Last Updated on March 24, 2022 by asoulwindow
Table of Contents
About Barsana
Barsana is synonymous with Radha ji. Barsana was after all, the home of Radha ji where she was born and raised.
The narrow lanes of Barsana, also known as kunj galiyan are full of character and color.
Vrishabhanu ji and Maa Kirti, parents of Radha ji, were good friend with Nand Baba and Yashoda maa, who were the foster parents of Krishna ji.
This is the most comprehensive travel guide to Barsana which covers all the famous and lesser-known places to see here. This information packed travelogue on Barsana answers all the commonly asked question. Here are the highlights of my vacation in Barsana.
Nomenclature of Barsana
Since Radha ji was a resident of Barsana, she is also known as ‘Barsane wali Radha’ or Ladli. Barsana of India is not to be confused with Bârsana Monastery of Romania in East Europe. Both are as different as Shri Krishna and Jesus. Here we are discussing Barsana of Uttar Pradesh in India.
Why is Barsana Famous?
So, what is special about Barsana? Well, Barsana is world famous Hindu pilgrimage because it is the birthplace of Shri Radha Rani ji, one of the most important Hindu deities. Since there are so many things to do with family and kids in Barsana, it is also popular with large groups of devotees.
Where is Barsana located?
Barsana village in located on the Brahmagiri Parvat, in the region of Braj in the Indian state Uttar Pradesh in North India. Barsana is also located in close proximity with big tourist destinations such as Agra and New Delhi.
History of Barsana
Barsana has had a history of more than 5,000 years. The Hindu history is one of the oldest in the world. Barsana is a good place where you can understand the fabric that makes India, India!
The roots of much of present Indian and Hindu value system and ethos can be traced back to ancient places such as Barsana, Ayodhya, Varanasi or even Shri Jagannath Puri in Odisha and Rameshwaram in South India.
Radha Astami: When was Shri Radha Rani born?
It is a frequently asked question. Here is all you wanted to know. Radha ji was born in the month of Bhado, as per Hindu calendar. It falls around August and September as per the Gregorian calendar. This is also when Radha Astami is celebrated on a grand scale in Barsana.
Top places to see in Barsana
What is there to do in Barsana? I was surprised that there are so many offbeat places to see in Barsana apart from the famous places such as Shri Radha Rani ji Mandir and Kirti Mandir. Thanks to Divyakshi Gupta for showing me these unheard-of places of interest in Barsana and the nearby Nandgaon. There are many famous and offbeat places to see in Barsana.
Below is an exhaustive guide to some of the best places to visit in Barsana.
Shri Radha Rani Temple, Barsana – Birth Place of Radha ji
Shri Radha Rani Temple of Barsana, which is also the Birthplace of Radha ji, is associated with the faith of crores of Hindus across the globe.
The world-famous Shri Radha Rani Temple is also known as Ladli Mahal, Shri Ladli Lal Mandir, Shriji, Shreeji temple or Shri Radha Rani Mandir.
On my visit here during the Barsana tour, I was particularly enamoured with the beatific idols of Shri Radha Krishna, huge courtyard of temple, open wide spaces and the jaw-dropping views of Barsana town from the hill-top temple. It reminded me of the views from the medieval forts of Rajasthan in Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer etc. Afterall, places like Alwar and Bharatpur in Rajasthan are located very close to Barsana.
Shri Radha Rani Mandir is also where the famous lathmar holi and the holi of laddu is played in the courtyard of the temple.
You can either take 225 steps or drive straight to Radha Rani temple. Bhandara is also available here.
Shri Radha Rani Charan Chinh
Footprints of Shri Radha Rani can be seen here. It is located very close to the main shrine of Radha Rani temple. It is a must-see place of Barsana. These are some lesser-known facts about Barsana.
Rangeeli Mahal or Rangeeli Gali
Earlier common devotees were allowed to visit Rangeeli Mahal freely. However, Rangeeli Mahal has now been converted into an ashram. This historic destination is a must-visit.
