Where to stay in Vrindavan: the short guide
Vrindavan is a temple town of narrow lanes, and the old area around Banke Bihari Temple gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends and festivals. Most hotels and ashram guesthouses are along Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg near ISKCON, and on the main road towards Prem Mandir.
Mathura, about 12 to 15 km away, has the main railway station, the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple and more hotels. Many visitors stay in one town and visit the other by road.
Planning the trip as well? Read our Vrindavan travel guide for temple timings, festival dates and a temple-by-temple plan.
Best areas to stay in Vrindavan
Near Banke Bihari Temple
The old town, closest to the temple and the ghats. Small hotels and guesthouses in busy lanes.
Raman Reti and near ISKCON
The main hotel area, with ashram guesthouses, hotels and restaurants close to ISKCON.
Chhatikara Road and near Prem Mandir
Newer, larger hotels with parking on the main road, close to Prem Mandir.
Parikrama Marg
Stays along the circuit route around the town, near the Yamuna ghats.
Mathura city
Hotels near Mathura Junction and Krishna Janmabhoomi, about 12 to 15 km away.
Govardhan
Simple stays for pilgrims doing the Govardhan parikrama, about 22 km away.
Getting to Vrindavan: Mathura Junction, Agra and Delhi
Mathura Junction is the main railway station, about 12 to 15 km from Vrindavan, with fast trains from Delhi, Agra and many other cities. Autos and cabs connect the two towns.
The Yamuna Expressway links Vrindavan with Delhi and Agra. Delhi is about 180 km away, usually 3 to 4 hours by road, and Agra about 70 km.
Cars cannot enter the narrow lanes near Banke Bihari Temple, and traffic is restricted on festival days, so plan to walk or take an e-rickshaw for the last stretch.
Find the right kind of hotel in Vrindavan
Hotels near Banke Bihari Temple
The closest stays to the temple, mostly small hotels. Expect crowds and walking.
Hotels near ISKCON Vrindavan
Guesthouses and hotels along Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, popular with pilgrims and families.
Hotels near Prem Mandir
Larger hotels on the main road with parking, a short walk to the evening lights.
Ashrams and guesthouses in Vrindavan
Simple, often vegetarian stays run by ashrams and trusts.
Family hotels in Vrindavan
Hotels with family rooms and parking near Prem Mandir and on Chhatikara Road.
Hotels near Mathura Junction
Hotels in Mathura city, close to the station and Krishna Janmabhoomi.
Hotels for every budget in Vrindavan
Budget hotels and ashram stays
Near ISKCON, Banke Bihari and the Parikrama Marg.
Mid-range hotels
Raman Reti and Chhatikara Road offer the most choice.
Upscale hotels
A few larger hotels on the main road and near Prem Mandir.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
Temples and places to visit in Vrindavan and Mathura
- Banke Bihari Temple: Vrindavan's most famous temple; timings change by season and the crowds are intense.
- ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir: the international temple with kirtans and a calm atmosphere.
- Prem Mandir: the white marble temple, best seen when lit up in the evening.
- Radha Raman and Radha Vallabh temples: historic temples in the old town.
- Nidhivan and Seva Kunj: sacred groves linked with Krishna stories.
- Keshi Ghat: the Yamuna ghat for the evening aarti.
- Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura: the birthplace temple, with strict security and no phones allowed.
- Govardhan and Barsana: for the parikrama and Barsana's famous Lathmar Holi.
When to visit Vrindavan
| October to March | Pleasant weather and the main pilgrimage season. |
|---|---|
| Holi (February or March) | A week of celebrations, with the most famous events in Vrindavan and Barsana. Prices spike. |
| April to June | Hot days; visit temples early morning and evening. |
| July to September | Monsoon, and Janmashtami in August or September brings very large crowds. |
Good to know before you book
- Visit Banke Bihari on a weekday morning to avoid the worst crowds.
- Watch your belongings around the temples; monkeys snatch glasses and phones.
- Book early for Holi and Janmashtami, when minimum stays are common.
- Carry little inside temples; some do not allow phones or bags.
See live prices for Vrindavan
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in VrindavanFrequently asked questions
Which is the best area to stay in Vrindavan?
Near ISKCON and Raman Reti for the widest choice, or near Prem Mandir for larger hotels with parking.
Are there hotels near Banke Bihari Temple?
Yes, there are small hotels and guesthouses in the old town lanes close to the temple.
Should I stay in Vrindavan or Mathura?
Vrindavan is better for its temples and atmosphere; Mathura is better for the railway station and Krishna Janmabhoomi.
How far is Vrindavan from Mathura Junction?
About 12 to 15 km, usually 30 minutes by road.
How far is Vrindavan from Delhi?
About 180 km, usually 3 to 4 hours by the Yamuna Expressway.
When is Vrindavan most crowded?
During Holi, Janmashtami, Radhashtami and on weekends.