Govardhan also called Giriraj, is a key pilgrimage centre in India and a municipal town; a nagar panchayat; seat of an MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) of Uttar Pradesh; a Tehsil, in Mathura district in India in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

[citation needed] Following the festival of lights, or Diwali, the previous day, devotees come to Govardhan for parikrama.

On the Govardhan Parikrama path on the western bank of 130 sqm sacred artificial lake Kusum Sarovar (Kusum kund) there are three Chhatris housing the samadhis of Jat ruler Maharaja Suraj Mal (r. 1755 – 25 December 1763) and 2 his wives, all of these memorials were built by his son and successor Maharaja Jawahar Singh.

[6][7] The architecture and carving is in the pierced stone style and the ceiling of cenotaphs are adorned with the beautiful painting of life of lord Krishna and Maharajs Suraj Mal's court.

[7] Maharaj Suraj Mal is well known for capturing Red Fort in 1754 CE after defeating the forces of Mughal king Ahmad Shah Bahadur.

A railway station is located at Mathura, where taxis can be hired to reach the town,[5] which is about 23 kilometres (14 mi) away.