Shri Radha Rani Ke Dadi Baba Mandir
This temple is devoted to Sukhda Dadi and Mahibhan ji Maharaj, the grand-parents of Radha ji. Only in Hinduism and India, can we see such temple devoted to the family of revered deities. Dada baba Mandir is located as you take stairs to reach the garbhagriha of the Radha Rani temple. This unexplored temple is an unusual place to see in Barsana.
Kirti Mandir, Barsana
Which temple is dedicated to Radha Rani s mother? What makes Kirti Mandir stands apart from other temples is that it is the only Kirti temple of the world. No other temple devoted to Kirti ji, the mother of Radha ji is heard of. If you know about one, do let me know in the comment section.
Kirti Mandir is located very close to Rangeeli Mahal. The building of Kirti Mandir is a fine example of quintessential Hindu architecture. Do not forget to bring your camera at this stunning temple.
Kirti Temple was built by Jagat Guru Krupalu Maharaj. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Barsana. Built out of solid stones, it has a large sprawling courtyard.
I was mesmerised to see the beauty of this lesser-known temple. This is why I often go off the beaten track to discover such places which are not found in old school guide books. Kirti temple fell on the route as we headed to Nandgaon from Radha Rani Temple.
Kirti Mandir is a popular sightseeing attraction in Barsana.
Kirti Kund or Priya Kund
It is a must-visit place in Barsana. Located close to all the main attractions of Barsana is a little-known hidden gem known as Kirti Kund. It is said that Shri Radha Rani ji had washed off mehendi from her hands in this water tank. Ever since the color of the water here is green. Kirti Kundis also known as Priya Kund.
The present beautiful structure of Kirti Kund was commissioned by Shri Rup Ram Katara as early as mid-18th century.
As per some versions, Kirti Kund was also the water tank which was used by Kirti Maa, the mother of Radha ji.
Kirti Kund, which is under the Barsana Nagar Panchayat, is a secret place to see in Barsana. Many temples are also located on the banks of the Kirti Kund.
Visit Kirti Kund, if you love going off the beaten track. It is not to be missed!
Soul Window Observations
I find it amusing that even the most seasoned tourists and travellers know little about such precious vignettes from the past, existing anonymously in the most unlikely places.
This is why I write such detailed travel guides on my blog A Soul Window, also ranked as No.1 travel blog of India.
I want to empower my readers with accurate information and knowledge about travel destinations. You can read about my journey here.
Vrishbhanu Kund, Barsana
It is a must-visit place in Barsana.
ततो वृषभानु कुण्ड स्थले प्रार्थना मन्त्र:
निर्धूतकिल्विषायैव गोपराजकृताय ते ।
वृषभानुमहाराजकृताय सरसे ।।
Translation:
Vrishbhanu Maharaj, the father of Radha Rani ji used to have his baths here. It is a visually stunning structure. Also known as Jal Mahal, Bhanu Sarovar and Bhanokhar, Vrishbhanu ji used to proceed for worship of Brajeshwar Mahadev after a bath here.
This was also a favourite place of Radha ji and Krishna ji who used to perform their nitya leelas here. This pious pond is located 1 kilometre away from Shri Radha Rani Mandir.
Shriji Temple of Barsana
Not to be confused with Shri Ji Badi Kunj of the nearby Vrindavan, Shriji Temple of Barsana is located on Bhanugarh which is one of the 4 peaks in Barsana. Vajranabh has been credited with building the original Shriji Temple of Barsana, some 5,000 years ago.
Narayan Bhatt Goswami ji, who was a close disciple of Chaitanya ji had rebuilt the temple here after it was lost to time.
It is a beautiful temple with noteworthy stone work. The domes and arches of this masterpiece are great locations for photography as well.
Leela of Radha ji and Krishna ji are depicted through various paintings on the walls and ceilings of Shrinath ji mandir.
Palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj
Palace of Vrishabhanu Maharaj is located right at the place where the steps to Shriji temple begin. Devotees do not forget to have a good darshan of Vrishabhanu (father of Radha ji), Kirti ji, Shridama (friend of Krishna ji) and Shri Radhika ji here.
Brahma ji temple is also located nearby.
