Gokul Uttar Pradesh: Top Places to see

Last Updated on March 25, 2022 by asoulwindow

Information about Gokul Uttar Pradesh

Gokul was the place where Krishna Bhagwan was secretly raised by his foster parents Yashoda maa and Nandagopa ji. The upbringing of Krishna ji was done in a clandestine manner in order to protect him from the evil eyes of his maternal uncle Kans.

This important religious place in my home state Uttar Pradesh is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimages of the world. Located near the bigger city Mathura, Gokul is a must visit place.

Gokul is still a quaint town which it must have been in Dwapar Yuga. Much like the times of Shri Krishna, even today Gokul is a small town of cowherds where dairy is the main economy.

There is a temple such as Shri Darshneshwar Mahedev in Gokul at every few steps.

Huge herds of holy cows often cause traffic jams in Gokul. Even counting the cows is a challenge. It is Shri Krishna Nagri after all! A mere visit to Gokul is like having divine darshan of Shri Krishna.

The very peaceful and quaint Gokul is a lesser visited place when compared to Mathura and Vrindavan. The sightseeing attractions of Gokul are located away from the crowds.

This is the most comprehensive travel guide to Gokul. Abhinav Siingh of A Soul Window has been listed as one of the best Indian Travel Vloggers on Youtube and Most famous travel blogger in India by prestigious channels.

Where is Gokul located?

Gokul is located south east of Mathura in the world-famous state of Uttar Pradesh in North India. Gokul is also located close to New Delhi and Agra, two other major tourist magnets.

Why is Gokul world-famous?

There are many reasons why Gokul is a famous pilgrimage for Hindus. This 5,000 years old place in Uttar Pradeshstill tells tales from the childhood of Shri Krishna. It was in the lanes of Gokul that a precocious Krishna ji spent his childhood and played. Krishna ji had spent 11 years, 1 month and 22 days in Gokul.

Gokul is the same place where the child Shri Krishna used to steal his favourite Makhan and run in the streets. Gopis used to chase him but to no avail. Krishna ji always had his way. Even when he was a child!

Nomenclature/Etymology of Gokul

The meaning of Gokul is the place where Shri Krishna was brought up and spent his childhood.

Chants

You don’t say hi, hello, namaste in Gokul. Even today, the streets of Gokul echo with the chants in the praise of Krishna. This is how you greet locals in Gokul.

  • “Radhey Radhey!”
  • “Jai Shree Radhey!”
  • “Jai Shri Krishna!”
  • “Jai Mere Thakur Ji Ki”
  • “Banke Bihari laal Ki Jai”
  • “Damodar Bhagwan Ki Jai”
  • “Radha Rani Ki Jai”
  • “Dauji Maharaj Ki Jai”
  • “Vrindavan Bihari laal Ki Jai”

“Nand Ghar Anand Bhayo

Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki

Haathi Ghoda Palki

Jai Kanhaiya Laal ki!”

Above mentioned line is the most common chants that people do in Gokul and Raman Reti.

Miracles and Leela of Shri Krishna in Gokul

Gokul is also the place where Shri Krishna spent most of his childhood days. Long before the world discovered the powers of Krishna Bhagwan, it was the people of Gokul who witnessed Bala Leela, Kaumara-lila and miracles of Krishna ji while he was still a toddler. The literal meaning of the word ‘bala’ is ‘little boy’. Leela roughly means miracles.

The good part is that the places where Prabhu Shri Krishna performed his Leela, can still be visited in Gokul and nearby Govardhan, Vrindavan and Mathura.

Kansa, the maternal uncle of Krishna ji had sent a women demon Pootna to kill him. Instead, the infant Krishna killed her instead. These events also unfolded in Gokul.

Also, it was in Gokul that Krishna ji had met Radha ji for the first time. Even now, paying a visit to Gokul transports one to the Dwapar Yuga.

Islamic Attack on Gokul

During the times when the Mughals were plundering around North India, in the year 1634 C.E. Shah Jahan, the Islamic invader had hunted 4 lions in Mahavan. In the year 1018 C.E.

