Places to visit in Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot is a holy site that draws a lot of visitors every year. It can be found in the Satna region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Because of its location in the Bundelkhand area, it is significant from a historical, religious, cultural, and geological standpoint. As a religious centre, this location has a special allure for visitors. If you’re looking for a break from the routine that will help you clear your head, Chitrakoot is the place to go.

 

The following three paths can be taken to arrive at this destination.

By air: Travellers may easily access Chitrakoot, attributable to its proximity to two large airports, including Bamrauli Airport near Prayagraj (141 km) and Varanasi Airport (260 km). Both airports have excellent connections to other important cities in India.

By train: Chitrakoot is around 8 kilometres from Karvi, the closest railhead. Additionally, Chitrakoot Dham is just around 12 km away and serves as the second closest railhead. Visitors arriving at the train station have the option of taking a bus or a cab to Chitrakoot.

By road: Chitrakoot is easily accessible by road, and visitors coming from neighbouring towns in UP and MP, may use state-run buses to get there.

See also: Planning your next trip? Take a look at the top 10 places to visit in India

10 beautiful places to visit in Chitrakoot

The area is home to a large variety of tourist destinations that are unique and interesting in their own right. Because there are so many activities to do around Chitrakoot, this location sees a steady stream of tourists year after year. Here’s a list of the places to visit in Chitrakoot.

Kamadgiri

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Kamadgiri is a forest-clad hill that serves as the spiritual centre of Chitrakoot, attributable to its proximity to several Hindu temples. It is located at a distance of 2.2 km from Chitrakoot. Pilgrims believe that if they complete the Parikrama here, all of their problems will disappear, and their desires will come to reality.

The name Kamadgiri comes from the name Kamadnathji, which is another name for Lord Rama. This name means “fulfiller of all desires,” and that is where the mountain gets its name. On the route of the Parikrama, which is around 5 kilometres long, there are a number of temples, among the most well-known of which is the Bharat Milap temple. This is where Bharat first saw Lord Ram and persuaded him to return to his realm.

A portion of the Kamadgiri Mountain range is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, while another portion is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. On the day of Amavasya, which occurs once a month, this location also hosts a large monthly fair.

Gupt Godavari

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Chitrakoot is known mostly as a devotional location, but it has a few delights in store for the intrepid, particularly those with a penchant for exciting and perhaps scary travel. The Gupt Godavari network of tunnels is one such unexpected attraction. Chitrakoot is around 18 kilometres away from where Gupt Godavari may be found.

There are two caverns connected by an entrance so narrow that only the most determined adventurers will succeed in making their way inside. The other cave has torrents of water coming down that can reach your knees. Evidently, throne-like constructions in the cave corroborate the legend that Lord Ram and Lord Laxman had their secret talks there.

It’s surprising how little known this cave is, given that its mystical allure is on par with that of the more famous Elephanta caves and Ellora caves, among others. Due to the mysterious allure of its natural setting, this area is quickly becoming one of India’s most visited tourist hotspots. Don’t miss this magnificent location when in Chitrakoot.

 

Ramghat

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One of Chitrakoot’s most well-known and often visited points of interest is the Ramghat, located at a distance of 1.5 km from the city centre. Lord Ram, Devi Sita, and Lord Lakshman are said to have made an appearance in front of the famed poet Tulsidas on the placid ghat that lines the Mandakini River. Tulsidas is said to have written the Ram Charitra Manas while sitting by the riverbank.

Ramghat is the hub of Chitrakoot’s religious life and the city’s most frequented bathing ghat. People think that if they bathe in the waters of Ramghat, their sins would be washed away. Souls are soothed, and hearts are captivated by the aromatherapy at Ramghat and the sacred chanting of saffron-clad saints. During the day, you may go boating on the river and take in the scenery, and in the evenings, you can experience the aarti with its gorgeous diya luminaires, bells, and sacred chanting.

 

Hanuman Dhara

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Hanuman Dhara is the stream that sprang from a rock after Lord Ram discharged an arrow into it to placate a furious Hanuman who had come to this location to quench the fire that was stuck in his tail when he arrived from blazing Lanka. You’ll find langurs and a kund at this location, and the water that falls on Lord Hanuman’s statue there flows into the kund.

Hanuman Dhara is located at a distance of 4.5 km from Chitrakoot. In order to go to Hanuman Dhara, one needs to hike up a hill. Even if the road is a little bit tedious, the natural beauty that surrounds the trail continues to mesmerise throughout the trip.

Sati Anusuya temple

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Among the trees of Chitrakoot lies the ashram where devotees may find the Sati Anusuya temple, located at a distance of 18 km from the Ram Ghat. According to mythology, Sage Atri’s wife, Anusuya, was visited by the Hindu trinity when they all disguised themselves as sages to beg for ‘bhiksha,’ or charity. She finally realised they were deities and poured water on them, transforming them into three little kids. Therefore, the ashram is very important to Hinduism.

Sphatik Shila

Sphatik Shila is the site of two enormous boulders said to have the imprints of Lord Ram and Sita. You’ll find the location at a distance of 4.2 km from Chitrakoot. Sphatik Shila, which translates to “crystal rock,” may be found in the middle of a forest not far from Janki Kund and the shores of the Mandakini River.

