Question 1

What is Nandgaon famous for?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon is famous, by the tradition, as the town of Nanda Baba, the foster-father of Krishna, where Krishna spent his childhood and boyhood after the family moved from Gokul. It is known for the Nand Rai temple atop the Nandishvar hill, the sacred Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari, and, across the world, for the Lathmar Holi it shares with Barsana. So it is famous as the town of Krishna's boyhood and for the Lathmar Holi. We present its significance as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence.

Question 2

Where is Nandgaon in UP?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon is a town in the western part of Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, in the Braj region, built at the foot of and upon the Nandishvar hill. It lies roughly 50 km from Mathura and about 8 to 10 km from Barsana, near the Rajasthan border. So it is in the western Braj, the town of Nanda Baba. So look for it north-west of Mathura, close to Barsana. So Nandgaon, the boyhood town of Krishna, is easily combined with Barsana and the sites of western Braj on a pilgrimage of the land of Krishna.

Question 3

Nandgaon mein dekhne layak jagah kaun si hain?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon, Nanda Baba ka nagar, mein mukhya darshaniya sthal hain: Nand Rai mandir (Nand Bhavan) Nandishvar pahadi par; Pavan Sarovar; Charan Pahari; Uddhav Kyari; aur aas-paas Ter Kadamba, Vrinda Kund, Yavat (Javat) aur Kokilavan (Shani Dev Dham). Nandgaon Lathmar Holi ke liye Barsana ke saath vishwa-prasiddh hai. Darshan nishulk hai. Nandgaon, Mathura se lagbhag 50 km aur Barsana se 8 se 10 km door hai.

Question 4

Why is Nandgaon called the town of Krishna?

Accepted Answer

By the tradition, Nandgaon is called the town of Krishna because Nanda Baba, Krishna's foster-father, is said to have settled here upon the Nandishvar hill after leaving Gokul and Krishna spent his boyhood in the town, tending the cows and playing with his friends across its hills and forests. From here, by the tradition, he would go to Barsana to meet Radha. So it is revered as the town of Krishna's boyhood. We present this as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the beloved home of Nanda and Yashoda.

Question 5

Is Nandgaon the home of Nanda Baba?

Accepted Answer

By the tradition, yes; Nandgaon is revered as the home of Nanda Baba, the chief of the cowherds and the foster-father of Krishna, who settled here upon the Nandishvar hill and the great Nand Rai temple stands in his memory. So it is above all the town of Nanda and Yashoda and the boyhood of Krishna. So it is dear to the devotees. We present this as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the beloved home of the family of Nanda.

Question 6

How many days do I need for Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

For the main sites of Nandgaon, the Nand Rai temple, Pavan Sarovar and Charan Pahari, a half day suffices; a full day, ideally with Barsana, if you wish to take in the outlying sites like Ter Kadamba, Vrinda Kund and Kokilavan or to walk the parikrama. So allow a half day for the town, a full day with Barsana. So plan by how much you wish to see. So Nandgaon rewards anywhere from a half day to a full day, in the boyhood town of Krishna in the western Braj.

Question 7

Is Nandgaon worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, deeply, for anyone who cherishes Krishna and the pastimes of his boyhood; Nandgaon, the town of Nanda Baba, is one of the tender and holy places of Braj, with its hilltop temple, its sacred lake and hill and the world-famous Lathmar Holi. So for a devotional and peaceful pilgrimage it is well worth it. So do include Nandgaon on a visit to Braj, ideally with Barsana. So Nandgaon is a beloved pilgrimage of the land of Krishna, dear to the devotees, in the western Braj.

Question 8

What is the Nand Rai temple in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

The Nand Rai temple, also called Nand Bhavan or the Nandarai temple, is the great temple of Nanda Baba atop the Nandishvar hill of Nandgaon, revered as the home of Nanda and Yashoda where Krishna was raised. It enshrines the deities of Krishna and Balarama flanked by Nanda and Yashoda and is reached by a climb up the hill. So it is the chief tourist place and the soul of Nandgaon. So it is the heart of a visit. We present the temple and its deities with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the beloved shrine atop the hill of Krishna's boyhood town.

