Govardhan is a sacred hill located near Mathura and is known for its religious significance. It is believed that Lord Krishna once lifted the hill on his finger to protect the villagers from the wrath of Indra, the God of rain and thunder. Visitors can take a circumambulation (parikrama) around the hill, which is about 14 km long and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The view from the top of the hill is breathtaking. There are also several temples and ashrams around the hill including the Mansi Ganga, Daan Ghati and Mukharbind Temple.
Kusum Sarovar is a scenic tank located near Govardhan. It is surrounded by lush green trees and is believed to be one of the favorite bathing places of Lord Krishna and the Gopis. The tank is 450 ft long, 60 ft deep and has several ghats (steps) that lead to the water. Visitors can take a dip in the cool water or enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are also several temples around the tank including the Radha Govinda Temple and one can also witness the traditional aarti which happens on a daily basis
Krishna Balaram Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Balarama and is one of the most popular temples in Vrindavan. The temple was built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and is famous for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Visitors can witness the morning and evening aarti which is performed daily and take part in the kirtan (devotional songs) and other spiritual activities. The temple also houses a museum which showcases the life and teachings of Lord Krishna.
Banke Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Vrindavan. The temple is known for its unique architecture and the idol of Lord Krishna in a black and silver dress. Visitors can also witness the special aarti and participate in the kirtan which is performed daily. The temple is especially crowded during the festive seasons of Holi and Janmashtami.
Prem Mandir is a modern and grand temple located in Vrindavan. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha and is built using Italian marble. The temple is known for its grandeur, lighting, and sound show which happens in the evening. Visitors can take a stroll in the beautiful garden surrounding the temple or visit the inside to witness the beautiful idols and intricate designs. The temple organizes a special aarti which is accompanied by a beautiful musical rendition and is performed daily in the evening.
If you have more time, you can visit other famous temples in Mathura and Vrindavan such as the Dwarkadhish Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, and Madan Mohan Temple. If you have less time, you can skip Kusum Sarovar and visit other popular attractions like Radha Raman Temple or the Yamuna River.