Vrindavan (or Brindaban/Brindavan) is known as the playground of Lord Krishna. This ancient holy town is considered a major part of his childhood. There are several famous temples in Vrindavan dedicated to Lord Krishna.
It’s also said to be the place where the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha bloomed. The town has a unique spiritual charm. And with this essence of spirituality, Vrindavan has become a revered pilgrimage site. It’s dotted with dozens of Krishna temples and others, constructed in all shapes and sizes.
Visiting Vrindavan isn’t just a religious trip. It’s a cultural experience. Seeing it in one's lifetime is an absolute must. Tourists and devotees come to explore the town all year round.
Go through this list of places to visit in Vrindavan and find out why its spiritual allure attracts pilgrims throughout the year.
1. Shri Banke Bihari Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Banke Bihari Temple is one of the most famous temples to visit in Vrindavan. This holy place depicts various phases of Lord Krishna's life, beginning from his childhood. The main idol is a beautifully carved black statue.
It’s believed that the Lord Krishna idol in this temple was granted by the lord himself. Swami Haridas worshipped this idol in Nidhivan until 1863 when the temple was constructed.
This temple is built in the Rajasthani style of architecture, with arched windows and stunning stonework. The serenity you can experience here makes it one of the best 5 places to visit in Vrindavan.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 7.45 AM – 12 noon and 5.30 PM – 9.30 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
2. ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple (also known as Krishna Balaram Mandir) is another popular temple in the town. It’s dedicated to Lord Krishna and his elder brother, Balaram.
ISKCON Vrindavan is a part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The idea behind establishing it was to promote the teachings of the Vedas and the holy Bhagavad Gita.
It’s a magnificent temple constructed out of white marble. Its galleries display scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Sri Gaur Nitai and Sri Radha Shyamasundar are also worshipped here. The temple has different sections to carry out various religious activities and rituals.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4.30 AM – 12.45 PM and 4.30 PM – 8 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 3 km from centre of town
3. Prem Mandir
Prem Mandir is a grand temple in Vrindavan dedicated to Radha-Krishna as well as Sita-Ram. It’s another architectural beauty in Vrindavan carved out of white marble.
Opened to the public in 2012, it’s one of the latest temples built in the town. The temple has two storeys. The sanctum on the ground floor has beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna. On the first floor, you’ll find idols of Sita and Ram.
It’s one of the most beautiful temples in the region. And it narrates the tales of our gods through intricate carvings. The temple also plays a musical fountain with a light show every evening, making it one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan in the evening.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5.30 AM – 12 noon and 4.30 PM – 8.30 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 2 km from centre of town
4. Govardhan Hill
Govardhan Hill is one of the most scenic places to visit near Vrindavan. It’s associated with the legend that Lord Krishna lifted this huge hill on just one finger when he was still a child. He did so to protect his village people from the wrath of Lord Indra.
Although Govardhan Hill isn’t situated in Vrindavan town, it’s thronged by visitors around the year. Post-Diwali, many devotees visit Govardhan Hill to celebrate Govardhan Puja.
The hill isn’t only associated with Krishna, instead it’s believed to be a part of Krishna. It’s sacred, and many devotees show their devotion by circumambulating the hill.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 26 km from centre of town
5. Radha Raman Temple
Radha Raman Temple is one of the oldest temples in Vrindavan. It’s dedicated to Radha, but Krishna is worshipped here in his Radha Raman form (loosely meaning consort of Radha). A crown is placed beside him to signify Radha.
It’s said that in 1542, Gopala Bhatta Swami, a Hindu saint, found a Krishna idol among his Shaligram stones. He established this temple and worshipped the lord here.
The temple was later renovated in 1826 by Shah Behari Lallji. Devotees believe it still houses the self-manifested Shaligram idol of Krishna. The samadhi of the saint is also present in the temple complex.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 12.30 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
6. Keshi Ghat
Keshi Ghat is a sacred spot on the banks of River Yamuna. It’s the main ghat of Vrindavan, and it’s considered to be one of the most elegant ghats in the town. It’s an open bathing spot visited by devotees throughout the year to take a dip in the river for spiritual purification.
The ghat got its name from a horse demon, Keshi, sent by King Kans to kill Krishna. As per the tales, Lord Krishna killed the demon at this place.
You can hear religious chants and devotional songs on Keshi Ghat throughout the day. The gentle flow of the Yamuna, coupled with the spiritual ambiance of the ghat, makes it one of the top places to visit in Vrindavan. A series of stairs takes you to the river water.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 7 km from centre of town
7. Nidhi Van and Seva Kunj
Nidhi Van (meaning Tulsi Forest) is one of the best places to visit in Vrindavan other than temples. It has rows of Tulsi trees, giving the place its name. And it’s associated with Radha-Krishna, like many other places in the town.
It’s said that the lord came here to dance with Radha and gopis. And it’s believed they still come here to perform this Raslila dance every night. Nidhivan is also the place where Swami Haridas found the Banke Bihari manifestation of Lord Krishna.
Seva Kunj is another religious place near Nidhi Van. Seva means selfless service, and it’s said Lord Krishna used to conduct seva for Radha here to prepare for Raslila.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 8 AM – 11 AM and 5.30 PM – 7.30 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
8. Govind Dev Temple
Govind Dev Temple is a famous mandir in Vrindavan known for its magnificent architecture. It’s a seven-storey temple built by Raja Man Singh in the 1600s. The temple structure is like a European cathedral, and it’s one of the most exquisite temples in the region.
