Govardhan Restaurant (opposite the Daan Ghati temple)
Thali, snacks and sweets, affordable
गोवर्धन परिक्रमा
Govardhan Hill and the 21 km Parikrama
Walk around the hill Krishna lifted. The Giriraj circuit takes about 6 to 8 hours on foot, or 2 to 3 hours by e-rickshaw.
ParikramaGovardhanShri Giriraj ji (Govardhan)
The story: The hill that became an umbrella
Every year the people of Braj prepared a great sacrifice for Indra, the king of rain. Young Krishna asked why. His father Nanda explained it was tradition. Krishna said that their real support was the hill Govardhan, which gave grass to the cows, and that they should honour the hill and the cows. The villagers agreed and offered a mountain of food to Govardhan. Krishna appeared as the hill itself and ate it.
Indra was furious and sent a storm for seven days. Krishna lifted the hill with the little finger of his left hand, and everyone sheltered underneath with their cattle. Indra finally gave up, bowed and Krishna was crowned Govinda by Indra and the cow Surabhi (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.24 to 10.27).
The Garga Samhita (Giriraja Khanda) is entirely devoted to the glory of Giriraj. The hill is said to be shrinking by a mustard seed a day, because of a curse by Sage Pulastya, according to local and Puranic tradition. Today it is a low ridge about 8 km long.
The parikrama is an act of surrender: you walk, barefoot if you can, you say 'Giriraj Maharaj ki jai', and you let the circuit be your prayer. Do what you can. A part is also dharma.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.24 to 10.27: Govardhan Lila
- Garga Samhita, Giriraja Khanda
- Vishnu Purana 5.10 to 5.12; Harivamsa, Vishnu Parva
- The Pulastya curse and the shrinking hill are local tradition
History
- The parikrama route is described in Gaudiya texts. Sanatana Goswami's practice of circling the hill in old age is a well-known story.
- The present path is a mix of the old route, widened roads and ghats. Several kunds on the way are 18th-century works of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur.
- The government has been improving the parikrama marg with shelters and lights in recent years. Check locally for the current state.
What to see
- Daan Ghati, Mansi Ganga, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Kusum Sarovar, Jatipura, Punchari
- Giriraj stones worshipped along the way
- Peacocks, cows and wayside bhajan groups
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Govardhan Puja/Annakut, the day after Diwali
- Jun to Jul: Guru Purnima Mela (millions walk the parikrama)
- Every month: Purnima night parikrama
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Open all day and night. Walk early (before 9 am) and late |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Open all day. Best in daylight |
| Closed | None |
| Dress code | Modest, comfortable. |
| Photos and phones | Fine on the route, not inside temples. |
Walking barefoot on hot tar is difficult in summer. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Start points: Daan Ghati temple or Mansi Ganga. Cars park at lots near these and the cab meets you at the end point or at the half-way point.
Charge: About Rs 30 to 80 for a car. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Inside the route, vehicles are meant to be limited, but e-rickshaws and local cars run on the parikrama road. Enforcement varies
- Purnima, Guru Purnima, Adhik Maas and Govardhan Puja bring jams. Cars are stopped at the outer ring
- Check locally before relying on any route on a festival day
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at Daan Ghati or Mansi Ganga and arrange where to pick up.
Walk: 21 km if you do the full circuit.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 25 km, 45 to 60 minutes |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 27 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 175 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: October to February, early morning or evening. Summer is hard.
Crowds: Large on Purnima and Sundays.
Monkeys: Yes, along the route.
Comfort
Footwear: Many walk barefoot. Carry slippers and socks.
Toilets: At major stops. Plan.
Accessibility: An e-rickshaw circuit is a good alternative for the elderly.
Scams to avoid
- E-rickshaw drivers who quote a per-person rate. Agree the full fare for the circuit
- Touts who force 'Giriraj puja' donations
- The full parikrama passes Radha Kund and Kusum Sarovar, which have their own histories
- There is a smaller (7 km) parikrama and a long (21 km). Ask your guide
Where to eat nearby
Krishna Bhojanalay (near Govardhan hill)
Rotis, curries and rice
Radha Ashtami Bhojanalay and Shree Radha Bhojanalay (near Radha Kund)
Simple Braj veg meals
Shree Krishna Prasad (near Shyam Kund)
Prasad and quick snacks
This list comes from desk research in published guides and listings. We have not visited these places for this guide. Walk and drive times are rough, and opening hours, prices and onion/garlic policy can change, so check locally before you go.
Common questions
How long is the Govardhan parikrama?
About 21 km by common reckoning. Some sources give slightly different figures.
Can I do it by car?
Parts can be driven. Many people use an e-rickshaw. Walking is the traditional way.
Check locally
- Vehicle rules on the parikrama road
- E-rickshaw fares
- Festival diversions
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
Book a cab for Govardhan Hill and the 21 km Parikrama