Mathura

	Mathura, 50m km from Agra on the west bank of the Yamuna, is one of the most sacred
	cities of Hinduism dating  back  to  600 BC. for  Vaishnavities, it is  perhaps the 
	supremely sacred city of India, being the reputed birth place of Krishna, the  most
	human aspect of Vishnu. Krishna is widely seen as the embodiment of the ideal lover
	, soldier, statesman, as well as the adorable baby, or wayward  child. Many  places
	around are associated with  episodes in his life. Mathura's ancient structures were
	mostly destroyed by  muslims  but  its  religious  association  draws  thousands of 
	pilgrims. Today, it is also  an  important  industrial city  with  much evidence of 
	modernizing on the approach from the Highway. The opening of a  big oil refinery on
	the outskirts of the city in 1975 caused great concern among environmentalists that
	atmospheric pollution would irreversibly damage the Taj Mahal only 50 km away.


	How to reach here

	By Air

	Kheria airport is 7 km from city centre.

	By Train
	
	Mathura Junction is the main station. For Delhi and Agra, the best is to Agra Cantt
	. Taj Express takes 47 min. New Delhi: 2 1/4 hrs.

	By Road

	Frequent services to Delhi,  Jaipur  and  neighbouring  towns  from  New Bus stand 
	Opposite Hotel Nepal are available. Buses to Govardhan and Agra from old Bus stand
	near the railway station are available.