Gokul is a town and a nagar panchayat in Mathura district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located 15 km south-east of Mathura. It was the site of Krishnas childhood past-times.

In Vedic Scripture: According to Vedic Scripture concerning Lord Krishna, Gokul was the place where Lord Krishna was brought up under the care of Nanda and Yashoda, the first family of the village. Since Kamsa, Krishna's uncle, used to kill every baby born to Devaki, Nanda exchanged his own new born daughter with Vasudeva in order to smuggle Krishna away without raising Kamsa's suspicion. During his stay at Gokul, Krishna spent his time in fun and frolic, though his life did come under threat a few times. He was very naughty as a child, and when Krishna was an infant, and the demoness Putana came to the village at the behest of Kamsa. She laced her nipples with poison and tried to breastfeed Krishna. However, Krishna suckled on her until he completely drained her life away.

The river Yamuna used to flow near the village, and a five-headed serpent known as Kāliyā used to live in its waters. Kāliyā was a powerful cobra, who made the river waters poisonous and made the forests barren. Krishna vanquished this snake, and one of the most famous paintings of Krishna depicts him dancing on the head of Kāliyā in a Nataraja like position, while playing his flute.

Krishna spent his time in Gokul in playful activities. He used to play the flute, and was very popular with the village girls (known as gopikas). It is at Gokul that Krishna met Radha, his life long love whom he never married.

People roll about in the sand here at a spot called 'Raman Reti' to be blessed by Lord Krishna.