Krishna Janam Bhoomi Mandir

The best and the important place to see in Mathura is Krishna Janam Bhoomi Mandir ” which is known as the birthplace of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna was the 8th incarnation of Vishnu, born in a prison cell in Mathura. Now there is a temple in the prison’s closet where lakhs of tourists and devotees visit every year. Krishna Janam Bhoomi Temple is one of the most prominent sightseeing places in Mathura, which attracts a large number of pilgrims every year during the Janmashtami (Krishna’s birth festival) and Holi festivals.

Dwarkadhish Temple

Dwarkadhish Temple Mathura was built about 150 years ago by a devotee of Lord Krishna. The idol of Lord Krishna in this temple is decorated as “King of Dwarka”. The beautiful architecture of the place is worth seeing.

Vishram Ghat

Vishram Ghat is a revered and sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River at approximately 4.5 kilometers from Mathura Junction. It is Mathura’s largest ghat and is connected to an additional 25 ghats. Vishram Ghat is visited by pilgrims from all over the world to bathe in its holy waters. The place is famous as Vishram because Lord Krishna rested here after killing Kansa, the evil king of the demon. That is why a pilgrimage to Mathura is incomplete without visiting the Vishram Ghat.

Kansa Qila

As the name indicates, Kansa Qila is dedicated to the Demon Kansa, the maternal uncle of Lord Krishna. The Kansa Qila is located on the bank of river Yamuna. The mighty fort is not in good condition nowadays but it is a popular place to visit among travelers.

Barsana is a historical city in the Mathura district of the state of Uttar Pradesh. Barsana is the birthplace of Mata or Devi Radha. Sri Radha Rani Temple is famously located in Barsana is visited by millions of devotees every year. Barsana is also famous for the festival like HOLI. Barsana ki Lathamar Holi is famous all over the world.

The other Tourist places to visit in Mathura are:

Gita Mandir is having incarnations of Gita verses on its walls. It is also known as Birla Mandir as it was built by Jugal Kishore Birla, a devotee of Laxmi Narayana.

Mathura is known for its sweets and Peda is a special thing here.

 Which is the best time to visit Mathura?

Months of October to March are the best to visit as at this time, winters get started in north India. Summers are very hot in Mathura that’s why it is not recommended to visit the place during these months. However, at the time of Holi and Janmashtami, (Krishna’s birthday) people flock to Mathura in a huge crowd.  If you want to join these festivities, then it is great to go to Mathura for a special experience of Holi and Janmashtami.

How to reach Mathura by Air Transport

 The nearest airport to Mathura is at Agra. The nearest international airport to Mathura is the Indira Gandhi International Airport located in Delhi. After this, you can reach Mathura from Delhi with the help of a bus, taxi or train.

How to reach Mathura by train – Mathura Junction connected by train to major cities of the country. Hence, tourists visiting Mathura can catch trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Agra, Lucknow, and Kolkata.

How to reach Mathura by road or car- Traveling to Mathura by road from your car or personal vehicle is a good option. It connects to cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner, Agra, Indore, Bhopal, Moradabad, Kolkata.

BIBI KA MAKBARA

This place is the most famous place of Aurangabad in the list of tourist destinations. The Bibi ka Makbara is said to be a replica of the Taj Mahal of Agra. It is a unique example of Mughal and Persian architecture. It was built by Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah in 1678 in memory of his mother and Aurangzeb’s wife Razia Begum. Around it, there are beautiful gardens, fountains, and ponds which add beauty to the place.

BIG GATES

Aurangabad is known as the City of Gates as it has 52 ‘gates’, each of which has a local history, or had individuals linked with them. Out of the 52 big gates, the most famous, oldest and biggest of them is the Bhadkal Gate.

PANCHAKKI

Situated at a distance of 1km from the city, housed in the Baba Shah Musafir Dargah, Panchakki is famous as an underground water channel, which traverses more than 8 km to its source away in the mountains. The channel ends in an artificial waterfall powering the mill.

