Govardhan Restaurant (opposite the Daan Ghati temple)
Thali, snacks and sweets, affordable
कुसुम सरोवर
Kusum Sarovar
A grand sandstone tank with royal chhatris, where Radha came to pick flowers and met Krishna.
KundGovardhanRadha, Krishna
The story: Picking flowers by the lake
Kusum means flower. The tradition says Radha and her sakhis would come to this garden to gather flowers for Krishna, and here Krishna would wait for them, hidden behind a tree or dressed as a flower seller. It is one of the sweetest of the Braj lilas, told in the Gaudiya Vrindavana-lilas.
Uddhava too is remembered here: the Bhagavatam says he wished to be a blade of grass in Vrindavan so that the gopis' feet might touch him (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.47.61). Many pilgrims remember that verse at this kund, which tradition associates with the place of his stay, although the text does not name it.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.47.61: Uddhava's prayer to be a blade of grass
- Gaudiya texts on Radha-Krishna's flower-picking lila
- Site association is local tradition
History
- The present sandstone tank, with steps and domed pavilions, was built by Maharaja Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur in memory of his father Maharaja Suraj Mal, around 1768.
- Chhatris (cenotaphs) of Suraj Mal and his queens stand along the water. Frescoes of c. 1768 survive on the walls.
- Managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (check locally for entry).
What to see
- Suraj Mal's chhatris and the tank
- Fresco paintings in the cenotaph
- Sunset reflections
Key festivals
- Oct to Nov: Kartik lamps
- Jun to Jul: Guru Purnima
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | About 6:00 am to 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | About 6:30 am to 5:30 pm |
| Closed | Check locally |
| Dress code | Modest. |
| Photos and phones | Photography of the monument is fine. |
ASI-style hours; not verified.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Roadside lot on the parikrama road.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Parikrama days see one-way traffic
Cab drop and walk
Drop: Drop at the entry gate.
Walk: 2 minutes.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Govardhan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 26 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 29 km |
| From Delhi Airport (IGI) | About 178 km |
Distances and drive times are approximate and vary with traffic and diversions.
Practical tips
Timing and crowds
Best time: Late afternoon for the golden sandstone.
Crowds: Light.
Monkeys: Yes.
Comfort
Footwear: Not needed.
Toilets: Limited.
Accessibility: Steps; uneven.
Scams to avoid
- Self-appointed guides
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
Who built Kusum Sarovar?
The present tank was built around 1768 by Maharaja Jawahar Singh of Bharatpur in memory of his father.
Check locally
- Opening hours
- Entry fee
- Parking
Last checked: 2026-10-23. Sources for timings, parking and rules:
Radhe Radhe. Walk with love, we will take care of the road.
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