
Govardhan Hill Parikrama
A sacred hill central to Hindu legends, offering a 21 km spiritual circumambulation and serene natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for the walk

Govardhan Hill Parikrama
Best Time
Pleasant weather for the walk
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred hill central to Hindu legends, offering a 21 km spiritual circumambulation and serene natural beauty.
"The 21 km parikrama is a peaceful journey for devotees and nature lovers alike."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 21 km parikrama requires sturdy, comfortable footwear. Many opt for sandals or walking shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Small shops along the path sell water and snacks.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 21 km Parikrama Path
Govardhan Hill
Embark on a spiritual journey around the sacred hill, a profound act of devotion and surrender.

Kusum Sarovar
On the parikrama path
A serene lake steeped in Radha Krishna's pastimes, perfect for reflection and flower offerings.

Mansi Ganga
Near Govardhan Hill
A tranquil and spiritually charged pond, known for its calming energy and ability to clear the mind.

Dandavat Parikrama
Govardhan Hill
An intense devotional practice involving full-body prostrations for every step of the 21 km circumambulation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Spiritual Journey
Understanding the Parikrama
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 21 km parikrama requires sturdy, comfortable footwear. Many opt for sandals or walking shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Small shops along the path sell water and snacks.
🚶♀️ Consider a Shorter Route
If 21 km is too much, the 15 km route or specific points of interest are also fulfilling.
🙏 Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions, especially when visiting temples or performing rituals.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 21 km parikrama requires sturdy, comfortable footwear. Many opt for sandals or walking shoes.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months. Small shops along the path sell water and snacks.
🚶♀️ Consider a Shorter Route
If 21 km is too much, the 15 km route or specific points of interest are also fulfilling.
🙏 Respect Local Customs
Dress modestly and be mindful of local traditions, especially when visiting temples or performing rituals.
☀️ Start Early or Late
To avoid the midday sun, begin your parikrama in the early morning or late afternoon.
🚗 Hire a Rickshaw/Auto
For parts of the journey or if time is limited, auto-rickshaws are available for hire.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The route offers beautiful views and spiritual sites; keep your phone charged for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Govardhan Parvat is a deeply spiritual destination, revered for its mythological significance and the sacred 21 km parikrama. Visitors praise its serene atmosphere, beautiful natural landscapes, and the profound sense of peace found at sites like Mansi Ganga. While the parikrama is physically demanding, the spiritual rejuvenation it offers is widely appreciated.
"Aanyor, Mathura: A Sanctuary of Peace on the Govardhan Parikrama
Aanyor is much more than just a village; it is a divine cornerstone nestled at the base of the sacred Govardhan Hill (Giriraj Ji). As a key point on the revered 21-kilometer Parikrama route, the spiritual energy here is profound and palpable.
The moment you arrive, you are greeted by an atmosphere of deep devotion and tranquility. The views of Giriraj Ji from Aanyor are breathtaking and offer a perfect backdrop for meditation and prayer. The local environment is kept clean and peaceful, reflecting the respect the community holds for this holy site.
This location serves as an inspirational stop for pilgrims and offers a true sense of Braj culture and hospitality. For anyone undertaking the Govardhan Parikrama or simply seeking a place of genuine spiritual calm in Mathura, Aanyor is an absolute 5-star destination."
Hacker Group
"Visited this place when i was 14,
Felt the energy there, it was something warm and positive, the whole Mathura Vrindavan trip was like that ,I would like to visit soon in the future."
Harsh Thapa
"The 21 km parikrama (circumambulation) route around the hill is a peaceful journey for devotees and nature lovers alike. Along the way, you'll find several temples, kunds (sacred ponds), and mesmerizing views that connect you to the ancient history and traditions of the region.
The best time to visit is during early morning or late evening when the weather is pleasant, making the walk more comfortable. During festivals like Govardhan Puja and Janmashtami, the entire area is beautifully decorated."
Manoj Yadav
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Govardhan Hill is accessible from major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You can take a train or bus to Mathura or Vrindavan, and then hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Govardhan. Many pilgrims also arrange private transport directly to the starting point of the parikrama.
Local buses and auto-rickshaws are available for shorter distances or to reach specific points on the parikrama route. However, for the full 21 km, walking is the traditional method.
Yes, you can drive to Govardhan. There are parking facilities available, though they can get crowded during peak festival times. Many visitors prefer to park and then start their parikrama on foot.
