History, Timings & Complete Travel Guide

Kans Fort Mathura is a pre-historic fort on the Yamuna River. It features a mixture of Hindu and Mughal styles and is believed to be the palace of King Kansa as described in the legend of Lord Krishna. It is open all day long between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM and it is a place that must be visited by history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and pilgrims who come to visit Mathura.

Introduction

The nature of Mathura is one of the most sacred and culturally diverse cities in India where Lord Krishna was born. Mathra is filled with tales of the Mahabharata and ancient Indian history. The Kans Quila, or the Fort of King Kansa is a monument where myth meets reality and is just one of the numerous historic and mythical landmarks of the country.

This great fort was the seat of king Kansa, a wicked uncle of Lord Krishna. The ruins of Kans Quila Mathra narrate the history about its royal inheritance, architectural splendor and profound mythological links. This is a special trip to both history and spirituality to any visitor to Mathura.

History of Kans Quila

Kans Quila or Kans Fort Mathura is a gracefully placed structure along the Yamuna River. Its history can be traced back to thousands of years ago and it is closely linked to the mythology of Lord Krishna. This is generally believed to be the palace of King Kansa in which he had schemed against his nephew, Krishna.

The fort has a history that dates back to ancient times though its early construction dates back to the Mughal and Rajput period because it faced a series of reconstructions. It was restored and designed, but historians propose that it was Emperor Akbar and later Raja Man Singh of Amber who helped in its design and restoration.

The fort was also a royal palace as well as a fortification line that prevented the city from invasion. It is this combination of mythology, religion and royal legacy of Kans Quila that makes it a rare monument of a spiritual and historical bridge between the spiritual and historical realms of Mathura.

Architecture and Design

Kans Quila Mathura architecture is a good example of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The fort has huge sandstone walls and arched gateways and fine carvings that represent handcrafts of various periods.

Indoors, one can still find remnants of old rooms, courts and balconies, which originally commanded the Yamuna. Despite the fact that the design of the fort cannot be considered whole anymore, it still has something that depicts grandiose and mystery.

During the past years, the local government has worked to conserve and repair sections of the fort. The old-fashioned appeal of its weathered features along with the spectacular river visages appeals to photographers, architecture students, and history lovers in other parts of India.

Also read: Best Mathura Vrindavan Itinerary: 1-Day, 2-Nights & 3-Day Travel Plans

Mythological Significance

It is impossible to overestimate the mythological significance of Kans Quila. This, according to the Hindu scriptures, is the same place where King Kansa had the sister, Devaki and her husband Vasudeva in prison in fear of the prophecy that the child of the woman would be his doom.

According to legends, here Lord Krishna liberated his parents after conquering Kansa. The fort thus represents the triumph of good over evil and it is a holy place of pilgrimage for those who visit Mathura and Vrindavan.

To the believers, the reminder of the divine experiences of Krishna through his early life is a physical experience of visiting Kans Quila, making it a place of spiritual contemplation of the old building.

Location and Ways To Reach Kans Quila

Kans Quila is situated at a close proximity to Krishna Ganga Ghat in the city of Mathura.

It lies between Mathra and Mathra Junction Railway Station.

• Distance between Mathra and Mathra Junction Railway Station: Found to be approximately 3km.
• Transport Mode: Taxi, E-rickshaw and auto-rickshaws.

Timings/ Entry Details

• Opening: Morning 6 AM to evening 76 PM 

• Fees: free (small fees, nominal)

• Best Time to Go: Morning time or afternoons when there is good weather and the light is beautiful to pass the time taking photographs.

Things to See Around Kans Quila

The following are attractions that are close to Kans Fort Mathura and are a must visit:

1. Vishram Ghat

It is situated on Yamuna river, and this is the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have slept and as a result of battle, he had overcome Kansa

2. Dwarkadhish Temple

It is a temple which was constructed in 1814 and it is famous due to its magnificent design and brilliant festival. It is not much more than several minutes away from Kans Quila.

3. Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex

It is the most holy place in Mathra which is the very birth place of Lord Krishna. A journey to this place completes the circle of divinities of the place where Kans Quila began.

Travelling Tips & Tricks To Follow

Note down the following tips to ensure a smooth safe at Kans Quila Mathra:

• Wear comfortable footwear – the fort is rough and has steps.
• Carry water and sunscreen: Summer in Mathra can be difficult.
• Photography is permitted – Take the complicated shapes and beautiful landscapes.
• Book a half-day trip – You can take Kans Quila out to the local attractions like the Dwarkadhish Temple.

And the best part is, the architectural lover, Krishna devotees and the history lovers learn about the culture of the Braj Bhoomi.

Also read: Best 20 Dharamshala in Mathura for Stay

FAQs

Who constructed Kans Quila at Mathra?
The history of the fort can be followed back to ancient periods and is mythologically attributed to king Kansa. Nevertheless, its present form was revamped at a later stage during the Mughal and Rajput reign, perhaps under Raja Man Singh.

What is the historical significance of Kans Quila?
It represents the balance of mythology and history since it is the palace of Kansa in the mythology as well as the fortification in the times of the middle ages.

What distance does it take to go to the Kans Quila and the Mathra Railway Station?
It is within 3 kilometers of the railway station – it is not hard to get there using the means of transportation of the country.

Is there a way of doing photography in Kans Quila?
Yes, photography is permitted, and the fort’s rustic nature attracts photographers.

Conclusion

The Kans Quila Mathura is a mute testimony of centuries of belief, strength and culture. Since its mythological origins as the palace of King Kansa, the fort bears the stratification of the history of Mathra as depicted by the architecture of the Mughals and the Rajputs.

Going to Kans Quila is not simply a journey of ancient walls but a journey of a living history of the victory of Lord Krishna over tyrannical rule and the eternal mix of tradition and heritage.

Next time you visit Mathura then make sure you pay some time to visit Kans Quila – a monument that makes the spiritual and historical pilgrimage of the land of Krishna.