Vrindavan Tour Packages

1. About Vrindavan
2. Tidbits About Vrindavan
3. Vrindavan At A Glance
4. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Vrindavan
5. Top Reasons To Visit Vrindavan
6. Best Time To Visit Vrindavan
7. Best Getaways From Vrindavan
8. Top Things To Do In Vrindavan
9. Shopping In Vrindavan
10. Foods To Try Out In Vrindavan
11. Art And Culture In Vrindavan
12. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers

The town of Vrindavan is located on the west bank of the Yamuna River. This holy place is particularly sacred for the devotees of Lord Krishna. Renowned for being the childhood home of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan is central to the Gaudiya sect of Vaishnavism. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Hindu saint and Vaishnavite philosopher, is said to have visited Vrindavan during the 16th century. His visit is what accelerated the popularity of the worship of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. The town and the surrounding forests are believed to be the locations of major events from Lord Krishna’s life, including the lord performing this divine dance or raas leela with Goddess Radha.

• The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, unlike several other temples, does not have the sounds of conch shells or loud bells because Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of a small child at this temple, and any noise would disturb him.
• The Prem Mandir in Vrindavan has the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha on the first level and the idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita on the second level.
• Nidhivan, a dense forest in Vrindavan, is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna would perform his nightly raas leela or divine dance with Goddess Radha and the gopis or cowherd girls.
• The name of the Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan translates to ‘the one who gives pleasure to Radha’ or ‘the lover of Radha’, and was established by Gopala Bhatta Goswami, who is one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan.
• The ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan was inaugurated by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who was the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
• The Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna defeated the demon, Keshi.
• Seva Kunj in Vrindavan is considered to be the location where Lord Krishna used to perform seva or selfless service for Goddess Radha in order to help her prepare for the raas leela or the dance of divine love.

• The airport located closest to Vrindavan is the Kheria Airport (AGR) in Agra.
• The hot stone floors in the areas outside the temples can be uneven and sharp. Therefore, wear slip-ons or socks in order to protect your feet from burning or getting hurt.
• Avoid venturing out alone in the remote areas and at night.
• Don’t go swimming alone in the Yamuna River.
• Beware of pickpockets in crowded places, such as the temples and markets.
• Keep your valuables safe in the locker of your hotel room.
• If you visit Vrindavan during the summer season, make sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and comfortable clothes.
• Local buses and autorickshaws are the best public transport options in Vrindavan.
• Certain people might disguise themselves as spiritual gurus or devotees in order to ask for donations. Beware of such impersonators and give your donations only at legitimate locations.
• Carry bottled water whenever you’re out sightseeing and visiting temples. This will be particularly helpful during the summer months as it will keep you hydrated.

Listed below are some of the many reasons to grab GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages:

The places of spiritual and religious significance are indeed the primary reasons for tourists to book our Vrindavan tour packages. The first magnificent temple to experience in Vrindavan is the Banke Bihari Temple. Banke Bihari is said to be a divine combination of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, and the deity found inside the temple is believed to have been discovered by the saint Swami Haridas. Make your way to Prem Mandir or ‘The Temple of Love’, which is dedicated to the holy pairs of Lord Krishna-Goddess Radha and Lord Ram-Goddess Sita. Pay your respects at the Radha Raman Temple, wherein the presiding deity is Radha Ramana, a self-manifested form of Lord Krishna. Witness the serenity of the ISKCON Temple, which was inaugurated by the founder of ISKCON himself.

The spiritual locations in Vrindavan not only attract tourists with their holy importance, but also because of their natural beauty. One of these natural landscapes to experience with our Vrindavan tour packages is the mysterious spot called Nidhivan. This dense forest is said to be the location where Lord Krishna would perform his nightly raas leela or divine dance with Goddess Radha and the gopis or cowherd girls. There is the beautiful Keshi Ghat that’s located on the banks of the Yamuna River. The ghat is filled with mythological importance as devotees believe it to be the place where Lord Krishna achieved victory over the demon, Keshi.

The cuisine of Vrindavan is a culinary rollercoaster for one’s taste buds. You can explore the many savoury snacks and melt-in-the-mouth desserts the town has to offer with GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages. Try out the special puri known as bedai, a deep-fried puffed bread which is served along with spicy potato curry. When you’re looking for something chilled and delicious to cool off during the summer months, order a glass of thandai or matla lassi, both of which are particularly popular beverages during the Holi festival. You can’t leave Vrindavan without digging into the multiple alluring desserts, such as Mathura pedas and jalebis with rabri. Make sure to taste makhan mishri, which is believed to be the favourite food of Lord Krishna.

