The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra - also known as the Braj 84 Kos Parikrama -is a 252 km spiritual circuit around Braj Bhoomi, the land of Shri Krishna. It includes all the major places linked to Krishna’s birth, childhood, youth and leelas: Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon and dozens of forests (van), kunds and villages.
Devotees say:
Braj Chaurasi Kos Ki, Parikrama Ek Det
Lakh Chaurasi Yoni Ke, Sankat Hari Har Let
Meaning: One complete parikrama of Braj Chaurasi Kos can free the soul from the suffering of 84 lakh yonis (birth cycles).
This guide covers:
What “84 Kos” means and how many km it is
Scriptural & religious importance
Historical & cultural relevance
Why one should do it at least once in life
Best timing & seasons
Multiple ways of doing the Yatra (foot, vehicle, ashram, group packages)
Detailed itineraries (4N/5D, 7D & 10D) including stays and daily darshans
Who should do this Yatra, and how to prepare
Key places on the 84 Kos Brij Parikrama route
1. What is Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra?
In ancient India, distances were measured in Kos, not kilometres.
1 Kos ≈ 3.0–3.2 km
So 84 Kos ≈ 252–268.8 km
For the Braj Parikrama, most traditional routes accept 252 km (84 Kos) as the sacred measure.
This circuit:
Encircles Braj Bhoomi - the region where Krishna lived and performed his leelas.
Covers Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Radha Kund, Barsana, Nandgaon, Gokul, and many surrounding forests and kunds.
Traditionally is done as a full circumambulation, returning to the same starting point.
The route passes through:
Approx. 1300 villages
~1100 kunds/ponds
36 forests (van)
Hills, ghats, teerth sthals and historic temples
2. Religious & Spiritual Importance
2.1 Story of Yashoda Maiya & Nand Baba
It is believed that when Yashoda Maiya and Nand Baba expressed their wish to go on a tirth yatra in old age, Shri Krishna - out of compassion - called all teerths to Braj Bhoomi itself.
Therefore, doing the Braj 84 Kos Parikrama is considered equivalent to visiting many holy teerths across Bharat.
2.2 Freedom from 84 Lakh Yonis
Brahmavaivarta and other Vaishnav traditions hold that:
The soul cycles through 84 lakh yonis (species).
Sincerely performing the Chaurasi Kos Parikrama in Braj can help one escape this cycle and move closer to liberation and Bhagavat-bhakti.
2.3 All Teerths Reside in Braj During Chaturmas
Another belief: during Chaturmas (four holy months), all teerths reside in Braj. Hence:
Doing parikrama in this period = multiplied punya
Every step in Braj during the Yatra is considered a spiritual punya-karma
2.4 Walking Through Krishna’s Leelasthali
The greatest spiritual value is this:
You walk where Krishna walked
You bathe where Krishna bathed
You pray where Krishna played, danced, lifted Govardhan, and performed ras-leela
The Yatra is an act of:
Smaran (remembrance)
Shraddha (faith)
Samarpan (surrender)
3. Historical & Cultural Importance
Over centuries:
Saints, acharyas and great devotees - Goswamis, Acharyas of various sampradayas - have walked this parikrama route.
Many temples, ashrams, kunds and ghats were established specifically because of parikrama traditions.
Local Braj culture - language, music, Raas, Holi of Barsana & Nandgaon, Annakut of Govardhan - are deeply tied to this Yatra.
Even today:
Villagers along the route see serving yatris as seva to Krishna.
The Yatra keeps the oral history, stories and local bhakti traditions alive.
4. Why One Should Do This Yatra At Least Once in Life
Total immersion in Krishna consciousness
You don’t just visit one temple - you travel through an entire living leelasthali.Powerful spiritual purification
The belief that it reduces past karmas and destroys obstacles of 84 lakh yonis gives the Yatra deep spiritual weight.Journey of inner transformation
Living simply for days - walking, singing bhajans, taking darshan - changes one’s priorities and calms the mind.Shared family & community experience
Doing Yatra as a family or satsang group creates lifelong spiritual memories.Connection to Sanatan heritage
It reconnects us to ancient Bharatiya pilgrimage traditions - barefoot parikrama, dharmshalas, satsang, prasad, seva.Once-in-a-lifetime darshan of the entire Braj
In one structured yatra, you see Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan, Radha Kund, Barsana, Nandgaon and many hidden spots people never see as casual tourists.
