General Information Regarding Your Visit to Vrindavan

Information Centre

ISKCON Vrindavan has an Information Centre, located to the left of the Temple as you approach the main Temple entrance.

Visas

You will need to get a visa before you arrive in India. These are available from your local Indian High Commission or Embassy. Most visitors will get a six month tourist visa, this will be sufficient for stays up to six months.

If you intend to stay longer than six months then you will need a longer term visa which will require more substantial supporting documentation as to the purpose of your visit. If you do stay for more than six months you will need to register with the local FRO office in Mathura (Kotwali Road, Mr Sri D.S. Chauhan, tel: 0565 2403057) within 14 days of your arrival in India. Once you have registered in a specific place you are expected to remain at that place, and not be travelling all over India. If you move from one place to another, i.e. from Vrindavan to Mayapur you must transfer your registration to the local FRO office.

Travelling to India

The most convenient airport for coming to Vrindavan is Delhi . The two other most common airports are Mumbai and Kolkata. Trains are available from both Mumbai and Kolkata to get you to Vrindavan.

Travelling to Vrindavan

From Delhi airport you can get a taxi directly to Vrindavan. Taxis are available at the airport or you can arrange for a taxi from Vrindavan to collect you, this is a better option as you are less likely to be cheated. The Information Centre can arrange for a taxi to collect you given a weeks notice by e-mail, or if you know someone in Vrindavan they can arrange it for you. You should expect to pay about Rs.1500 for a non AC taxi to Vrindavan.

You can also get trains from the center of Delhi to Mathura, you will then need to get an auto rickshaw or taxi to Vrindavan, the train should cost no more than Rs.100, this is for a general ticket and paying the extra for sitting in a Sleeper Class boggie, the auto rickshaw from Mathura should also be no more than Rs.100.

Buses are also available from Delhi, some buses come into Vrindavan, otherwise you will have to get off the bus at Chatikhara and then get an auto rickshaw to Vrindavan. The bus from Delhi should be no more than Rs.100, and the auto rickshaw from Chatikhara no more than Rs.10.

From Mumbai you can get a number of good trains direct to Mathura, second class sleeper will cost about Rs.450 and 3 tier AC will cost about Rs.1200. The Golden Temple or Paschim Express are both good trains.

From Kolkata there are no good trains direct to Mathura. You can get the Kalka Mail train to either Tundla or Aligarh and then get a taxi or bus to Mathura/Vrindavan, second class sleeper will cost about Rs.500 and 3 tier AC will cost about Rs.1200. A non AC taxi from Tundla or Aligarh will cost about Rs.900. Another option is to get a train to Delhi and then come to Vrindavan as detailed above.

Where to stay in Vrindavan

Accommodation is available in Vrindavan in all different standards ranging form Rs.50 per night for a very simple room with no facilities to Rs.1000 per night for a room with AC, bathroom, kitchen and an abundance of other facilities. During festival times it is very difficult to find rooms at the last minute, so if you know you are coming try to book your rooms in advance, busy times are Kartik, Gaura Purnima and the month of Sravana. Below is a list of Guest-houses in Vrindavan.

Laundry services are provided at each ashram.Consult ashram manager for prices.

Prasadam

Free breakfast and lunch is served at the Devotee Prasadam Hall, also there is the new Govinda’s Restaurant, bakery etc. Where to get Prasadam

Pure Filtered Water

Get pure filtered water for only Rs.3/- a litre (own bottle required) at the water kiosk next to the Information Centre.

Behaviour in the Dham

Dhama Aparadha

1. To have contempt or disrespect towards the guru who is the revealer of the holy dhama.
2. To think that the holy dhama is temporary.
3. To commit violence towards any of the residents of the holy dhama, or to any of the pilgrims who come there, or to think that they are ordinary mundane people.
4. To perform mundane activities while living in the holy dhama.
5. Earning money by and making a business of Diety worship and chanting the holy name.
6. To think that the holy dhama belongs to some mundane country or province such as U.P., or to think that the dhama of the Lord is equal to a holy place connected with some demigod, or to attempt to measure the area of the dhama.
7. To commit sinful acts while in the dhama.
8. To consider Vrindavan and Navadvip as different from each other.
9. To blaspheme the sastras which glorify the holy dhama.
10. To be faithless and to think that the glories of the dhama are imaginary.

In the sacred land of Vrindavan , the results of all devotional activities performed here are magnified one thousand times. Therefore, one can make rapid advancement if one lives offenselessly in the holy dhama. If however, one does commit offences, they are also magnified one thousand times; therefore, one is advised to carefully avoid committing any offenses in Vrindavan dhama.

Etiquette to be observed in Sri Vrindavan Dhama

Rickshaws

Always fix the fare in advance. Never fight with the rickshaw driver. In case of dispute get help from a local devotee. Never drive the rickshaw yourself. Devotees in saffron cloth must never ride with a lady. Ladies should never ride alone after dark.

Eating

Do not eat on the public street or sit at the tea stalls outside. It is not only dangerous to your health but also creates a bad public image. If you have to purchase anything to drink or eat from outside, bring them back to the Temple campus or to your room. Ladies, especially, should not under any condition sit at the tea stalls.

Temples

Photography is prohibited in many temples in Vraja. Always inquire first as indignant caretakers are known to break cameras. It is best not to wear shoes when visiting temples or doing parikramas.

Do not carry your shoes in a bag into any temple of the Lord. Many temples do not even permit wearing socks in the temple. Carry small coins to give as donations. Beware of touts, pickpockets, and so called “guides.” If you are harassed by aggressive “pandas” it is best to either ignore them or give a small donation and move on. Do not get into an argument with them.