SALIM ALI LAKE AND BIRD SANCTUARY

Aurangabad has Salim Ali Lake and the bird sanctuary which is named after the great ornithologist, naturalist Salim Ali, known as birdman of India. It is an abode of various local and migratory birds. In winter when a number of migratory birds arrive for nesting, that’s the best time for bird watching.

ELLORA CAVES

Ellora caves are 30 kilometres from Aurangabad. These caves are famous all over the world due to their magnificent crafts and architecture. Their sculpture provides Buddhist and Jainism cultures. These rock-cut caves are 34 in number, of which 16 are Hindu, 13 Buddhist, and 5 are of Jainism.

AJANTA CAVES

These unique caves are situated at a distance of 99 km from Aurangabad. The credit for the discovery of these caves goes to the British military officer John Smith, who discovered them in the year 1819. The artistic sculptures in these 30 caves carved into the mountains have enchanted the tourists.

GHRISHNESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE

At a distance of one kilometer from Ellora Caves, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that are famous in India, Ghrishneshwar temple is located. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which has a huge number of devotees.

HANDICRAFTS OF AURANGABAD

Apart from all these architectural sculptures, Aurangabad is famous for Himroo Shawls and Paithani silk sarees. Himroo is a fabric made of silk and cotton whereas Paithani silk sarees are made from very fine silk which is woven by hand. It is considered as “Paithani is the glory of Maharashtra”

Aurangabad – The journey to Aurangabad is memorable and exciting as the climate here is temperate. The climate becomes beautiful and worth visiting during the rain and winter season. The city is 375 km from Mumbai. The airport here is an international airport which is well connected to the country and abroad. There is a railway station nearby also.

This ancient magnificent city now survives only in ruins. From the view of the ruins here, it seems natural that once upon a time there was a flourishing civilization in Hampi. There are more than five hundred monuments between the valleys and dunes. There are many buildings which include temples, palaces, cellars, water-ruins, old markets, royal pavilions, platforms, treasuries, etc.

 According to historians, Hampi was once called Kishkindha, in fact, from the 13th to 16th century the city prospered as the capital of the Vijayanagara kings. Hampi is an open museum for both tourists and pilgrims. Every turn of Hampi is amazing. Every monument holds a secret than it reveals.

Hampi is called a city of temples. Let’s know about some temples and sites that are worth visiting while Hampi and also included in the UNESCO world heritage site.

Virupaksha Temple

This temple of Hampi is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, who is another form of Lord Shiva. Virupaksha Temple is a sacred place situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River at Hampi in the state of Karnataka. Built during the seventh century, this temple was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its history and beautiful architecture. The temple has beautiful sculptures of many deities which reflect mythological stories related to them.

VITTHAL TEMPLE or VITHALA TEMPLE

The Vitthal temple is one of the most influential temples in Hampi. The Vitthal temple was built during the 16th century. In fact, this temple presents its rich architecture beautifully. Hampi has a famous stone chariot which is considered an iconic symbol of Hampi’s architecture. This temple has a large courtyard which is located in the center. It signifies the majesty of Vijayanagar and the glory of Kalavabhava.

HAMPI CHARIOT

The main attraction of the Vithala temple is its pillared walls and stone chariots. These pillars have a unique feature that can’t be found anywhere else. They are known as musical pillars because the music comes out of them when patted with love. The stone chariot is a wonderful piece of architecture. The temple has been carved in stone, which is in the shape of a chariot.

LAKSHMI NARASIMHA TEMPLE

Hampi Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or Ugra Narasimha Temple is made of large rock which is the tallest statue of Hampi. It is about 6.7 meters high.

SHIV LINGA: Bada Shivlinga

As the name indicates, Bada, the shiv linga stands at a height of 3m. This Shivlinga has been carved out from a single stone and one of the most attractive sites to visit during the Hampi tour.

The other places that are popular and worth demanding a visit are lotus palace, monkey temple, Hippie Island, Elephant stable, and many more archaeological sites are there.

