Mathura Travel Guide
The city of
Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a
distance of 145 km south-east of Delhi and 58 km north-west of Agra.
Covering an area of about 3,800 sq. km., today, Brajbhoomi can be
divided into two distinct units - the eastern part in the trans-Yamuna
tract with places like Gokul, Mahavan, Baldeo, Mat and Bajna and the
western side of the Yamuna covering the Mathura region that encompasses
Vrindavan, Govardhan, Kusum Sarovar, Barsana and Nandgaon
Mathura is a home to many temples and shrines associated with the birth
and life of lord Krishna. Krishna devotees throng the various temples in
and around Mathura through out the year. There are various temples and
tourist places in Mathura that you can visit on your luxury Mathura
travel. Its proximity to Agra has made it popular and easily accessible
for tourists. Many tourists visiting Agra stretch their tour and visit
various beautiful temples in Mathura.
Getting There
The new bus stand is located near Hotel Mansarovar Palace. Bus service
from Mathura to Delhi (3½ hours) and Agra (1½ hour) is very
good. The old bus stand no longer serves local destinations, but there a
few buses to Agra. Mathura railway station is located south of the new
bus stand. Mathura is well connected by train with Agra (1 hour),
Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The Taj Express runs daily between
Matura to Delhi (2½ hours).
Tourist Attractions
Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi
A temple marks the birthplace of Lord Krishna today. A narrow passage
leads one into a small room with a raised platform adorned with pictures
of Krishna as a child to the left. The story of His birth is written and
depicted on the walls. A narrow set of marble steps leads you to the
terrace and a walled corridor creates the effect of a prison. The prison
and the other buildings were razed to the ground in the 17th century but
were restored in 1962 by industrialists like G.D. Birla.
Rangbhoomi
Rangbhoomi situated opposite to the post office in Mathura, is said to
be the wrestling arena where Krishna killed Kansa in a duel. According
to Hindu mythology, Kansa had put his father and parents of Lord Krishna
in prison and usurped the throne. Krishna killed him and set his parents
free reinstating his maternal grandfather Ugrasena on the throne.
Kans Qila
This ruined fort on the banks of the river Yamuna was built by Raja
Mansingh of Jaipur. An observatory was built here at a later sate by
that keen astronomer Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Amer.
Vishramghat
The most important bathing ghat of Mathura is the Vishram Ghat, which
is believed to be the place where Krishna rested after killing Kansa.
Sati Burj
The 17 m tall, 4 storeed, red sandstone tower built in 1570 AD,
commemorates the death of the widow of Raja Biharimal of Amer who
committed sati.
The Government Museum
Housed in a fine octagonal building at damper park, the museum is a
repository of sculpture styles, terracotta and artifacts from the Kushan
and Gupta periods. Among its most impressive exhibits are the headless
figure of emperor kanishka dressed in central Asian robes and boots and
various Buddha images.