It’s dedicated to Govind Dev (another name for Lord Krishna). But much of the temple was destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1670. And the original idol had been shifted to Jaipur for its safekeeping.
Only three storeys remain, which you can see today. Even though the temple doesn’t have its old magnificence, it attracts many tourists and devotees.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 4.30 AM – 12.30 PM and 5.30 PM – 9 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
9. Madan Mohan Temple
Also known as Sri Radha Madan Mohan Temple, Madan Mohan Temple is one of the oldest temples of Vrindavan. Here, people worship Radha and Lalita gopi, along with Madan Mohan (a form of Lord Krishna).
It’s believed to have been originally built by the great-grandson of Lord Krishna – King Vajra. However, the idols were lost with the passage of time. Later, Advaita Acharya found the idol of Madan Mohan near an old banyan tree. The tree still stands tall near the temple.
The original statue has been shifted to Jaipur for its safekeeping. That’s currently installed in Madan Mohan temple of Karauli in Rajasthan.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 9.30 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
10. Mathura
Mathura is another old town nestled on the banks of River Yamuna. This town is known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, making it one of the top 10 places to visit in the Vrindavan tour.
It’s a holy place for Hindus. It has several temples and serene ghats associated with the stories of Lord Krishna’s life. Apart from its religious significance, Mathura is also known for its vibrant festivals. Shri Krishna Janmashtami and Holi are the most popular among them.
Whether you’re looking for spiritual enlightenment or a glimpse into vibrant Hindu festivities, Mathura is a must-visit. It’s one of the most important places to visit from Vrindavan.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 10 km from centre of town
11. Birla Mandir (Gita Mandir)
Birla Mandir (or Gita Mandir) is a temple complex on the outskirts of Vrindavan. It falls on the way to Mathura, and it’s another of the top places to see in Vrindavan and Mathura. The temple is dedicated to Lord Lakshmi Narayan – an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The temple has magnificent architecture, with exquisite carvings and paintings. What makes it truly enticing is the towering Gita Stambh. It’s inscribed with all the chapters from Bhagavad Gita, a holy book in the Hindu religion.
Apart from Lord Lakshmi Narayan, Gita Mandir also enshrines Lord Krishna and Ram-Sita in other sanctum rooms. The temple complex houses Lord Krishna's chariot, too.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5 AM – 12 noon and 2 PM – 8 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 4 km from centre of town
12. Rangji Mandir
Another among the must-visit places in Vrindavan is Rangji Mandir (also known as Rangnath ji Mandir). It’s one of the largest temples in Vrindavan and the only temple in the town that’s built in Dravidian style.
It’s dedicated to Goda Devi and Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to legends, Goda (or as known as Andal in South India) sang hymns praising Lord Krishna and Vrindavan. Seeing her dedication, Krishna answered her prayers and became her groom.
Rangji Mandir is one of the 108 Divyadesams, making it one of the famous places to visit in Vrindavan Dham. It’s highly revered by the Vaishnava devotees.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 5.30 AM – 10.30 AM and 4 PM – 9 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 6 km from centre of town
13. Gokul
Gokul is a town near Mathura that has immense religious significance to Hindus. The town is associated with the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna. It’s said that he spent his childhood here with Yashoda and Nanda – his foster parents, safe from his maternal uncle, Kans.
Like Mathura and Vrindavan, Gokul has several temples and river ghats. You can get a feel of Krishna’s childhood in the streets, too.
After seeing all the important places to visit in Mathura and Vrindavan, you must explore Gokul to learn more about Lord Krishna. It offers a peaceful retreat to those looking to connect with the lord.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 25 km from centre of town
14. Barsana
Barsana is another historical town with immense religious significance among the devotees of Lord Krishna. It’s associated with his consort, Radha. Barsana is considered her birthplace, and it has several temples dedicated to her.
The town is an integral part of the Krishna pilgrimage circuit. It’s one of the must-see tourist places in Vrindavan and around. It enchants pilgrims and tourists alike with plays based on the life events of Radha and Krishna.
It has also successfully preserved the traditions and legends related to these godly figures. Holi is celebrated with enormous gusto in Barsana.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 43 km from centre of town
15. Nandgaon
Nandgaon is another of the famous places to visit in the Vrindavan tour. It’s said to be the home of Lord Krishna’s foster parents, who kept him safe from Kans. This small town has several temples dedicated to Nanda-Yashoda, along with Krishna and Radha.
It’s close to Barsana. It’s one of the less popular places to visit in the Mathura Vrindavan tour. But it’s believed that Lord Krishna also resided in Nandgaon as a kid. Thus, many devotees visit this rural town.
Apart from religious places, Nandgaon also has a serene lake you must visit.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Distance from Vrindavan: 44 km from centre of town
Vrindavan has been a centre of Krishna worship. It’s been a part of the Krishna Consciousness movement. With several temples all over the town and nearby, you have several important places to visit in Vrindavan.
ISKCON Temple, Banke Bihari Temple and Prem Mandir are definitely must-visits. And once you’re done checking out all the best places to go in Vrindavan, explore its surrounding towns. Check out Gokul and Barsana and soak in the spiritual essence of these places.
Visit Vrindavan in winter (November-February), when the weather is the best for exploration. It will enable you to see all the main places to visit in Vrindavan comfortably.
