Famous Krishna Temples In India

India is a spiritual land dotted with some of the most magnificent temples where you can have magical encounters and experience spiritual bliss. If you’re a devotee of Krishna then you will find many temples in India that give an insight into the teachings and life of Lord Krishna. Krishna is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and holds immense prominence for the Hindus. The devotees consider him a romantic lover, a guide, an excellent teacher, and a lovable child. From the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan to the ISKCON Temple in Uttar Pradesh and the Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka there are many spiritual sites devoted to Krishna. Each of these temples testifies to the events that occurred throughout Lord Krishna’s life.  So let’s take a look at the 20 most famous Krishna temples in India where you can seek his blessings and experience tranquility.

ISKCON Temple, Bangalore

ISKCON Temple is situated in Bangalore’s Rajajinagar area and is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is known to be the world’s largest ISKCON complex. You can see here the deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Prahlada Narasimha, and Sri Nitai Gauranga. The senior Gurus of the temple regularly conduct prayer services and lectures here.

• Temple Timing: 8:30 am–12:30 pm and 4–8 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Other Activities: Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore Palace, Bangalore Fort, Cubbon Park

Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura

The list of the best Krishna temples in India won’t be complete without Dwarkadheesh Temple, Mathura. It is one of the oldest and largest Krishna temples in the world. It showcases the blend of Rajasthani, Hindu, and Islamic culture and art, and houses Lord Dwarkadhish and his consort Radharani’s idol, made of white and black marble respectively. The temple has four pillars, three domes, eight arches, sixteen doors, twelve windows, thirty-two railings, and twenty-four balconies.

• Temple Timing: 5.00 am to 12.00 pm and 02.00 pm to 08.00 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hour
• Other Activities: Birla Mandir, Govardhan Hill, Kusum Sarovar, Radha Vallabh Mandir

Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

Shri Banke Bihari Temple is one of the main spiritual attractions of Vrindavan situated near the Yamuna River bank. The temple was built in the year 1862 and the main deity was worshipped in Nidhivan. Later on, when the new complex was constructed, Shri Banke Bihari ji’s idol was shifted to the present temple. The idol’s lotus feet are kept hidden from public view and are only showcased to the devotees on Akshaya Tritiya. As per the legends, Banke Bihari temple’s idol is older than the temple.

• Temple Timing: 7:45 am – 12:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2 hours
• Other Activities: Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple, Banke Bihari Ashram, Madan Mohan Temple

Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir, Vrindavan

Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir is the oldest temple in Vrindavan built in the Nagara architectural style. The temple stands near Kaliya Ghat and is around 50 feet in height. This temple is around five thousand years old and was built by Vajranabh, Lord Krishna’s great-grandson. The temple has Santana Goswami’s Samadhi Sthal and Bhajan Kutir where you can spend time reminiscing about the history of the temple. The exquisite artistic carvings on the walls and pillars of the temple attract devotees from all around the world.

• Temple Timing: 6.00 AM to 11.00 PM and 5.00 PM to 9.30 PM
• Best Time to Visit: October to Mid-April
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Prem Mandir, Nidhivan, Katyayani Peeth, Nandgaon

Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

Prem Mandir is one of the most famous Hindu temples known for its spiritual significance and architectural beauty. The temple’s construction was initiated by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj who is known for his teachings on divine love and devotion. Radha Krishna is the main deity of the temple. The temple complex comprises beautifully landscaped gardens, a main shrine, walkways, and water fountains. Light and sound show is conducted here in the evening narrating the stories of Radha Krishna’s love.

• Temple Timing: 5.30 AM – 6.30 AM & 8.30 AM – 12.30 PM
• Best Time to Visit: February to April and October to December
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Other Activities: Government Museum, Deeg Fort, Sri Radha Raman Temple

Jagannath Temple, Ahmedabad

Jagannath Temple is a well-known spiritual destination dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Sadhu Sarangdasji constructed the temple around four hundred fifty years ago. You can see here the idol of Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Baldev. Rath Yatra, the famous chariot festival is hosted here every year. The premises of the temple also have Rathkhana, Sant Nivas, auditorium, Gaushala, Apang Ashram, and Samadhi.