5. Timing & Best Season for Braj 84 Kos Parikrama
5.1 Traditional Parikrama Season
Chaitra Purnima to Vaishakh Purnima (March–April):
The main traditional parikrama is often organised in this window.Some groups also start after Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra, in October.
Doing the Yatra in Chaturmas is considered especially auspicious.
5.2 Best Time Weather-wise
For vehicle-based yatras, the most comfortable months are:
October to March – pleasant to mildly cold
Avoid peak May–June heat for elderly yatris if possible.
5.3 During Major Festivals
Spiritually charged times:
Janmashtami (Krishna Janmotsav in Mathura–Vrindavan)
Radhashtami (special importance in Barsana & Radha Kund)
Holi in Barsana & Nandgaon
Kartik month (Kartik purnima, Govardhan Puja, etc.)
Crowds are higher, but the bhava (devotional mood) is very intense.
6. Distance, Structure & Route – 84 Kos in Detail
Total distance: ~252 km (84 Kos)
Regions touched:
Mathura & Vrindavan core
Border areas of Rajasthan & Haryana
Terrain: Mostly plains, village roads, fields, small hills around Govardhan
Along the way you encounter:
36 forests (van) – like Talvan, Kumudvan, Bahulavan, Kamyavan, Bhandirvan, Lohvan etc.
1100 kunds – Radha Kund, Shyam Kund, Kusum Sarovar, Pavan Sarovar, Vimal Kund, etc.
1300 villages – each with its local Krishna-katha.
7. Multiple Ways to Do the Yatra
7.1 Full Barefoot Parikrama (Traditional)
Duration: ~30–40+ days
Mode: Mostly on foot, often barefoot
Stay: Ashrams, dharmshalas, village accommodations
Best for: Physically fit devotees with time, seeking deep tapasya
7.2 Vehicle-Based Parikrama (5–10 Days)
Uses AC cabs / Innova / Tempo Traveller / minibus:
4N/5D Brij 84 Kos Yatra – compact but rich, ex-Mathura / ex-Delhi
7D Yatra ex-Delhi – from Delhi NCR to Mathura & back
10D/9N Ashram-based Yatra – deeper, more detailed coverage from Vrindavan
This is ideal for:
Families, senior citizens, children
Those with limited leave
People who want to cover key places without extreme physical exertion
7.3 Hybrid Yatra (Vehicle + Short Walks)
Travel longer stretches by vehicle
Walk shorter parikramas: e.g. Govardhan Parikrama by foot or e-rickshaw, small temple parikramas.
Good balance of tapasya + comfort.
7.4 Ashram / Group Yatra (10 Days / 9 Nights)
Fixed date group departure (e.g. 08 March 2026)
Start & end in Vrindavan
Stay in ashrams / guest houses in Vrindavan
Sumo / Eco type vehicles for local travel
Inclusive of stay, meals, tea, water & transport
8. Who Should Do This Yatra?
Ideal For
Devotees of Radha–Krishna, Vaishnavs, Sanatanis
Families wanting a spiritual holiday with children
Senior citizens (especially in vehicle-based, slow-paced yatra)
Spiritual seekers needing a reset from urban life
Those who love temples, history, culture and bhakti music
With Caution / Medical Advice
People with serious heart conditions, recent surgery, or severe mobility limitations
They can still do vehicle-based, short-walk versions with doctor’s clearance, wheelchair support and careful planning.