To explore the world heritage site and ancient ruins of Hampi, winters from (October to February) is the best time to visit Hampi. Visiting during this time can lead a traveller to see the events of Hampi that including Vijaya Utsav, the largest celebration happening in Hampi.

Kullu and Manali are two hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh that are nestled in the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas. Both these tourist places top the list of most popular tourist destinations in India. Kullu is famous for valleys, picturesque sites and temples while Manali is known for river, mountains and adventure activities. Tourists from different parts of the country come here for holiday, enjoying snowfall, mountaineering, trekking and skiing.

Being a hill station, there are many places to visit here.  Rohtang Pass which is 92 km from Kullu bus stand and 51 km from Manali bus stand only opens in the month of May, while it remains closed due to heavy snowfall in September.

Manikaran Sahib is located about 45 km from Kullu, on the way to Manali and is known for its hot springs near the Parvati river. It is believed that bathing in it removes skin related diseases. It is a famous Gurudwara and pilgrimage place for Sikhs.

Solang Valley  is famous for adventure sports, parachuting, paragliding and zorbing, ropeways and trekking for those visiting Kullu Manali. It is 13 km northwest of Manali. Its real fun comes when the snowfall occur.

Hidimba Temple was establised in 1553, which is believed to have been built for Hidimba (who is also the local goddess), wife of the Pandava prince Bhima. This temple is known for its four-storied pagoda and unique wood embroidery.

Although you can visit Kullu Manali at any time of the year, but not all the tourist places here can be visited throughout the year as snowfall starts in Kullu Manali after 15 December. If you want to enjoy it, you can come here from December to March. During this time you can go skiing and can see the Hidimba temple, snow trekking on Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund. Being a hill station, a large number of tourists come here during hot summer months. These months heat up in other parts of India, that’s why people come to visit Kullu Manali with family.

Kasol is getting popularity because of its adrenaline-rushing adventurous trekking along the river Parvati, Kheerganga, Manikaran, and Malana. Get the panoramic and picturesque views of mighty snowy mountains, waterfalls, waters of the Parvati river, blue sky and cafes while trekking to the Kheerganga and Malana. Malana is famous for its cultivation of Malana cream.

It’s a place where a traveller can experience thrilling adventure activities or can just lay back and unwind in the lap of nature as this offbeat destination has a lot to offer. The music festival at the end of the year attracts most tourists from all over.

Reaching Kasol is easy as it is accessible through Rail, Road, and Airways. The nearest Airport and Railway station are Bhuntar Airport and Joginder Nagar railway station respectively. Kasol can be explored at any time of the year as it has a pleasant climate all around the year.

Auli is best for skiing because of its snow-covered mountain slopes. The slopes are meant for both professionals skiers and new learners. To encourage the skiing sport in Auli, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited and Uttrakhand Tourism Department host skiing competitions. It is also known as the best skiing place in the world.

Auli is a place for trekkers and bikers. The mountains call for bike trails and trekking adventures. It also has a 4 Km cable car or ropeway journey which gives a spellbinding view of the Auli resort. Some of the tourist places that a traveller can see during the visit to Auli are Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Chenab lake, Joshimath, Badrinath, etc.

Auli is around the year tourist destination because of its cold climate but for the skiing experience, November to March is the best time. It is well connected by road, rail and air transport. Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport and Dehradun and Rishikesh railway stations are the nearest stations.

To the north of the Yamuna lies Bandarpooch mountain which is believed to be the place where Lord hanuman quenched his tail’s fire after burning the Lanka. Near the river source, the Yamunotri temple is situated dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. The goddess Yamuna resides in a temple in a black marble idol. It is a sacred place like the Gangotri temple. The temple remains closed during winters after Diwali till Akshaya Tritiya in April-May. 

A small hot water spring known as Surya Kund is there near the Yamuna river where devotees boil rice and potatoes tied in a muslin cloth.  Near Surya Kund, there is a Shila called Divya Shila, which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. Rice and potatoes made at Surya Kund offer at the shrine and rest taken as Prasad.

