Radha Rani Mandir – Also known as Shriji Temple or Thakur Shri Ladli ji Maharaj Temple

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags:
Radha Rani Mandir, Barsana (Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India)

After the visit of Mandir Shri Kushal Bihari Ji, I walk towards the nearby temple – Radha Rani Mandir situated on top of Brahamachal Parvat (mountain). I had talks with Shri Madan Lal Goswami – The priest present within the temple area and upon my request, he narrated The History of Radha Rani Temple:

Radha Rani Mandir is also known as Shriji Mandir or Thakur Shree Ladli ji Maharaj Mandir. The temple was established by Shri Bhatt Narayan but from time to time various respected devotees such as Todarmal, Gwalior Naresh Man Singh, Jaipur King, Seth Harbulal renovated the temple.

Radha Rani was born in the month of Bhaado (August-September) thus birthday of Radha Rani is celebrated in the month of September. During Shravan month (July-August) Hariyali Teej Jhula Festival commences and during Falgun month (February-March) Lath Mar Holi is organized.

Aarti Timings

5:00/7:30 morning hours

2:00 afternoon hours

7:30/9 evening hours

Thank you – said I.

Donations and prayers.

Vrindavan to Barsana – Distance and Directions

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags: ,

The distance between Vrindavan to Barsana is approx. 40+ Kms. You have to reach Chhata/Barsana More (approx. 25 km from Vrindavan) via National Highway 2 and turn left. And from the left turn, Barsana is approx. 19 km.

Recently during a visit to Barsana from Vrindavan to attend Laddu Holi and Lathmar Holi, I followed the route as below:

Vrindavan > Chhtikara by sharing the auto (Rs. 10)

Chhtikara > Chhata by ordinary bus (Rs. 18/21 km)

Chhata > Barsana by ordinary bus (Rs. 16/19 km)

or,

Chhtikara > Barsana by ordinary bus (Rs. 32/40km)

(Once I paid Rs. 26 from Chhtikara to Barsana but rates increase as per diesel rate I guess)

Chhtikara is 6 km from Vrindavan on National Highway 2. Maybe one will get the direct bus to Barsana, or one has to get down at Chhata to catch another bus to Barsana.

During Lathmar Holi day there was a direct private bus from Vrindavan to Barsana – Rs. 70. And the same day while returning another private bus from Barsana to Chhtikara – Rs. 50/-.

(Auto/Mini Ordinary Bus fares are per person)

Road condition – fantastic. Chhata to Barsana drive is too good.

Once I travel from Vrindavan to Barsana via Auto.

I paid Rs. 700 auto fare from Vrindavan to Barsana to & fro 80+ km approx. total distance.

Auto fare is cheaper than the taxi as per inquiries with various travel agents.

Bus Service from Mathura Railway Station to Barsana

• • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh • Tags: ,

There are buses available from Mathura railway station to Barsana via Govardhan. Once you reach Govardhan walk further for 100 meters to catch another bus for Barsana. There are also a few autos available from Govardhan to Barsana.

Mathura railway station > Govardhan – approx. 20 km – bus fare Rs. 20/person

Govardhan > Barsana – approx. 20 km – bus fare Rs. 20/person

The above said is the most common bus route but there are few buses that follow another route i.e., Mathura station > Barsana More (Chhata, National Highway 2) > Barsana. This is the better route due to less traffic and better road condition and no change of bus and most important it saves time but bus services few.

Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir and Ashram – Founded by the famous Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba in 1962

• • Nainital, Uttarakhand • Tags: , ,
Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir and Ashram, Kainchi Dham (Nainital, Uttarakhand, India)

Nainital to Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir and Ashram (Kainchi Dham) via Golu Devata temple is 32 km approx.

I suggest one should first visit Golu Devata Temple approx. 19 km from Nainital via Bhowali. Once you reach Bhowali main chauraha (roundabout) turn right for a further seven km approx journey towards Golu Devata temple. After prayers reach Bhowali roundabout again for Kainchi Dham.

Kainchi Dham is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is approx. 13 km from Golu Devata temple and from the Bhowali roundabout approx. 6 km.

I started the journey at 13 afternoon hours and reached Golu Devata temple at 14 hours. After prayers re-started the journey at 15 hours and reached Kainchi Dham at 15:45.

Kainchi Dham Timings:

Winter: November to March – Morning 7 to Evening 6

Summer: April to October – Morning 6 to Evening 7

(Kainchi Dham is 18 km approx. from Nainital via Bhowali)

Bara Pathar – Horse Riding Rates and View Points

• • Nainital, Uttarakhand •
Horse Riding Rates and View Points, Nainital (Uttarakhand, India))

Bara Pathar – The location where I saw hundreds of horses ready for various peaks, viewpoints, and picnic spots. To be honest, due to short of time and the rainy season skip the ride but as per display-board Waterfall, Khurpatal, Naina Peak (2610), Dorothy Seat (2292), Tiffin Top (2292), Himalaya Darshan (2270), Kilbury (2194), Lands End (2118), Tiger Top can be reached through horse riding.

Rate-List (as per display board):

  • Waterfall, Khurpatal to and fro – Rs. 600/-
  • Lands End, Tiger Top, Tiffin Top, Dorothy Seat – Rs. 400/-
  • Himalaya Darshan to and fro – Rs. 300/-
  • Kilbury to and fro – Rs. 800/-
  • Lands End to and fro – Rs. 200/-
  • China Peak to and fro – Rs. 600/-
  • One hour roaming around – Rs. 200/-
  • Full-Day horse riding charges – Rs. 1000/-

(Rs. 10/- to be paid extra for each said tour for Samiti receipt)

Maybe next time during the winter season I will try to visit Nainital again. As per experience close to the rainy season Himalaya Darshan (view) is not possible but yes, at the same time visiting Nainital after a few showers is lovely to watch, and lovely to roam around.

Other than the above-mentioned viewpoints there are a few more Peak and Picnic Spots in Nainital situated at higher altitudes such as:

  • Lariya Kanta – 2485
  • Camels Back – 2422
  • Hanumangarhi – 1950

(all above numbers are in meters)