In September 2025, we went on a four-day pilgrimage covering Gokul, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Govardhan.

Walking through the very places associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood was a deeply moving experience that blended devotion, history, culture, and faith.

Day 1 – Journey from Delhi to Mathura

Our pilgrimage began with a train journey from Delhi to Mathura, one of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.

After checking into our accommodation (Best Western, Vrindavan), we rested and prepared for the busy days ahead.

Day 2 – Exploring Gokul and Mathura

Gokul – The Land of Krishna’s Childhood

Our first destination was Gokul, where Lord Krishna spent much of his childhood under the loving care of Nandagopar and Yashoda.

We visited:

• Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan (Gokul Dham)
• Raman Reti
• Chintaharan Mahadev
• Brahmand Ghat

Raman Reti was one of the most memorable stops of our pilgrimage. Devotees of all ages could be seen joyfully covering themselves with the sacred sand and mud, a practice rooted in the belief that this is the very place where young Krishna played with his friends. The sight of such uninhibited devotion created an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.

A Word of Caution for Visitors

While visiting Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan, we observed aggressive solicitation of donations by certain intermediaries and temple-associated individuals. Devotees should be aware that donations are entirely voluntary and should preferably be made only through official and transparent channels.

Our experience reinforced an important lesson: visitors can comfortably explore the temple independently without engaging private guides or intermediaries. Maintaining awareness and making informed decisions helps preserve the spiritual focus of the pilgrimage.

Mathura – Birthplace of Lord Krishna

Returning to Mathura, we visited:

• Bhooteshwar Mahadev Temple
• Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

The highlight of our visit to Mathura was Krishna Janmabhoomi. Standing near the prison cell where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born connected us with one of the most cherished stories in Hindu tradition.

Evening in Vrindavan

Later in the day, we proceeded to Vrindavan and visited:

• ISKCON Temple
• Prem Mandir

First, we visited the ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, which also houses the samadhi shrine of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the ISKCON movement. The temple was vibrant with continuous chanting of “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama,” devotional bhajans, and spiritual discourses. The atmosphere of devotion and the presence of devotees from around the world made it a truly uplifting experience.

We then visited the nearby Prem Mandir, one of Vrindavan’s most iconic landmarks. The magnificent marble temple was a visual treat. The beautifully illuminated Krishna Leela displays, musical fountains, and the evening sound-and-light show combined to create a mesmerizing spiritual atmosphere, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors from across India and around the world.

Day 3 – Temples Around Vrindavan

Vrindavan is often described as the heart of Krishna devotion, and we dedicated an entire day to exploring some of its most famous temples.

Banke Bihari Temple

The Banke Bihari Temple remains one of the most vibrant and energetic spiritual centers in Vrindavan. As expected, the temple attracted enormous crowds, and the narrow lanes leading to it were bustling with pilgrims, vendors, and locals. Navigating the maze-like streets can be challenging for first-time visitors, and we were grateful for our driver’s guidance, without which finding our way through the crowded lanes would have been far more difficult.

Despite the crowds, the brief moments before the beloved deity were deeply memorable and spiritually rewarding.

Radha Vallabh Temple

Located just a short walk from Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Vrindavan. Despite its historical significance and comparatively serene atmosphere, the temple was also quite crowded during our visit.

The narrow lanes leading to the temple are home to numerous monkeys, which are known to snatch spectacles, mobile phones, handbags, and other loose items from unsuspecting visitors. Pilgrims are therefore advised to take necessary precautions.

Rangji Temple

The Rangji Temple impressed us with its remarkable South Indian architectural influences, showcasing the cultural diversity present within the sacred town of Vrindavan.

Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

We also visited the Ashram associated with the revered saint Neem Karoli Baba and paid our respects at his Samadhi Sthal located within the premises. The serene surroundings, simple architecture, and calm atmosphere provided a welcome contrast to the bustling crowds at many of the temples we had visited earlier.

Char Dham Temple

The Char Dham complex offered visitors an opportunity to symbolically experience several important pilgrimage destinations within a single location.

Day 4 – Barsana, Govardhan and New Developments in Vrindavan

The final full day of our pilgrimage took us to several important sites associated with Radha Rani and Krishna.

Garud Govind Temple

This relatively lesser-known temple provided a peaceful and less crowded spiritual experience.

Barsana – The Land of Radha Rani

Barsana is revered as the birthplace of Radha Rani and holds immense significance for devotees.

We visited:

• Radha Rani Temple
• Kirti Mandir

The ride to Radha Rani Temple by ropeway was rewarding, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Kirti Mandir, dedicated to the mother of Radha Rani, is a magnificent modern temple featuring impressive architecture and beautifully maintained surroundings.

Govardhan Parikrama

One of the highlights of our pilgrimage was the sacred Govardhan Parikrama, a revered journey around Govardhan Hill, which Lord Krishna is believed to have lifted to protect the people of Braj from torrential rains. The parikrama route is considered highly auspicious and attracts thousands of devotees every day.

Since private cars are generally not permitted on much of the parikrama route, we completed our journey using an auto-rickshaw. Along the way, we witnessed numerous devotees performing the parikrama barefoot as an act of faith and devotion.

The complete Govardhan Parikrama covers approximately 21 kilometers, and along the route, we stopped at Manasi Ganga Temple.

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

We concluded our Braj pilgrimage with a visit to the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir project, an ambitious undertaking that is set to become one of the most significant spiritual landmarks in India. Even in its current stage of development, the scale and vision of the project are truly impressive. Upon completion, the temple is expected to rise to nearly 700 feet, making it one of the tallest religious structures in the world. The project is targeted for completion around 2028 and is expected to attract pilgrims and visitors from across the globe.

The temple complex already reflects the grandeur envisioned for the final project. We were particularly impressed by the spacious restaurant within the premises, which offered a variety of cuisines in a comfortable setting. After a busy day of sightseeing and pilgrimage, it was a pleasant place to relax and enjoy our dinner before concluding our visit to the sacred land of Braj.

Returning Home

The next morning, we boarded our train back to Delhi and subsequently flew to Chennai, carrying with us countless memories.