Vrindavan
Delhi has a hectic pace of life, which often exhausts an individual; breaks like these are more than welcome. Moreover, the city’s environment is so competitive; unknowingly we become a part of a rat race. The visit to these small towns and cities of India helps me to reset the internal compass. I see individuals, with lesser packages, living happily in limited means, and that is when reality stares at your face making you realize, money on its own cannot make one happy.
Therefore this weekend when I was offered an opportunity to travel to Vrindavan, I couldn’t let it pass. The holy city is located in India and primarily is known as Lord Krishna’s home across the globe. But apart from this religious reason, there are ample other logics to visit this quaint town.
The commute to Vrindavan is very smooth due to the Yamuna Expressway, in straight 3 hours one will reach the city. Anyone who has used the expressway will vouch for the fact that the drive-in itself is sheer bliss. With miles of open land on both sides, balmy sun soothing your senses, gentle breeze playing with your hair, you will fall in love with the whole experience. In a true holiday style, don’t pick anything for munching, as there is a combination of eateries like Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dominos, and other Indian joints located on the expressway. Also, it is further supported by public conveniences, workshops, petrol pumps, etc.
By the time we reached, the Raman Reti Marg, the sun was already setting on the horizon. And it seemed the dusk infused life into the city. Loads of people were out on roads experiencing the place, to a newcomer it might seem like an assault on all the 5 senses. There are many temples located on this street, but the important ones are Isckon Temple and Prem Mandir. The Prem Mandir is spread in 55 acres and is dedicated to RadhaKrishna (Lord Krishna and his consort Radha), and SitaRam (Lord Rama and Sita). The temple depicts the important life events of Lord Krishna and is made of Italian marble. It is inspired by the Somnath style, but also South Indian influence can be found in the architecture of the temple. More than anything I liked the life-size figures of Sri Krishna installed in the garden, which with the help of motors, showcases different leelas of the god. Please visit the temple in the night, when the temple comes into its full glory, due to the light and sound play.
As the evening progress, all kinds of hawkers descended on the road selling their wares, don’t forget to bargain. You can get your favorite piece of artificial jewelry at throw-away prices, along with many souvenirs which one can carry home. Just opposite the road, various eateries are located, go light on your stomach and ask for lassi (Indian drink prepared with curd, water, sugar, dry fruits, and rose water).
Related Posts
As we still had time, we decided to visit Isckon temple, this is my personal favorite due to the fact that one can witness total inclusion here. People from across nationality sings and dances in the open courtyard. The place buzzes with positive energy but more than that it is filled with peace and calmness. While dancing amidst strangers, one can lose the sense of space and time, and just be present in that moment. For the time being while dancing over there, all my worries, anxiety, dreams left me, and I was fully alive at the moment.
I never wanted to put the experience to an end, but as the temple was about to close and exhaustion was engulfing us, we decided to call it a day. The next day was dedicated to visiting old Vrindavan and the key temple Banke Bihariji. Once you are in the city do try out the street food, they have some good options. Along with it purchase clothes, sweets, trinkets to carry home. A word of advice it gets very hot in summer due to its arid nature, therefore do keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. This is one city, which cannot be enjoyed in a rush, but still, a minimum of two-day stay is recommended.
It is well-said life is not about the number of years we lived, but it is about the moments we lived in those years. I believe spending time in Vrindavan is definitely one such experience, where one gets to see real India. Be it rich or poor everyone bows down their head with the same amount of reverence, and where for some time we look at individuals as humans rather based on the tags they are carrying.
I agree that money on its own cannot make one happy. To be honest I always prefer small towns and cozy off the path roads.
Same here Mimmie.
I love the chance to get out of the city where we live. I can see why a weekend in Vrindavan would provide a good break for you. So great to find space filled with positive energy but also a sense of peach and calmness. Something so hard to find in hectic city life!
Visiting a small town is always my number one choice. Vrindavan looks like a good destination. I would like to try the local food sell by the street hawkers. Spending time in this town sounds fun.
Lovely post about Vrindavan! Lots of useful information! Thanks for sharing
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers and pilgrims who want to visit Vrindavan. Nicely written. Keep up the good work.
I absolutely love how you described the time at Isckon temple in Vrindavan! How you lost sense of space and time and danced all your worries away. That sounds like a beautiful place to be!
Yes Lia, you will find many Europeans and Americans, dancing their heart out and just living in the moment. It is a nice experience.
t is just right that your post would speak about the higher state of things. You visited Lord Krishna’s hometown, with all the richness of India’s culture in the temples, the people, and the experiences. My first-ever grandchild is named Krishna!
Wow Carol, this sounds cool, you named your first grandchild Krishna.
Vrindavan has always been on my list. Wooww never knew the way is to smooth and just takes 3 hours. Love the details on how to commute and also about the temples etc. Seems like I got my next travel destination
Vrindavan Has been on my list for long. Unfortunately, I have never been able to visit it. Is driving the only way to reach Vrindavan or are there trains?
You can get a train to Mathura, after that you need to drive, but then it is hardly 45 minutes drive.
I have been to Vrindavan and the magic of this beautiful place never subsides. After reading your post I felt I revisited the place with all the beautiful memories.
This definitely sounds like a life altering once in a lifetime experience. Peaceful serene and a much needed break in life.
The charm of Vrindavan permeates one’s heart. Lord Krishna embedded in the hearts of people here. This is the break everyone wants in their life.
Such an insightful post on Vrindaban. I am planning to take my mom there as this place has some religious value, moreover the gorgeous prem mandir; no one can deny the beauty and charisma of the place.
Vrindavan surely has a divine experience with a nice aura around this city
Visiting Vrindavan is indeed a unique experience. The aura that envelops the city is something one needs to experience to understand. The lovely temples and the unseen presence of Krishna make the experience almost surreal. Loved reading your post on this lovely place.