Ashtasakhi Mandir
Located near the above-mentioned major attractions of Barsana, Ashtasakhi Mandir must also be visited by devotees. In the Ashtasakhi Mandir, Radha ji and her sakhis (friends) give darshan to the pilgrims.
Mor Kutir or Mandir Shri Mor Bihari Ji: The secret
“राधा रानी ने बुलायौ, कान्हा मोर बन आयौ.”
The above lines mean:
“Radha Rani called
And Kanha appeared dancing as a peacock”
Also known as Mayura Kutir, there are many secrets that surround Mor Kutir. The literal meaning of Mor or Mayur is peacock and Kutir or Kuti means cottage.
Story Version 1
As per a legend, Mayur Kuti is the place where Krishna ji once danced like a peacock.
Radha ji did Maan Leela at Mangarh which is located right opposite Mor Kuti. Krishna ji tried to disrupt the maan of Radha ji here but he could not succeed. As a result, he began dancing in front of Radha ji as peacock. Radha ji forgot about her mana and began dancing like a peacock with Krishna ji.
Story Version 2
As per Hindu history, once Radha ji was sad and pining for her lover. She sulked here alone in silence. To amuse and distract her, Krishna ji began dancing in the form of a peacock. Attracted and impressed by the dance, Radha ji said that this is how her lover also dances. On hearing this, Krishna ji abandoned his peacock form and appeared like himself. This led to ecstatic divine union of the lovers.
Story Version 3
As per another legend, once when Radha ji and Krishna ji sat here, inspired by their divine love, many peacocks arrived here and began dancing. Unable to stop themselves, Radha ji and Krishna ji joined the peacocks in the dance.
Story Version 4
On one occasion, when Radha Rani visited with her friends, also known as, sakhi or gopi, they witnessed a beautiful spectacle. Cloudy weather on that day was something which peacock love. The rainy clouds which block the sun rays is what makes a peacock happy. Flowering trees and creepers in the vicinity added to the aura.
Within no time, a peacock appeared at Mor Kuti. When he saw Radha ji here, he couldn’t stop himself from dancing.
As the first peacock danced, Mor Kuti was inundated with thousands of more peacocks. They all began dancing for Shri Radha Rani.
Suddenly, Krishna ji came here and was mesmerised by the grand spectacle. Radha Rani looked ethereal as she enjoyed the dance of peacocks.
That is when Krishna ji decided to become a peacock himself and join the dance to amuse Radha Rani. Needless to say, Krishna ji stood out with his skills, dance movements and inimitable charm. The delightfully naughty and mischievous boy that he was back then, he pushed his way to the front row and continued to dance in front of Radha Rani.
Story Version 5
One more interesting story is associated with Mandir Shri Mor Bihari Ji also known as Barsana Dham or Mor Kutir. Once while playing here, male friends of Krishna ji started feeling hungry and craved for sweets. Krishna ji performed a leela. He started playing flute and within no time, the forest was inundated with countless laddus.
Thanks to the abundance of laddus, the cowherd boys started shouting at each other:
“Eat more laddu!”
“Eat more laddu!”
They started playing with the laddus. They would playfully throw laddu at each other and squeal in joy. In August, every year, a festival is celebrated here where people throw laddu at each other I commemoration of this event.
Someone back then requested Krishna ji to show them a peacock dance. Unable to find any peacock in the vicinity, Shri Krishna himself took the form of a peacock and began dancing.
Soul Window Observations
Even today, you can hear local men playing flute. The mere tune transports one to Dwapar Yuga. Who knows if it is a form of Shri Krishna? On a lucky day, you can also see people sitting on ground and singing Krishna Bhajans. It is a one of its kind experiences.
Painting of Radha ji and Krishna ji in peacock form
No wonder, the paintings in Mor Kutir depict them dancing like a peacock.
This gorgeous painting is made by a visually impaired Vaishnava saint. It is said that he had a special darshan of this Peacock dance leela while singing bhajan (devotional songs) here. Chitra Sakhi, an artist herself, could also have been inspiration behind this painting.