Question 9

How many steps to the Nand Rai temple?

Accepted Answer

The Nand Rai temple stands atop the Nandishvar hill of Nandgaon, reached by a climb of a couple of hundred steps up the hillside, from which there are sweeping views over the town and the land of Braj toward Barsana and Govardhan. For those who cannot climb, an easier approach part of the way and help are available. So it is a climb up the hill to the hilltop temple. So wear good shoes and take your time. So plan for the climb or use the easier approach, to reach the beloved shrine of Nanda atop the hill of Nandgaon.

Question 10

Which deities are in the Nand Rai temple?

Accepted Answer

In the Nand Rai temple, by the tradition, are the deities of Krishna and Balarama, shown holding flutes, with the tall deities of Nanda and Yashoda beside them; near Yashoda are Radha and small deities of Rohini, the mother of Balarama and Revati, his consort; and near Nanda are Krishna's friends. The deities are revered, by the tradition, as originally installed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Krishna. So the temple enshrines the whole beloved family of Nanda. We present the deities with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the cherished shrine of the boyhood of Krishna.

Question 11

Who built the Nand Rai temple?

Accepted Answer

The Nand Rai temple, by the tradition, enshrines deities revered as originally installed by Vajranabha, the great-grandson of Krishna, while the present temple structure is attributed to Rup Singh, a Sinsinwar Jat and dated by accounts to the eighteenth or the early nineteenth century. So the deities are ancient by the tradition and the present temple a later structure. So accounts of the exact date vary. We present its history as the cherished tradition of Braj holds it, held with faith, the beloved temple of Nanda atop the hill of Nandgaon.

Question 12

What is Nand Bhavan?

Accepted Answer

Nand Bhavan is the name for the palace-temple of Nanda Baba atop the Nandishvar hill, revered as the home where Nanda, Yashoda and the family lived and where Krishna and Balarama were raised; it is a spacious complex, by the tradition with rooms recalling the family's chambers, kitchen and dining hall and a red-sandstone temple with painted scenes of Krishna's boyhood. So Nand Bhavan and the Nand Rai temple are the great site of Nandgaon. Our node guide covers it in full. We present it with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the beloved home of the family of Nanda.

Question 13

Is there a Shiva temple in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; within the Nand Rai temple complex, by the tradition, is a Shiva-linga called Nandishvara, revered as installed by Vajranabha, for the very hill of Nandgaon is revered as Nandishvar, a form of Shiva. So Shiva is honoured at the heart of Nandgaon as Nandishvar. So the town joins the worship of Krishna and of Shiva. We present this as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, Shiva revered as the sacred hill upon which the town of Nanda is built.

Question 14

Why is the hill called Nandishvar?

Accepted Answer

The hill of Nandgaon is called Nandishvar because, by the tradition, it is revered as a form of Shiva, who is said to have taken the form of the hill so that he might receive the dust of the feet of the residents of Braj and remain ever near the pastimes of Krishna. The town's name too is linked, by tradition, to Nandi, the bull of Shiva and to Nanda Baba. So the hill is Shiva himself, revered as Nandishvar. We present this as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence.

Question 15

What are the timings of the Nand Rai temple?

Accepted Answer

The Nand Rai temple keeps the general rhythm of the temples of Braj, opening in the morning for the early aarti and darshan, closing for a while through the middle of the day and opening again in the afternoon and evening, with the timings a little earlier in summer and later in winter. So plan your visit for the morning or the evening rather than the midday break and confirm the current timings locally. Our temple timings guide covers the schedules of the region. So time your darshan for the open hours at the hilltop temple of Nanda.

Question 16

Is there an entry fee at Nandgaon temples?

Accepted Answer

No; darshan at the temples of Nandgaon, including the great Nand Rai temple, is free, as at the temples of Braj; any offering is voluntary. So darshan is free throughout Nandgaon. So beware anyone charging for special or paid darshan, which is not the way. So come freely to the temples of Nandgaon, take darshan of Nanda, Yashoda and Krishna and keep any offering modest and voluntary, apart from your own transport.