• Temple Timing: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Kankaria Lake, Adalaj Stepwell

Shri Nathji Temple, Nathdwara

Shri Nathji Temple is situated in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and is dedicated to Shrinathji, one of Lord Krishna’s forms as a seven-year-old known for lifting Govardhan hill. The temple resembles a palace so it is also called Haveli of Shrinathji. The main shrine has a door plated in silver that is closed and opened for darshan at different times of the day. You can see sculptures and paintings in different parts of the temple complex including the priests’ lodges, the main shrine, the walls, and corridors.

• Temple Timing: 5:30 am to 12:10 pm and 3:35 pm to 7:20 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Other Activities: Dwarkadheesh Temple, Eklingji Temple, Charbhuja Temple, Nandsamand Dam and Giriraj Parvat, Mavli

Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt (Temple)

Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt is one of the most famous temples in South India dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple looks like a living ashram and houses Krishna’s idol adorned with a golden chariot and jewels. Lord Krishna has been depicted here as Balakrishna, a small boy. The highlight of the temple is Kanakana Kindi, a window through which Krishna is believed to give darshan to his devotees. Every two years Udupi Paryaya Utsava is celebrated here.

• Temple Timing: 5.30 am to 8.50 pm
• Best Time to Visit: September to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Other Activities: Malpe, St Mary’s Island, Kapu beach

Guruvayoor Temple, Kerala

Guruvayoor Temple is situated in Kerala and is hailed as Dwarka of the South. The individual elements and architectural style inside the shrine beautifully represent the history of the place. The temple’s main sanctum was constructed in 1638 AD and it exhibits Lord Krishna’s four-armed statue adorned with pearl necklaces and holy Tulsi (basil) garlands. Inside the temple, you can also find images of Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy, Ganapathy, and Lord Ayyappa.

• Temple Timing: 3:00 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:15 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2 hours
• Other Activities: Mammiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple, Punnathur Elephant Sanctuary and Punnayurkulam

Venugopala Swamy Temple, Karnataka

Venugopala Swamy Temple dates back to the twelfth century AD and is a breathtaking demonstration of the Hoysala architecture. It was constructed by Hoysalas and is dedicated to Venugopala Swamy, one of the incarnations of Lord Krishna. The main sanctum sanctorum is situated at the temple’s center. The unique thing is that only natural light is used throughout this temple. The garbha griha is lit using diyas and oil lamps, giving the temple an ethereal look.

• Temple Timing: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Bhoo Varaha Swamy Temple, Venugopala Swamy Temple

Balakrishna Temple, Hampi

Balakrishna temple is dedicated to Lord Balakrishna, Lord Krishna’s infant form. The temple is an impressive work of art built in Islamic architectural style. There is a pond at the temple known as Kalyani Theertham. The temple complex comprises many small shrines and pillared halls. On its lower walls, various epics are inscribed enhancing the beauty of this temple.

• Temple Timing: 5:30 am – 1:00 pm and 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Other Activities: Vithala Temple, Hampi Bazaar and Hippie Island

Mayapur ISKCON Temple, West Bengal

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness founded the Mayapur ISKCON Temple and it draws devotees from all around the world. The temple is known to be the sacred abode of the Pancatattva, Srila Prabhupada, Lord Nrisingha Dev, and Radha-Madhav along with the Gopis. The daily kirtans and worship ceremonies infuse the atmosphere of the temple with an aura of devotion and spirituality. It also has a museum where you can learn about the teachings and life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

• Temple Timing: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Ballal Dhipi, Gopinath Gaudiya Math

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala

Located in the Alappuzha district, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is one of the seven highly revered Vaishnava temples in Kerala. Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran constructed the temple during the 15th – 17th CE. Inside the temple, you can see beautiful paintings depicting Lord Vishnu’s ten avatars. The idol of Krishna has been carved beautifully out of black sandstone.

