Tonga, Ghoda Gadi, Rickshaw, and Auto are the four modes of local transport available in Vrindavan Town.

I was returning from Rangji Mandir. At Nagar Palika, Chungi Chouraha, there are above said local transport available to travel within the town area. Upon the query from Chungi Chouraha till Angrez mandir (Iskcon temple locally known) approx. 3 km journey rickshaw walas said Rs. 60/Rs. 70 for two passengers. And then I saw Ghoda Gadi. Upon the query, the owner of the cart Gopal said – Rs. 60. After the bargain, he finally agreed to Rs. 50 for two people. I decided to hire the services. After years, I was using this mode of transport. Only once during my childhood days, I remember I used the same.

The best about the journey as I was too tired, I could lie down for a nap as the cart was spacious. We were only two passengers, though at a few spots the owner of the cart requested people for the ride.

In Vrindavan town, local transport mostly used is Rickshaw and their minimum charge is Rs. 10/- for one person for approx. half a km distance journey. They charge as per the number of passengers. Suppose you are three, then the charges will be high. Do not forget to bargain because it works.

Remember: Vrindavan is an old town having lots of small lanes and by-lanes. The rickshaw is the only best mode of local transport that can take you to most of the tourist places within the town area, but yes, a journey on Ghoda Gadi is interesting too for a few distances, having wide roads.

Shiv Kumar Vishwas, Ranjan Das, and many more, you will find playing ‘Ektara‘ – Traditional Musical Instrument and singing Krishna Bhajans in the lanes and by-lanes of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

Ramkrishna – a friend was leaving for the Wholesale Vegetable Market in Vrindavan to buy vegetables, and I joined. It is always interesting to visit the vegetable market because many times I often find a few vegetables new knowledge which was unknown earlier.

Galadia Flower – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Rs. 30/- per Kilogram.

Karonda – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Karonda is mixed with Pumpkin and Bottle Gourd, etc., for a sour (खट्टा) taste.

Rs. 80/- per Kilogram.

Teasel Gourd – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Rs. 40/- per Kilogram.

Colocassia Leaves – This photo was taken at Sabzi Bazar, Loi Bazar in Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh).

Colocassia leaves are also known as ‘Arbi ke Patte’ in the Hindi language. Upon the query, I was told, just like Methi ke Pakore and Shahtoot ke Pakode it is also made by mixing with Besan (Bengal Gram Flour).

And I inquire about the cost.

Rs. 20/-per Kilogram.

कहा कहूँ छवि आपकी, भले बने हो नाथ । तुलसी मस्तक तब नवै, धनुष बाण लो हाथ ।।

‘Oh, God! Today, you are looking so beautiful and attractive that I cannot describe it in words, but O Lord, my head will bow only when you hold the bow and arrow in your hand.

The aptly famous couplet is related to this place. It was at this place that Lord Shri Krishna appeared to Goswami Tulsidas in the form of Shri Ram. Goswami Tulsidas’s bhajan-kuti (cottage) exists to the right of the entrance, and even today. Mughal painting is visible at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. The renovation of this ancient site was done by Vrindavan residents Acharya Pandit Balram Ji Mishra and Pandit Laxman Prasad Mishra on 18 January 1975.

Vrindavan – Vrinda is Tulsi, Van – The forest, as per Hindi to English translation.

Years ago, there were lots and lots of Tulsi within this area, thus it is named Vrindavan. Till-date lots of Tulsi plants are within most of the homes. This is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days. Even many saints and Dhruv as well.

Ram Krishna and I walked and talked. Ram Krishna is a guide and a friend. He knows Vrindavan very well. Gyaan Gudri – He said.

What is Gyan Gudri? – I question.

When Lord Krishna left for Mathura, he sent his closest Sakha (friend), Uddhava, to Vrindavan with a message for Radha and Gopis, as they were missing the Lord’s presence. But the opposite happened. Uddhava was preached by Radha, and an impact was made; thus, Uddhava stayed at Vrindavan till Nanda Baba forcefully sent him back.

In short, Gyaan Gudri is the location where Radha, along with the Gopis, preached to Uddhava. Even Vidura visited this location.

Hanuman temple is within the area, and Radha’s feet as a symbol.

Till-date if someones die within Vrindavan, people take a parikrama of this area so that there is no rebirth for the person – it is believed. Even the Braj-Raj (Vrindavan dust) is so pure that it is showered over the dead body for the mukti (spiritual liberation) of the person. People love to roll on the ground to apply dust all over their bodies. Why do they do so? Because Lord Krishna and many great saints’ feet had touched Vrindavan thus, it is pure.

And a display board talks about the importance of the location:

Shri Hari Charnam – Gyaan Gudri

Shri Vidur evam Shri Uddhava samvad parichayak stamb

Yahi Vidur tatha Uddhava ka samvad hua tha

Shlok Uddhava ne yahi gaya tha

Shri Guru Prasad Gautam, in remembrance of Pandit Muktinath, installed a stambh

Thank you, Ram Krishna – said I. Knowledge enhanced.