There are many more beautiful paintings depicting the above-mentioned stories or Leela.
Mor Kutir is located on the land of Gahvaravana forest.
Address: Gahvara Van, Chiksauli, Barsana Village
Chitra Kunja
This sacred grove belongs to Chitra sakhi, who was a gopi. She lived in Chiksauli, which is a village located nearby.
This reminded me of sacred groves of Apatani Ziro Valley and Buddhist Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Both are located in North East India. Despite being different from Hinduism, the cultures here have similarities with Hinduism. Do read all my blogs on North East India.
This hidden gem of Barsana is located away from the crowds.
Shri Maan Mandir
Maan Mandiris perched on the top of a hill known as Maan Ghati or Maan Garh. Maan Ghati is one of the 4 major mountains that you can visit in Barsana.
Also known as Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj, it is surrounded by a thick, green forest cover. Devotees come here to worship Shri Radha Madhav.
Under the tutelage of Shri Ramesh Baba Ji Maharaj, the Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan performs many charitable causes.
Some of the main work they have done are listed as below
- Restoring holy Kunds (ponds),
- Protecting 4000 sq hector mountain land and converting it into reserve forest area
- Protecting more than 23000 cows
- Creating an authentic encyclopedia of Braj
- Conducting the largest Braj 84 Kos Yatra – Radha Rani Braj Yatra
You may donate to the Maan Mandir Seva Sansthan, if you want to support the good work they are doing.
Prem Sarovar of Barsana
Barsana Trip is incomplete without a visit here. This was our last stop as he headed to Nandgaon from Barsana. Little did I know that there were no many hidden gems in Barsana until Divyakshi took me here. The local guide who accompanied me told me the legendary story of love of Radha and Krishna that unfolded in the Prem Sarovar area.
It is common knowledge that the Prem Sarovar was formed with the tears and sweat of Radha ji and Krishna ji. Do read my detailed blog on Prem Sarovar if you want to know more about the heart-warming story, which is sure to leave you with a smile.
Surrounded with lush green kadamb trees, the present structure of the Prem Sarovar is constructed in typical Rajasthani architecture. I also did parikrama of a beautiful white temple which is located right opposite the Prem Sarovar. This place sure is worth a visit.
Radha Sarovar or Radhika Sarovar
Do include Radha Sarovar in your Barsana tour itinerary. It is a major tourist attraction in Barsana. It is that that this water tank has the power to liberate all the three lok known as tri loka. The three lokas as per Hindu scriptures are:
- Satya to Bhuvar Loka: heaven or head to belly
- Bhu Loka: Earth or groin
- Atala to Patala Loka: underworld or legs
Radha Sarovar is called so because this was where Radha ji and her sakhi or friends use to play with water. People also take a holy dip here.
There are many temples located on the banks of this sacred water tank. Local people regularly visit Radha Sarovar. Name of Radha ji and slogans have been written on the walls here. The steps and dense green trees add to the aura of Radha Sarovar. Do not forget to pay a visit to holy Vat Vriksh and Prahalad Kuti here.
Sankari Khor
साँकरी खोर प्रार्थन मन्त्र
“दधि भाजन शीष्रा स्ताः गोपिकाः कृष्ण रुन्धिताः|
तासां गमागम स्थानौ ताभ्यां नित्यं नमश्चरेत ||”
The above verse means that
“The gopis are carrying pot of curd on their head and Shri Krishna is not letting them go. One must pay their respects to that place where the Gopis passed through.”
Also known as Sankari gali, this 5,580 years old narrow passage is a must visit place in Barsana. Thakur ji or Shri Krishna performed 4 leelas here. Sankari is the Hindi word of small, khor means lane. Krishna ji used to daily bring his cows from Nandgaon to Pavan Sarovar. Then he used to feed water to cows at Prem Sarovar after which his cows used to graze
Thakur ji or Krishna ji used to sit here with his gwal bal friends and break pots of Gopis who passed by. He used to then take daan of milk and curd from gopis here, much like what I saw in Daan Ghati in Govardhan during badi parikrama. This used to happen every day.
