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
कालिय घाट
Kaliya Ghat
Where child Krishna danced on the hoods of the serpent Kaliya, and a kadamba tree is said to stand from that day.
GhatVrindavanKrishna and Kaliya
The story: The dance on the serpent's hoods
The serpent Kaliya had poisoned a deep pool of the Yamuna, and birds flying over it fell dead. Krishna climbed a kadamba tree, tied up his clothes and jumped in. After a long struggle he rose on the serpent's hoods and danced there while the gods rained flowers. Kaliya's wives prayed for their husband's life, and Krishna sent him away to Ramanaka island (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16 and 10.17).
The kadamba tree on the bank is said to be the one he leapt from, and it alone survived the poison. Whatever its botanical age, the tree is dear to pilgrims. Kaliya Ghat lies below the Madan Mohan temple, so the two are visited together.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.16 and 10.17: Kaliya Lila
- The age of the tree is local tradition
History
- A stone ghat below the Madan Mohan hill, with a shrine of Krishna dancing on Kaliya. Builder not documented in the sources found. Check locally.
What to see
- The ghat and the kadamba tree
- Kaliya mardan shrine
- Madan Mohan temple above
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Naag Nathaiya lila around Kartik (Dev Uthani) in Vrindavan; check locally
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Daylight hours. Check locally |
| Closed | Check locally |
| Dress code | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside any sanctum. Check locally for the rest. |
No reliable published timings were found. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Near Madan Mohan base.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- No special rule found. Festival days bring diversions. Check locally
Cab drop and walk
Drop: At the base of the hill.
Walk: 2 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 13 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 or dusk.
Crowds: Usually light. Heavier on festival days.
Monkeys: Possible. Keep spectacles, phones and food out of sight.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave shoes at the gate or with your driver.
Toilets: Limited. Use facilities before you arrive.
Accessibility: Uneven ground and steps are likely. Check locally.
Scams to avoid
- Touts who offer a 'special' puja or darshan for a fee
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 the tree really from Krishna's time?
That is the tradition. No scientific date is known.
Check locally
- Timings
- Festival dates
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Kaliya Ghat