9. Key Places on the 84 Kos Brij Parikrama
A non-exhaustive but important list:
9.1 Mathura
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi & prison cell
Vishram Ghat – Yamuna snan & pujan
Dwarkadhish Temple
Keshav Dev Temple
Birla Temple
Dhruv Teela (Maholi)
Tapovan Gayatri Temple
9.2 Vrindavan
Banke Bihari Temple
Nidhivan
Radha Raman Temple
Radha Vallabh Temple
Madan Mohan Temple
Shahji Temple
Rangnath Temple
ISKCON Temple
Prem Mandir (especially in the evening)
Pagal Baba Temple
9.3 Govardhan, Radha Kund & Nearby
Govardhan Hill – Govardhan Parvat
Daan Ghati Temple
Manasi Ganga
Jatipura
Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
Kusum Sarovar
Chandra Sarovar
Punchhari Ka Lautha
9.4 Barsana, Nandgaon, Kokilavan
Barsana (Radha Rani’s Village):
Shriji Temple (Radha Rani Temple)
Maan Mandir
Rangili Mahal
Gahvar Van
Mor Kutir, Radha Bagh, Mahaprabhu Ji ki Baithak
Nandgaon (Krishna’s village):
Nand Bhawan / Nand Yashoda Bhawan
Nandeshwar Mahadev
Kokilavan Dham (Shani Dev temple)
Gomti Kund
Kot Van
Garud Govind
9.5 Gokul, Mahavan, Raman Reti
Gokul Nath Ji Temple
Chaurasi Khamba
Brahmand Ghat (Krishna eats mitti)
Raman Reti – sacred sands of Krishna’s play
Mahavan
Dauji Temple (Baldev)
Lohvan
9.6 Important Vans & Other Spots
Talvan, Kumudvan, Bahulavan, Kamyavan
Bhandirvan – Radha–Krishna vivah sthali
Belvan, Matvan, Biharvan, Tapovan
Khelnavan, Viharvan
Akshay Vat
Katyayani Devi Temple
Cheer Ghat (original Cheer Haran spot)
Kaliya Naag Daman sthali
Many kunds – Pawan Sarovar, Vimal Kund, Kishori Kund, Jai Kund, Brahma Kund etc.
10. Detailed Itineraries (with Stay & Yatra Flow)
10.1 4 Nights / 5 Days – Compact Braj 84 Kos Yatra
(Ex-Mathura / Ex-Delhi, vehicle-based)
Stay pattern:
Night 1: Mathura / Vrindavan
Night 2: Mathura / Vrindavan
Night 3: Mathura / Vrindavan
Night 4: Mathura / Vrindavan
Day 1 – Mathura & Vrindavan Darshan
Arrival in Mathura (by train / road or via Delhi).
Check-in at hotel in Mathura / Vrindavan.
Yamuna pujan at Vishram Ghat
Darshan at Dwarkadhish Temple
Krishna Janmasthan Temple, Potra Kund, Keshav Dev Temple
Vrindavan:
Nidhivan
Banke Bihari Temple
Radha Vallabh Temple
Radha Raman
Shahji Temple
Rangnath Temple
Evening: Prem Mandir and nearby Durga Temple
Dinner & overnight stay
Day 2 – Govardhan, Deeg & Dham Temples
Breakfast at hotel
Move to Govardhan:
Danghati Temple
Govardhan Parvat Puja
Manasi Ganga, Jatipura
Radha Kund & Shyam Kund
Kusum Sarovar, Chandra Sarovar
Punchhari Ka Lautha, Luk-Luk Dauji
Visit Deeg Palace (Deeg Mahal), Laxman Temple
Local dham-style temples of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri
Lunch either en route / at Badrinath complex (as per package)
Return to Mathura/Vrindavan, dinner & overnight stay
Day 3 – Barsana, Nandgaon, Kokilavan
Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Barsana:
Shriji Temple (Radha Rani Temple)
Gahvar Van
Maan Mandir
Rangili Mahal
Mor Kutir, Radha Bagh, Mahaprabhu Ji ki Baithak
Proceed to Nandgaon:
Nand Bhawan
Nandeshwar Temple
Proceed to Kokilavan Dham (Shani Dev), Gomti Kund, Kot Van, Garud Govind
En route visit: Shergarh, Kosi, Phalen (time-permitting)
Return to Mathura/Vrindavan
Dinner & overnight
Day 4 – Bhandirvan, Belvan, Gokul–Mahavan
Breakfast at hotel
Visit Bhadravan, Matvan, Biharvan, Tapovan, Belvan
Bansi Vat
Rawal (Radha Rani Temple / birthplace, if included)
Proceed to Gokul & Mahavan:
Gokul Nath Ji Temple
Chaurasi Khamba