Mahmood Gajhnavi, another Islamic plunderer attacked Mahavan and destroyed Chaurasi Khamba. Since then, the beautiful building has not been able to get back to its original form.

Places to visit in Gokul

I had no idea that Gokul has so many tourist attractions until I visited myself. Most of the points of attractions here are concentrated between Nand Bhawan and Raman Reti.

Below are some of the best places to visit in Gokul.

Sri Nand Bhawan Temple aka house of Nand Baba

Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan Temple is the most important place to visit in Gokul and is also known as Nand Mahal, Shri Nand Qila Nand Bhawan, Shri Nand Yashoda Bhawan, Gokul Dham.  It is a must-see place in Gokul.

So, why is Nand Bhawan call so? Nand Bhawan means house of Nand Maharaja. Devotees here worship the idols of Nand baba, Yashoda Maiya, Balram ji (when he became king), his wife Revati, Krishna ji and his sister Yogmaya ji. Bal Krishna is seen on a swing or jhoola. Jhanki (display/exhibits) of various episodes from the life of Krishna ji is also seen here.

Nand Mahal, Gokul, Uttar Pradesh

One such beautiful depiction is that of Vasudev ji carrying Krishna ji on his head as Kaliya Naag protects them from extreme weather.

The presiding deity in Nand Bhawan is the child form or Bala Roop of Krishna ji. This is also why devotees here crawl on all fours when they go for a darshan of Bhagwan Krishna. Another tradition here which devotees follow is that they pull strings of jhoola or swing while chanting sacred mantras.

The strings are connected to a swing of Bala Krishna. I saw something similar in an important pilgrimage of Krishna ji known as Nathdwara near Udaipur in Rajasthan.

This was the place where Nandagopa ji and Yashoda maa, the foster parents of Krishna ji used to live even before he was born. Needless to say, Nanda Bhawan is also the place where Krishna ji and his brother Balram ji grew up together.

The small lanes and alleys which lead to Nand Bhawan are the same places where once Krishna ji, his brother Balram ji and their friends used to play. Many shops selling pooja samagri etc are located right at the entrance of Nand Bhawan.

Bala Leela or scenes from the childhood of Krishna ji has been displayed as paintings in this 5,000 years old temple.

Nanda Bhawan, one of the best places to see in Gokul,is also the place where Krishna ji and his brother Balram ji were brought secretly when their parents, Maa Devaki and Vasudev ji were jailed by Kans. Nanda Bhawan sits pretty on a small hill. Nanda Maharaja ki jai!

I noticed names which were engraved on the walls of the Nand Bhawan. The names belong to those who donated for the maintenance of the Nand Bhawan. The astounding view of Yamuna ji can also be seen from Nand Bhawan.

Ample parking space is available for both cars and buses here. Nand Ghat is located just 2 kilometres away from Raman Reti.

Putana Vadh Statue

Gokul is the place where Shri Krishna killed Putana the demon when he was just an infant. I saw a huge statue in the basement of Nand Bhawan in Gokul. Shri Krishna had also killed demons Shakatasura and Trinavarta in the forest of Mahavan. These demons were sent by his Mama Kansa.

Chaurasi Khamba: The secret

Why is 84 Khamba known as Chaurasi Khamba? Here is all you wanted to know about the Chaurasi Khamba.

The entire temple is supported by 84 beautiful pillars or khamba. It is said that if you try to count the pillars here, you will not be able to do so. In fact, different people will get different pillar count here.

For example, if ABC tries to count pillars it will be 81 and if XYZ tries to count pillars it will be 78. Whatever is the count it will never be 84. You can try this by yourself as well. This is un unsolved mystery of Chaurasi Khamba.

This temple is built some 6000 years ago by Vishwakarma ji who is known as the Hindu God of Architecture. 80 pillars here were made by Vishwakarma ji and 4 pillars by Brahma ji.

On the pillar of Sat Yug, you can see depictions of Samudra Manthan, Shesh Naag, Brahma Mukh and Amrut Pot.

