(He is easily the most popular person here. Every square foot of Mathura-Vrindavan is wrapped in timeless devotion to Lord Krishna, the evergreen hero of Hinduism, the lover of Radha, the cowherd-prince and the re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Mathura without Lord Krishna is like Bethlehem without Christ. Welcome to Brajbhoomi or Krishna-land.)


Day 01: Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi , our representative will welcome you and transfer to our hotel for check in. Dinner and over night stay at hotel in Delhi.

Day 02: After breakfast leave for very beautiful akshardham or swami narayan temple , have lunch at temple cafetaria to see whole temple it will take 4-5 hours, evening is free for shopping and leisure, over night at hotel in Delhi.

Day 03: After early breakfast leave for Mathura the birth place of lord shri Krishna after check in at hotel in Mathura leave to have darshan at the oldest radha Krishna temple it is situated in the middle of the Mathura bazaar/market,enjoy the language used by the local people after every word they said radhe –radhe, after darshan of banke bihari have lunch ,in the evening enjoy Krishna aarti at hare rama hare Krishna temle ,dinner and over night at hotel.

Day 04: After breakfast leave for nidhi vaan, it is believed that (lord Krishna once performed the raaslila with radha-rani decorating her hair with flowers and her lotus feet. Radha and Krishna would sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes. There is also a small temple dedicated to radha and Krishna's pastimes called rang mahal. )in the night Krishna came with radha ji and gopis to perform raslila,so no body is allowed to visit nidhi vaan in the evening ,after seeing nidhi vaan you must believe that sri Krishna is still alive also some people tried to see raslila in the night in the morning they found dead,so nobody in Mathura even open the gates towards nidhi vaan, after lunch leave for Krishna janam bhumi where you will find the temple with a prision where it was believed that sri Krishna was born,dinner and over night at hotel in Mathura.

Some more important temples at Mathura

TEMPLES
Dwarkadish Temple - Built in 1814 in the center of the town, it is the most visited temple in Mathura. This temple is managed by followers of Vallabhacharya. Located in the eastern part of Mathura, not far from the Yamuna River, it is architecturally interesting: the temple carving and paintings are major attractions. The temple is a hub of activity during the festive days of Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali.

Banke-Bihari Temple - Built in 1864, it is one of Vrindavana's most popular temples and famous all over India. The Deity of Banke-bihari was discovered in Nidhuvana by Swami Haridasa. A contemporary of the six Gosvamis, Swami Haridasa known for his devotional bhajanas, was the guru of the famous musician Tansen.

Mathura Krishna Balrama Mandir - built by the International Society for Shri Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), it is one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan. The principal deities of this temple are Krishna, his brother Balram and Radha (Krishna's consort.) Adjoining the temple is the samadhi of Shri Prabhupada, the founder of the ISKCON sect, built in pure white marble. Hare Krishna devotees from all around the world flock here, bringing a truly international flavour to this ancient holy city.

Radha Madana-Mohana Temple - This famous temple was established by Srila Sanatana Gosvami and was the first temple to be built in Vrindavan, which at that time was just a forest. The original Deity of Madana-mohana was taken to Karauli in Rajasthan for safety during the attack on Vrindavan by the soldiers of the fanatical Muslim Emperor, Aurangzeb.

Jaipur Temple - One of Vrindavan's most opulent temples, it was built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Madhav, in 1917 after 30 years of labour. The fine hand-carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship, the huge pillars that hold up the roof are each carved from one solid rock, and the intricately fashioned marble on the altar is reminiscent of the Mughal period. The Maharaja financed the railway line that connects Vrindavana with Mathura, just for the purpose of hauling the huge pieces of sandstone used in the temple construction. The deities worshipped here are Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Ananda-bihari and Hansa-gopala.

Radha Vallabha Temple - Another very popular temple of Vrindavan which was founded by Harivamsa Gosvami, who started the Radha Vallabha sect emphasizing devotion to Radharani. In this temple, there is no deity of Radharani, but a crown has been placed next to Krishna to signify her presence. The original temple of Radha Vallabha was destroyed by the Muslims in 1670 and a new temple was built beside the old one.

Seva Kunja - The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna once performed the Raaslila with Radha-Rani decorating her hair with flowers and her lotus feet. Radha and Krishna would sometimes spend the night here, dancing with the gopis and enjoying transcendental pastimes. There is also a small temple dedicated to Radha and Krishna's pastimes called Rang Mahal.

