4-Day Itinerary for UP
The circuit of Agra - Mathura - Vrindavan - Varanasi is extremely popular among tourists, especially pilgrims from all parts of the world due to the innumerable monuments and temples in these cities.
The heart of Uttar Pradesh tourism, these places will show you the stark contrast between Mughal architecture and the Hindu architecture.
Day 01 in Agra
Starting from Agra, get down from the bus or the train, whichever way you come. Agra hosts some of the best hotels of the country at some really cheap prices. Having excess to the exotic Jaypee and the Radisson Blu, you can even get hotels at rock-bottom prices.
Places to Stay
- Hotel Love Kush: Standing at a distance of about 2 km from the Taj Mahal, you can avail the comfortable facilities at a tariff of about INR 1800.
- Aryan’s Taj Resort: Staying at this hotel, provided you get a room, is bliss. It is situated at just a 5-minute walkable distance from the Taj Mahal. The room tariffs are abysmally low at just INR 1250.
Places to Visit
Taj Mahal, an epitome of love, stands high and firm. Built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, this tomb is one of the finest pieces of Mughal architecture. You will enjoy the intricate details of the tomb. The aura of this place is just great.
Next in Agra and not far from the Taj Mahal is the majestic
Agra Fort. It is never ending but it is beautiful. For some reason it will give you the royal feeling as if you were the emperor, which makes it a must visit.
Delicacies
Talking about food, “Agra ka petha” is renowned worldwide. You can buy it from any shop and have a great time.
Day 02 in Mathura
Next stop is the land of the temples, Mathura. Reciting the stories of the brave childhood of Lord Krishna, the sacred land of Mathura, has been the ultimate pilgrimage spot for people all around the globe.
The rail distance between Agra and Mathura is just 50 kilometers. There are about 30 trains carrying passengers between the two spots. Some of the trains which you catch are the Taj Express, Utkal Express, Punjab Mail, etc.
Dominated by the popular stories of the romantic childhood of Lord Krishna, the duo city, Mathura and Vrindavan, houses many temples of Lord Krishna, such as Pagal Baba Temple and ISKCON Temple.
Places to Visit
Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is known as the birth place of Lord Krishna. The timings to visit this temple is from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. The templs hosts the jail where Lord Krishna took birth under the tyrannous rule of the king of Mathura.
Close your eyes and try to memorize the Mughal architecture you just visited in Agra. You will see the stark contrast in the antiquated architecture of these temples and the tombs of Agra.
Located at a very convenient place,
Potara Kund can be reached via hiring an auto or a bus. The place is a water enclosure and is surrounded by many gorgeous temples.
The water of this Kund is considered very sacred amongst the Hindus. The serenity of the place will make you feel good and will replenish all your energy.
Delicacies
A sweet made out milk and flour this is something you should definitely taste when in Mathura. The perfect proportion of all the ingredients will make you go in awe. You can buy this from any shop.
The Kulhar tea is another attraction that will spell you bind to this auspicious land. The aura of the tea will catch hold your mind and heart and you will never want to leave this land.
Day 03 in Vrindavan
Although you could have travelled the same day to Vrindavan, but travelling from Mathura to Vrindavan during night is not recommended because most of the Vrindavan shuts down early.
So take a bus from Mathura to Vrindavan, you can get plenty of them.
Famous for its Banke Bihari Temple, this place is more or less similar to Mathura; although you will face a huge crowd at this specific temple.
Places to Visit
Krishna Balaram Temple or The ISKCON Temple is one of the most outstanding temples in the entire country; this temple was constructed in 1975. It is seen as the centre of the religious Hare Krishna Movement.
The best time to visit the temple is before 12 noon.
Visiting Vrindavan and not visiting
Banke Bihari Temple is equivalent to a crime. It is the most auspicious temple of the city. The Lord Krishna idol placed in the temple has a rich history attached to it. The Temple is similar to the image seen in the dream by Swami Haridas.
It is believed you can demand anything from Lord Krishna at this temple and he will grant your wish. So a visit to this temple is definitely worth it.
From Vrindavan catch a bus or train to Varanasi. The oldest living city ever, Varanasi or Banaras is a paradise to pilgrims across the globe. Situated on the banks of the sacred River Ganga, this place imbibes great amount of positive energy.
That’s all to be seen in Vrindavan. You can start your journey for the last destination of the circuit, Varanasi. Since there is no direct train or bus from Vrindavan to Varanasi, this journey will be a bit hectic and will consume the rest of your day.
Take a taxi from Vrindavan to Aligarh. From Aligarh you can catch Swatantra Express which will carry you to Varanasi. This whole journey will take you approx 12 hours and you will reach Varanasi the next morning.
Day 04 in Varanasi
Start your day afresh with the morning with the Ganga Aarti which is performed by the priests daily on the Dashashwamedh Ghat. This is something which should be striped off your to-do list in Varanasi on the very first day.
Places to Visit
Built some five hundred years ago,
Durga Temple is devoted to the Goddess Durga. Famous for its intricate stone work, this temple is a must visit.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the most auspicious temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a supreme place of pilgrimage amongst Hindus.
Hindus consider it really sacred to cremate the remains of the dead at this place. The temple is a cluster of various beautiful shrines.
Things To Do in Varanasi
ShoppingIf you love shopping then this place is a treat for you. People travel from all over the world to Varanasi to shop for the popular “Banarasi” sarees. The silk and brocades are equally popular. One can find all of these in Varanasi Chowk, Pilikothi and Golghar markets.