On the pillar of Treta Yug, you can see depictions of elements associated with Ram ji. You can see Surya Bhagwan, Brahma Mukh, body of Sun, Amrut Ghada. Treta Yug was whenRam ji took 7th avatar of Vishnu Bhagwan.

On the pillar of Dwapar Yug, you can see depictions of elements associated with Chandravanshi Bhagwan Krishna ji. You can see Chandrama, Brahma Mukh, body of moon and Amrut Ghada. Dwapar Yug was whenKrishna ji took 8th avatar of Vishnu Bhagwan.

There is one more pillar which is attributed to the present Kali Yug.

It is one of the very popular places to see in Gokul.

Brahmand Ghat is located a few kilometres east of Chaurasi Khamba. I am sure you are enjoying this information packed travel guide to Gokul. I have shared all my experiences in this detailedtravelogue.

Garbhagriha Mandir

Also visit the Garbhagriha Mandir. It is located within the premises of Nand Bhawan or Chaurasi Khamba. This is the place where Vasudev ji had placed an infant Krishna ji after arriving from Mathura. He had crossed the Yamuna River on a rainy night to make this journey which changed the shaped the fate of Indian subcontinent.

You must spend ample time here as it is one of the top places to see in Gokul. Just sit here, close your eyes and think about the childhood of Krishna ji. Thank me later!

Shri Thakurani Ghat

Do not forget to pay a visit to the lesser-known Shri Thakurani Ghat. It is a very sacred place in Gokul. What makes Shri Thakurani Ghat famous is the fact that it was here that Shri Vallabhacharya had darshan of Shri Yamuna Maharani.

This is the place where Yamunaji touched the feet of Bala Krishna. I loved the views from Shri Thakurani Ghat. It is peaceful to just sit here and reflect. It is a highly revered place for Vaishnavites or Vaishnavas as well as people from the Vallabha Sampraday or Vallabha community.

Shri Thakurani Ghat is very neat, clean, peaceful and well paved. You can see the barrage from here. You will cross the barrage when you are on your way to the famous Brahmand Ghat. A boat ride here is the top thing to do with family and kids.

Yamuna River flows all the way from New Delhi. Then it passes through Vrindavan and Mathura before arriving at Gokul. Yamuna ji further proceeds to Agra.

Vitthalnath Temple

Vitthalnath Temple has a rich history. Shri Vallabhacharya, who led the Bhakti movement in the 16th century India, had a divine darshan of Shri Krishna. Krishna ji blessed him with a Brahma Sambandha– a mantra of self-dedication.

Shri Vallabhacharya had an objective of guiding people to achieve the correct path of devotion. Eventually, he stated to appreciate all that Gokul had to offer and decided to stay here. No wonder, he used to spend long hours reading holy epic Shrimad Bhagavatam on the banks of the calm waters of holy Yamunaji.

In fact, the roots of the Bhakti movement lie in Vitthalnath Temple. You can hire a local tourist guide here to better understand the history of Vitthalnath Temple.

Nand Chowk

Located in the heart of Gokul, you must Nand Chowk to feel the local life of Gokul. It is the main market area lined with many shops. Commonly sold items here are groceries, vegetables, fruits, snacks, sweets, Gajak and peanuts during winter.

Krishna Dwar: Places to see in Gokul

It is a beautiful gate located in Gokul. Krishna Dwar is located near Nand Chowk. There are many places to eat near this main entrance to Gokul. The food scene here is not to be missed!

Yogmaya Janmsthal

This temple is located where Yog Maya ji was born. Yog Maya ji was the daughter of Yashoda ji and was taken to Devki Maa, who was the biological mother of Shri Krishna.

Vasudevji Temple

Vasudev ji, the biological father of Krishna Bhagwan is worshipped here. Devotees come here in large numbers to offer their prayers to an idol of Vasudev ji. You must also make some donations here for the upkeep and maintenance of the temple. Temples are anyways free to visit and this is the least we can do.

Raman Reti

This is where Shri Krishna and his brother Balram ji used to play as kids. Devotees play here in sand and spend a lot of time singing bhajans, dancing, taking holy dip in the Raman Sarovar and rolling in the sacred sand.