Radha Damodara Temple - This is one of the most important temples in Vrindavan. The original deity was hand carved by Rupa Gosvami and given as a gift to his beloved disciple, Jiva Gosvami, who later built a temple here. Formerly this spot was in the middle of Seva-kunja and it was the bhajana ( where he sang devotional songs ) place of Rupa Gosvami.

Radharamana Temple - This is the famous temple of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. Radharamana means "one who gives pleasure to Radha", and is one of the many names of Lord Krishna. The wooden sitting place (hoki) and shawl (chaddar) or Lord Chaitanya, that He gave as a gift to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami is kept in this temple.

Jugal Kisore Temple - This is one of the oldest temple of Vrindavana and was completed in 1627. After Emperor Akbar's visit to Vridavan in the year 1570, he gave permission for four temples to be built by the Gaudya Vaisnavas, which were Madana-mohana, Govindaji, Gopinatha and Jugal Kisore. It is sometimes called the Kesi ghata temple, as it is located next to this ghata.

Kesi Ghata - This is the place where Lord Krishna killed the Kesi demon who appeared in the form of a gigantic horse and then took His bath in this very same ghata. This is also very famous bathing place in Vrindavan. An arati (prayer with lamps) to Yamuna Devi is held here every evening.

Rangji Temple - This South Indian style temple was built by the wealthy Seth family of Mathura in the year 1851, and is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji, a form of Lord Vishnu lying down on the Sesa Naga (celestial serpent). This temple has a traditional South Indian gateway and is surrounded by high walls. It is one of Vrindavan's largest temples. Once a year a grand car festival (Ratha Yatra) is held known as Brahmotsava, during the month of Chait (March - April), a festival that lasts for 10 days.

Shahji Temple- another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.

DAY 05: AFTER BREAKFAST LEAVE FOR VRINDAVAN/GOKUL NAGRI (Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura. His father Vasudev aided by several celestial forces stole him out of Mathura, across the raging river Yamuna and into the house of Nand in Gokul. Krishna spent his early childhood here and revealed the first signs of his divinity. His Uncle Kansa's muderous attempts forced Krishna to leave Gokul and move to Nandgaon, a more secure home high up on a hill. From here, the adolescent Krishna, the cowherd, would wander into the Vrindavan forests to play with his friends and dally with Radha, his lady love. Vrindavan is still a transcendental world, a place of Krishna's leela, (play), of deep eroticism and an archetypal connection to nature. Each tree in the area speaks, as it were, of the love of the divine couple.)PERFORM PUJA AT THE BANK OF RIVER YAMUNA OR IN A WELL DECORATED BOATS SPECIALLY MEANT FOR PUJA.DINNER AND OVER NIGHT AT HOTEL IN Mathura.

DAY 06: After breakfast leave for barsana village,around 20km from Mathura,barsana village belongs to radhaji ,people worship at radha ji temple,also barsana is famous for its lathmar holi l,during holi festival barsana is full of colours womens beats the mens with lath (wooden stick) and mens try to put colours on womens,after spending 2-3 hours leave for goverdhan nearly 20km from barsana the story behind the goverdhan parbat is (The people of Mathura, where Krishna lived, were basically farmers and had a practice of offering yearly puja's to Lord Indra. The worship was a means of thanking for a good produce and all the celebrations happened at mount Govardhan, near Braj. One particular year, as usual the residents of Mathura started their journey towards the mountain and Krishna accompanied them.

People were preparing to carry out the pooja to please Indra, when Lord Krishna approached them and questioned their belief practice. He told them to worship the fields where they grow their produce and the cattle which are help in planting the crop, instead of Lord Indra. The elders in the community said that it would displease Lord Indra and bring disaster. But, Krishna was persuasive and they yielded to his argument.

The people of Mathura under the guidance of Krishna made all the preparations for worshiping the cattle and the fields, when terror struck. Lord Indra angered by the insult of created a storm which threatened to blow away not only the cattle but also the people. The scared people ran to Krishna for help and he lifted the mountain Govardhan with his little finger. The people and the cattle took shelter under the mountain and were saved from the storm. Humbled by this act, Lord Indra, approached Lord Krishna to apologize.

