Chitrakoot
Chitrakoot, often called the 'Place of Many Wonders,' is nestled in the northern Vindhya mountain range and is a truly enchanting destination. The Chitrakoot mountain range is home to several famous religious mountains, including Kamad Giri, Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund, Lakshman Pahari, and Devangana.
The name "Chitrakoot" is believed to have been inspired by the presence of deer (known as 'Cheetal') in the area.
This city holds great religious significance, particularly in connection with the epic tale of Ramayana. According to folklore, Lord Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile in the dense jungles of Chitrakoot. As a result, there are many significant attractions and fascinating places to explore in Chitrakoot, such as Hanuman Dhara, Sphatikshila, Bharat Milap temple, Gupt Godavari, Janki Kund, Param Kutir, and Ram Ghat.
Top sites of Chitrakoot:
Gupt Godavari Caves:
Many myths surround the caves in Chitrakoot, with one of the most prominent stories being that Lord Rama and Lord Lakshman used these caves as a kind of courtroom during their exile.Best travel agency in Chitrakoot always includes the visit of these beautiful caves in their travel package.
Visiting Hours: You can explore the caves from 7 in the morning until 6 in the evening.
Cost: You won't need to pay any money to visit these caves.
Where to Find Them: You can find these caves in Chitrakoot, a place in Madhya Pradesh.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: These caves are about 18 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Ram Ghat:
Ramghat is a sacred place in Hinduism situated by the Mandakini River. According to legend, it's where Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and Sita bathed during their exile. To visit this site,You can opt from many leading online agencies but if you have low budget or you want to save your money , then you should opt for local travel agency , they will allocate a local travel agent in Chitrakoot to you.
Operating Hours: The ghat is open around the clock, 24 hours a day.
Cost: You won't have to pay any money to visit this ghat.
Where to Find It: You can locate this ghat on Ratna Wali Marg in Chitrakoot.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's just 2 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Sati Anusuya Temple:
It's believed that the Mandakini River was created because of Anusuya's prayers and devotion, and this river put an end to the famine in the town. The temple in this area is dedicated to her in recognition of her devotion.Chitrakoot Travel Services are also available for this site visit.
Timings: Open 24 hours.
Entry fee: There are no charges to visit the temple.
Location: Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: 16 Km.
Hanuman Dhara:
The Hanuman Dhara area is home to a group of important temples that draw in many devoted worshippers.
According to the legend, Lord Rama created a spring here to provide relief to Lord Hanuman after his mission of setting fire to Lanka. This picturesque spring is not only a religious site but also a lovely spot for those who appreciate the beauty of nature.
If you're planning a trip to Chitrakoot, you can make your journey much smoother by enlisting the help of local travel agents. They offer valuable advice about the area at reasonable prices and can help plan your trip to ensure it's hassle-free.
Visiting Hours: You can explore this place from 12 noon to 5 in the evening. Cost: There's no fee required to visit this location. Where to Find It: You can locate this place in Kashavgarh, Kila Bagh, Chitrakoot. Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's just 5 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Kamadigri Temple:
Kamadgiri means 'the hill that grants wishes' in English. Because of this, a large number of pilgrims visit it in the hope of having their desires fulfilled.You can easily get a Chitrakoot tour operator ,who has a strong reputation in the travel industry. They are known for offering well-rounded, professional, and budget-friendly Chitrakoot tour packages. To get the best deal, all you need to do is share your requirements with a Chitrakoot travel agent.
Visiting Hours: You can visit the temple from 5 in the morning until 8 in the evening.
Cost: There is no fee to enter the temple; it's free for visitors.
Where to Find It: The temple is located in Kamta Mohalla, Sitapur, Chitrakoot.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's just 2.2 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Bharat Milap Temple:
Bharat Milap Temple holds great significance for Hindus because it's the place where something important in their history happened. It's where four brothers - Ram, Lakshman, Shatrughan, and Bharat - met during their time in exile.
This temple is nestled near the beautiful and sacred Kamadgiri Hill. People believe that walking around this hill can cleanse you of your sins. The best time to come here is during the yearly festival, which draws millions of devoted visitors.
Visiting Hours: You can explore the temple from 5 AM to 9 PM.
Cost: There is no fee to enter the temple; it's open to all.
Where to Find It: The temple is situated on Kamadgiri Hill in Chitrakoot.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's just 2.3 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Janaki Kund:
Situated on the banks of the river Mandakini, Janaki Kund holds special importance for Hindus. According to Hindu texts, it's where Goddess Sita used to bathe during her exile, and you can even see her footprints here.
Many pilgrims visit this beautiful place all year round, and it's just 2 kilometers away from Ram Ghat. Janaki Kund offers a peaceful experience filled with spirituality and is a great spot to visit with your family.
Visiting Hours: You can visit the kund from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Cost: There's no fee to visit this spot; it's open to everyone.
Where to Find It: You can locate Janaki Kund on the bank of the Mandakini River in Chitrakoot.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's 5 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
Sphatik Shila:
Known for its stunning location and rich mythology, Sphatik Shila is a must-visit place in Chitrakoot. During their exile, Lord Ram and Goddess Sita spent a significant time in Chitrakoot, and this town is full of places connected to their story, including Sphatik Shila.
This spot is believed to be where the couple relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of Chitrakoot. The smooth rocks here even carry the imprint of Lord Rama's feet, which is why it's called Sphatik Shila, meaning crystal stone.
You can take in the breathtaking views and listen to the gentle sounds of the Mandakini River, surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature.
Visiting Hours: You can explore this place from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Cost: There's no fee to visit Sphatik Shila; it's open to all.
Where to Find It: Sphatik Shila is located in Janki Kund, Chitrakoot.
Distance from Chitrakoot Bus Stand: It's approximately 5.3 kilometers away from the Chitrakoot Bus Stand.
How To Reach Chitrakoot:
Getting to Chitrakoot is quite convenient through various modes of transportation:
By Air: If you prefer to fly, the nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport in Allahabad, which is about 106 km away from Chitrakoot. Another option is Khajuraho Airport, located 167 km away. Both of these airports have daily flights to Delhi.
By Train: The main railway station in Chitrakoot is in Karwi. It's well-connected to major cities via the railway network.
By Bus: Chitrakoot District is well-connected to famous cities through National Highways and other road networks, making it accessible by bus from various locations.
Distance From Few Big Cities:
- Mumbai to Chitrakoot: 1332 km- Jabalpur to Chitrakoot: 278.5 km
- Delhi to Chitrakoot: 675.7 km
- Indore to Chitrakoot: 774.8 km
Chitrakoot is a fantastic destination in India if you want to experience authentic Indian culture up close. If you're unsure about which places to visit in Chitrakoot, above i have provided details of the town's top attractions that you shouldn't miss during your visit.