Since Raman Reti is closed between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., so I visited other sightseeing places such as Raskhan Ki Samadhi (walking distance), Brahmand Ghat, Ukhal bandhan, Nand Bhawan and in that order.

Deer Park

This deer park which houses the blackbucks and other deer species is a major attraction near Raman Reti. It is a free thing to do.

Raskhan Ki Samadhi

This is a much-revered samadhi made in the honour of poet Raskhan. It is one of the most unusual things to do near Gokul and Raman Reti. Information on such unexplored hidden gems will not be mentioned in traditional travel guides.

Brahmand Ghat

This was the ghat where Shri Krishna showed the entire universe in his mouth to his foster mother Yashoda Maa. You can take a free walking tour on the beautifully made sandstone pavilions here. This place is off the beaten track.

Chintaharan Ghat

What else is there to do in Gokul? You must visit the lesser-known place called as Chintaharan Ghat.It is a beautiful ghat facing the Yamuna River. The worries of Maa Yashoda vanished when she visited this ghat. You can reach here from autorickshaw or privately owned vehicles.

Yamalarjuna-bhanjana-tirtha / Utkhal

Ukhal Bandhan here is the biggest attraction. Yamalarjuna-bhanjana-tirtha / Utkhal was the place where Shri Krishna performed Damodar Leela. It was here that young Krishna ji, tied with huge grinding mortar, pulled down two colossal Yamalarjuna trees.

This place hides many secrets from Dwapar Yuga. Let me share the full story of the mystery of Ukhal Bandhan with you in this exhaustive blog on Gokul.

Fed up of the naughty antics of a toddler Krishna, his foster mother Yashoda maa had tried to tie him to a grinding mortar or utkhal. No matterhow long the rope was, she was unable to tie the Bala Krishna as the rope always used to fall short.  

It is needless to explain that Yashoda maa was unable to tie Bala Krishna, as he was a supreme God. But little did she know!

After Krishna ji observed that Yashoda maa is too tired attempting to tie him, he relented and allowed her to do the tie him to the grinding mortar.

Relived, Maa Yashoda busied herself with daily domestic chores even as Bala Krishna remained tied to the mortar which was many times his weight.

But would Bala Krishna agree to sit silently? Despite being a toddler, he displayed immense power for his age as he started crawling on the floor along with the heavy mortar. While crawling, he came across two huge Yamalarjuna trees in courtyard. However, since the mortar was massive in size, it got stuck between the 2 trees.

When Krishna ji pulled further as he kept crawling on ground, both the trees fell. Upon the fall of trees, 2 radiant beings appeared in front of child form of Krishna Bhagwan.

They were Manigrivara and Nalakuvara, two celestial Gandharv brothers and son of Kuvera, a demi God. They were trapped in a tree due to a curse given by Shrila Narad Muni.

In their previous life, the brothers were goofing around with young girls in a drunken state. They were also completely nude and appeared naked before Narad Muni, who happened to pass by. They had not even greeted Narad ji. Enraged, Narad Muni cursed both the brothers and told them to stand naked in the form of a tree for 1,000 years.

They pleaded for forgiveness. Narad ji replied that until Shri Krishna descends on Gokul and releases them, they are destined to stay grounded as a tree. I feel this is also a lesson in actual grounding and humility.

Narad Muni’s prophecy came true as Krishna ji performed the leela in his child form. The two brothers offered their prayers to Krishna ji, even performed parikrama around him and moved on to Alakapuri, their heavenly abode.

When local villagers and Nanda ji heard of the sound and saw the fallen trees, they thought it is the work of some demon. Krishna ji was immediately untied and taken back to the home under the care of Yashoda maa.

Some local kids had confirmed that it was indeed Krishna ji who had pulled down these Arjuna trees. Even the adult villagers said that Krishna ji was no ordinary kid. He was indeed a divine being, masquerading as a mortal human. The uncommon strength of toddler Krishna ji had everyone surprised.

