Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi

Mathura: the traditional birthplace of Lord Krishna, set on the site of the prison where Devaki and Vasudeva were held. The complex also includes Keshav Dev Mandir and Bhagavata Bhavan.

Banke Bihari Temple

Vrindavan: one of Braj's most visited temples. A curtain is drawn at intervals during darshan, a long-standing tradition here. Expect crowds.

Prem Mandir

Vrindavan: a marble temple dedicated to Radha Krishna and Sita Ram, established by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

Dwarkadhish Temple

Mathura: a 19th-century temple near Vishram Ghat where Krishna is worshipped as Dwarkadhish, with a black marble deity of Krishna beside a white marble Radha.

Barsana Radha Rani Temple

Barsana: on the Bhanugarh hill, the traditional birthplace of Radha. Famous for Lathmar Holi, and very busy on Radhashtami.

Vaishno Devi Temple

Vrindavan: a replica of the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, with a very tall statue of the goddess, so devotees can experience the pilgrimage without travelling north.

Radha Raman Temple

Vrindavan: a temple of about 500 years, founded by Gopala Bhatta Goswami. Its deity is believed to have appeared on its own from a Shaligram stone.

ISKCON Temple (Krishna Balaram Mandir)

Vrindavan: founded in the 1970s under Swami Prabhupada and now a major centre for devotees from around the world.

Govardhan Hill (Giriraj Ji)

Where Krishna is believed to have lifted the hill to shelter Braj. Devotees walk the parikrama, with stops such as Manasi Ganga, Kusum Sarovar and Daan Ghati.

Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple

Vrindavan: among the oldest temples in the town, where Krishna is worshipped as Madan Mohan alongside Radha and Lalita.

Gita Mandir (Birla Mandir)

Mathura: built in 1946 on the Mathura–Vrindavan road, with verses of the Bhagavad Gita inscribed on its pillars. A calm stop that gets lively during festivals.

Shri Dauji Maharaj Temple

Dedicated to Balram, the elder brother of Krishna. The biggest celebration here is Baldev Chhath, marking his birth anniversary.

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple

Mathura: a Shiva temple very close to Krishna Janmabhoomi, believed to guard the city and especially busy on Mahashivratri.

Sri Rangnath Ji Temple

Vrindavan: a Dravidian-style temple from 1851 showing Lord Vishnu resting on Sheshnag, known for its annual festivals.

Govind Dev Ji Temple

Vrindavan: built in 1590 by Raja Man Singh of Amber. Once seven storeys tall, it blends several architectural styles.

Raman Bihari Ji Temple (Raman Reti)

Gokul: set in the sandy grounds where Krishna is said to have played as a child. Many devotees roll in the sand as an act of devotion.

Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan

Gokul: the childhood home of Krishna with his foster parents Nand Baba and Yashoda Maa, where Krishna, Balram and their companions are worshipped together.

Thakurani Ghat

Gokul: a peaceful Yamuna ghat associated with Vallabhacharya, who is said to have received darshan of the river here.

Shri Aasheshwar Mahadev

Nandgaon: according to tradition, Lord Shiva sat here hoping to see baby Krishna, which gave the temple its name.

Pavana Sarovar

Nandgaon: a sacred lake where Krishna's cows are said to have drunk. Especially popular on Akshaya Tritiya, with the Pavana Bihari temple on its northern bank.