Question 17

What is Pavan Sarovar in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Pavan Sarovar, also written Pawan or Paawan Sarovar, is the sacred lake at the foot of the Nandishvar hill in Nandgaon, revered, by the tradition, as one of Krishna's favourite lakes, where the cows were watered and the family bathed; it is a serene and cherished spot, restored in recent times. So Pavan Sarovar is the beloved sacred lake of Nandgaon. So take it in below the hill on a visit to the town. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the tender lake of the boyhood of Krishna.

Question 18

What is Charan Pahari in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Charan Pahari is a low rocky hill to the south-west of Nandgaon, on the way toward Kamyavan, revered, by the tradition, as bearing the impression of the feet of Krishna upon the rock, left as he played and grazed the cows; it is a tender and cherished site. So Charan Pahari is the sacred rock of Krishna's footprints near Nandgaon. So take it in on a fuller visit or the parikrama. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the beloved sign of Krishna upon the land of his boyhood.

Question 19

What is Ter Kadamba near Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Ter Kadamba is a beloved grove near Nandgaon, revered, by the tradition, as a place where Krishna would call and gather the cows and cherished as the bhajan-sthali of the revered saint Rupa Goswami, who did his devotions here beneath the kadamba trees. So Ter Kadamba is the tender grove and saintly seat near Nandgaon. So take it in on a fuller visit to the town. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the beloved grove of the boyhood of Krishna and the seat of the saints.

Question 20

What is Uddhav Kyari?

Accepted Answer

Uddhav Kyari is a garden-like sacred spot near Nandgaon, revered, by the tradition, as tied to Uddhav, the friend and messenger of Krishna, who came to Braj to console the gopis in Krishna's absence and, moved by their love, wished to become a blade of grass or a creeper in the land of Braj. So Uddhav Kyari is the tender site of Uddhav's devotion near Nandgaon. So take it in on a fuller pilgrimage. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, honouring the supreme love of the gopis for Krishna.

Question 21

What is Vrinda Kund near Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Vrinda Kund is a sacred kund near Nandgaon, revered, by the tradition, as tied to Vrinda Devi, the presiding devi of the groves of Vrindavan and the arranger of the pastimes of Radha and Krishna; it is a serene and cherished spot a short way from the town. So Vrinda Kund is among the sacred kunds around Nandgaon. So take it in on a fuller visit to the area. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the tender kund of the land of Krishna's boyhood.

Question 22

What is Yavat (Javat) near Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yavat, also called Javat, is a village near Nandgaon revered, by the tradition, as the home of Abhimanyu and Jatila, the household into which Radha was given in worldly marriage and thus tied to the tradition of Radha's life; it holds temples and sacred spots. So Yavat is the cherished village of the tradition near Nandgaon. So take it in on a fuller pilgrimage of the land of Radha and Krishna. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the divine and transcendent tradition of Radha, never a worldly matter.

Question 23

What is Kokilavan near Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Kokilavan is a sacred forest near Nandgaon, revered, by the tradition, as a place where Krishna played and called in the form of a cuckoo and famous today for the Kokilavan Shani Dev Dham, the Shani temple where, by the tradition, Shani was blessed by Krishna; it draws many pilgrims, above all on Saturdays. So Kokilavan is the beloved forest and Shani shrine near Nandgaon. Our Kokilavan guide covers the Shani Dev Dham. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence.

Question 24

What is Asheshwar Mahadev?

Accepted Answer

Asheshwar Mahadev is a revered Shiva temple in the Nandgaon area, honoured, by the tradition, as a guardian Shiva of the land of Nanda, where devotees pray for the fulfilment of their heartfelt wishes. So Asheshwar Mahadev is among the Shiva shrines of Nandgaon. So take darshan there on a fuller visit to the town. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, Shiva honoured as the guardian of the boyhood town of Krishna.

Question 25

Is there a parikrama of Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; there is a parikrama of Nandgaon that circles the Nandishvar hill and takes in the sacred sites of the town and its surroundings, the Nand Rai temple, Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari and the groves, walked by pilgrims with devotion, above all at the festivals. So the parikrama of Nandgaon is a cherished walk of the town. So take it in with a guide or on a fuller visit. We present the parikrama with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the beloved circuit of the town of Nanda in the western Braj.