The gopis got fed up of His antics and decided to change the route. On one occasion, when they saw Krishna ji alone, to take their sweet revenge, they surrounded him and dressed him up like a woman, complete with lehenga, bangles, mangalsutra and bindi etc. The imprints resulting from the scuffle that ensued can still be seen today. Even today, Krishna ji is worshipped in female dress here.
Imprints of Sheshanag and hands of Krishna ji can still be seen here today. When the gopis once chased him, Krishna ji got disbalanced and fell on a rock, thereby leaving his hand imprints.
Next to Sheshnag imprint is the print of the leg of Airavata, the white elephant and Kamdhenu cow. A symbol of Balram ji and Hanuman ji is also present here.
The rocky lane is so narrow that only one person can pass here at a time. In Dwapar Yug also, only one gopi could pass it at a time.
Other places to see in Barsana
There are many more points of attractions in Barsana. These tourist places in Barsana are always inundated with devotees.
The other places to visit in Barsana are as below:
- Radha Kushalbihari Mandir
- Dan Bihari Mandir
- Shri Radha Damodar Mandir
- Krishna Kund
- Vishnu Hill
Sakhi Bhaav
In Sakhi Bhaav, devotees chant the name of Radha ji and perform seva (service), pooja (prayer), bhajan (devotional song) and dance. Many male devotees believe that their yearning to have a darshan of Krishna ji is possible in Sakhi form. The love between Radha ji and Krishna ji was pure. So, the devotees believe that one finds his way to Krishna ji only through Radha ji.
The song and dance performed by males in Sakhi Bhav is feminine and graceful. The songs talk about shringar such as mehendi, bindi, choodi (bangles) etc. You can often see devotees performing Sakhi Bhav in Barsana or even during the Govardhan Parikrama.
Other Krishna Bhakts (devotees) will surround the dancers and sing, clap and chant ‘Bolo Radha Rani Sarkar Ki Jai’, ‘Bolo Lado Rani ki jai’, Vrindavan Bihari laal ki Jai’.
Festivals of Barsana
What is Barsana without its festivals. Every year, streets of Barsana and Nandgaon come alive with festivities and celebrations. The festivals of Barsana attract not only Indians from all corners but also international tourists from as far as Europe and North America. It is a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy festivals of Barsana.
Lathmar Holi
People of Barsana and Nandgaon or Nandgram have kept alive the tradition of Holi festivities since the past 5,000 years.
On the first day people go from Nandgaon to Barsana to play Holi and on the second day people go from Barsana to Nandgaon to play Holi. In Dwapar Yug, Krishna Ji used to come all the way from Nandgaon to Barsana to play Holi with Radha ji and Gopis. The Gopis used to attack them with sticks in good humor.
Not much has changed since the past 5,000 years. Same sticks, laced with love and humor are showered on the shielded gwal bals (men) of Nandgaon by women of Barsana. You can sense the devotion to Shri Krishna when the local men of Nandgaon, who consider Krishna ji as the son-in-law of Vrishbhanu ji and crack harmless jokes with women of Barsana.
It is incredible to see that the tradition has continued to this day.
Radha Ashtami or Radhashtami in Barsana
Attending the annual Radha Ashtami is the top thing to do in Barsana. Radhashtami is the birth anniversary of Radha Rani. The festivities can be enjoyed in the temples and streets of Barsana. Radha Ashtami falls in the month of September. Devotees from all corners of India congregate in Barsana to celebrate Radha Ashtami.
Vedic mantras are chanted and poojas are performed on Radhaashtami. This is followed by devotees singing bhajan and kirtan. If you are lucky, you can also see devotees dancing in joy, as if no one is watching. Better still, join them in dance!
Excursions from Barsana
Barsana makes for a great weekend destination from Delhi, Agra, Mathura etc.
There are many interesting places to see near Barsana. Below are some of the best places to visit from Barsana.