Dress code

Ladies should wear sari and have their head and bodies, including bellies covered at all times. They should wear sufficient and thick clothing while bathing in the Yamuna or in any kunda. Men should wear neat and clean dhotis and kurtas.

Rooms

Use your own locks on your room door. Do not bring foodstuffs into your room as this may attract insects especially ants. Spare some time daily to clean your room. You will find it easier to keep healthy. Be mindful of where you keep your room key as the receptionist may not have a spare one.

Moral Code & Behaviour

To preserve and protect the reputation and image of the Temple, and of our Movement, we humbly request men and women not to loosely associate with each other. Illicit relations should be strictly avoided. It is very offensive in the Dham. We also particularly request ladies to not freely mix with local men. Remember, you are representing Srila Prabhupada.

Intoxicants

Beware of people (including so-called devotees) peddling and consuming intoxicants, especially drugs. Not only is it spiritually very damaging to deal with drugs in any way, it also has severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, fine and blacklisting from visiting India again.

Safety Tips

1. Do not allow strangers in your room.
2. Always keep your room locked and insist on using your own locks.
3. Keep your passport, money, flight tickets, jewelry and other valuables in a safe place. Lockers are provided inside the temple in the Donation Room.
4. Be careful of pickpockets when you are in a crowded place.
5. Do not leave your camera or belongings unattended, as they can easily be stolen.
6. Do not use any kind of fire in your room.
7. Always drink bottled or reliably filtered water.
8. Keep glasses in your pocket while downtown–even on a rickshaw. Monkeys may steal them.
9. If you have any indications of sickness please contact a doctor immediately.
10. Do not go alone to take a bath in the Yamuna. Go in a group. Do not go out too deep into the water even if you are a good swimmer.

Getting Around Vraja

Krishna Balaram Mandir offers facilities for prompt, efficient, reliable and reasonably priced reservation for your air, rail and road travel. You can now make all your international travel bookings to and from India through Krishna Balaram Mandir Travel Agency. Contact the Information Centre.

Taxi fares

Given below are the usual taxi fares for standard routes in Vraja.

Non Air-conditioned

Air-conditioned

Buses

There is a daily bus service to Delhi from the bus stop in front of the Temple.

Fare: Rs.85/- per person

Timings: 5:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 2:00 PM.

Cycle Rickshaw and Auto Rickshaw prices in Rs.

Currency Exchange

Krishna Balaram Mandir is offering for the first time, an in-house authorized money exchange facility for the service of the devotees. Rates provided will be excellent as per the day-to-day rates offered in New Delhi by multi-national banks. You can exchange your currency at the Donation Room located in the Temple Hall.

Timings: 7:30am to1:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:30pm.

In India it is against the law to change foreign currency at any place other than an authorized Foreign Exchange Centre. Visa / Master Card holders can visit the ATM machine located next to Guruluka entrance and Canara Bank at Vidyapeeth Crossing, before Loi Bazaar.

Telephone and Internet

Many public call booths are available opposite Krishna Balaram Mandir. There are also a number of Internet Cafes in the vicinity of the temple. The information centre can give you further details.

Internet: Rs.15/hour

Post Office

Letters can be mailed from the Government Post Office located on the ground floor of the Gurukula building.

Timings: 10am to 5pm (closed on Sundays).

Lockers

Please keep your valuables in a safe place. To assist you, the Temple has a locker facility where you may deposit your cash, travellers cheques, passport, tickets & other documents for safe-keeping. The locker facility is located in the Donation Room in the Temple Hall.

Timings: 7:30am to 1:00pm & 4:30pm to 8:30pm.

Lost and Found

Contact the Temple Commanders Office, Krishna Balaram Land, next to the Devotee Prasadam Hall.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Child Protection

Always keep your children with you. Beware of unknown persons befriending them by giving them sweets, mahaprasadam etc. Please report any incidents to the Temple Managers or the Information Centre.

Health Care

Please be careful about your health during your visit. Many health problems arise from drinking non bottled water. Don’t have ice in a drink unless you know where the water came from. You should only drink bottled water or water from reliable filter units like the temple water shop, or the Gurukula water shop. Check the seal on the bottle before you pay for it, if it is broken or tampered with ask for another bottle. Also be wary of the heat and the sun - this will depend on the time of year of your visit to some extent, but the sun is still strong late in the year. If you need medical help below is a list of doctors and hospitals.

Vraja Darshan Tours

Vraja darshan is a quick Vraja tour on our Vraja darshan bus. Specific and special tours can also be arranged, catering for group requests.

more about Vraja Darshan Tours

Temple Program

Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Temple schedule

Dham Seva

Become greatly fortunate by offering your services in Srila Prabhupada’s home - Krishna Balaram Mandir, in the most auspicious dhama, Vrindavan! Listed below are some of the ways in which you can do this:

Donations/Sponsorships

You may offer donations in cash or kind towards the various services and activities being carried out in Krishna Balarama Mandir. Please note that donations may be given at the authorized “Donation Room” located inside the Temple Hall on the right side as you enter through the main gate. The timings are 7:30am to 1:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Or you can donate online through our website. Check out the complete list.

24 Hour Kirtan Service

The 24 hour kirtan group has successfully completed its 19th year of non-stop kirtan. All visiting devotees are invited to participate in the 24 hour kirtan, in the temple room daily. All of our activities are meant to bring us to the point of relishing the holy name. Please take advantage of this opportunity while in the holy dhama. Contact Aindra Prabhu.

Prasadam Seva and other services

Please check at the Vice-Presidents office for details.

And of course, you can render valuable service by simply participating with enthusiasm and devotion in all the Temple programs, beginning with Mangal Arati in Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi Mandir.