Question 26

What is Sanket near Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Sanket is a sacred spot revered, by the tradition, as lying between Nandgaon and Barsana, honoured as a meeting-place tied to the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, a tender site on the way between the two towns. So Sanket is the cherished site between Nandgaon and Barsana. So take it in on a journey between the towns of Krishna and of Radha. We present its sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the divine and transcendent love-play of Radha and Krishna, never a worldly matter.

Question 27

Which Nandgaon sites are outside the town?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the Nand Rai temple, Pavan Sarovar and Charan Pahari of the town itself, the sites around Nandgaon include Ter Kadamba, Uddhav Kyari, Vrinda Kund, Yavat, Kokilavan and Sanket, spread across the land between Nandgaon and Barsana; these are often taken in on a fuller pilgrimage or the parikrama. So the outlying sites enrich a visit to Nandgaon. So allow more time or a guide, to take them in. We present their sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the tender sites of the boyhood of Krishna.

Question 28

What is the Lathmar Holi of Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

The Lathmar Holi is the world-famous stick-play Holi of Barsana and Nandgaon, a joyous re-enactment, by the tradition, of a pastime of Radha and Krishna. On the first day the men of Nandgaon go to Barsana to play and the women of Barsana playfully drive them back with sticks while the men shield themselves; on the following day, the return, the men of Barsana come to Nandgaon and the women of Nandgaon play the Lathmar Holi at the Nand Rai temple. So Nandgaon shares the Lathmar Holi with Barsana and hosts its own day. Our Braj Holi guide covers the festival. We present it with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith.

Question 29

When is the Lathmar Holi celebrated in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

The Lathmar Holi is celebrated in the days before the main Holi, in the month of Phalguna, usually in February or March, with the Barsana day first and the Nandgaon day following; the exact dates change each year with the Hindu lunar calendar. So it falls in February or March, a few days before Holi. Our Braj festival calendar gives the dates. So check the year's dates and plan ahead, for these are the grandest but busiest days of Nandgaon and Barsana, the twin towns of the Lathmar Holi.

Question 30

How is Nandgaon's Holi different from Barsana's?

Accepted Answer

The Lathmar Holi unfolds over two days between the twin towns: on the first day the men of Nandgaon go to Barsana, where the women of Barsana play the stick-Holi; on the second day the men of Barsana come to Nandgaon, where the women of Nandgaon play in return, centred on the Nand Rai temple. So Barsana hosts the first day and Nandgaon the second. So to see the Nandgaon day, come on the return day. So both towns share the Lathmar Holi across two glorious days, the towns of Radha and of Krishna's boyhood.

Question 31

What is Nandotsav?

Accepted Answer

Nandotsav is the joyous festival of Nandgaon celebrating the birth of Krishna in the home of Nanda, kept the day after Janmashtami, when, by the tradition, Nanda Baba rejoiced and gave gifts in his happiness at the birth of his son; it is celebrated with great delight at the Nand Rai temple. So Nandotsav is the beloved birth-celebration of the town of Nanda. So time a visit for it to share the joy of Nandgaon. We present the festival with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the joyous celebration of the town of Nanda Baba.

Question 32

Is Janmashtami celebrated in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; Janmashtami, the birth of Krishna, is celebrated with great devotion in Nandgaon and is followed by Nandotsav, the celebration of Nanda's joy at the birth of his son, kept with special splendour in the town of Nanda Baba. So Janmashtami and Nandotsav are great days of Nandgaon. So time a visit for them for the devotion and joy, ready for the crowds. We present the festivals with the reverence of the tradition, held with faith, the beloved celebrations of the boyhood town of Krishna.

Question 33

How high is the Nandishvar hill?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon stands upon and around the Nandishvar hill, with the town at an average elevation of roughly 184 metres above sea level, the Nand Rai temple crowning the hilltop and giving sweeping views over the land of Braj toward Barsana and Govardhan. So the town is built upon the sacred hill, crowned by the temple. So the climb rewards you with the view. We present the hill's sanctity as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith, revered as Nandishvar, a form of Shiva.