Travelling around Vrindavan also means witnessing its vibrant markets, all of which you can explore with our Vrindavan tour packages. These markets are filled with souvenirs that are unique to the holy town of Vrindavan. This includes idols of deities made using brass and marble that are sure to enhance the spiritual ambience of your abode. There are also other religious souvenirs you can buy, such as tulsi malas, rudraksha beads, essential oils, and incense sticks. Make sure to also check out the colourful handicrafts like keychains and wooden toys. You can also get your hands on the local snacks at these bazaars, including the delectable Mathura pedas.

Let’s take a look at what each season in Vrindavan is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Vrindavan tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range in Vrindavan usually remains between 30 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius. The high temperature makes it difficult to go sightseeing at this time. However, the early mornings and late evenings are often slightly more comfortable in terms of weather. This is the season when there are fewer crowds around, and you can get some good deals and discounts on travel and accommodation with our Vrindavan tour packages.

The temperature range during the monsoon season in Vrindavan oscillates between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius. While the rains make the lush landscapes of the town come alive, they can also lead to disruptions in travel plans. The chances of high humidity make this not the most ideal season to visit Vrindavan. There are, however, plenty of vibrant festivals to experience at this time with our Vrindavan tour packages. This includes Jhulan Yatra, Hariyali Teej, and Janmashtami.

During the winter season, the temperature range you can expect in Vrindavan is usually between 10 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. The days are pleasant and the nights can get slightly chilly, thereby making this the perfect season to grab GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages. The winter months are the peak tourist season; therefore, make sure to get your bookings done as soon as possible. It’s the ideal time to visit all the temples and witness festivals like Holi and Vasant Panchami.

• Cheapest time to travel to Vrindavan – April
• Best time for boating – October to March
• Best time for cycling – October to March

Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand. The city of Haridwar is the spiritual heartland of India. Legend has it that when the Amrit (nectar of immortality) was being carried during the Samudra Manthana, drops of it fell at four places, and Haridwar is believed to be one of those holy locations. The revered Hindu pilgrimage and religious festival, known as the Kumbh Mela, takes place in Haridwar once every 12 years. There are numerous religious spots you can visit in Haridwar with our Vrindavan tour packages, such as Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, Bharat Mata Mandir, Pawan Dham Temple, and Daksheswar Mahadev Temple.

Agra is a city located in Uttar Pradesh. Along with Delhi and Jaipur, it forms a part of the primary tourist circuit of India, known as the Golden Triangle. With GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages, you can experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There are also two other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. Architectural marvels aren’t the only attractive feature of Agra, because the city is also known for its lip-smacking cuisine. This includes Mughlai delicacies like butter chicken, seekh kebabs, biryani, and mutton korma. There are also various snacks and desserts to try out in Agra, such as bhallas, parathas, pethas, and jalebis.

Delhi is the capital city of India. Located in the northern part of the country, it serves as the seat of the three main branches of India’s government, namely the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Executive), the Parliament House (the Legislature), and the Supreme Court (the Judiciary). The rich artistic culture and heritage of the city come alive in the form of numerous historical monuments and architectural marvels, all of which you can visit with our Vrindavan tour packages. This includes Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, India Gate, and Humayun’s Tomb. The delicious cuisine of Delhi attracts locals as well as tourists, be it the chole bhature, paranthas, and rajma chawal, or the spicy and savoury snacks like golgappe, aloo tikki, and daulat ki chaat. Remember to also explore the many vibrant markets in the capital city, including Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, Khan Market, and Lajpat Nagar.

Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and its largest city. It’s known as the ‘Pink City’, which has an interesting history. Back in 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh painted the city pink to welcome Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales. Jaipur is also considered to be the first planned city in India. Several Bollywood movies have been shot in this gorgeous city, such as Jodhaa Akbar, Bol Bachchan, Shuddh Desi Romance, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, and Zubeidaa. The forts, palaces, and architectural gems of Jaipur make it completely worthwhile to visit this regal city. Some of the many beloved tourist locations to explore in Jaipur with our Vrindavan tour packages are the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, and Jantar Mantar.