The puja performed on the fourth day of Diwali is called the Govardhan Puja. The origin of this day goes back to the Dwapara Yuga, and to Lord Krishna. According to legends, he lifted mount Govardhan on this day and hence the day is dedicated to the worshiping the mountain. Goverdhan puja is offered as a tribute to Krishna's heroic feat. In parts of north India, people make cow dung replicas of the fabled mound, decorate it with flower petals and offer prayers. ),people used to pray lord Krishna and elder brother balram in the from of natural stone appeared at goverdhan parbat,the followers offered cow milk and sweets to please their god,also perform parikarama of goverdhan parvat which is around 8 km,on the way darshan at balram temple .,after parikrama and evening arati leave for hotel at Mathura,dinner and over night at hotel.

Day 07: After breakfast leave for agra , it is situated in the state of uttar pradesh and it is a home to one of the seven wonders of the world – the taj mahal , built between 1631 and 1653 by the mughal emperor shahjahan in memory of his wife mumtaj , taj mahal is renownwd as the most stunning mousoleum ever built. Import seeight scenes of agra are red fort, sikandra (sikandra is a tomb where the glorious mughal emperor akbar was buried after his death) and fathepur sikri (fathepur sikri is around 45 km from agra it is situated on the jaipur highway, it is abig fort where akbar used to stay with her patrani joodhabai), dinner and over night at hotel in agra.

Day 08: After breakfast leave for agra airport to board a flight for Varanasi, after arrival at Varanasi/banaras transfer to hotel. Varanasi is a place of holy river ganga. The braided water of ganga starts its race alleviated towards the large plains of north east; in the plains of allahabad finally water of yamuna blends with the ganga, at this sacred confluence triveni sangam invisible saraswati joins her force with two mighty rivers. It is in Varanasi, that the combined water are paid homage by the multitude of pilgrims befor being directed towards the mouth of bay of bengal. After having traversed some 2000 kms in the plain of northern india, ganga finds its initial name bhagirathi, before being linked with the water of the ocean .there on to ganga sagar in an ultimate dash ganga offers it water in a splended delta, where hundred of thousands of pilgrims came each yaer to celebrate “makar sankranti” . But it is in Varanasi that the voyage culminates. All the rites are achieved at the edge of the heavenly water from birth to funeral. The parents offers the first wicks of the hairs of their new born and the old onces make the offering of gifts to the manes. In banaras the historical kashi vishwanath ,the river is also made a frontier and like shiva nad parvati,where formely linked their destiny of eternity here , and while our boats glides the river of eternity with the sound of its soft lapping we approaches the ghats where already on the large staircases inclined towards the river. Also Varanasi is famous for it various temples, ghats and bazaars ans none other then banarasi paan and sarees.dinner and over night at hotel in Varanasi.

Day 09: Full day in banaras, after breakfast leave for puja at ganga ghats in the morning and enjoy boat ride, enjoy shopping and food at Varanasi evening is free for leisure,dinner and over night at hotel in Varanasi.

Important places to see at Varanasi

The Ghats
Pilgrims flock the Ghats to have a ritual bath and perform puja to the rising sun, following centuries old tradition. The Dasashvamedh Ghat offers a splendid view of the river front. This is the ghat of the 10 (Das) horses (shiva) sacrificed (medh). Legend has it that it was performed by Brahma to pave way for Shiva’s return to Varanasi after a spell of banishment.

Sarnath:
The great Buddha enhanced the sanctity of Varanasi by choosing the environs of the city to preach his first sermon at Sarnath, (only 10 kms away) after attaining enlightenment. Later, Ashoka, the great Mauryan Emperor erected magnificent stupas and other buildings along with his mighty stone pillar, Dharmarajika Stupa. The 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa marks the place where Buddha preached first sermon.Sarnath has been a premier centre for Buddhism. It is a rich collection of ancient Buddhist relics and antiques comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisatva images on display at the Archaeological Museum (1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. Open all days except Friday.

Viswanath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is the most sacred shrine in Varanasi. The original temple was destroyed by the Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb which was later restored by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore in the 18th century. The Gold plating of the dome was done during the 19th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab. Foreigner’s entry restricted.

Chunar Fort:
From their vantage point at the northern extremity of the Kaimur Hills, the impressive sandstone battlements of Chunar command a meander in the Ganga before the river curves north to Varanasi 22 km. away. Evidence of the earliest occupation of the site dates it to Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 56 BC. Chunar sandstone has been used for centuries, most famously in Ashokan pillars - and is still quarried, leaving the surrounding hills looking ravaged in places.