Question 34

Why is the Nandishvar hill sacred?

Accepted Answer

The Nandishvar hill is sacred because, by the tradition, it is revered as a form of Shiva, who took the form of the hill to remain near the pastimes of Krishna and to receive the dust of the feet of the people of Braj; upon it Nanda Baba built his home and the Nand Rai temple stands. So the hill is Shiva himself and the seat of the home of Nanda. We present this as the cherished belief and tradition of Braj, held with faith and recounted with reverence, the holy hill of the boyhood town of Krishna.

Question 35

Is Nandgaon crowded during festivals?

Accepted Answer

Yes; Nandgaon is busiest and most glorious at its great festivals, above all the Lathmar Holi, Janmashtami and Nandotsav, when vast crowds of devotees and visitors come; the town is calmer on ordinary days. So it is very crowded at the festivals, calmer otherwise. So for the spectacle, come at a festival, ready for the crowds; for a peaceful darshan, come on an ordinary day. So plan for the crowds if you visit Nandgaon at the Lathmar Holi or Janmashtami, the grandest but busiest times of the town of Nanda.

Question 36

What is the best time to visit Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Nandgaon is the cool season, roughly October to March, when the weather of Braj is pleasant for the climb and the sightseeing; the summers are very hot. The Lathmar Holi, in February or March and Janmashtami with Nandotsav, in August or September, are especially glorious but very crowded. So come in the cool season for comfort or at a festival for the splendour. Our best-time guide covers the seasons. So plan a cool-season visit or time it for a festival, to the town of Nanda in the western Braj.

Question 37

How much time do I need to see Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

To see the main sites of Nandgaon, the Nand Rai temple, Pavan Sarovar and Charan Pahari, allow a half day; a full day, ideally with Barsana, for the outlying sites like Ter Kadamba, Vrinda Kund, Yavat and Kokilavan or to walk the parikrama. So allow a half day for the town, more for a fuller visit. So plan by how much you wish to see. So Nandgaon rewards anywhere from a half day to a full day for its sites, in the boyhood town of Krishna.

Question 38

Is Nandgaon suitable for elderly pilgrims?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon needs some care for elderly pilgrims, above all the climb up the Nandishvar hill to the Nand Rai temple; an easier approach part of the way and help ease the climb and the town and lakeside sites are more accessible. With help and an easy pace, elderly pilgrims can have a meaningful visit. Our guide to visiting with elderly parents covers making a Braj trip comfortable. So with care, Nandgaon is manageable for elderly pilgrims, the tender town of Nanda in the western Braj.

Question 39

Can I climb to the Nand Rai temple or is there another way?

Accepted Answer

You may climb the couple of hundred steps up the Nandishvar hill to the Nand Rai temple, which many pilgrims do; for those who cannot climb, there is an easier approach part of the way and help. So you can climb or use the easier route. So choose according to your ability. So reach the hilltop Nand Rai temple, the chief site of Nandgaon, by climbing the steps or the gentler way and take darshan of Nanda, Yashoda and Krishna atop the hill of the town of Nanda.

Question 40

Are there monkeys in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; as across Braj and the temple towns of the region, there are monkeys in Nandgaon, especially around the temple and the hill, which can snatch food, spectacles or phones; so keep your belongings secure, do not tease them and be watchful, above all on the hill climb. So mind the monkeys in Nandgaon. So keep your things secure and be careful. So enjoy the sites of Nandgaon while being watchful of the monkeys, as is wise across the temple towns of the land of Braj, especially on the climb to the hilltop temple.

Question 41

What food is famous in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon and the western Braj are known for simple, hearty Braj fare: fresh lassi and milk, kachori and pakora, chaat and golgappa and the sweets of the region, taken as prasad and at the local stalls. So the lassi, the milk-sweets and the chaat of Nandgaon are much loved. So enjoy the pure vegetarian food of the town. So taste the simple Braj fare of Nandgaon on your visit, keeping to clean and busy stalls, in the boyhood town of Krishna.

