Radha Rani Temple, Barsana
श्री राधा रानी मंदिर
A temple on a hilltop in Barsana, Radha's hometown, where the Lathmar Holi “stick-beating” festival takes place, with views over the Braj plain.
Barsana is the hometown of Radha. Radha Rani Temple stands on Brahmachal Hill, its red sandstone halls decorated with arcades and painted details. Visitors can climb about 200 steps or take a cable car to the top, and enjoy views over the Braj countryside. The most famous event is Lathmar Holi, held a week before Holi. Men from Nandgaon come to Barsana to “tease” the women, who chase them away with long sticks while colored powder fills the air. The festival draws large crowds of tourists and photographers, but the crowds are extremely dense, so female visitors should go in groups and take care of their safety. About 45 km from Mathura, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
Opening hours
Approx. 05:00–14:00, 17:00–21:00
Nearby sights
- Nandgaon
- Radha Kund
- Kusum Sarovar
- Govardhan Hill
- Prem Mandir, Vrindavan
- ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir
- Madan Mohan Temple, Vrindavan
- Banke Bihari Temple