Barsana Parikrama
बरसाना परिक्रमा
The hilltop circuit of Radha Rani's own village.
Why it matters
Circles the hills of Barsana, the birthplace and home of Srimati Radha Rani.
Distance
4–5 km
Duration
1.5–2 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
Terrain
Hilly with steps and stone paths
Best time
Radhashtami & Lathmar Holi
Start point
Shriji (Radha Rani) Temple, Barsana
The story
Barsana rises over four hills said to be the four faces of Brahma, crowned by the Shriji Temple where Radha Rani is worshipped as the queen of Braj. The parikrama winds past Mor Kutir, the narrow Sankari Khor gorge and Maan Garh, each a setting of Radha and Krishna's tender pastimes. It comes most alive during Radhashtami and the famous Lathmar Holi, when the whole town sings and the lanes flood with colour and folk song.
Quick facts
- 1Barsana is the birthplace and home of Radha Rani.
- 2The town sits over four hills — said to be the four heads of Brahma.
- 3Bursts to life during Lathmar Holi and Radhashtami.
The route, stop by stop
The holy sites you'll pass along the way.
The line is a surveyed GPS track of the Parikrama Marg, starting and ending at the flag. The stops below are landmarks along the way — confirm the exact route locally before you set out.
- 1
Shriji Temple
The hilltop temple of Radha Rani, reached by a long flight of steps.
- 2
Mor Kutir
Where Krishna is said to have danced as a peacock to please Radha.
- 3
Sankari Khor
A narrow gorge where Krishna and his friends teased the gopis for a toll.
- 4
Maan Garh
The 'fort of sulking', where Radha withdrew in loving anger (maan).
- 5
Dohani Kund
A serene kund linked to the milk-churning pastimes of the gopis.
What to carry
Tip: The temple sits atop a hill — there are steps and palki (palanquin) options for elders.
Related temples nearby
Best festivals to walk it
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the Barsana Parikrama?
- Barsana Parikrama is about 4–5 km and typically takes 1.5–2 hrs. Hilly with steps and stone paths.
- Where does the Barsana Parikrama start?
- It traditionally starts from Shriji (Radha Rani) Temple, Barsana.
- When is the best time to do the Barsana Parikrama?
- The best time is Radhashtami & Lathmar Holi.
- What is the significance of the Barsana Parikrama?
- Circles the hills of Barsana, the birthplace and home of Srimati Radha Rani. Barsana rises over four hills said to be the four faces of Brahma, crowned by the Shriji Temple where Radha Rani is worshipped as the queen of Braj. The parikrama winds past Mor Kutir, the narrow Sankari Khor gorge and Maan Garh, each a setting of Radha and Krishna's tender pastimes. It comes most alive during Radhashtami and the famous Lathmar Holi, when the whole town sings and the lanes flood with colour and folk song.
More parikrama routes
Planning your parikrama?
Find the temples along the route and a place to stay nearby.