- Agra
- Gokul
- Mathura
- Vrindavan
- New Delhi
- Nandgaon
- Goverdhan
- Raman Reti
- Deeg (Rajasthan)
- Alwar (Rajasthan)
- Bharatpur (Rajasthan)
Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Barsana
Meethi lassi of Banke Bihari is a must try in Barsana. Binge eating on the local delicacies is one of the top things to do in Barsana. You can sample delicious sweets, peda, kachoris and bedhai in Barsana.
Souvenirs Shopping Guide to Barsana
While climbing the stairs to Shri Radha Rani mandir, you will see many shops selling souvenirs, trinkets, pooja samagri and even toys for kids. You may want to pick some of these for quick consumption or as souvenir for later.
Solo Trip Tips for Barsana
I had visited Barsana and many nearby places such as Nandgaon, Gokul, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Mathura as a solo male budget traveller. Nandgaon is one of the easiest places for solo travellers, I discovered. Barsana is an Inexpensive and pocket friendly places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.
Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Barsana
Since most of the points of attractions in Barsana are located close to each other, it helps in cutting the cost. That said, some places such as Prem Sarovar are located a bit away and you might have to spend on a cab or autorickshaw, which adds to the cost of travel.
But the best part is that all the major places of interest in Barsana are completely free to visit. Yes, there is no entry fee to visit top places to see in Barsana such as Shri Radha Rani Mandir, Kirti Mandir, Prem Sarovar etc.
So, there is hardly anything you can spend on in Barsana. The hotels rate and public transports in Barsana also costs very less as compared to other cities of India. I even had free food at a bhandara in the local Shiv Temple. Yes, there are many free lunches in the world.
Luxury travel Tips for Barsana
Do not expect uber luxurious hotels and resorts in Barsana. You must note that Barsana is a small village or small town with very limited modern frills. However, that said, Barsana still has enough resources to travel in a comfortable way.
My travel blogger friend Divyakshi Gupta, who lives often in Govardhan often travels to Barsana in private air-conditioned car. You can hire the same from bigger nearby places like Govardhan, Mathura or Vrindavan. You can also find decent (not luxurious) hotels in Barsana.
ATM in Barsana
Barsana is a relatively a small place, but expect few ATMs here and there. It is still a good idea to carry some hard cash when visiting Barsana because digital payment is not very popular in many shops, restaurants, temples and hotels of Barsana.
Languages spoken in Barsana
Braj Bhasha, a local dialect and Hindi is the most spoken language in Barsana. Few people speak Rajasthani language also here and fewer speak good English. However, you can easily navigate in Barsana with working English.
Photography Tips for Barsana
Barsana is picturesque. The bird’s eye views from Shri Radha Rani Temple are outstanding. You can take breathtaking shots from here. Also, the graffiti and beautiful doors and narrow lanes add a lovely backdrop for a photo shoot.
Entry Fee in Barsana
All the major attractions of Barsana are free to visit. There is no entry fee to visit any of the places of interest in Barsana. You can also take a free walking tour in the village that surrounds Barsana for an immersive experience.
Other free things to do in Barsana include visiting several temples and lesser known scenic Sarovars or water tanks.
Toilet facility in Barsana
Do not expect the toilets commonly seen in bigger cities. That said, you can find decent toilets at many places in Barsana.
Hire local tourist guide
A tourist guide can help you see the hidden gems of Barsana. You can hire them in Barsana or other places in Braj such as Goverdhan and Mathura.
Is Barsana safe to visit?
Yes, it is very safe to visit Barsana. The local people in Barsana are very friendly and harmless. Most of the prime attractions of Barsana have good number of people visiting. This makes it even more safe for solo female travelers.
Important places to see in Barsana like Kirti Mandir and Shri Radha Rani Mandir have security personnel manning the gates as well.
What to wear in Barsana?
Barsana is a spiritual place, thus you should dress accordingly. It gets cold in winter in Barsana, so do carry woolen clothes. Summer is manageable with light cotton clothes.
Where to stay in Barsana
There are no super luxurious hotels in Barsana. That said, you can expect some decent hotels and lodges in Barsana. Barsana also does not have any hostels. Some accommodations are available near the Radha Rani temple and market area.
Best Time to visit Barsana?
