Mathura is an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh situated on the west bank of the Yamuna river. Famous as the birth place of Lord Krishna, Mathura is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The ghats (believed to be ancient ashram sites) along the banks of the Yamuna river are the centre of religious and cultural activity and make a splendid sight. Mathura is also famous as one of the first two centres of production for images of the Buddha

Mathura is located approximately 56 km north of Agra, and 150 km south of Delhi; about twenty miles from holy Vrindavan. It is well connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana with regular State Corporation and private buses.
Agra is the nearest airport about 60 kms away. Mathura is also linked with major cities in India like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gwalior, Calcutta, Hyderabad, Chennai, Lucknow etc. through a good network of rails.

Tourist Attractions:

Mathura is famous for its numerous temples and ghats. The main tourist attractions in Mathura are:

Shri Krishna Janma Bhoomi: This is the birth place of Lord Krishna. Krishna was the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. He was born in a prison cell where Vasudeva and Devaki were imprisoned by King Kansa (Krishna’s Uncle). A temple known as the Keshava Deo Temple is built on this spot where the prison existed about 3500 years back.
Archaeological Museum: The museum houses some excellent sculptures by the Mathura School of Art that flourished between the 3^rd Century BC and the 12^th Century AD.

Dwarkadheesh temple: This temple was built in the year 1814 by Seth Gokuldas in honour of Lord Krishna. The temple has intricate carvings and beautiful paintings and is beautifully decorated during the festivals of Holi, Diwali and Janmashtmi.

Vishram Ghat: This is one of the most popular ghats along the banks of the Yamuna river and is lined with colourful boats that offer boat rides into the river. According to a legend lord Krishna is said to have rested here after killing King Kansa.