Lord Chaitanya, who also visited Srivana, Lohavana and Mahavana was rendered speechless when he arrived at the spot where Krishna ji performed his leela eons ago.  These are some lesser-known facts.

It was a turning point in the life of Krishna ji. Nand baba discussed the matter with his elder brother Upananda ji and other villagers and shifted to Vrindavan from Gokul. The jungles of Vrindavan were located on the other side of the sacred Yamuna ji.

The famous Damodar Leela also marked the end of Krishna Bhagwan’s bala leela in Gokul. Krishna ji stayed in Gokul only up to the age of 3 and a half years, before relocating to the nearby Vrindavan.

The local priest told me that the Ukhal Bandhan was the centre of Chaurasi Kos Parikrama or 84 kos parikrama, much like how navel is the centre of the human body. The priest then showed me a Ukhal which he claimed that it was the original Ukhal which Krishna ji pulled. It was a very unusual looking structure which was dark black in colour.

The Ukhal was kept in a special room and was covered with a cloth curtain. Flowers and donated money surrounded Ukhal. Huge colourful paintings depicting scenes of Ukhal Bandhan adorned the wall behind.

I visited the temple of Ukhal Bandhan while I was on my way from Raman Reti to Mathura via Gokul. It is easy to miss Ukhal Bandhan which falls between Raman Reti and Gokul. You can ask the driver to stop at this unique temple.

I also observed that many Hindu deities are worshipped here in small temples. This temple is located in a huge campus. A statue of Radha Krishna is also worshipped here. It is one of the most unusual places to see in Gokul.

Soul Window Observations

I also saw that several medieval stone carvings were lying around in the temple premises here. It seemed like medieval Buddhist figures carved on the stone. There was no one to explain to me that from which place were these carved stone slabs found. It reminded me of my visit to the Jain cave of Badami in Karnataka in South India.

Other places to see in Gokul

You can read about Raman Reti, Deer Park, Raskhan Ki Samadhi, Brahmand Ghat and Chintaharan Ghat in my detailed blog on Raman Reti. These places are located at very close distance from each other. What are the other tourist places in Gokul? Other places to see in Gokul are as below.

  • Patal Devi
  • Yashoda Shayan Sthal
  • Shakat Bhanjan Sthan
  • Sapt Samudrik Koop
  • Gopishwar Mahadev
  • Baal Gokuleshwar
  • Rohini Mandir
  • Madan Mohan
  • Raja Thakur Temple
  • Gopal Lalji Temple
  • Morwala Temple

Graffiti art on walls of Gokul

The lanes of Gokul are full of color, vibrancy and character. Colourful and monochromatic paintings depicting childhood of Krishna ji, especially his love for makhan (white butter) can be seen everywhere on the walls of Gokul. Motif of holy cows, peacocks and lotus flower are also common.  

This is one of the highlights of Gokul tourism. A walk in the narrow streets of Gokul, rubbing shoulders with holy cows is the top things to do in this temple town.

Boating in Gokul

A vacation in Gokul is incomplete without a boat ride. It is the top thing to do in Gokul. Boats are easily available in the Yamuna River near the Thakurni Ghat. You can just hire a local boat man who will take you around the Yamuna River on a boat.

Excursions from Gokul

There are many interesting nearby places to visit around Gokul. Most of these historical places are associated with the times of Krishna ji. I have visited all the below mentioned places near Gokul. Do read my detailed blogs on A Soul Window, the leading Travel influencers in India.

You can visit below mentioned nearby places from Gokul

  • Agra
  • Barsana
  • Mathura
  • New Delhi
  • Nandgaon
  • Govardhan
  • Vrindavan

Thakur Shri Dauji Maharaj Mandir, Baldeo Gaanv

Located 8.5 kilometres away from Gokul, a temple known as Thakur Shri Dauji Maharaj Mandir attracts devotees throughout the day. This grand temple is devoted to Shri Dau ji Maharaj.

There is no modern lighting inside the garbhagriha where Dauji gives darshan. Devotees get darshan in the dim light of ghee lamp, much like how it must have been in old days. This is so because Dauji is an incarnation of Sheshanaag who are not very fond of light.