• Temple Timing: 4:00 am to 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2 hours
• Other Activities: Kurisumala, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Museum of Kerala History

Jagannath Temple, Orissa

Jagannath Temple forms an important part of the Char Dham Yatra that is undertaken by the Hindus. You can see here Lord Jagannath’s wooden carved statue along with the idols of Lord Balbhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The temple was constructed in the twelfth century. Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga Dev started its construction and later King Ananga Bhima Deva completed it.

• Temple Timing: 5:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Best Time to Visit: July to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Puri Beach, Narendra Tank, Sudarshan Crafts Museum

Radha Raman Temple, Vrindavan

Radha Raman Temple is one of the most sacred places in Vrindavan known for its divine ambiance and breathtaking architecture. In this temple, Shri Krishna’s idol is worshipped in the form of Radha Raman. The temple was constructed around 1542 and is one of the seven main temples of Thakurji.

• Temple Timing: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Best Time to Visit: October to Mid-April
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Other Activities: Shahji Temple, Nidhivan, Prem Mandir

Govind Dev Ji Temple, Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple is one of the most sacred worship places in Jaipur dedicated to Lord Govind Dev Ji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna on Earth. The temple has been constructed with marble and sandstone and the ceilings are covered with gold. The temple building’s architecture has a mix of Muslim, Rajasthani, and Classical Indian elements to it. It has a Satsang hall where cultural activities are organized.

• Temple Timing: 4:30 AM to 12:15 AM and 5:30 PM to 09:15 PM
• Best time to visit: Janmashtami
• Entry Fee:No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Other Activities: Jai Niwas Garden, Jantar Mantar, City Palace

Shri Keshavraiji Temple, Bet Dwarka

Shri Keshavraiji Temple is situated in Beyt Dwarka and was constructed by the Pushkarna Brahmin community. It is located near “Shankh Sarovar” lake and holds immense prominence in the ancient Hindu tradition. Rice is offered by the devotees at this temple to Lord Krishna reminiscing the tale wherein Krishna’s friend Sudama brought rice for him. The idol at this temple bears a similarity with the Dwarkadheesh Temple’s idol.

• Temple Timing:  7:00 AM To 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM To 06:30 PM
• Best time to visit: October to March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
• Other Activities: Hanuman Dandi, Abhaya Mata Temple

Shamlaji Temple, Shamlaji, Gujarat

Shamlaji Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and a famous pilgrimage site devoted to Shamlaji. The serene location and peaceful ambiance of the temple add to its mystical charm. It is believed that Krishna took the form of Shamlaji over here to please Radha. The deity that is worshipped at this temple is a combination of Radha and Lord Krishna, known as Shamlaji.

• Temple Timing:  6 am to 8:30 pm
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Other Activities: Gir National Park, Statue of Unity

Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Chennai

Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple is considered to be one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Inside the temple, you can see one of the oldest shrines of Lord Vishnu. The main deity has a mustache and holds a conch. You can see here the shrines of Sri Yoga Narasimha, Lord Narasimha, Lord Gajendra Varadar, Lord Ranganatha, Lord Chakravarthy Thirumagan, and Goddess Vedavalli. It also enshrines Vedanthachariar, Swami Manavala Mamunigal, and Hanuman.

• Temple Timing: 05:50 AM to 12:30 PM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
• Best time to visit: October to February
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Other Activities: Government Museum, Marina Beach, Breezy Beach

Trichambaram Temple, Thaliparamba, Kerala

Trichambaram Temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Great Lord Parasurama founded the temple and the presiding deity is Lord Krishna. The temple has been built in Kerala architectural style and is known for its grand festivals like the Kumbham festival. The temple is considered to be Arjuna’s meditation spot and also has a close association with the Puthooram Rakshas.

• Temple Timing: 05:00 AM to 12 Noon & 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM
• Best time to visit: March
• Entry Fee: No entry fees
• Visit Duration: 2 hours
• Other Activities: Mahabalipuram Beach, Kanchipuram