कुसुम सरोवर
Kusum Sarovar
Sandstone chhatris above a stepped tank at Govardhan, where Radha gathered flowers — and the best light in Braj at dusk.
A rectangular tank with steps down all four sides and three carved sandstone chhatris along one edge, built in the eighteenth century as memorials to the rulers of Bharatpur. Kusum means flower: this is where Radha is said to have come to gather them, and where she and Krishna met.
It is on the Govardhan parikrama marg and it is the one place in Braj that is unambiguously, conventionally beautiful — honey-coloured stone reflected in still water. Come at the end of the day.
What we would tell you beforehand
- Late afternoon. The stone goes gold about an hour before sunset and the reflection is still.
- Photography is allowed and this is the best place in Braj for it.
- Monkeys. Carry nothing loose in your hands.