Krishna, the popular incarnation of Vishnu, is believed to have been born in Mathura. This area, popularly known as Brij Bhoomi, is a major pilgrimage place for Hindus and this area is closely linked with many episodes in Krishna early life. The region is richly interwoven with the legend of Krishna, kept alive today by millions of devotees who look upon him as the most endearing incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and by specific locations associated with the legend. Mathura's history dates back to at least 600 BC and archaeological remains have testified its importance. It was of significance during the Mauryan era and received great stimulus under Emperor Ashoka. Later, under the Kushans it became a centre of trade and learning, and was practically their southern capital during the first two centuries AD. The earliest sculptural art of india, which is Buddhist, emerged in this region. Mathura, and Braj Bhoomi region, is also important for its festivals in which Lord Krishna forms the principal theme and are distinct to the area. Holi, Janmashtami, Radha Ashtami, Kans Vadh, Yam Dwitiya and Hariyali Teej are some which revolve around Lord Krishna and his most famous consort, Radha. Nearby is Vrindavan, 15 km away, is also integral to the legend of Krishna. This is where Lord Krishna played his flute and sported with the gopis. The town was later immortalized in the poems of Mirabai, a princess of medieval India who became an ardent devotee of Krishna. Vrindavan is one of the most important religious centres of Hindu.

SIGHTSEEING

SHRI KRISHNA JANMA BHOOMI
It is believed that this is the place where about 5,000 years ago lord Krishna was born in the prison of King Kansa. While excavating this area, many old statues were found which are now displayed in the museum. At present this place has a beautiful temple of lord Krishna.

DWARKADISH TEMPLE
Built in 1814 in the center of the town, it is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacharya. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, it is architecturally interesting: the temple carving and paintings are major attractions. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali.

GITA MANDIR
On the road to Vrindaban it is a modern temple with fine paintings and carvings on the walls depicting themes from Hindu mythology. The whole of Bhagwad Gita is inscribed on a pillar called Gita Stambh.

GHATS
The Ghats of Mathura are of great architectural, cultural and ritual interest, for devotees from far and wide. There are 25 holy tirthas (bathing places or ghats) in Mathura. Visram Ghat is in the middle and there are 12 more south of Visrama Ghat and 12 ghats north. Those in the south extend to Moksa Ghat. Some pilgrims take bath in all 25 tirthas before beginning Braja Mandala parikrama. Asi Ghat, Prayaga Ghat, Chakra Tirtha Ghat, Krishna Ganga, Dhruva Ghat and Visrama Ghat are still known by the same names.

SATI BURJ
17 mt. high, built of red sandstone in 1570 AD, is a slim tower which commemorates the death of a noble lady - widow of Raja Bihari Mal of Amer who committed sati. The four storeyed tower was erected by Raja Bhagwan Das on the right bank of the Yamuna at Sati Ghat

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
The Government Museum, Mathura originally founded by F.S. Growse in 1874, is today one of the leading centres for research, study and the preservation of Mathura' s splendid heritage of art. The museum housed in a fine octagonal, red sandstone building, located at Dampier Park, has the largest collection of Kushana sculptures in the country. The Museum has also fine collections of stone sculpture and terracotta, gold, silver and copper coins, clay seals, ancient pottery, paintings and bronzes.

JAMA MASJID
The Jama Masjid with its four lofty minarets and bright mosaic, built in 1661 AD, by Abd-un Nabir Khan, on the ruins of Keshav Deo temple, which was destroyed earlier.

VRINDAVAN
Vrindavan, just 15 km from Mathura, is another major place of pilgrimage. It is noted for its numerous temples - both old and modern. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is where krishna indulged in adolescent pranks like flirting with gopis in the forests and stealing their clothes while they bathed in the river. Little now remains of the legendary forests and the river has meandered away from most of Vrindavan's bathing ghats, but this town still attracts huge numbers of pilgrims. Vrindavan today, is noted for its numerous temples. The bulky red sandstone Govind Dev Temple is the most impressive building in Virndavan. The name means Divine Cowherd-in other words Krishna. Architecturall it's one of the most advanced Hindu temple in northern India and was built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. There are many other temples in Vrindavan, including the popular Bankey Bihari, Radha Ballabh (built in 1626), Madan Mohan, the 10 storey Pagal Baba, and the Nidhi Van.

KUSUMA SAROVARA
It is a 460-feet long lake with the platforms going out 60 feet into the water. A 25-minute walk from Radha Kunda, it is the best swimming spot in Braja. Legend has it that the gopis would pick flowers from here for Krishna. After going to Radha Kunda one can spend a relaxing hour here. It is a peaceful place. The ghatas at this kunda were built by Jawahir Singh around 1764.