Govardhan Hill is located approximately 22 kilometers from Mathura and around 25 kilometers from Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. It is well connected by road, and you can easily reach it by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus from either city. The nearest railway station is Mathura Junction, and the closest airport is in Agra. The area is a major pilgrimage site, especially for devotees of Lord Krishna.

Govardhan Hill holds immense spiritual importance in Hinduism, particularly in Vaishnav tradition. According to legend, Lord Krishna lifted the hill on his little finger to protect the people of Braj from a devastating storm sent by Lord Indra. This act demonstrated Krishna’s divine power and love for his devotees. As a result, the hill itself is considered a sacred form of Krishna, and millions of devotees perform parikrama around it as an act of deep devotion and surrender.

The Govardhan Parikrama is approximately 21 kilometers long. Most devotees complete the circumambulation on foot, which typically takes around 5 to 7 hours depending on the pace and physical fitness. While many walk barefoot out of devotion, some also perform the challenging Dandavat Parikrama, offering full-body prostrations at every step, which can take several days to complete.

During the parikrama, devotees visit several spiritually significant places including Daan Ghati, Mansi Ganga, Kusum Sarovar, Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Govind Kund, and the Haridev Temple. Each site is associated with divine pastimes (leelas) of Lord Krishna and Radha. These locations not only offer moments for prayer and reflection but also provide a glimpse into the deep cultural and spiritual history of Braj.

The most ideal time to visit Govardhan Hill is between October and March, when the weather is cool and suitable for walking the full parikrama route. The most auspicious occasion is Govardhan Puja, which falls a day after Diwali, when lakhs of devotees from across India come to perform parikrama. It’s advisable to avoid the summer months due to high temperatures, especially for elderly pilgrims or those planning barefoot walks.