Going to Vrindavan for the first time? Some practical tips

Vrindavan is a small town, but on festival days the crowd is hard to handle. A little planning makes the trip much easier.

When to go

October to March is comparatively comfortable. Summer is very hot and the monsoon is humid. Janmashtami, Holi and the month of Kartik draw special crowds, so avoid festival days if you want a calm darshan. If you want to see a festival, fix your stay well in advance.

What to wear

Modest clothes are best. You walk a lot and shoes come off at many places, so carry footwear that slips on and off easily.

In the temples

• Some temples restrict phones, bags or cameras, or do not allow them at all. Rules change by temple and by time, so carry as little as you can.
• The lanes around Banke Bihari are narrow and crowded. Be patient if you are with children or elders.

Be careful

Pickpockets can work in a crowd. If anyone is over-eager and asks for money for a "special darshan" or "special puja", pay no one except at a temple's official counter.