Ramnagar Fort:
The residential place of Kashi Naresh (Former Maharaja of Varanasi) across the Ganges at Ramnagar houses a museum with the exhibits of palanquins, costumes, swords, sabres, etc. Dussehra celebration of Ramnagar is an interesting event to witness.

Day 10: After Breakfast leave for Ayodhya , The Birth Place Of Lord Rama On the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, stands the holy city of Ayodhya, believed to be the birth place of lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of lord Vishnu. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaldesa. The Atharvaveda describes it as “a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself”. The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (suryavamsa) was the ruling dynasty of this region.

The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindus. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which lord Rama was the most celebrated king. After arrival at Ayodhya refresh and visit Ram lala mandir in the Evening. Over Night at Hotel in Ayodhya.

Day 11: Full day in Ayodhya, visit various important places, over night at Hotel in Ayodhya.

Places to visit:
Ramkot: The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot, which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city. Although visited by pilgrims through out the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad, on ‘Ramnavami’, the day of the lord’s birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).

The Hanuman Garhi: Situated in the centre of the town, this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that Hanuman lived here, in a cave and guarded the Janmabhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Anjani, with child Hanuman, seated on her lap. The devotees believe that all their wishes will be granted with a visit to this holy shrine. A massive structure in the shape of a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner houses a temple of Hanuman and is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya.

Treta-Ke-Thakur: This temple stands at the place, where Rama is said to have performed the Ashamed Yagya. About 300 years ago, the Raja of Kullu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, during 1784. At the same time, the adjoining ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.

Nageshwarnath Temple: The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the river Saryu, which was picked up by a nag-kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this is the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya; the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp & show.

Kanak Bhawan: Legends have it that queen Kaikeyi had built it for Sita. It has been restored time and again by various kings. Rani Krishnabhanu Kunwari of Orchha built the present temple, in 1891.

Maniparvat: This hillock standing about 65 fee high is considered to be of Buddhist origin, by many. According to legend, it was while Hanuman was carrying the hill bearing the ‘sanjeevani booti’, for Lakshman’s wounds from Himalayas on way to Lanka, a portion broke off and fell in Ayodhya.

Jain Shrines: There are also several Jain temples at Ayodhya, as it is said to be the birthplace of five tirthankaras. Kesari Singh, the treasurer of Nawab of Faizabad, built five shrines to mark the birthplace of these tirthankaras, which bear the date of Vikram Samvat 1781. The temple of Adinath is near the Swargdwar, while the Anantanath temple stands on the Gola Ghat & Sumantnath shrine is at Ramkot.

Tulsi Smarak Bhawan: Built in memory of the poet Goswami Tulsidas, this monument is used for prayer meetings, religious sermons and discussions, and the singing of devotional songs (Bhajans and kirtans). It also houses the Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan, where a large collection of literary works of Swami Tulsidas can be seen. A cultural center of Performing Arts also functions here. Ramkatha museum, set up at Ayodhya since 1988, is engaged in collection, preservation and conservation of antiquities related to the life of Rama.

Day 12: After Breakfast Leave for Chhapaiya the birth place of Sri Swami Narayan, Bhagwan Swaminarayan was born in 1781 in Chhapaiya (U.P.), in the northern part of India. After spending
His childhood years in Chhapaiya and Ayodhya He left home at the tender age of eleven. He travelled the whole of India alone for seven long years, finally settling in Gujarat at the age of eighteen. He founded the Swaminarayan Sampradaya - a Vaishnav stream of Hinduism - at the age of twenty-one, outlawing superstitions, addictions, violent sacrifices, widow-burning and social evils in Gujarat 200 years ago. He and His 3000 paramhansas elevated the poor and ignorant from bad habits and inspired faith and devotion to God.
He performed many miracles during his time and transformed evil people into law-abiding citizens and devotees. He preached the message of love, brotherhood, addiction-free living and respect to all. He said that the ultimate goal of life was to realise oneself as atma and offer devotion to God. Before he left this physical world in 1830, he declared Aksharbrahman Gunatitanand Swami as His successor. Over night at hotel in Chhapaiya.

Day 13: After Breakfast Leave for Lucknow, to take a flight to Calcutta, over night at Hotel in Calcutta.

Day 14: After early breakfast leave for Ganga sagar Darshan, Gangasagar Mela is the largest fair celebrated in West Bengal. This fair is held where the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal form a nexus. Hence the name Gangasagar Mela.

