About the Braj Yatra (Mathura–Vrindavan)
Braj Bhoomi is the region of Krishna's birth and childhood around Mathura in Uttar Pradesh: Mathura itself, Vrindavan with its hundreds of temples, Gokul and Mahavan, Govardhan hill, and Barsana and Nandgaon, the villages of Radha and Nanda.
Many devotees walk the Govardhan parikrama of about 21 km, and some undertake the much longer Braj 84 Kos parikrama. Festivals here — Holi in Barsana and Vrindavan, Janmashtami in Mathura — are among the most celebrated in India.
The usual route
- Mathura — Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadhish temple, Vishram Ghat
- Vrindavan — Banke Bihari, Radha Raman, ISKCON and the parikrama path
- Govardhan — parikrama of the hill
- Barsana and Nandgaon
- Gokul and Mahavan
Routes vary by operator and starting city. Opening dates, timings and rules change — confirm with the temple or the official portal before you travel.
Temple guides for this yatra
Timings, aarti, how to reach, dress code and tips for each temple.
When to go
October–March is pleasant; Holi (February–March) and Janmashtami (August–September) are spectacular but very crowded.
Practical tips
- Banke Bihari darshan timings change with the season and are very crowded on weekends — check before you go.
- The Govardhan parikrama is traditionally done barefoot; start early to avoid the heat.
- Holi in Braj runs over many days, village by village — plan the days you want.
Read before you go
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