You must also have a darshan of Revati Maiya, who was the wife of Dauji Maharaj. There is an interesting legend behind Revati ji as well. It is said that since Satyug, Revati ji was unable to marry anyone due to her tall height. When she took birth in Dwapar Yuga, she was finally married to Dauji who had reduced her height with a plough.

Mostly in temples, couples are placed next to each other. But it is a different story here. The idol of Revati ji stands in front of Dauji, as if watching over him lovingly.

There is a big market outside the temple. Baldev is a small village of kasba which is bustling with markets.

On sil and lodi (sil batta or grinding stone), a special Bhang Prasad is prepared for Baldeo ji. Milk, curd and lassi is also served.

Huranga or Holi is an annual festival here. Ample car parking is located near the temple. The presiding deity in Baldeo Gaanv is God Balram ji and his wife Revati ji. It is the top offbeat place to see near Gokul.

Timings of Shri Dauji Maharaj Mandir

You must know the closing and opening time of this temple for a good darshan.

Winter: The temple is open till 8 p.m. in winters. During noon, temple is closed between 3-4 p.m.

Summer: The temple is open till 9 p.m. in summers. During noon, temple is closed between 4-5 p.m.

Festivals of Gokul

Streets and narrow lanes of Gokul comes alive every year during the annual Hindu festivals such as Shri Krishna Janamashtami and Annakut.

Huranga at Dauji temple is world famous. The very popular festival of color-Holi is celebrated in the Braj Bhoomi spans 45 days.

Huranga is celebrated in the large courtyard of Dauji on the 3rd day after Holi. Huge water tanks are made in the courtyard specifically for the Holi celebrations. Only natural colors made with tesu flower or palash is used here for Huranga celebrations.

Extra balconies are added during Huranga where gulal and colors are thrown on a grand scale. People from Indian and foreign countries visit Dauji to attend Huranga celebrations. The crowd swells so much that there is no space to even stand. Most of the top places to see in Gokul remain very busy and crowded during the festival.

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Gokul

Meat and liquor are rightly prohibited in Gokul as it is a sacred place. Even garlic and onion are not served or sold anywhere in Gokul. Expect healthy and sattvic food in Gokul. Not only is it highly nutritious but also light for body, soul and mind. There is a lot you can eat during the Gokul tour.

While Bedhai, Kachori is popular in morning, samosa, mangode, daal baati go off the shelves in the evenings. Bedhai is also a popular breakfast in Agra.

Fresh and thick Rabri in Gokul must be eaten. It is a sinfully delicious vegetarian sweet. The best part is: it costs so low. Rabdi of Gokul is made with pure milk of cow. Gajar ka halwa (carrot sweet dish) is also a must try in Gokul.

There are many food stalls near Krishna Dwar. Sweets such as peda, jalebi and Imarti also taste great here.

Sabzi and paratha at Nand Chowk is a must try. Super healthy mixed flour Malai Paratha made from wheat, maize (makai), barley (jau) and chana is delicious. The parathas are made in pure desi ghee (vegan alert!). Despite the low cost, the size of paratha is huge. It is served with bhaji (mix vegetable curry made with potatoes, green peas, chana, cauliflower etc).

It is definitely not light but the taste is too good. It is available in a street shop.

Where to stay in Gokul?

You can stay here if you want to experience Gokul in night. There are not any luxury hotels or fancy resorts in Gokul. Most of the hotels here are in low budget category.

You can skip staying in Gokul as it hardly takes few hours to see all the best places of Gokul. Most devotees stay in Mathura and Vrindavan.

Is it safe to visit Gokul?

It is a commonly asked question. Gokul in Uttar Pradesh is very safe to visit. To be on a safer side, you can reserve a private car but I found it very easy to travel safely around Gokul as an Indian male in public transports. You can plan the Gokul trip without a worry.

Souvenirs Shopping Guide to Gokul

There are many shops in and around Gokul, Raman Reti and Brahmand Ghat etc. From beautiful metal idols of an infant Krishna ji, to small clothes for Shri Krishna, pooja samagri, trinkets, artificial jewelleries and toys, you can find everything for sale here.