The river Ganga which originates in the Gangotri glacier in the snow clad Himalayas, descends down the mountains, reaches the plains at Haridwar, flows through ancient pilgrimage sites such as Benares and Prayag, and drains into the Bay of Bengal. Sagar Island, at the mouth of the river Hooghly in Bengal (accessed from Diamond Harbor), where the Ganga breaks up into hundreds of streams, and drains into the sea, is honored as a pilgrimage site.

A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance particularly on the Makara Sankranti day when the sun makes a transition to Capricorn from Sagittarius and this town becomes home to vast fairs, drawing visitors and recluses from all over the state. There is a common belief among the locals that the girls who take the holy dip get handsome grooms and the boys get beautiful brides. When they are done with the ritual obligations, they head towards the Kapilmuni Temple situated.

Over Night at hotel in Calcutta.

Others Places of Interest at Calcutta

• Victoria Memorial
Beautiful monument built as a memorial to the Queen Victoria. Built of white marble brought from Jodhpur, it stands in the south east corner of the Maidan. It was opened on 1921. There are enormous oil paintings in the Royal Gallery, illustrating episodes from Queen Victoria's long, eventful life and reign - an impressive collection of the British colonial period.
• Dakshineswar Temple
On the bank of the Ganges near Bally bridge. One temple of goddess Kali & 12 temples of God Shiva. Full of memories of saint Ramakrishna and Sarada Debi
• Howrah Bridge
A fine specimen of structural workmanship, this bridge connects Calcutta and Howrah over river Hooghly. It was completed in 1941. Length main span : 450 meter, length of drop in span : 172 meter, height: 82 meter
• Kalighat Kali Temple
Famous Hindu pilgrimage situated at Kalighat beside Tolly's Nullah.

Day 15: After breakfast leave for airport to board a flight for Jamnagar via Ahmedabad, after refresh leave for Dwarka, arrival and Check in at Hotel.

Day 16: Dwarka is derived from 'Dwar', a door, and in ancient times its flourishing port was considered to be the gateway to the main land. As 'Ka' means 'Brahma' meaning, gateway to Moksha. It is called Dwarkamati and Dwarkavati. Being adopted home and capital of Shri Krishna after he gave up Mathura. It is held in such a high esteem as a place of Hindu pilgrimage that it is considered to be one of the four principle holy places or chardham, it is also known as Mokshapuri.
Dwarka lies on 20.22' north latitude and 69.05' east longitude and built on the night bank of Gamut creek. Dwarka was known as the city of Gold. Shree Krishna came here from Mathura along with some Yadav families and establishes his own empire Dwarka. That was the legend but science proved it partially. Scientists researched on that and have found some facts.
Important Mandir in dwarka is jagat Mandir; Vajranabha constructed an umbrella type monument in the memory of his forefather in East of Harimandir, which remains from merging into the sea. Mahakshatriya Rudradama defeated Dwaraka's king Vasudev 2nd. After his death his wife Queen Dheeradevi called up his religious brother Pulumavi from python to get help, that time Rudradama compromised with them and married his daughter to king Pulumavi and accepted Vaishhnav religion. According to this historical story it is understood that worship of Krishna was popular at Dwarka. And due to this Vajranabha had constructed a chhattri (an umbrella type monument) and put Shree Krishna’s idol there.

Day 17: Full day in dwarka, see lots of temples and evening is free for leisure and shopping, dinner and over night stay at hotel.

Day 18: Take morning flight to Mumbai, visit Mahalaxmi temple, sidhi vinayak temple evening spent at Juhu chopati the beautiful see beach of Arabian Sea ,dinner and over night at hotel.

Day 19: Full day is free for shopping and other personal programmes, over night at hotel.

Day 20: End of the tour.

Cost: 1100 British pound per person

Cost includes:

• Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels on twin sharing basis or guest houses or camps as per the itinerary.
• All meals
• A/c transportation as per the itinerary.
• Services of English speaking tour Manager as per the itinerary.
• Transport is 35 seater air conditioned Luxury coach
• Domestic airfares (Calcutta – Ahmedabad and Ahmedabad – Mumbai)
• All presently applicable taxes

Cost does not include:

• Airport taxes
• Expenses of personal nature
• Monument charges.
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the “cost include”

 

JAI BAJRANG BALI TOURS (P) LTD.



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