Barsana, being an important teerth sthal of Hindus, is a year-round destination.
Winter
Winter is the best time to visit Barsana. I visited Barsana around my birthday in the month of November. The weather was pleasant, crisp and not very cold in November. It was pleasantly sunny in the day. The same can be said about temperatures till mid-December.
The weather in the month of March is the best. March is also the month when the internationally famous Lathmar Holi is played in Shri Radha Rani Mandir on a grand scale. Though it gets very crowded but if you can brave the crowds, you will love it.
Summer
Since Barsana lies in the great North Indian plains, summers can be very hot in Barsana, especially the months of May and June. That said, for a real devotee of Radha Krishna, the soaring temperatures are not a deterrent. Many pilgrims do visit Barsana in hot weather, without complaining.
Monsoon
July is the months when it rains heavily in Barsana. Showers are also seen after mid-June in Barsana. Sporadic showers also occur in the months of August and September. But as I mentioned earlier, the devotees still love to visit Barsana, come rain or sunshine!
How many days to spend in Barsana?
You can easily cover all the top places to visit in Barsana within a day. I was able to head to Barsana in morning at around 10 a.m. with my friend Divyakshi in a car, visited all the tourist attractions of Barsana at slow pace, even had a bhandara at a famous Shiva Mandir and retuned back to Govardhan on the same day before dark.
Pilgrims take longer if they take the stairs to Barsana, instead of the car through the road which goes up the hill.
How to reach Barsana
It is fairly easy to reach Barsana from places like Mathura, Govardhan, Agra and New Delhi etc. This weekend getaway from Delhi, Agra and Mathura offers so much to a discerning traveler.
If you are reaching Barsana from Mathura or Bharatpur, then you will cross Govardhan on your way.
It took me just one hour to reach Barsana from Govardhan by private car. Shared autorickshaw might take longer but also costs way less.
What are the ways to reach Barsana from Vrindavan or Mathura? Here is a list of all the possible modes of transportation to reach Barsana from Vrindavan or Mathura.
Road Trip
I had visited Barsana as a road trip. Divyakshi, my friend had offered to take me to Barsana in her private vehicle from her home in Govardhan. It was an easy ride on baby bottom smooth roads. En route, we passed bustling markets and open agricultural fields.
By air
The nearest airport from Barsana is in Agra followed by New Delhi, which is just 2 hours away from Mathura. Since Agra has low connectivity, pilgrims prefer to fly to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
By rail
Some of the nearest railway station from Barsana are Chata railway station, Goverdhan railway station, Kosi Kalan railway station, Vrindavan Road railway station etc. Mathura is the nearest big railway station. All my travels in the sacred Braj Bhoomi started with Mathura railway station where I arrived via 2 hours long, low cost sitting chair car from New Delhi.
By bus
Regular public and private buses to Barsana are also available from many places in Braj.
How do I cover Nandgaon Barsana and Goverdhan in one day from Mathura and back?
Though it is possible to cover Nandgaon and barsan in one day and return back to Mathura, I would advise you to stay at least for 2-3 days in Goverdhan, especially if you are doing the badi parikrama at a stretch. You must read my full blog on Goverdhan Parikrama. Abhinav Siingh, the founder of A Soul Window, has been mentioned as the Best Travel influencers in India several times.
Local Transport for sightseeing in Barsana
Autorickshaws are easily available in Barsana for local sightseeing. It is very easy to navigate through public transport in Barsana.
Distances from Barsana
Most of the top places to see in Brij Bhoomi are located at close distance from each other. I had travelled to Mathura, Gokul, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon and other nearby tourist places and it took me just 1-2 hours to cover the distances.
Conclusion: Is Barsana worth visiting
Why visit Barsana? People visit Barsana because it is one of the holiest pilgrimages of Hindu. Yes, Barsana is worth a visit. The positivity which the air of Barsana exudes is therapeutic.
Birthplace and home of Shri Radha Rani ji and the venue of the world famous Lathmar Holi, Barsana is already a very popular destination for Hindu devotees, domestic tourists and foreign travelers.
The view from my Soul Window is divine!
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