Radha Bihari Misthan Bhandar (Banke Bihari temple market)
Mathura peda and khoya sweets. The shop's own claim is a sweet shop here since 1965
वृंदावन परिक्रमा
Vrindavan Parikrama
The circuit of about 10 km around Vrindavan, walked barefoot by thousands each Ekadashi and full moon.
ParikramaVrindavanVrindavan Dham
The story: Walking around the forest of Vrinda
A parikrama is a circumambulation: you keep the holy place on your right and walk around it. The Vrindavan parikrama is a path of roughly 10 km that loops around the old town, passing the ghats and groves of the Goswami period. Pilgrims walk it chanting 'Radhe Radhe', usually on Ekadashi, Purnima and in the month of Kartik.
The idea of walking around Braj as an act of worship is old. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is said to have walked through the forests in 1515, and the Gaudiya acharyas set the circuits. The Bhagavatam sings of the forest of Vrindavan (for example in 10.15), but the parikrama route itself is a later tradition.
Do what you can. If you are not able to walk the whole circuit, a part is also an offering.
Where this is told
- Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15: the forest of Vrindavan
- Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya Lila 17 to 18: Mahaprabhu in the forests of Braj
- The exact route and length are local tradition
History
- The parikrama marg has been paved and lit in recent years. The route has stops such as Kesi Ghat, Imli Tala, Gyan Gudri and Vamshivat. Check locally for the present route.
What to see
- Kesi Ghat, Madan Mohan, Kaliya Ghat
- Imli Tala, Gyan Gudri, Vamshivat
- Wayside shrines and groves
Key festivals
- Every month: Ekadashi and Purnima parikramas
- Oct to Nov: Kartik month parikrama
Timings and rules
| Summer darshan | Open day and night; walk at dawn or after dusk |
|---|---|
| Winter darshan | Open day and night; best in the morning |
| Closed | None |
| Dress code | Modest clothing; shoulders and knees covered. |
| Photos and phones | Not inside any sanctum. Check locally for the rest. |
Walking time is roughly 3 to 4 hours for about 10 km. Check locally.
Parking and getting there
Parking
Start near Madan Mohan or Kesi Ghat; cars wait at a lot.
Charge: Small. Check locally.
Restrictions
- Vehicles are not meant to use the parikrama lanes on parikrama days. E-rickshaws operate on parts. Check locally
Cab drop and walk
Drop: At the start point.
Walk: About 10 km circuit.
Town-wide parking and transport rules: Vrindavan guide.
Distances and nearby places
| From Mathura Junction | About 13 km |
|---|---|
| From Banke Bihari, Vrindavan | About 2 km to the route |
| 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: Winter dawn.
Crowds: Heavy on Ekadashi and Purnima.
Monkeys: Possible. Keep spectacles, phones and food out of sight.
Comfort
Footwear: Leave shoes at the gate or with your driver.
Toilets: Limited. Use facilities before you arrive.
Accessibility: Uneven ground and steps are likely. Check locally.
Scams to avoid
- Touts who offer a 'special' puja or darshan for a fee
Where to eat nearby
Lakshman Prasad Kachori Wale (Banke Bihari area)
Khasta bedai and kachori with aloo sabzi, from a generations-old stall
Agarwal Mithai Wale (near the police chowki at Banke Bihari)
Urad-dal kachori in desi ghee, potato-pumpkin sabzi, fresh curd
Purohit Ji's kachori (Banke Bihari gali)
Kachori; one source gives Rs 25 each, which may be stale
Stalls on the lanes to Banke Bihari (Loi Bazaar)
Hot jalebi, peda, chaat, rabri, kulfi. Liveliest in winter evenings
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 Vrindavan parikrama?
Roughly 10 km, 3 to 4 hours on foot. Sources differ slightly. Check locally.
Check locally
- Route
- Length
- Vehicle rules on parikrama days
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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