'''Vrindavan''', also spelled ''Brindavan'', is a holy town in Uttar Pradesh.
Understand
The town stands on the original forest of Vrindavana where the Hindu deity Krishna spent his childhood, on the banks of the Yamuna river. Numerous mythical events are said to have occurred here: this is where Krishna stole the clothes of the bathing maidens (''gopis''), wooed his lover Radha and fought an entire succession of demons. Consequently, it is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus, and features by some counts as many as 5000 temples.
Vrindavan is also known as the '''City of Widows''', due a peculiar industry that has sprung up here. By Hindu tradition, widows may not remarry, and many of those abandoned by their families on the death of their husband make their way here. In exchange for singing ''bhajan'' hymns for 7-8 hours in ''bhajanashrams'', they are given a meal and a pittance of money (around Rs.10), which they try to supplement by begging on the streets. If they fall ill, no money is paid, and the trusts that operate the ashrams are regularly accused of skimming off vast amounts from the donations. There are an estimated 20,000 widows, many of whom have spent over 30 years there.
Get in
Vrindavan is about 150 km south of Delhi. The nearest train station is Vrindavan's twin holy town Mathura, 12 km (20 min) away by rickshaw. A one-way ride from Vrindavan's train station will cost you Rs.100 upwards.
Get around
The core of Vrindavan is much too congested even for an autorickshaw, so the only way to get around is on foot. Signage in English is non-existent, so you'll either need to ask for directions constantly or, an easier choice, hire a guide to show you around. Your rickshaw driver will be more than happy to find you one, but do beware of temple scams (see #Stay safe).
See
Entry into all temples is free, but have some coins handy for the shoe handlers. Many temples prohibit photography inside, so enquire when in doubt.
'''Bihariji''', [https://www.bihariji.org]. The best-known temple in Vrindavan, home to a Krishna idol known as ''Thakur-ji''. The idol's eyes are said to be so powerful that it is kept hidden from view behind a curtain, which is opened and closed every few minutes.
'''Govinda Dev Mandir'''. Built by Man Singh of Jaipur in 1590, this squat, bulky temple reportedly had four stories lopped off during Aurangzeb's reign of terror. These days it's just infested by monkeys.
'''Jaigurudeo Temple''', [https://www.jaigurudeo.org]. Also named "Naam Yog Sadhna Mandir". It resembles the Tajmahal, built with white marble. It is a unique temple in that you are prohibited from donating if you are a non-vegeterian.
'''Krishna Balaram Mandir''', better known as the '''ISKCON Temple''', [http://iskconvrindavan.com/]. A major draw for ''Hare Krishna'' (ISKCON) pilgrims to India, and uniquely among Vrindavan's temples well equipped to deal with foreign visitors. Free breakfast and lunch are available. Great restaurant. Comfortable guesthouse on the Temple grounds.
'''Kesi Ghat''', by the Yamuna. According to the legend, this is where Krishna killed the demon Kesi and then bathed to celebrate. ''Aarti'' (prayer lamps) are offered to the Yamuna here every evening.
'''Seva Kunj'''. Planted with countless ''tulsi'' (holy basil) trees, this is the garden where ''gopis'' dance for Krishna at night, and where Krishna and his lover Radha spend the night locked in the ''Moti Mahal''.
'''Rangji Mandir''', [http://www.srirangjimandir.org/]. The single largest temple in Vrindavan, built in 1851 in a South Indian style, complete with intricate seven-story ''gopuram'' (gateway) at the entrance. Inside is a 50-ft high wooden chariot, taken out yearly for festivals, and in the inner courtyard is the 50-ft high gold-plated pillar known as ''Dhwaja Stambha''.
'''Radhavallabh Mandir''', [http://www.radhavallabh.com].A very wellknown ancient temple of Vrindavan, founded by Shri Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu, Sri Radhavallabh Lal's idol resemble Sri Radha and Sri Krishna to be embodied in it together- "One soul and two bodies".
'''Radharaman Mandir''' In Seva Kunj, see the Deity of Radharaman that self-manifested from a Govardhana Shila (sacred stone).
Do
The '''Brahmotsava Festival''', held for ten days after Holi (February/March), is the largest in Vrindavan and can draw up to 100,000 visitors. On the main day, known as '''Ratha Ka Mela''', a giant wooden chariot is pulled by devotees from the Rangji temple to its gardens and back.
'''Parikrama''' is about three hour / 6km walk around the city performed by hindu pilgrims on the parikrama path that circles the city. Best to start early in the morning at the ISKCON Mandir.
poshak's
bhagawan ki sewa vastu
Eat
'''Swastik Restaurant''', Vidyapeeth Crossing (''Shubham Hotel''). North Indian, South Indian, pseudo-Chinese. Air-conditioned.
MVT Restaurant. ehind Krishna-Balaram Mandir. SKCON . Best place to get western food that is cooked by westerners. A lot of fresh organic salads, pasta, great pizza, lasagna and Baskin Robins icecream.
Drink
They drink a little bit of wine and get drunk.
Sleep
'''MVT Guesthouse'''. 24 hrs hot and cold running water, AC or heating during cold seasons, 24 hrs electric power (with generator). Kitchens in the rooms and a Western restaurant on the rooftop.
'''Hotel The Shubham ''', Vidyapeeth Crossing, +91-565-2456025, [http://www.shubhamhotels.in]. City hotel with air-conditioning, CTV, Room Service, 24 Hrs Hot and Cold running water. A/C doubles from Rs.1000.
Stay safe
Like all Hindu holy towns, the chaos and squalor of Vrindavan can get pretty intense.
If you take a guided tour, you can expect to be led to a temple where the priest will treat you to a simple ceremony and then start '''demanding donations''' of thousands of rupees to carve your name on a marble plaque that will supposedly go up on the wall. A few tens of rupees for dabs of kumkum on your forehead etc are reasonable, but there is absolutely no reason to pay more: simply walk out if you feel uncomfortable. The easiest way to avoid getting into this situation in the first place is to insist on going to temples of ''your'' choice, not the guide's.
Vrindavan is absolutely infested with '''monkeys''', who are adept at stealing cameras, glasses, food and anything you're not keeping a close eye on. Wear contacts or go without if you can.