For photography enthusiasts, the environment of the place is best. The scenic beauty, snow-covered mountains, flora, and fauna attract tourists. For adventure seekers, camping and trekking can be done at Yamunotri.

The best time to visit this holy place is from May to November avoiding the monsoon season as it can be a risky affair due to landslides. The Yamunotri is easily accessible through all means of transport from Rishikesh and Dehradun.

The most beautiful attraction point in Coorg is Abbey falls which are located a few kilometers away from the Madikeri. Madikeri is the central point of Coorg from where all the transportation runs. Amidst the coffee estates and spice plantations, it is a beautiful opportunity for shutterbugs to capture the real beauty and grace of the natural world.

For wildlife lovers, Nagarhole National Park is the perfect place. It has diversified flora and fauna which make it a perfect place to spot mammals, reptiles, birds. To witness the elephants in their natural habitat, the home of elephants can be visited. The Dubare elephant camp is the place where elephants can be seen bathing and getting training.

Another majestic place a traveler should visit is Talacauvery, known as the origin point of river Kaveri. It is believed that the river originates as a spring feeding a tank and then flows underground to re-emerge as Kaveri. It is located in the Brahmagiri hill.

Raja’s seat is the most picturesque point of Coorg. It is basically a garden where tourist can see the mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset, hills and valley, musical fountains, etc.

Apart from tea, coffee plantations and rich natural beauty, it has some cultural amusements to visit. Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery), is one of the best architecture and artwork of Tibetan culture. It is considered as the second biggest Tibetan settlement in India.

Homestays and resorts of Coorg are other charms that attract tourists from all over the world. Homestays provide a homely environment and marvellous hospitality service.

Be it an adventure, sightseeing, camping, homestay, tea, coffee, and spice cultivation, tourists have a lot of things to do and can rejuvenate themselves. In any time of year, Coorg can be visited as it has a pleasant climate throughout the year. But for adventure seekers, October to March is the best place.

With Whitewater Rafting industry developing and various outdoors and bistro spots jumping up, Rishikesh is developing as a top choice, taking into account individuals with various needs.

Laxman Jhula, built in 1939, is the major attraction point in Rishikesh for travellers. It is a suspension bridge and is believed to be built in the same place where Laxman cross the river Ganga on a rope. This belief makes it a pilgrimage and it is always open for visitors.

Another important pilgrimage in Rishikesh is Neelkanth Mahadev temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the venom when asuras and devas were churning the ocean.

Rishikesh is a splendid spot for whitewater rafting or river rafting. Shivpuri, located at a distance of 19-20km from Rishikesh, is a famous spot for river rafting and water sports.  Other adventurous experiences that can pump the adrenaline level of a person are mountain biking, Kayaking, camping, trekking, and even bungee jumping.

There are numerous ashrams, some of which are internationally recognized as centres of philosophical studies, yoga, and meditation. This place is a hub for sadhus or saints who are indulged in practicing yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Reiki, and etc. Due to this, it is also termed as the Yoga capital of the world.

The place Rishikesh has a pleasant climate throughout the year because of its location. The summer from April to June is slightly warm but it is the best time for river rafting. A month from July to September faces rush of tourists due to Hindu month Saavan and other religious events.

The place is the right blend to see spirituality and picturesque natural beauty.

Another eye capturing place is Satdhara Falls. ‘Satdhara’ means seven springs, it’s waterfall that brings together the waters of the seven beautiful springs. It is believed that water of this place has some medicinal properties which can cure skin problems and in local language it is termed as Gandhak.

Panchpula is famous for trekking. Dainkund peak, the highest point in Dalhousie also known as singing hill because as one make his way upwards, he can hear the gentle breeze passing through the trees making a musical sound.

Other major attractions in Dalhousie are Lakshmi Narayan temple, kalatop khajjiar Sanctuary, churches, camping, shopping, river rafting etc.

Dalhousie has a very pleasant climate. One can visit Dalhousie during March to June. Temperature begins to rise in the month of June. The summer months experience nice weather throughout, thus making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Moonsons are even more beautiful and increase the charm of the place.