after the sun settles down. There is a tale of a priest who was found dead after spending a night inside the shrine.
Tip: Make sure you keep your cameras safe from the notorious monkeys found here!
With ample of things to do in Vrindavan, it is no doubt that one is bound to have the best time of their lives if they seek peace and calm. Known for being a town of Lord Krishna, one can witness temples, priests, and various ashrams here. So, the next time you plan a trip to Uttar Pradesh and feel like embracing the holy side of the country, make sure you add Vrindavan on your list!
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Vrindavan
What is the best time to visit Vrindavan?
Although Vrinadavan is a city that can be visited all year long, the best time to visit it is during the winter months to avoid the heat. The months from October to March are considered the best to visit this town.
What are some places to visit in Vrindavan?
Some top places to visit in Vrindavan include Banke Bihari Mandir, Prem Mandir, Nidhi Van, ISKCON Vrindavan, Keshi Ghat, and Jugal Kishor Temple.
What are the best day trips from Vrindavan?
The best destinations that offer amazing day trips from Vrindavan are Mathura, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Jaipur, and more.
What are the best places to stay in Vrindavan?
Sri Vrindavan Dham, MVT Guest House, Hotel Santosh Dham, Kadamb Resort, Hare Krishna Orchid, and Nidhivan Sarovar Portico are a few places to stay in Vrindavan.
What is Vrindavan famous for?
Vrindavan is known for being a famous holy town that is home to several temples and shrines dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna. This temple is famed for its essence of spirituality that is spread all around.