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
निधिवन
Nidhivan
A grove of twisted tulsi trees that tradition says become gopis each night.
GroveVrindavanRadha-Krishna (Rang Mahal, Swami Haridas samadhi)
The story: The grove where the dance never stops
Nidhivan is the old, dense forest where, devotees believe, Krishna still dances the Rasa with Radha and the gopis every night. The twisted trees are all said to be tulsi, and the pairs of trunks are the gopis frozen in the dance at dawn. This is why no one is allowed to stay inside after sunset, and the doors of the Rang Mahal are locked each evening after a bed and beauty items are laid out for the Divine Couple.
The Bhagavatam describes the Rasa Lila in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33 (the five chapters of the Rasa). Nidhivan's tradition goes beyond the text into the living faith of Vrindavan. Swami Haridas meditated here, and the deity Banke Bihari appeared here.
Treat these as beliefs, to be respected. Nobody will ask you to prove them. The way to see Nidhivan is the lala:Cab way: be present, be quiet, and leave your questions at the gate.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.29 to 10.33: Rasa Lila
- Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Krishna Janma Khanda: Radha and Krishna in the forest
- The nightly stories about Rang Mahal are local belief
History
- Swami Haridas (16th century) meditated here; his samadhi is in the grove.
- Banke Bihari ji is said to have appeared here in 1543 before the current temple was built.
- Nidhivan is managed by a trust and the Vrindavan municipal authorities. A wall now protects the grove.
What to see
- The twisted tulsi trees
- Rang Mahal (the bed chamber, closed at night)
- Swami Haridas samadhi
- Lalita Kund and Banke Bihari Prakatya Sthal
Key festivals
- Aug to Sep: Janmashtami and Radhashtami
- Nov to Dec: Vihar Panchami (Banke Bihari's appearance)
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; locked from sunset |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 5:00 am to 7:00 pm; locked from sunset |
| Closed | No one may remain inside after the evening aarti. Rang Mahal is closed to the public at night. |
| Dress code | Modest. Remove footwear. |
| Photos and phones | Mobile phones and photography are usually not allowed inside the grove. Not verified. Check locally at the gate. |
| Also | Do not break branches or pluck leaves |
| Also | Entry is usually free; a donation box is at the gate |
Hours follow sunrise and sunset. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
No parking at the gate. Park at the town lot and walk.
Charge: About Rs 50 to 100 at a lot. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Old-town lanes, no cars at the gate
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the Banke Bihari approach and walk.
Walk: 10 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 13 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 0.6 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: First hour after opening, when it is quiet and cool.
Crowds: Light early; heavy by noon.
Monkeys: Yes. Strongly. Keep glasses, phones and food hidden.
Comfort
Footwear: Stand at the gate.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Paths are sandy and uneven.
Scams to avoid
- Guides who tell sensational night stories for a tip
- Fake 'special entry' tickets
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
Why is Nidhivan closed after sunset?
By tradition the Divine Couple dance here at night and no human may be present. This is a belief, not a rule of nature, and the gates are closed at dusk.
Can I bring a phone?
Rules vary and are not verified. Phones are usually restricted inside. Check locally.
Check locally
- Opening hours and closing time
- Phone and photo rule
- Entry fee, if any
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 Nidhivan