PLACE TO VISIT IN VRINDAVAN

Govind Dev Temple (Vrindavan)  This bulky red sandstone edifice, built by Raja Man Singh of Amber in 1590, is easily the most imposing structure in Vrindavan. Its name means divine cowherd, or, in other words, Lord Krishna. Architecturally one of the most significant Hindu temples in North India. Originally seven storeys high, but Aurangzeb knocked off the top four floors. You can admire its ornate mandapa, with open balconies on two floors, and elaborate columns. The mouldings and sculpture avoid depicting any human form. Rangaji (Sri Ranganatha) Temple (Vrindavan)  Dates back to 1851. A bizarre melange of architectural styles: a Rajput entrance gate, a south Indian gopuram, an Italian-style colonnade. You might just pause at the entrance to take in the two electronic puppet shows depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Non-Hindus are not permitted into the central enclosure, which has a 15 m gold-plated pillar. Open daily 6 to 11 am and 4 to 9 pm in summer (6 to 12 pm and 3 to 9 pm in winter). Banke Bihari Temple (Vrindavan)  Much younger than its other holy cousins, the Banke Bihari temple is nevertheless Vrindavan's most popular one, and renowned for the floral decorations that adorn its deity. Watch a proper darshan, where the anxious waiting of fervent worshippers is rewarded by a momentary glimpse of their God. Stalls in the lane leading up to the temple dish out delicious lassis in bhands (unfired clay vessels). Open daily 9 am to 12 pm and 7 am to 12 pm in summer (10 am to 1 pm and 6 to 9 pm in winter). On Janmashtami, a mangala aarti takes place at this temple at 4 pm. On all festive occasions, there's an hour-long special darshan at the temple. Gita Mandir (Vrindavan)  This relatively new temple was built by one of India's premier industrial clans, the Birlas. It houses the Gita stambh, a pillar with the entire Bhagwad Gita displayed on its surface. However, it is completely overshadowed by the presence of the outrageously-designed Pagal Baba Mandir just down the road. Madan Mohan Temple (Vrindavan)  Built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan, and closely associated with the saint Chaitanya, this is the oldest existing temple in Vrindavan today. The original idol of Lord Madan Mohan was moved to Karauli in Rajasthan during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, its replica is worshipped within the temple here. Jaipur Temple (Vrindavan) Richly adorned, and very opulent. Its fine-carved sandstone exterior was made possible by a grant from Sawai Madhav Singh, Maharaja of Jaipur, in 1917. It is dedicated to Shri Radha Madhav. Shahji Temple (Vrindavan)  Designed and built in 1876 by Shah Kundan Lal, a Lucknowi jeweller. Acclaimed for its fine architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve 15-ft spiral columns. The darbar hall, known as Basanti Kamra, boasts of Belgian glass chandeliers and numerous paintings. Shri Krishna-Balram Temple (Vrindavan)  This is the work of the International Society for Shri Krishna Consciousness ISKCON. Its principal deities are Shri Krishna-Balram and Shri Radha-Shyam Sundar. Next to the temple is the white marble samadhi of Shri Prabhupada, the founder of the ISKCON sect. Mirabai Ashram (Vrindavan) There are several ‘widow houses’ in Vrindavan maintained by affluent devotees that provide sustenance for these unfortunates who look upon Lord Krishna as their only solace. Two thousand of them gather at the Mirabhai ashram twice a day, and their collective chorus as they chant bhajans can be a moving moment. Seva Kunj (Vrindavan)  This is where Lord Krishna once performed the ras-lila with Radha-Rani and the gopis. The samadhi of Swami Haridas also lies here. Kesi Ghat (Vrindavan)  This is the place where Lord Krishna is said to have killed the Kesi demon who appeared in the form of a gigantic horse. He then took His bath in this very same ghat. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavana. An aarti to Yamuna Devi is held here every evening. Other places of interest include the Sriji Temple, the Jugal Kishore temple, Lal Babu Temple, Kaliya Ghat, Varaha Ghat, Imli Tal and Chira Ghat.