The Shri Krishna Janmbhoomi (birthplace of Lord Krishna) is the main attraction of Mathura and an important pilgrimage for the Hindus. A stone slab marks the original spot of the birth of Lord Krishna. The earlier Kesava Deo temple had the room where Lord Krishna was born. According to legends, Lord Krishna was born in a small prison room where the tyrant ruler Kansa held his parents captive.

The town of Mathura (Brajbhoomi) is located in the western part of the state of Uttar Pradesh in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the western bank of the river Yamuna. It is famous as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, an important deity in the Hindu religious pantheon. It is an important pilgrim place of the Hindus and one of the seven most sacred cities in India.

Archeological Museum : Besides Hindu temples, Mathura is also known as a great center of Buddhism. The museum houses a powerful, impressive Bodhisttava from the Kushana period and even claims the honors of having produced the first images of Buddha. Buddhism and Jainism influenced the Mathura school of art, which flourished during Kushana's time. The coins found during archaeological excavations in Mathura point to Scythian influence.

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.

Other Places : The Sati Burj, Kans Qila, Jama Masjid and Dwarkadheesh temple are other places worth visiting in Mathura.

How to get there

Air : The nearest airport is Agra, which in turn has regular domestic flights from Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi.

Rail : The Mathura is well connected by trains to Agra, Delhi, Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur and Kota. The Taj Express to and from Delhi is a good option.

Road : Mathura is very well linked by a network of roads to all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.