Rest of India to Mathura

To reach Mathura and then proceed to Govardhan for the Govardhan Yatra, you have several travel options depending on your location, budget, and preferences. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Mathura and then travel to Govardhan Parvat

1. By Air:

The nearest airport to Mathura is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, which is about 150 kilometres away. Another nearby airport is Agra Airport (AGR), approximately 75 kilometres away, but it has limited flights.

From New Delhi Airport:

  • Taxi/Car: You can hire a taxi directly from the airport to Mathura, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. Taxis are available at the airport or can be pre-booked online.
  • Bus: Direct buses are available from Delhi to Mathura from ISBT (Interstate Bus Terminal). You can take a taxi from the airport to the bus terminal and then board a bus to Mathura.
  • Train: You can take a taxi to the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) and board a train to Mathura Junction (MTJ).

    From Agra Airport:

  • Taxi/Car:A taxi from Agra Airport to Mathura takes about 1.5 hours. This is the most convenient option.
  • Bus: You can take a taxi to the Agra bus terminal and then catch a bus to Mathura.
  • Train: Another option is to take a taxi to Agra Cantt Railway Station (AGC) and board a train to Mathura Junction.

2. By Train:

Mathura is a major railway junction and is well-connected to different parts of India. Some key trains that connect Mathura with major cities include:

  • From Delhi: Numerous trains connect Delhi to Mathura, including the Taj Express, Shatabdi Express, and other superfast and express trains. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • From Mumbai: Trains like the Golden Temple Mail, Paschim Express, and August Kranti Rajdhani Express connect Mumbai with Mathura. The journey typically takes around 15-18 hours.
  • From Kolkata: The Sealdah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and the Kalka Mail connect Kolkata with Mathura, with a journey time of approximately 16-18 hours.
  • From Chennai: Trains like the Tamil Nadu Express and GT Express connect Chennai with Mathura, with a travel time of around 30-32 hours.
  • From Jaipur: Trains like Jaipur-Mathura Express and Avadh Express connect Jaipur with Mathura, with a journey time of around 4-5 hours.

3. By Road:

Mathura is well-connected by road to various cities in North India, including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

  • From Delhi: You can take the Yamuna Expressway, which offers a smooth and fast drive of around 2.5-3 hours.
  • From Agra: Mathura is around 1-1.5 hours from Agra via the NH19 or the Yamuna Expressway.
  • From Jaipur: The road distance between Jaipur and Mathura is approximately 220 km, taking around 4-5 hours by car via NH21 and NH48.

Bus Services: Regular buses, including government and private operators, connect Mathura with Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and other nearby cities. You can opt for Volvo, AC sleeper, or non-AC buses depending on your preference.

4. By Car:

If you prefer driving yourself, Mathura is easily accessible by car from many cities:

  • From Delhi: Drive via the Yamuna Expressway.
  • From Agra: Take the NH19 or the Yamuna Expressway.
  • From Jaipur: Take NH21 to reach Mathura.

5. By Bus:

Regular bus services operate to Mathura from nearby cities:

  • From Delhi: ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar terminals offer frequent buses to Mathura.
  • From Agra: Buses from Idgah Bus Stand in Agra frequently go to Mathura.

Reaching Govardhan from Mathura:

Once you reach Mathura, Govardhan Parvat is about 22 kilometres away. You have the following options

  • Taxi/Auto-rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available at Mathura Junction and other parts of the city. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes.
  • Bus: There are local buses that frequently travel from Mathura Bus Stand to Govardhan. This is an economical option.
  • From Delhi: ISBT Kashmiri Gate and Anand Vihar terminals offer frequent buses to Mathura.
  • Shared Auto/Jeep Shared autos and jeeps are also available, offering an affordable and convenient way to reach Govardhan.

After reaching Govardhan, you can start your parikrama from Manasi-Ganga Kund and follow the sacred route around the hill, covering various holy sites