Nandgaon & Barsana, Uttar Pradesh
Nand Bhavan & Radha Rani Temple
The twin hill villages of Krishna's foster father Nanda and of Radha — famous for the stick-wielding Lathmar Holi each spring.
- Presiding deity
- Nand Nandan Krishna; Shri Radha Rani
- Established
- Ancient; Barsana shrine rebuilt 1675
- Darshan timings
- 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Best time to visit
- February – March (Holi)
History & significance
Nandgaon was the home of Nanda Maharaj after the family left Gokul; Krishna spent his boyhood on this hill.
Barsana, 8 km away, is the village of Radha, and its hilltop Ladli Ji temple is the most important Radha shrine in the world.
The rivalry of the two villages is played out joyfully in Lathmar Holi, when Barsana's women drive off Nandgaon's men with staves.
Don't miss
- • Lathmar Holi
- • Hilltop climb to Ladli Ji temple
- • Pan Sarovar and Braj parikrama
Main festivals
Lathmar HoliRadhashtamiJanmashtami
How to reach
Barsana is 45 km from Mathura by road; local buses and taxis run all day.
Nearby places
- Govardhan Hill
- Vrindavan
- Kosi Kalan