Vrindavan is considered one of India’s holiest towns and is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
As the childhood home of Lord Krishna, Vrindavan attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad who come to walk the sacred land where Krishna spent his youth over 5,000 years ago.
With over 5,000 ancient temples strewn across this small, dusty town, deciding what to explore in Vrindavan can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
This 3-day itinerary covers the main spiritual highlights to help you plan an enriching visit.
Day 1
Begin your first morning with a spiritual highlight – watch the intimate aarti ceremony held inside the beautiful Radha Vallabh Mandir temple.
One of Vrindavan’s oldest and most revered shrines, the temple comes alive each morning as hymns are sung and the small murti of “Sri Radha Vallabh” is elaborately bathed and decorated by the head priest.
After breakfast, attend the unique ‘svaroop darshan’ ceremony held at the historic Banke Bihari Mandir, built in 1864 near the fabled Seva Kunj.
Believed to have been established by revered guru Swami Haridas, the black-stone murti of Lord Krishna as the young Banke Bihari is unveiled every few hours for visitors to behold his divine form.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent architecture of Shahji Temple and the Grand Temple before winding down with a Yamuna river aarti, performed each evening on the ancient stone ghats.
Day 2
Rise early and take a short walk on holy parikrama marg, which encircles the sacred town and leads past many Krishna temples and sites linked to his life story.
Soak in the peaceful morning vibe and chanting of devotees. Have breakfast at popular Pede Wale Baba ka Doodhwala on the parikrama route, where thick fresh milk is boiled with spices.
Later, visit the imposing red sandstone temple of Madan Mohan, located near Kaliya Dah ghat where young Krishna subdued the evil serpent.
The gorgeous six-armed murti of Madan Gopal – a form of the playful Bala Krishna – has been revered here for centuries.
In the afternoon, take a day trip to Barsana and Nandgaon, cradles of Krishna’s consort Radha, strewn with historic hilltop temples.
Witness the beautiful architecture and lively temple culture before returning to Vrindavan in the evening.
Day 3
On your last day, rise early for a friendly wrestling session with Indian pehlwan wrestlers near Keshi Ghat.
For centuries, Vrindavan’s mud pits have nurtured wrestling traditions first sparked when Lord Krishna playfully wrestled his friends.
The pehlwans here still observe ancient rituals and exercise regimens.
After breakfast, wander the colorful bazaar near Rangji Mandir sampling hot kachoris and jalebis before getting a special Krishna tilak imprinted by priests at Prem Mandir.
Conclude your trip with evening aarti on the Yamuna banks, reflecting on the divine grace received over three days in Vrindavan dham.
With its sacred history, vibrant temple culture and palpable spiritual heritage, Vrindavan offers seekers endless layers of transcendence and meaning to uncover.
Follow this itinerary to discover the town’s highlights and plan a soul-stirring journey to India’s City of Temples.