Brahmand Ghat
Raman Reti
Lohvan
Dauji Temple, Mahadev
Return to hotel, dinner & overnight stay
Day 5 – Local Braj Darshan & Departure
Morning free for local darshan / market shopping (prasad, idols, books, clothes)
Optional short visits depending on train/bus timing
Drop at Mathura Railway Station / Bus Stand (or drive back to Delhi if ex-Delhi package)
Yatra Samapan
10.2 7-Day Braj 84 Kos Yatra – Ex-Delhi
Stay pattern:
Night 1: Mathura
Night 2: Vrindavan
Night 3: Kaman / Govardhan area
Nights 4–6: Mix of Barsana / Gokul / Mathura depending on hotel plan
Day 1 – Delhi → Mathura & Local Temples
Early morning pickup from Delhi NCR
Drive ~190 km (3–4 hours) to Mathura
Check-in at hotel
Sightseeing:
Vishram Ghat (Yamuna poojan)
Dwarkadhish Temple
Krishna Janmasthan Temple
Birla Temple
Keshav Dev Temple
Dhruv Teela (Maholi)
Tapovan Gayatri Temple
Evening: Jaipur Temple, Kanch Mandir, Jamai Thakur, Sitaram Temple
Overnight in Mathura
Day 2 – Vrindavan Darshan
Transfer to / stay in Vrindavan
Visit:
Banke Bihari Temple
Nidhivan
Radha Raman Temple
Char Dham Temple complex (Shiv Dham, Radha Krishna Dham, Shani Dham, Vaishno Devi Dham)
Shahji Temple
Evening: Prem Mandir (plan at least 1–2 hours)
Dinner & overnight in Vrindavan
Day 3 – Govardhan & Nearby
Breakfast
Drive to Govardhan Parvat
Daan Ghati Temple
Manasi Ganga
Jatipura
Shyam Kund & Radha Kund
Kusum Sarovar
Adi Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath style temples
Overnight in Kaman / Govardhan side
Day 4 – Kaman – Barsana – Nandgaon – Kokilavan
Breakfast & start Yatra
Barsana: Shriji Temple, Maan Mandir, Rangili Mahal
Nandgaon: Nand Yashoda Bhawan
Kokilavan: Shani Dev Dham
Kot Van, Garud Govind Temple
Kosi & Phalen (if time)
Overnight stay (as per package – often Mathura or Vrindavan)
Day 5 – Bhandirvan – Gokul – Mahavan
Visit Lohavan, Bhadravan, Matvan, Tapovan, Belvan
Radha Rani Temple (as per route)
Raman Reti
Dauji, Mahadev
Brahmand Ghat, Pagal Baba Temple, Chaurasi Khamba Temple in Gokul
Overnight in Gokul / Mathura
Day 6 – Gokul & Mathura Surroundings
Khelnavan, Viharvan
Akshay Vat
Cheer Ghat
Katyayani Devi
Kachh Van Bihari Darshan
Kaliya Naag Daman site
Overnight in Mathura
Day 7 – Govardhan Parikrama, Shopping & Return to Delhi
Optional Yamuna worship in Vrindavan
Govardhan Parikrama (on foot or e-rickshaw, full or partial)
Vrindavan / Mathura shopping for prasad, books, clothes
Drive back to Delhi NCR
Tour Ends
10.3 10 Days / 9 Nights – Ashram-based Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra (Group Yatra)
Start/End: Vrindavan
Mode: Sumo/Eeco vehicles
Stay: Ashram / guest house (3–4 bed rooms, attached bath)
Inclusions (as given): Tea, breakfast, meals, RO water, vehicle
Yatra Cost Example: ₹18,001 per person (with ₹5,000 advance booking)
Day 1 – Arrival in Vrindavan
Arrive at Vrindavan / Mathura railway/bus station
Reach designated ashram (e.g., Shyamashyam Ashram)
Check-in, rest, introductory satsang
Overnight in Vrindavan
Day 2 – Vrindavan Deep Darshan
Morning Yamuna snan & pujan
Gopeshwar Mahadev (Sapt Dhara)
Nidhivan
Rangnath Temple
Lunch at dharmshala / ashram
Evening: Mansarovar, Bhandirvan (Radha–Krishna wedding place), Belvan, Matvan
Overnight in Vrindavan
Day 3 – Mathura & Surroundings
Yamuna snan at Vishram Ghat (Mathura)
Dwarkadhish Temple
Krishna Janmasthan & prison cell
Birla Temple
Dhruv Teela
Tapovan Gayatri Temple (lunch at ashram)