ATM in Gokul

Gokul doesn’t have as many ATMs as Mathura, so it is a good idea to withdraw some cash from Mathura before you visit Gokul. I didn’t see any ATMs in the areas around Brahmand Ghat, Chintaharan Ghat and Raman Reti either. So, it is best to carry some cash here.

Photography Tips for Gokul

The areas around Thakurni Ghat looks beautiful. Located on the banks of the pious Yamuna River, it is a picturesque place. However, I did notice the white foam which flew all the way from New Delhi to Gokul.

The interiors of Nand Bhawan are also worth admiring for the beautiful mirror work. The beautifully painted houses, graffiti in the narrow lanes are also worth taking pictures and videos of.

Hire local tourist guide in Gokul

I had missed out on visiting some places of interest in Gokul because I had less times and I didn’t know where they were located. You can easily see all the major attractions of Gokul if you hire a local tourist guide.

I noticed tourist guides showing around large family groups inside Nand Bhawan. Many people visit Gokul on holidays. The local guides are available near the temples. They will also tell you interesting stories and amazing facts from the life and times of Shri Krishna.

Languages spoken in Gokul

Braj Bhasha dialect, Hindi and Bhojpuri are the most common languages spoken and understood in Gokul Uttar Pradesh. English is also understood by some.

Toilet facility in Gokul

Clean toilets are located in some places in Gokul. You can ask around for nearest clean loo.

Entry fee in Gokul

All the sightseeing places in Gokul are free to visit. Yes, there are many free walking tours in Gokul if you know where to go to.

Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Gokul

Gokul is an unbelievably inexpensive place to visit near New Delhi. The only things I spent on this pocket friendly place was on several auto rickshaw rides (which was also pretty low). The best part is that most of the major attractions of Gokul are located in close proximity with each other. This helped me bring down the travel cost.

Solo Trip Tips for Gokul

I had travelled around Gokul as a male on a solo trip. Gokul is one of the easiest places to travel to, whether as a male or female. For many people, Gokul and Raman Reti are also great picnic spots. This is why a wide range of services are available here. Things also become easier for solo travelers like me because Gokul is a weekend destination from New Delhi.

Luxury travel Tips for Gokul

Though there are not many luxury facilities in Gokul, you can stay at Mathura and make a day trip to Gokul. Mathura has all the modern frills and luxuries of modern world. Even if you fail to avail any luxury here, do not miss this picturesque historical destination near Mathura.

What to wear in Gokul?

Since Gokul is a religious place, you are expected to wear respectful clothes. Avoid short skirts, short pants and sleeveless clothes here. It is offending to the religious sentiments of the place. You can do that in Goa later. Do carry lot of woolens in winter months. Light cotton clothes are perfect for summer and monsoon.

Best Time to visit Gokul?

This is a frequently asked question. Though Gokul is an year round destination but winter undoubtedly is the best season to visit Gokul.

Winter

I had visited Gokul on 25th November, which was just the onset of winter in North India. The weather of Gokul was perfect during my visit. Since I was wearing a thick jacket, I did not feel the need to wear a jacket even in the night. However, expect colder climate in December and January. October, February and March also have mild temperatures and are good months to visit Gokul.

Summer

The months of April, May and June can get very hot in Gokul. However true devotees still visit Gokul even as the temperature soars.

Monsoon

It rains a lot in in Gokul from mid-June to July. However, it is a pleasant time to be in Gokul. The freshness and greenery a traveller experiences in monsoon is unparrelled.

Duration of Visit in Gokul

How many days to spend in Gokul? What can I do in 1 day in Gokul?

It is possible to visit all the top tourist places in Gokul within 5-6 hours. Most of the places to see in Gokul are located at walking distance from each other. The major points of attraction in Gokul are situated just 2-3 kilometres away from each other.

What can I do in 2 days in Gokul? Many people who have immense faith in Krishna Bhagwan love to stay here for 2 days or more. There are some places of interest in Gokul where devotees want to spend more time.

