We started at around 8 am; however the traffic was a revelation. I have never seen such traffic on a highway before. The road that usually take 2.5 to 3 hours, took more than 5 hours. So I was expecting a heavy crowd in the temples and really wanted to avoid them, I decided to head for Deeg instead for the day and next day we can come back to Vrindavan.
I wanted to go through Vrindavan - Mathura - Bharatpur - Deeg, however the first step, i.e. Vrindavan to Mathura was plagued with a monstrous traffic blockade, so I decided to take the alternate route and headed Via Vrindavan - Govardhan - Deeg.
Now one thing is for sure, that I am not recommending this route to anyone, crossing Govardhan was a challenge, was stuck in jam for like couple of hours in front of the main temple and after that the road conditions were horrible. Anyhow, we reached in vicinity of Deeg and came across the old fort, and my dad exclaimed that is this what you brought us here to see and I was speechless for a while. But after driving another couple of minutes, I came across a number of cars parked on the roadside, and that was something out of ordinary for that kind of place. And when looked closely, it was the entry gate for the Jal Mahal or Lake Palace or water palace, whatever way you want to interpret it.
Now I was not expecting wonders there, however still wanted to see it. The entry fee was Rs.5 for Indians and much higher for foreigners. Once we entered the compound, it was a pleasant surprise; it’s a sprawling complex of residential area, with beautiful gardens and buildings. There are couple of main palaces, both named after lord Krishna. You get a free tour of the same, it seems most of the furniture is used by the rulers is still there. Overall it’s a place where you can spend few hours to the maximum.
After that I decided not to go back the same way we came, and headed off to Bharatpur instead. We decided to spend the right in Bharatpur and head for Vrindavan the next day, now fiding a hotel there was challenge, the first one we came across was The Park Palace, looked decent from a distance, looked crippled from closer look and finally shitty from inside: D. Headed off towards the bus station and found Hotel Maggo, Rs.350 per night for a room, semi decent condition, a BIG ZERO in terms of service, but that was our only option at that moment.
Somehow managed to spend the night and started at around 7 am for Vrindavan, the road is in good condition however the fog was real dense and driving at even 30-40 kmph was a big challenge. Finally reached Vrindavan and went to Banke Bihari mandir, which was crowded like anything. I did not go to any other temple, as I have no guts to brave the crowds, however my parents did go to ISKCON temple.
Below are pictures I took at Deeg from my 2 MP mobile camera, so do not expect wonder, what I will give you an idea of the place. In my opinion this place is good to spend a relaxed afternoon, and at around 200km from Delhi good option for a long drive (Day trip).