The temples to visit and activities to explore with GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages are as follows:

One of the most sacred locations you can visit with our Vrindavan tour packages is the Banke Bihari Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the divine form of Banke Bihari is believed to be a combination of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Built around 1864, the presiding deity within the temple is said to have been discovered in Nidhivan by the saint Swami Haridas. Unlike many places of worship, you will not hear the sound of conch shells or loud bells at this temple, as it’s said that Banke Bihari does not appreciate such noise. Another reason why such disturbances are avoided is that Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of a small child at this temple, and any noise would disturb him.

The Prem Mandir in Vrindavan is dedicated to the divine pairs, Lord Krishna-Goddess Radha and Lord Ram-Goddess Sita. The idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha can be found on the first level of the temple, and the idols of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita are situated on the second level. The name of the temple literally translates to ‘The Temple of Love’, and this meaning is further amplified by the presence of the idols of Lord Krishna-Goddess Radha and Lord Ram-Goddess Sita, the holy pairs from Hindu mythology who signify divine love and devotion. Travellers can experience the divine ambience of this temple with our Vrindavan tour packages. The holy spot was inaugurated in 2012 by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

One of the most sacred and mysterious places to visit with our Vrindavan tour packages is Nidhivan. Imagine a dense forest shrouded in mystique and holiness; that’s Nidhivan for you. Within this area is a temple called Rang Mahal, which is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha rest after their nightly divine dance. The name of the place translates to ‘the forest of treasures’ as ‘nidhi’ means ‘treasure’ and ‘van’ means ‘forest’. This sacred location is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna would perform his nightly raas leela or divine dance with Goddess Radha and the gopis or cowherd girls.

The Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The deity worshipped at this temple is Radha Ramana, who is a self-manifested form of Lord Krishna. The name ‘Radha Ramana’ translates to ‘the one who gives pleasure to Radha’ or ‘the lover of Radha’. It was established in 1542 by one of the six Goswamis of Vrindavan, Gopala Bhatta Goswami. The temple holds immense importance in the traditions of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

The ISKCON Temple in Vrindavan, which is also known as the Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, is dedicated to the divine siblings, Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram. The temple also has a shrine dedicated to A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who was the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Inaugurated in 1975 by the founder of ISKCON himself, it’s renowned for being the first major ISKCON temple to ever be established. Along with the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram, one will also come across the idols of other deities within this temple, such as that of Radha-Shyamasundar and Gauranga-Nitai.

The Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan is considered to be the primary bathing place in the sacred town. Perched on the banks of the holy Yamuna River, the ghat has deep mythological and spiritual significance. This is because the ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna defeated the demon, Keshi. The demon took on the form of a massive and ferocious horse and was sent by King Kamsa to defeat Lord Krishna. The architecture of Keshi Ghat is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani influences and features intricate stone carvings.

Seva Kunj, which was previously known as Nikunjavana, is one among the 12 small forest groves in Vrindavan that are called upavanas. The name of the place is derived from the belief that this is the location where Lord Krishna used to perform seva or selfless service for Goddess Radha in order to help her prepare for the raas leela or the dance of divine love.

• Ziplining at Krishna Funland
• Boating on the Yamuna River
• Cycling around Keshi Ghat

Vrindavan has many wonderful markets that you can explore with GT Holidays’ Vrindavan tour packages. Here are the markets to visit in Vrindavan and the souvenirs to buy from the town:

A trip to Vrindavan is incomplete without purchasing some of the many idols of deities available in this holy town. Idols made from brass and marble are sure to enhance the spiritual beauty of your home. While idols of numerous deities can be found in Vrindavan, the ones of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha are the most popular ones, of course.

The skilled artisans of Vrindavan showcase their creativity through handicrafts that you can buy during your trip with our Vrindavan tour packages. This includes wooden toys and keychains featuring deities, thereby reflecting the artistic traditions of the spiritual town.

Vrindavan is, as one would imagine, brimming with religious and spiritual souvenirs that you can take back home for yourself and your loved ones. This includes rudraksha beads, tulsi malas, incense sticks, and essential oils.

Carry back the essence and unique atmosphere of Vrindavan with you through the traditional clothes of the town. Some of the traditional clothing you can look into are dhotis, kurtas, sarees, and kurta-pyjama sets.

The souvenirs to buy from the holy town of Vrindavan go beyond spiritual objects and local handicrafts. These include the food items that are particularly loved in Vrindavan, such as Mathura pedas, malpuas, and mishri.