Question 42

Is darshan free at Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Yes; darshan at the temples of Nandgaon, including the great Nand Rai temple, is free, as at the temples of Braj; any offering is voluntary. So darshan is free throughout Nandgaon. So beware anyone charging for special or paid darshan, which is not the way. So come freely to the temples of Nandgaon, take darshan of Nanda, Yashoda and Krishna and keep any offering modest and voluntary, apart from your own transport.

Question 43

What should I wear in Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Dress modestly and simply for Nandgaon, as for the temples of Braj, with the shoulders and legs covered, in comfortable clothes and good shoes for the hill climb; light cottons in the warm months and a layer in the cool season serve well. So dress modestly and comfortably for the temple and the climb. So keep it respectful and easy. So come to Nandgaon in modest, comfortable dress fit for darshan and the hill, out of respect for the sanctity of the town of Nanda in the western Braj.

Question 44

How do I reach Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon is about 50 km from Mathura and about 8 to 10 km from Barsana, in the western Braj near the Rajasthan border; reach Mathura or Vrindavan first, by road or train, then Nandgaon by road and the hilltop temple on foot. The nearest railheads are at Mathura and Kosi Kalan and the nearest airports are Agra and Delhi. So reach Mathura or Vrindavan, then Nandgaon by road. Our how-to-reach guide covers arriving in the region. So Nandgaon is reached by road in the western Braj, the town of Nanda.

Question 45

How far is Nandgaon from Barsana?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon is close to Barsana, about 8 to 10 km apart, an easy journey of a few minutes by road and the two towns of Krishna's boyhood and of Radha are naturally visited together on a western-Braj pilgrimage, along with Sanket and the sites between them. So Nandgaon and Barsana are near neighbours. So combine them on one visit. So travel the short road between Nandgaon and Barsana, the towns of Krishna and of Radha, in the western Braj, dear to the devotees.

Question 46

How far is Nandgaon from Mathura?

Accepted Answer

Nandgaon lies roughly 50 km from Mathura by road, in the western part of Mathura district near Barsana and the Rajasthan border; accounts of the distance vary a little with the route. So it is about 50 km, north-west of Mathura. So allow around an hour and a half by road. So reach Nandgaon from Mathura by road, taking in Barsana and the western Braj, the land of Radha and of Krishna's boyhood, on a fuller pilgrimage.

Question 47

Can I visit Nandgaon and Barsana together?

Accepted Answer

Yes and it is fitting; Nandgaon, the town of Krishna's boyhood and Barsana, the town of Radha, are close, about 8 to 10 km apart and are naturally visited together on a western-Braj pilgrimage, along with Sanket and the sites between them. So Nandgaon and Barsana are best visited together. So combine them for a fuller pilgrimage of the land of Radha and Krishna. So see Nandgaon and Barsana together, the towns of Krishna's boyhood and of Radha, in the western Braj, dear to the devotees.

Question 48

Can I visit Nandgaon from Mathura or Vrindavan in a day?

Accepted Answer

Yes; Nandgaon, about 50 km from Mathura and Vrindavan, is easily visited on a day trip from either, most often combined with Barsana and the western Braj; an early start allows the hilltop temple and the main sites comfortably. So Nandgaon is a fine day trip from Mathura or Vrindavan. So plan an early start for a full day. So visit Nandgaon from Mathura or Vrindavan in a day, taking in the Nand Rai temple and the sites of the town of Nanda, ideally with Barsana, in the western Braj.

Question 49

What can I combine with Nandgaon?

Accepted Answer

A visit to Nandgaon is naturally combined with Barsana, the town of Radha, close by; Sanket and the sites between them; Kokilavan, the Shani Dev Dham; and, a little farther, Govardhan, the sacred hill and the western Braj. So Nandgaon combines well with Barsana, Kokilavan and Govardhan. So plan a western-Braj circuit taking them in. Our Braj parikrama guide covers the great circuit on which Nandgaon is honoured. So combine Nandgaon with Barsana and Govardhan for a rich pilgrimage of the land of Radha and Krishna in the western Braj.

