Walking around Govardhan Hill offers an opportunity to remember Lord Krishna at the places connected with His pastimes. For a first visit, knowing how the two sections of the route connect makes planning easier.
The Govardhan Parikrama route is commonly described as approximately 21 km, combining Badi Parikrama and Chhoti Parikrama. Mansi Ganga and Daan Ghati are common starting points, and the complete walk usually takes around 5–7 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
Govardhan Parikrama Distance
| Route | Approximate distance | Main places covered |
|---|---|---|
| Badi Parikrama | 12 km | Daan Ghati, Anyor, Puchhari and Jatipura |
| Chhoti Parikrama | 9 km | Uddhav Kund, Radha Kund and Kusum Sarovar |
| Full Parikrama | 21 km | Both sections together |
These are commonly used planning distances. The actual walk can be longer when you include temple visits, approaches to the kunds and additional stops. Completing one section covers only part of the full circuit.
Govardhan Parikrama Route to Follow
The route is easier to understand as two connected sections.
Badi Parikrama Route
Daan Ghati → Anyor → Govind Kund → Puchhari Ka Lautha → Jatipura → Govardhan town
This section takes you around the Puchhari side of Govardhan Hill before returning towards town.
Chhoti Parikrama Route
Govardhan town → Uddhav Kund → Radha Kund and Shyam Kund → Kusum Sarovar → Govardhan town
This section covers the Radha Kund side. For the full parikrama, continue through both sections and return to your original starting point. These sequences show the principal landmarks rather than every shrine along the path.
Sacred Places Along the Route
Knowing a little about these places can make each stop more meaningful.
- Mansi Ganga and Haridev Temple: The lake is remembered as manifesting from Krishna’s mind. Nearby, pilgrims take darshan of Lord Harideva.
- Daan Ghati: Associated with Krishna’s playful pastime of asking the gopis for a toll on their milk products.
- Anyor: Remembered for the Annakut offerings accepted by Govardhan.
- Govind Kund: Connected with Krishna’s ceremonial bathing by Indra and Surabhi.
- Puchhari Ka Lautha: Local tradition remembers Lautha as Krishna’s friend waiting for His return.
- Jatipura Mukharavind: A place where pilgrims offer worship to Giriraj.
- Uddhav Kund: Associated with Uddhava and his appreciation of the gopis’ devotion.
- Radha Kund and Shyam Kund: Sacred kunds associated with Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna.
- Kusum Sarovar: Remembered as a place where the gopis gathered flowers for Krishna.
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