• Tilak Dwar Market: For religious items, brass idols, Mathura pedas.
• Loi Bazaar: For spiritual souvenirs, rudraksha malas, incense sticks, traditional clothes.
• Krishna Nagar Market: For sarees, jewellery, clothes, purses.
• Chatta Bazaar: For clothes, handicrafts, incense sticks, sweets.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Vrindavan. Be polite and respectful, and bargain with the vendor till you reach a price point that suits you both.
• Visiting the markets early in the morning might allow you to explore them with fewer crowds.
• While buying certain handicrafts and religious souvenirs, make sure the quality is genuine. Ask the vendors about the origin and source of the products before buying them.

Vrindavan has an eclectic array of savoury snacks and scrumptious desserts that your taste buds will thank you for. Let’s recommend some of the dishes that you absolutely must try during your trip with our Vrindavan tour packages:

Bedai refers to a special type of puri or puffed bread available in Vrindavan. Flour and urad dal paste are combined to create a soft dough, which is then deep-fried. This is served alongside a tangy and spicy potato curry. The unique thing about this curry is that it is made without onion and garlic.

How can one not try out Lord Krishna’s favourite food while visiting Vrindavan, right? Makhan mishri refers to a combination of white butter with rock sugar as the topping. This food combination is also served as a holy offering in the temples of Vrindavan. The lightness of this dish allows it to simply melt into your mouth.

If a thick, creamy, and delicious beverage is what you’re looking for in Vrindavan, then you can’t go wrong with matka lassi. Made using yoghurt, rose syrup, and sugar, this drink is topped with dried fruits and cream to add to the richness of it all.

Sweet lovers flock to Vrindavan hoping to get a taste of the famous Mathura peda. Khoya, ghee, and sugar form the primary ingredients of this delicacy, giving it a slightly grainy texture. Some chefs even sprinkle some cardamom on top to enhance the flavour and fragrance of these pedas.

Holi in Vrindavan is almost inconceivable without the presence of the chilled drink known as thandai. In addition to being a beverage that’s popular during the festival of Holi, it’s particularly favoured during the hot summer days due to its cooling properties. The ingredients that are used to make this drink are milk, saffron, nuts, fennel seeds, and rose petals.

Looking for something savoury and spicy to have as a snack in Vrindavan? Then try a plate of aloo tikki chaat, which is preferred by tourists and locals alike. Potato tikkis that are deep-fried form the central ingredient of this dish. The other elements added to the chaat are yoghurt, chutneys, and spices.

Vrindavan has several delicious desserts for visitors to choose from, and a sweet dish that feels like an explosion of flavours within the mouth is jalebi with rabri. This food combination is sure to enchant even non-sweet lovers. The hot, crispy, and syrupy jalebis combined with the thick and cold rabri is truly a heavenly mixture.

The rich artistic heritage and culture of Vrindavan shine through in many ways. This includes its sacred temples, delicious cuisine, and handicrafts created by skilled artisans. It also includes the colourful festivals that take place in Vrindavan throughout the year, most of which are meant to celebrate Lord Krishna. Janmashtami in Vrindavan, for example, is a grand affair, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna in the very town where the lord is believed to have spent his childhood. It usually begins 10 days before the main festival and is celebrated with major pomp and glory at the central temples like the Banke Bihari Temple, ISKCON Temple Vrindavan, and Prem Mandir. There is the festival of Hariyali Teej, which usually occurs during the month of Shravan, either in July or August. Marking the beginning of the monsoon season, it celebrates the divine reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Some of the other festivals you can witness with our Vrindavan tour packages are Holi, Radha Ashtami, and Jhulan Yatra.

• Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, be careful while swimming in the Yamuna River as the currents can be strong and unpredictable.
• Greeting people with “Radhe Radhe” or “Jai Shri Krishna” is considered polite in Vrindavan.
• Don’t make fun of the culture and spiritual traditions of the town.
• Observe them carefully and speak about them with respect.
• Always take off your shoes before entering a temple.
• Maintain the decorum and sanctity of the different places of worship. Stay silent and well-behaved when you’re inside a temple and don’t do anything to disturb the peace of such locations.
• If you’re standing in a queue within or outside a temple, wait for your turn and don’t cut the line.
• Don’t take selfies inside a temple.
• Photography is prohibited within the main sanctums of most temples.
• Refrain from flash photography, in particular.
• Don’t eat or chew gum within the premises of a temple.
• When offered prasad at a temple, accept it using your right hand.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the holy town by not littering. If there is anything you need to throw away, do so only when you spot a garbage bin.
• Following the dress etiquette is essential when visiting the temples of Vrindavan. Avoid wearing sleeveless tops, shirts, or anything revealing. Carry a scarf if you are asked to cover yourself up.