Radha Bihari Misthan Bhandar (Banke Bihari temple market)
Mathura peda and khoya sweets. The shop's own claim is a sweet shop here since 1965
इमली तला
Imli Tala
An ancient tamarind tree where Krishna is said to have sat in the pain of separation from Radha.
GroveVrindavanKrishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
The story: The tamarind tree and the sorrow of parting
Imli Tala holds a moving story. After Krishna left Braj for Mathura and Dwarka, the tamarind tree at Vrindavan is said to be where he sat remembering Radha. The tree is also said to have turned black from the grief.
Gaudiya Vaishnavas add that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sat here during his visit to Vrindavan in 1515 and went into ecstasy at the memory of Krishna. The moment is told in the Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila 18).
Krishna's separation from Braj, and the gopis' grief, are central in the Uddhava episode (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.46 and 10.47), when Uddhava is sent to console them.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.46 and 10.47: Uddhava in Vrindavan and the gopis' separation
- Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila 18: Mahaprabhu in Vrindavan
- Krishna sitting under this tree is local tradition
History
- The present tree is a living tree that tradition says dates from Dvapara. Its age is not documented. Check locally.
- A small temple and an ashram stand beside it.
What to see
- The ancient tamarind tree
- A small temple for Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- The quiet courtyard
Key festivals
- Feb to Mar: Gaura Purnima (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birthday)
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 6:00 am to 8:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 6:30 am to 7:30 pm |
| Closed | Unknown |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Likely fine. Check locally. |
Informal timing. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near Madan Mohan and Kaliya Ghat; roadside.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Narrow lane
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the roadside near the gate.
Walk: 3 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 14 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 2 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Morning, quiet.
Crowds: Light.
Monkeys: Some.
Comfort
Footwear: At the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Mostly flat.
Scams to avoid
- Few
Where to eat nearby
Lakshman Prasad Kachori Wale (Banke Bihari area)
Khasta bedai and kachori with aloo sabzi, from a generations-old stall
Agarwal Mithai Wale (near the police chowki at Banke Bihari)
Urad-dal kachori in desi ghee, potato-pumpkin sabzi, fresh curd
Purohit Ji's kachori (Banke Bihari gali)
Kachori; one source gives Rs 25 each, which may be stale
Stalls on the lanes to Banke Bihari (Loi Bazaar)
Hot jalebi, peda, chaat, rabri, kulfi. Liveliest in winter evenings
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
Is it worth a visit?
Yes, for a quiet moment if you are already near Madan Mohan or Kesi Ghat.
Check locally
- Timings
- Tree age claims
- Photo rule
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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