Picture chants reverberating in every nook and the aroma of incense lingering everywhere you go. That's Mathura for you.
Located along the banks of river Yamuna, when in Mathura, mythology and modern living flow into each other. Here, the magic of the ancient city comes alive by surrendering to the mysticism and beliefs of the locals, and truly immersing in its offerings. A riot of cultures and customs, the riverside city could get overwhelming for first timers. With this guide to Mathura, navigating through this can get a tad bit easier.
Revered as the birthplace of Hindu deity Krishna, Mathura's history dates back centuries, if not more. As per the district's official website, and the plaque installed at the Mathura Museum by the Archaeological Survey of India, the city was mentioned in the Ramayana as well. In the epic, prince Shatrughna slayed a demon named Lavanasura to claim the land. The place soon came to be known as Madhuvan, which changed to Madhupura, before settling with its modern-day name, Mathura.
Capital of Surasena in the 6th century BCE, Mathura even earned a mention by Megasthenes, the Greek ambassador, as the grand city of "Methora." While the Mauryas held sway here, the Shungas left barely a trace, their story a silent chapter in Mathura's long narrative.
Through the years, more twists came into the story. The Indo-Greeks held their influence over the city between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE, followed by the Indo-Scythians, and Kushans. Buddhism, too, found a strong foothold here. In fact, Chinese traveller Faxian described Mathura as a Buddhist stronghold around 400 CE. Centuries later, Xuanzang, another pilgrim, counted 20 Buddhist monasteries.
Even today, Mathura continues to shine as a sacred city inviting spiritual travellers from across the country and beyond.
When pilgrims flock to Mathura, this is often the first stop. Credited as the birthplace of Krishna, this sacred three-temple complex is flooded with devotees all year-round. The temple complex houses the Keshavdeva temple, Garbha Griha shrine and Bhagavata Bhavan. Amid these temples is the Potra Kund or Pavitra Kund, which is said to have been used for the first bath of Krishna after birth.
Credited as one of the oldest and largest temples of Mathura, this Hindu shrine was built by Seth Gokul Das Parikh, the treasurer of then Gwalior State in 1814. Inside, a black marble idol of Dwarkadheesh, a form of Krishna, shines alongside a white marble idol of Sri Radharani, his counterpart.
Beyond being a sacred city, Mathura also holds immense historical significance. The Kans Kila is one such shining example. A fortified castle built by Man Singh I (the 24th Kachawaha Rajput ruler of Amber from 1589 to 1614), today it tells tales of its glorified past. Once used as a barrier against floods, the fort also has an audience hall surrounded by red sandstone pillars.
Formerly known as Curzon Museum of Archaeology, the Government Museum in Mathura boasts of a massive collection of gold, silver, copper coins, paintings, terracotta goods, and other items. The sculpture collection, though, steals the spotlight. Picture 6,000 stone sculptures, 25,000 coins, 3,000 terracotta figures, 350 metal figures, and 1,300 other works of art at this museum. There's even a statue of Victoria, the former Empress of India; a 3,000-year-old human-like copper figure discovered in Shahabad, Uttar Pradesh; a Jain tablet dating back to the 1st century; and more.
No trip to Mathura is complete without indulging in its most famous sweet—the Mathura Peda. These melt-in-your-mouth milk-based sweets are subtly flavoured with cardamom and pistachios. Every sweet shop boasts its own recipe, so be sure to sample a few to find your favourite.
Cool and refreshing, Mathura's lassi is the perfect antidote to the Indian heat. Creamy yoghurt is blended with milk, sugar, and sometimes a touch of cardamom or rosewater. It's a satisfying and revitalising drink, perfect for any time of day.
A flaky, deep-fried pastry filled with a spiced lentil mixture, kachori is a popular breakfast and snack option. It's often served with a side of spicy potato curry.
Mathura's street food scene is vibrant, and chaats are a must-try. From aloo tikki chaat to papdi chaat, there's a chaat to satisfy every craving. These tangy and spicy snacks are a true taste of India.
The ideal time to visit Mathura is during the cooler months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it easier to explore the city's many temples. Avoid the scorching summer months (April to June) and the monsoon season (July to September) when humidity can be high.
If you plan your visit around Holi, save this guide.
Mathura is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Agra Airport, about 60 kilometres away. Regular buses and trains connect Mathura to major cities like New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Driving is also an option, but be prepared for traffic, especially within the city.
Duration Of Stay
A two-to-three day trip is generally sufficient to explore the major attractions in Mathura. If you're interested in delving deeper into the local culture and experiencing the evening aartis, consider extending your stay.