Question 50

Can you arrange a Nandgaon tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes; we arrange Nandgaon and western-Braj tours taking in the Nand Rai temple and the sites of the town of Nanda, Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari, Ter Kadamba and, if you wish, Barsana, Kokilavan and Govardhan, with the transport, the routing, the timing around the closures and a knowledgeable local guide to bring the pastimes of Krishna's boyhood alive. A shared day tour starts from around ₹1,499 per person, with darshan free throughout. Message us on WhatsApp at +91-7302265809 with your dates to plan a visit to Nandgaon and the tourist places of the land of Krishna's boyhood.

Detail	Information
What it is	The town of Nanda Baba and Krishna's boyhood, western Braj
Chief site	The Nand Rai temple (Nand Bhavan) atop the Nandishvar hill
Also famous for	The Lathmar Holi, shared with Barsana
Built on	The sacred Nandishvar hill, revered as a form of Shiva
Main sites	Nand Rai temple, Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari, Ter Kadamba, Kokilavan
Darshan	Free

Detail	Information
What it is	The town of Nanda Baba and Krishna's boyhood, western Braj
Chief site	The Nand Rai temple (Nand Bhavan) on the Nandishvar hill
Other sacred sites	Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari, Uddhav Kyari, Asheshwar Mahadev
Nearby sites	Ter Kadamba, Vrinda Kund, Yavat (Javat), Kokilavan, Sanket
Famous for	The Lathmar Holi, Janmashtami and Nandotsav
From Mathura	About 50 km; about 8 to 10 km from Barsana
Ideal duration	A half day, or a full day with Barsana
Darshan	Free

Temple	Summer Morning	Summer Evening	Winter Morning	Winter Evening	Key Note
Banke Bihari Temple	07:45 AM - 12:00 PM	05:30 PM - 09:30 PM	08:45 AM - 01:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	Curtain shifts every 30-45 sec; no phones inside
Prem Mandir	07:30 AM - 12:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	08:30 AM - 12:00 PM	04:30 PM - 08:00 PM	Musical Fountain: 7:30 PM summer / 7:00 PM winter
ISKCON Krishna Balram	04:10 AM - 12:45 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	04:10 AM - 12:45 PM	04:30 PM - 08:30 PM	Mangala Aarti at 05:00 AM daily
Radha Raman Temple	05:00 AM - 12:30 PM	06:00 PM - 09:00 PM	05:30 AM - 12:30 PM	06:00 PM - 09:00 PM	Self-manifested Shaligram deity; 1542 CE
Sri Rangji Mandir	05:30 AM - 10:30 AM	04:00 PM - 09:00 PM	06:00 AM - 11:00 AM	04:00 PM - 09:00 PM	South Indian architecture; gold pillar
Nidhivan Temple	05:00 AM - 08:00 PM	Closed after sunset	06:00 AM - 07:00 PM	Closed after sunset	No entry after evening aarti strictly enforced
Krishna Janmasthan	05:00 AM - 12:00 PM	04:00 PM - 09:30 PM	05:30 AM - 12:00 PM	03:00 PM - 08:30 PM	Photo ID required; no cameras/phones in sanctum
Dwarkadhish Temple	06:30 AM - 10:30 AM	04:00 PM - 07:00 PM	06:30 AM - 10:30 AM	03:30 PM - 06:00 PM	Near ghats; early evening close plan morning
Gita Mandir	05:00 AM - 12:00 PM	02:00 PM - 09:00 PM	05:30 AM - 12:00 PM	02:00 PM - 08:30 PM	700 Gita shlokas carved on pillars
Vishram Ghat Aarti	Open 24 hrs	Aarti: 06:45 PM	Open 24 hrs	Aarti: 06:45 PM	Fixed timing year-round; arrive 6:30 PM

Nandgaon UP: Complete Guide to Krishna's Town in Braj

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Nandgaon UP: an overview

Nandgaon at a glance

About Nandgaon, the town of Nanda Baba

The Nand Rai temple (Nand Bhavan)

Pavan Sarovar, Charan Pahari and the sacred sites

Ter Kadamba, Kokilavan and the nearby sites

The Lathmar Holi and the festivals

Timings, tips and how to reach

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