Krishna ExperiencePilgrims speak of the 84 kos Braj parikrama, a circuit of roughly 250 to 300 km that takes about a month on foot and visits hundreds of sites. Most visitors see the highlights by road from a base in Vrindavan or Mathura. Distances below are approximate.
Mathura (about 12 km from Vrindavan)
Krishna was born here, in Kansa's prison. The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi complex marks the birthplace (security is strict; phones and bags usually must be left outside). Vishram Ghat, where Krishna is said to have rested after killing Kansa, hosts a famous Yamuna aarti every evening. The Dwarkadhish temple in the old city is lavish during Holi and the monsoon swing festival.
Gokul and Mahavan (about 15 km from Mathura, across the Yamuna)
Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the river to Nanda and Yashoda in Gokul. Pilgrims visit the places of Krishna's infancy here and at neighbouring Mahavan, including the site associated with Putana and the mortar to which Yashoda tied him. Raman Reti in Gokul, a stretch of soft sand, is where devotees roll in the dust Krishna played in.
Barsana (about 45 to 50 km from Vrindavan)
Radha's village. The Radha Rani (Shriji) temple sits on top of Bhanugarh hill, up a long flight of steps, with views across the plain. Barsana is the home of Lathmar Holi: see our Holi guide. Nearby Prem Sarovar, on the road to Nandgaon, is associated in Braj lore with the meetings of Radha and Krishna.
Nandgaon (about 8 km from Barsana)
The hill village where Nanda moved his family. The Nand Bhavan temple on the hilltop shows Krishna with his parents and Balaram. On the day after Barsana's Lathmar Holi, the women of Nandgaon return the favour.
Govardhan and Radha Kund (about 22 to 25 km from Vrindavan)
The hill Krishna lifted to shelter Braj from Indra's storm. Pilgrims walk the 21 km parikrama around it: our Govardhan Parikrama guide has the route. Radha Kund and Shyam Kund, twin ponds on the parikrama, are among the holiest places in Braj for Gaudiya Vaishnavas.
Baldeo (about 20 km from Mathura)
The temple of Dauji, Balaram, Krishna's elder brother. Its Huranga, the day after Holi, is the wildest celebration in Braj.
Live a day in BrajSteal butter in Nand Bhavan, call the cows in the forest, lift Govardhan in the storm.Questions people ask
What is Braj?
The region around Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh where Krishna spent his childhood and youth. It includes Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon, Govardhan and many villages.
What is the 84 kos Braj yatra?
A traditional pilgrimage circuit of roughly 250 to 300 km around the sacred places of Braj, usually walked over about a month.