Legend has it that Lord Rama and Goddess Sita were reclining here when Jayant, Lord Indra’s son, assumed the appearance of a crow and nibbled at Sita’s feet, angering Ram to the point that he plucked out the crow’s eyes.

Bharat Milap Temple

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As its name suggests, Bharat Milap Mandir is where king Bharat went to visit Lord Ram and persuade him to go back to Ayodhya. Despite the fact that a temple is built on this site presently, the footsteps of Ram and his companions may still be seen on the rocks that are located here. Throughout the course of the year, devotees may be seen swarming the temple in order to get a glimpse of the location where the four brothers’ unconditional and eternal love was first seen. You may take a rickshaw or a private cab to reach this temple, and it is located at a distance of 5 km from Chitrakoot. 

Rajapur

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Chitrakoot is where you’ll find the quaint little town of Rajapur. Goswami Tulsidas, the great writer of the Charit Manas as well as the Hanuman Chalisa, was born in this sleepy little community, which is why it has become so well-known through the years. The Hanuman Chalisa is one of the most important religious texts in the Hindu religion. A modest temple that is devoted to Tulsidas can be seen in this location, and it serves as the primary point of interest for visitors.

Explore the temple’s dark recesses and discover ancient texts written by the master himself. This beautiful temple is a wonderful example of the simplicity and beauty that characterise Indian architecture and design.

Despite its distance of 40 kilometres from Chitrakoot, Rajapur is quite well served by public transportation due to its convenient location. Jeep rides are offered for Rs 40.

Ganesh Bagh

The city of Chitrakoot is home to several interesting sights, but none more important than Ganesh Bagh. It is a culturally and aesthetically significant location on the Karvi-Devangana Road, located at a distance of 11 km from Chitrakoot. The temple, fortress, and step well are the primary points of interest.

The current palace was erected by the Maratha emperor Peshwa Vinayak Rao in the nineteenth century. One theory is that this building was formerly the royal family’s vacation spot during the warmer months. Most of it is in ruins at this point, but even so, they show how magnificent it once was.

The neighbouring Lord Shiva temple is another major draw for visitors. The temple’s carvings on its recesses and columns and intricately carved domes immediately remind one of the Khajuraho Temples. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as a “mini-Khajuraho.”

Kalinjar Fort

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The historic fort of Kalinjar is one of the eight well-known forts constructed by the Chandela monarchs and may be found in the Vindhya Mountains, not far from the UNESCO Site of Khajuraho. The towering citadel rises to a height of 366 metres and provides splendid views of the Bundelkhand plains below. The term “Kalinjar,” representing Lord Shiva, who meditated here and obliterated the barrier between the past and the future, is the source of Kalinjar’s name. 

The Kalinjar Fort is the oldest building in the country, making it a fascinating destination for people who like exploring ancient ruins in search of hidden treasures. You’ll surely find the whole thing thrilling and fascinating.

It is possible to take a cab from either Chitrakoot or Khajuraho to go to Kalinjar Fort since it is located in the middle of the two cities. You also have the option of boarding one of the buses that go between Chitrakoot and Khajuraho and asking to stop close to or right at the fort.

FAQs

Why is Chitrakoot famous?

Having religious and historical significance, Chitrakoot is often regarded as one of the finest locations in all of India. A trip to Chitrakoot would not be complete without seeing some of the city's top attractions. In Hindu mythology and the Ramayana, Chitrakoot plays a pivotal role. Peace, spirituality, and natural beauty all come together in one spot.

Which river passes through the Chitrakoot area?

The village of Chitrakoot may be found along the sides of the Mandakini River. On each side of this river are a plethora of religious buildings, including temples. People believe that the Mandakini River, which flows through Chitrakoot, is a Holy River since Chitrakoot is a centre of pilgrimage.

How long would it take to see everything in Chitrakoot?

It is recommended that visitors spend at least two full days in Chitrakoot in order to make the most of their time there and explore as many of the city's top attractions as possible.

When would you recommend going to Chitrakoot?

The months of October through March are considered to be Chitrakoot's peak travel season. The season provides some of the most beautiful natural scenery around and within the city. From December to March, the weather is perfect for all kinds of vacation activities and day trips.

What is there to discover in Chitrakoot?

Chitrakoot is home to a plethora of exciting tourist destinations, including a wildlife national park, stunning waterfalls, and a number of different temples that may be explored.

What significance does Gupt Godavari hold?

It is said that the river Godavari would secretly visit Lord Rama, which is why Gupt Godavari is considered legendary. After leaving the cave, it enters the ponds, where it remains until it eventually disappears. It is among the most significant attractions in the Chitrakoot area.

Which event is the most popular in Chitrakoot?

At the very end of February, massive festivities are held in honour of Ram Leela. These events take place every year. Additionally, Mahar Shivratri is observed on a massive scale throughout the celebrations. This religious gathering attracts both pilgrims and visitors from all over the world since it provides a number of engaging and thought-provoking opportunities.