Vrindavan is a hallowed land for those who worship Lord Krishna. There are no less than 5000 temples dedicated to Krishna. Prominent ones include Banke Bihari temple, Radha Raman, Radha Damodar and the Iskcon temple Sri Krishna Balram temple. The place comes to life right from 4.15 am.

Residents of Vrindavan are believed to be lucky to have taken birth in this holy land. It must be because of their past karmas that they are enjoying Krishna’s bliss every moment of their life. Is it a coincidence that their day-to-day living is also simple? Because a good number of people in Mathura own cows. They consume milk products like curd, butter, chanch, milk, paneer etc. And even sell them to earn money.

There are many more temples in the proximity of Vrindavan also. Wherever there is an old banyan tree or vat vriksh, it is believed Lord Krishna played his flute. That is why many of these banyan trees are called ‘banshi vat’. These trees are also worshipped with equal fervour.

Things come to a standstill at 12 pm. Because all temples close for 3 hours. It is only at 3 pm when Vrindavan springs to life again. Eateries and tea stalls, however, do not close down. Tea stalls open early in the morning. They keep serving tea till 9 pm. Most of them will serve you tea in kulhads. This is the traditional way of serving tea. An earthy flavour is imparted to the tea owing to the earthen pots in which it is served. Interestingly, they also sell you hot milk. You can also ask the seller to add a topping of malai or cream.

Goshalas: Where you find healthy cows!

Every temple boasts of its own goshala. Iskcon’s Sri Krishna Balram goshala is located just about 1 km from the temple. Likewise, there are many goshalas in Vrindavan. Feeding the cows and seeing the cows consume is itself a very satisfying experience. No wonder many devotees who visit Vrindavan also take a tour of the goshalas. You can see many of them feeding the cows. And the cows consuming the food with relish. No wonder, all the cows are in good health. Unlike the cows in metropolitan cities.

Shops in Vrindavan: What do they sell?

The items that shops sell in Vrindavan are also connected with Radha ji and Krishna. You will find chanting malas of all kinds. All paraphernalia associated with the worship of Lord Krishna can be acquired here. You will find electronic items like the one used to keep count of the number of times you have uttered the Hare Krishna mahamantra.

Transistor-like devices having pre-recorded mantras may also be found. You can switch to the mantra you want to listen. And the device will go on repeating the mantra for you. Modern technology for supporting spiritual progress.

Ideal time to visit Vrindavan: When can we visit Vrindavan?

The month of Kartik is considered to be auspicious for visiting Vrindavan. A large number of devotees visit Vrindavan in Kartik. Weekends should be avoided if possible. Because weekends are, unimaginably, crowded. Evening time sees a huge rush. With multitudes of people heading in the same direction, the scene is almost surreal. The month of Kartik coincides with October of Gregorian calendar.

Another reason why we can visit Vrindavan in Kartik is that it is pleasant. The monsoons are on their way out. And winters are still several weeks away. The cool and dry days of October are perfect for taking a tour of temples in Vrindavan.

Stay: Where can we stay in Vrindavan?

Staying in Vrindavan is not so costly. There are many ashrams, dharamshalas, farm stays, guesthouses and gaushalas. A lot of these are called dhaams. You can book a room in these dhaams for Rs 1,000 upwards. A few will also quote a price you can pay for staying 1 week. Maa Jwala dhaam is a popular one located in Rukmini Vihar.

Local transport: How to move around in Vrindavan?

Share autos start plying on roads early morning. You will find one at 3.30 am. Because the morning arti in many of the temples is done at 4.15 am. You may hire a separate auto also. But you will have to pay 5 times what you will pay for a share auto.

Transport: How to reach Vrindavan?

You can either take a train or bus to reach Vrindavan. Trains will take you to Mathura in about 1.5 hours. From there you will get land transportation to Vrindavan. Trains on Delhi to Mathura route ply from New Delhi Railway Station, Hazrat Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar terminal.

Direct buses to Vrindavan can be booked. You may get a bus from ISBT Kashmere Gate. You will have to pay Rs 150 for an ordinary bus. In Vrindavan, the buses will drop you at a stand. From the stand, you can take a share auto to reach the place of stay.