Govardhan hill, Kusum Sarovar and Radha Kund
Govardhan is a long, low ridge about 23 km west of Mathura. Krishna is said to have lifted it on one finger to shelter the cowherds from the storm god Indra's rain. Pilgrims walk the 21 km parikrama around it, many barefoot and some by prostrating themselves at every step, which can take weeks. The path is lined with shrines, tanks and tea stalls.
We usually drive the circuit in sections and walk the most beautiful stretches with a local guide. Kusum Sarovar is a large stepped tank with carved sandstone chhatris and a pavilion built in the 18th century by the Jat rulers of Bharatpur. Early in the morning, with mist on the water and langurs on the steps, it is a fine place for photographs.
Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, two linked tanks, are among the holiest places in Braj. Pilgrims bathe here at midnight on one night each autumn. We finish with a simple vegetarian breakfast and return to Mathura or Agra by early afternoon, or continue towards Barsana in the Holi season.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How long is the Govardhan parikrama?
The traditional circuit around Govardhan hill is about 21 km and takes five to seven hours on foot. Many pilgrims walk it barefoot at night or in the early morning. We usually drive most of the way and walk two or three short stretches, including Kusum Sarovar and Radha Kund, which takes about five hours in total.
When is the best time to visit Govardhan?
October to March, early in the morning. Guru Purnima in June or July and the day after Diwali, when Govardhan Puja is held, bring very large crowds of pilgrims, which is moving to see but slow to move through. On those days we keep to the edges and visit Kusum Sarovar, which is calmer.
Can I visit Govardhan from Agra in a day?
Yes. Govardhan is about 23 km from Mathura and roughly 75 km from Agra, around 2 hours by road. A day trip can cover Govardhan in the morning and Vrindavan or Mathura in the afternoon, returning to Agra after dark. It is a long day, so we prefer this as part of a two-night stay in Braj.
Also in Mathura and Vrindavan
More hours to plan around
