Govardhan Parikrama – length, route, timings & travel guide
Govardhan Parikrama: about 21 km (7 kos) around Govardhan, around Shri Giriraj Ji (Govardhan Hill), taking 5–7 hours on foot; about 2 hours by car. It starts at Daan Ghati Temple, Govardhan – about 22–25 km west of Mathura (45–50 min by car). Best time: October to March; Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali) and Guru Purnima (Mudiya Purnima). Our guided tour with private cab starts from ₹4,500.
- LocationGovardhan, around Shri Giriraj Ji (Govardhan Hill)
- DistanceAbout 22–25 km west of Mathura (45–50 min by car)
- Parikrama lengthAbout 21 km (7 kos)
- Time needed5–7 hours on foot; about 2 hours by car
- Starts atDaan Ghati Temple, Govardhan
- Best timeOctober to March; Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali) and Guru Purnima (Mudiya Purnima)
Goverdhan Yatra
Our Goverdhan Yatra Tour Packages take you around Giriraj Govardhan – the sacred hill that Lord Krishna lifted on his little finger for seven days to shelter the people of Braj from Indra's storm. The 21 km (about 7 kos) Govardhan Parikrama circles the hill and passes Daan Ghati, Manasi Ganga, Mukharvind, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Kusum Sarovar, Uddhav Kund and Poonchhari ka Lotha, each linked to a story from Krishna's life.
Most pilgrims start at Daan Ghati with a Giriraj ji darshan and complete the parikrama on foot, by e-rickshaw or by car on the roads that run along the path. Govardhan Yatra is easy to add to Vrindavan Tour Packages From Delhi, as Govardhan is only about 23 km from Vrindavan and 25 km from Mathura Junction. Guru Purnima (Mudiya Purnima), Govardhan Puja / Annakoot and every Purnima draw the biggest crowds.
Braj Bhoomi Tour and Travels plans the full yatra for you – a private cab with a local driver, the order of temples and kunds, the right time to start the parikrama, and stops for rest and prasad – so families and senior citizens can complete Govardhan Parikrama comfortably.
-
-
-
Destination: Mathura - Bhandrivan
-
-
-
Destination: Mathura - Vrindavan -
-
Why do the Govardhan Parikrama?
Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect Braj from Indra's storms, and devotees worship the hill itself as Giriraj Ji. Walking the 21 km parikrama is one of the most important acts of devotion in Braj.
- The most important parikrama of Braj
- Radha Kund, Kusum Sarovar and Mansi Ganga on the way
- Can be done on foot, barefoot, dandavat or by car
- Lakhs of devotees on Guru Purnima and Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Parikrama route and important stops
| Stop | What to see |
|---|---|
| Daan Ghati Temple | The usual starting and ending point, where devotees offer milk to Giriraj Ji. |
| Mansi Ganga | A large sacred tank in Govardhan town, believed to have been created from Krishna's mind. |
| Radha Kund & Shyam Kund | The holiest kunds of Braj, about midway on the parikrama. |
| Kusum Sarovar | A beautiful sandstone-ghat tank with chhatris, ideal for a rest. |
| Jatipura & Mukharvind | Where Giriraj Ji's "face" is worshipped – important for Pushtimarg devotees. |
| Poonchari ka Lautha | The far end ("tail") of the hill on the Rajasthan side. |
Govardhan Parikrama travel guide
| Travel guide | Details |
|---|---|
| How to reach | About 22–25 km west of Mathura (45–50 min by car). Private cab from Mathura, Vrindavan, Delhi or Agra is the easiest; we pick up from Mathura Junction and Delhi. |
| Parikrama length | About 21 km (7 kos) – 5–7 hours on foot; about 2 hours by car |
| Best time | October to March; Govardhan Puja (day after Diwali) and Guru Purnima (Mudiya Purnima) |
| Where to stay | Mathura or Vrindavan hotels; for an early start, stay close to the starting point. |
| What to carry | Water, light snacks, cap/shawl as per season, small change for offerings, comfortable (or no) footwear. |
How to do the Govardhan Parikrama – step by step
- Reach Daan Ghati Temple, Govardhan early in the morning (or in the evening in summer).
- Take sankalp/darshan at the starting temple and keep the sacred place on your right – parikrama is always done clockwise.
- Walk at a steady pace, stopping at the main shrines and kunds listed above; many devotees chant "Radhe Radhe" on the way.
- Keep the path clean – carry your waste back and do not pick flowers or stones.
- Finish where you started with a final darshan and offering.
Combine it with: Radha Kund & Kund Tour, Barsana Parikrama, Govardhan Hill guide.
Short Tours & Day Trips
Done in a day – private cab, driver and darshan plan included
Frequently Asked Questions
Govardhan Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage that involves performing parikrama (circumambulation) around Govardhan Hill, which was lifted by Lord Krishna on his little finger to protect the people of Braj from Lord Indra’s wrath. Devotees undertake this yatra to express their devotion and gratitude, believing that walking around Govardhan Parvat brings immense spiritual merit, protection, and blessings.
The Govardhan Parikrama is approximately 21 kilometers long and typically takes about 5 to 7 hours on foot. Devotees may also perform it by barefoot walking, prostration (Dandavat Parikrama), or even by vehicle-assisted routes for elderly and physically challenged pilgrims. The walk includes stops at sacred sites like Govind Kund, Kusum Sarovar, Mansi Ganga, and Poonchari Ka Lautha.
Most Govardhan Yatra tour packages include AC/non-AC transportation, guided parikrama, darshan at key spots, Satvik meals or prasad, and pickup/drop services from Mathura, Vrindavan, or Delhi. Some extended packages may include stays in Govardhan town, storytelling of Krishna leelas, and bhajan/kirtan sessions during the yatra.
Yes, the yatra is suitable for devotees of all age groups, including senior citizens and children. Many tour operators provide vehicle-based parikrama options or split the walk into smaller segments with rest intervals. Basic medical support, drinking water, and shaded areas are also included in senior-friendly packages.
The best time to perform Govardhan Parikrama is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and ideal for walking. The most auspicious time is during Govardhan Puja (a day after Diwali), when lakhs of devotees perform the parikrama. The Kartik month, especially Purnima, is also highly recommended for this yatra.
Yes. Seniors and families often do the parikrama by car (about 2 hours with stops) or e-rickshaw. You still get darshan at Daan Ghati, Radha Kund, Kusum Sarovar and Mukharvind.
The path is open day and night. In summer many devotees walk in the evening or early morning to avoid the heat; on full-moon nights the parikrama is especially popular.
Like every parikrama, it is done clockwise – keeping the temple or sacred place on your right side.
Yes. Seniors and families can visit the main stops by car or e-rickshaw and walk only short stretches. Our driver knows where vehicles are allowed.
Water, light snacks, a cap or shawl depending on the season, small change for offerings and comfortable footwear (many devotees walk barefoot).
Our guided tour with private cab starts from ₹4,500 per package; the final price depends on the vehicle, pickup city and number of travellers.
Yes, a local guide can be added on request; our drivers also know the route and the stories of each place.
Our destination expert will be happy to help you resolve your queries regarding this tour.
- GST registered business – GSTIN 09CTQPM5178J1ZS
- Mathura Vrindavan Taxi Services (Prop. Madhav Mishra), Mathura
- 4.7★ Google rating from 111 reviews
- Pay only to our company current account – payment details