Devotees generally use the extra time to visit all the Gokul temples all over again and even do yoga and meditate on the ghats of Yamuna River, especially the ones on Brahmand Ghat and Chintaharan Ghat.

Itinerary for Gokul

This is how you can visit all the must-visit places in the order they appear when you arrive here from Mathura:

Route

Gokul-Ukhal Bandhan-Raskhan Ki Samadhi-Deer Park-Brahmand Ghat-Chintaharan Ghat

Local Transport for sightseeing in Gokul

I took several local autorickshaws in and around Gokul. I saw many Rickshaws waiting for the passenger near all the major Gokul temples, Raman Reti, Raskhan ji ki Samadhi, Chintaharan Ghat and Brahmand Ghat.

I had booked autorickshaws to travel between Gokul and Raman Reti and from Raman Reti to Brahmand Ghat and back.

It is a commonly asked question. Gokul is a quick and easy weekend getaway from New Delhi.

How to reach Gokul?

Bus

Direct buses to Gokul are not available from Delhi and Agra etc. You will have to take local buses and other transports such as auto rickshaw from Mathura to arrive at Gokul. Packaged tourist buses also run which will show you Gokul, Mathura, Govardhan, Vrindavan and Mathura at one go.

It is more convenient especially if you are travelling in group with family, kids, physically challenged, differently abled and elder members.

Many tourist buses skip Gokul in their itinerary and include the more popular ones, so you should confirm before booking. Tourist buses also run from New Delhi and some places in Rajasthan.

Auto Rickshaw

Being a budget traveller, I had hopped on to a shared battery rickshaw which dropped me at Mandi Chauraha. I took another shared auto from Mandi Chauraha to Tonsil Chauraha. From Tonsil Chauraha, I reserved a private Rickshaw for Gokul and Raman Reti.

You can also book an auto rickshaw from Mathura and Vrindavan etc for a private tour. Many local rickshaw drivers approached me for a pick and drop service to Gokul. Up to 12 people can accommodate in an auto. It also costs very less. Smaller auto which accommodates 4-5 people costs even lesser.

Car

You can also make a road trip from Mathura to Gokul. It is the most easy and convenient way to travel here. You can easily cover all the important places to see in Gokul within few hours in a private car and return the same day to your luxurious hotel in Mathura. It is a pleasure to drive on the scenic countryside here.

Bike

Many people also love to do a bike ride because the distance between Mathura and Gokul isn’t much and the route is scenic.

Rail

The railway station in Mathura is the nearest big railway station from Gokul. Mathura Railway Junction is linked to all the big and small cities of India.

Air

The international airports in Agra and New Delhi are the nearest major airports from Gokul. You can take a connecting bus or cab from these airports.

Distances from Gokul

Distance between Mathura and Gokul is only 9.7 kilometres and it takes only 20-30 minutes via Agra Road.

Distance between Vrindavan and Gokul is only 26.4 kilometres and it takes only 30-40 minutes via NH19 and NH44

Distance between Govardhan and Gokul is only 42 kilometres and it takes only 1 hour via Radha Rani Kund, NH 44 and NH19

Distance between Barsana and Gokul is only 61 kilometres and it takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes via MDR143W, NH 44 and NH19

Distance between Nandgaon and Gokul is only 67.6 kilometres and it takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes via NH 44 and NH19

Distance between Agra and Gokul is only 53.6 kilometres and it takes only 1 hour via NH 44 and NH19

Distance between New Delhi and Gokul is only 166 kilometres and it takes only 2 hours and 30 minutes via Yamuna Expressway

Conclusion: Is Gokul worth visiting

Why visit Gokul? Here are my final thoughts!So many episodes from the early life of Krishna Bhagwan took place in Gokul. This makes it one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages of the world. In a nutshell,a mere visit to Gokul will get you closer to Krishna Bhagwan.

To summarize, I returned as a changed man after my visit to Gokul and other places in Braj Bhoomi such as Raman Reti, Govardhan, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon.

The view from my Soul Window is from a lost era!

Pin this blog and plan a trip later!

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