How to avoid crowds at Hindu temples in India (e.g. Vrindavan)?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 8 days ago
TL;DR
Arrive right at opening time, around 6am — the main crowd of pilgrims and tour groups shows up by 9am. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is especially packed, where even a VIP entrance for 800 rupees doesn't guarantee an easy visit.
What the community said
Most Hindu temples open at 6am, with the main flow of pilgrims and tour groups arriving closer to 9am. Getting there right at opening lets you visit without the crush of crowds.
9 days ago Temples open ~6:00am
The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is the most popular and most crowded in the city, almost always packed. Even experienced visitors get swept along by the crowd toward the deity's image.
9 days ago Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
On a regular Sunday, even paying 800 rupees for a VIP entrance wasn't enough to get into one Vrindavan temple — the crush was massive, people carried stools overhead, and the passageways were very narrow. Worth factoring this in when planning a weekend visit.
9 days ago VIP entrance fee — 800 rupees