Evening: Jaipur Temple, Kanch Mandir, Jamai Thakur, Sitaram Temple
Overnight in Vrindavan / Mathura
Day 4 – Gokul, Mahavan & Nearby
Lohvan
Rawal (Radha Rani’s birthplace)
Dauji (Baldev)
Chintaharan Mahadev
Brahmand Ghat
Raman Reti
Gokul – Chaurasi Khamba, Putana Vadh sthali, Chandravali, Pagal Baba Temple, Akrur Ghat, Vatsalya Gram
Packed lunch en route
Overnight in Vrindavan
Day 5 – Govardhan Parikrama & Evening Darshan
Govardhan Parikrama by e-rickshaw (very senior-friendly)
Lunch as convenient
Evening: ISKCON Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple (local), Akshaya Patra
Overnight stay
Day 6 – Char Dham & Deeg
Char Dham Temple complex
Deeg Jal Mahal
Laxman Temple
Adi Badrinath
Charan Pahadi
Vimal Kund
Kameshwar Mahadev
Packed lunch
Evening at Prem Mandir
Overnight in Vrindavan
Day 7 – Barsana Leela Spots
Barsana: Gahvar Van, Dan Garh, Man Garh, Radha Rani Temple
Lalita Sakhi Temple, Mor Kutir
Lunch at ashram
Evening optional: Banke Bihari Temple, Madan Mohan Temple (self-visit)
Overnight stay
Day 8 – Nandgaon & Surroundings
Nandgaon – Nand Mahal
Charan Pahadi
Asheshwar Mahadev
Ter Kadam
Sanket Van
Kokilavan – Gau charan leela spots, Charan Chinh
Pawan Sarovar
Javat, Kishori Kund, Jai Kund, Brahma Kund
Ter Kund, Charan Ganga, Sheikh Shaiyya (Vishnu / Narayan Darshan)
Packed lunch en route
Overnight stay
Day 9 – Forests & Devi Darshan
Khelnavan
Viharvan
Echha Dauji
Akshay Vat
Asli Cheer Ghat
Katyayani Devi
Kachh Van Bihari Darshan
Kaliya Naag Daman sthali
Lunch at ashram
Overnight stay
Day 10 – Vrindavan Parikrama & Yatra Samapan
Final Yamuna pujan in Vrindavan
Samuhik Vrindavan Dham Parikrama
Yatra completion sankalp
Lunch at ashram
Departure to home towns (travellers proceed to bus/railway station on their own)
11. How to Prepare & How to Do the Yatra
11.1 Physical & Practical Preparation
Get a basic health check-up if you’re elderly or have pre-existing issues.
Ensure comfortable walking ability for short walks & stairs.
Carry:
Personal medicines
Basic first aid
Comfortable clothing & footwear
Sun protection (cap, umbrella, sunscreen)
Water bottle & light snacks
11.2 Spiritual Preparation
Start japa / naam-smaran daily before the yatra
Read or listen to Krishna leela (Bhagavatam, local Braj katha)
Take a sankalp: why you’re doing the Yatra (gratitude, prarthana, seva, etc.)
11.3 On-the-ground How-To
Book your travel & package early (specially in parikrama season & Kartik).
Choose between:
Ashram-style group yatra
Hotel-based private or small-group tour
Always keep:
A light bag for prasad, chadava, and small purchases
Copies of ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID)
Respect local customs:
Modest dress in temples
Ask before clicking photos inside any shrine
Avoid littering; Braj is Krishna’s home, treat it like a temple.
12. Things to Do During the Journey
Participate in bhajans, kirtan, satsang
Listen attentively to local pandas, guides and pujaris explaining leelas
Offer donations thoughtfully where you feel inspired
Sit quietly near Yamuna, Radha Kund or Govardhan and do personal japa
Reduce phone usage; treat this as a spiritual retreat, not just tourism.
The Braj Chaurasi Kos Yatra is not just a trip you go on - it’s a pilgrimage that walks through you. Whether you do it as a 5-day comfortable tour, a 7-day ex-Delhi yatra, or a 10-day ashram parikrama, every step in Braj Bhoomi carries the fragrance of Radha–Krishna’s leelas.
