Vrindavan, which is 15 km away from Mathura, is the forest land where Lord Krishna used to play with his beloved Radha and her friends. The name Vrindavan evokes the playfulness and lovable characteristics of Shri Krishna. This is the wood where he ran around the gopis and tenderly wooed Radha.

Vindavan lies in the land of Braj bhoomi along with Mathura, Govardhan and Gokul. In todays scenario visitors can see only the remains of the sacred jungle in the walled Nidhi Van along with the Rangaji temple and the ISKON temple.


Location
The sacred town of the Hindu's lies in the state of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the river Yamuna adjacent to the town of Mathura. Vrindaban is believed to be the ancient birth place and playground of Lord Krishna, hence considered as one of the holiest places of India.

Climate
Vrindavan has a similar climate as that of Mathura and is hot in summers, with day temperatures going up to 45° Centigrade while winters are comfortable at 12°C. The best time to visit the place is between October to March.


Major Attractions
Ananda Dham - The Ananda Dham Gaudiya Ashramis known as the transcendental place of devotion and love. It is the abode of Bhagwan Shri Krishna's leisure times unattainable even for the demi gods. Austerities, Spiritual practices are its different manifestations. The ashram's principles are based on the philosophy of the four main pillars of the Indian culture, Brahmacharya, Griyastha,Vanaprasth and Sannyas. The Dham is a unique juxtaposition of these four vedic cultures.

Radha Govinda Temple - The Radha Govinda temple was built by a sanyasi disciple, Rupa Goswami. When the sanyasi saw a cow atop a hill freely pouring milk from her udders unattended, he understood the significance of the place and soon digged the spot. While digging the Vrijabasis or the residents found a Govinda deity worshipped some 5000 years ago by Lord Krishna's grandson, Vajranabha. Then finally with the help of Man Singh, Rupa Goswami erected a 7 storey red stone temple with intricate carvings having a golden dome of 72 ft tall.

Neem Karoli Baba Vrindavan Ashram - Located in the plains near the Panikrama Marg, the first temple was inaugurated in the year 1967. Within this ashram is the Mahasamadhi Mandir of Neen Karoli Baba. A recent addition of the statue of Ram -Sita, Laxman,Hanuman and a exclusive garden has given the place a unique charm. Various bhandaras an Kirtans or holy prayers are to be heard in the evening hours.

Madan Mohan Temple - Built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan it is situated near the Kali Ghat. Counted among the oldest temples in Vrindavan, the temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya. The original idol of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshiped at the temple.

Krishna Balarama Mandir - This exquisitely built marble temple was constructed twenty years ago to worship the Deities of Gaura-Nitai, Krishna Balarama and Radha-Syamasundara. In front of the temple is the Samadhi Mandir of Srila Prabhupada. This is where his body was laid to rest after he passed away in 1977. His house has been turned into a museum. There is also a guest house, restaurant, gurukula and goshalla.