From Vrindavan, you can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach Govardhan. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.
Yes, several tour operators and ISKCON centers offer guided parikrama tours, which can be helpful for understanding the spiritual significance and logistics.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no entry tickets required for the Govardhan Hill Parikrama itself. It is a free pilgrimage route. However, some temples or specific sites along the way might have separate entry fees or donation boxes.
Govardhan Hill and its parikrama path are generally accessible 24/7, as it's an open pilgrimage route. However, it's advisable to perform the parikrama during daylight hours for safety and comfort.
While you can start anytime, most devotees prefer to begin their parikrama in the early morning (around sunrise) or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
The main restriction is to perform the parikrama with devotion and respect. Some individuals may choose to perform the 'Dandavat Parikrama,' which involves full-body prostrations.
Many devotees choose to perform the parikrama barefoot as a sign of devotion. However, if you have health concerns or the ground is too hot, wearing comfortable footwear is perfectly acceptable.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full 21 km parikrama typically takes between 5 to 8 hours to complete on foot, depending on your pace, breaks, and the type of parikrama you are doing.
You'll encounter numerous temples, sacred ponds (kunds) like Kusum Sarovar and Mansi Ganga, small villages, and beautiful natural landscapes. The spiritual energy is palpable throughout the route.
The path is generally safe, especially during daylight hours. It's advisable to travel in groups if possible and be aware of your surroundings.
Basic facilities like small shops selling water and snacks are available at intervals. Public restrooms can be found at some key points, but it's good to be prepared.
The Dandavat Parikrama is an intense form of devotion where devotees perform a full-body prostration for every step they take along the 21 km route. It's a very challenging but spiritually rewarding practice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous small eateries and dhabas along the parikrama route and in the town of Govardhan, serving local Indian cuisine. ISKCON centers also often provide prasadam (blessed food).
Try local vegetarian dishes like parathas, sabzis, and sweets. Many places offer simple, wholesome meals that are perfect after a long walk.
Govardhan is a sacred town, and most eateries primarily serve vegetarian food out of respect for religious sentiments.
Yes, most food served is vegetarian. Vegan options might require specific requests, but many dishes can be made without dairy.
While tempting, it's advisable to eat at established dhabas or restaurants to ensure hygiene. Always drink bottled water.
📸 📸 Photography
Kusum Sarovar, Mansi Ganga, and various viewpoints along the 21 km path offer stunning photographic opportunities. The temples and the natural landscape are also very picturesque.
Photography is generally allowed in open areas and on the parikrama path. However, inside some temples, photography might be restricted. Always check for signage.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive landscapes and the hill itself.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful golden hues.
Drone usage might be restricted in religious and sensitive areas. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
🙏 Devout Pilgrims
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Govardhan Hill
The significance of this legend is profound, emphasizing themes of divine protection, devotion, and the sacredness of nature. The parikrama, or circumambulation, of Govardhan Hill is a way for devotees to connect with this divine story and express their faith and surrender. The hill's size is said to be diminishing daily, a concept tied to ancient curses, adding to its mystique.
Understanding the Parikrama Routes
For those seeking a more intense spiritual practice, the Dandavat Parikrama is undertaken. This involves performing a full-body prostration, or 'dandavat,' for every step taken. Devotees stretch out on the ground, mark the spot where their hand reaches, then walk to that mark and repeat the prostration. This is an extremely arduous but deeply devotional practice, often taking several days to complete.
There is also a shorter 15 km route, and some pilgrims focus on visiting specific holy spots around the hill rather than completing the entire circumambulation. The choice of route often depends on the devotee's physical capacity, time, and spiritual inclination.
Spiritual Significance and Practices
During festivals like Govardhan Puja (often celebrated the day after Diwali), the hill is elaborately decorated, and a special 'Annakut' ceremony takes place, where a mountain of food offerings is prepared for the Lord. This celebration commemorates Krishna's divine act and highlights the abundance and gratitude of the devotees.
Many pilgrims also visit significant kunds like Kusum Sarovar and Mansi Ganga, which are associated with Radha Krishna's pastimes. These serene spots offer moments for meditation, reflection, and connecting with the divine energy of Braj.



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