Chitrakoot

11
Years of Rama's Exile
4
Sacred Hills
30+
Ashrams
2
States Shared

About Chitrakoot

A pilgrim town from the Ramayana, still timeless

Chitrakoot — the 'hill of many wonders' — straddles the border between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the holiest sites in Hindu mythology, where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent eleven years of their fourteen-year exile.

Saints and seers — from Tulsidas to modern gurus — have all written about its forested ghats, the gentle Mandakini river, and the cave of Sati Anusuya. Daily aartis at Ramghat haven't changed in centuries.

Chitrakoot — The sacred forest where Lord Rama spent 11 years of exile — a town of ghats, ash

At a Glance

Key facts and the best way to experience Chitrakoot

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Location

Satna District (MP) / Chitrakoot (UP)

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Famous For

Ramayana pilgrim sites, ashrams, aarti at Ramghat

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Best Season

October–March; Diwali & Ramnavmi extra special

Time Needed

2 days

Heritage & Legacy

A timeline of devotion, history and natural majesty

Chitrakoot heritage and legacy

Ramayana Era — Rama's Exile

Chitrakoot is mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana as the forest where Rama lived with Sita and Lakshmana for 11 years.

Tulsidas's Pen

The 16th-century poet-saint Tulsidas composed parts of the Ramcharitmanas here at Ramghat.

Pilgrimage Circuit

Chitrakoot became a key stop on the Hindu pilgrim circuit, with sub-shrines across the four sacred hills.

Modern Ashrams

Sant Tulsidas, Aurobindo and Gandhian ashrams established here in the 20th century broadened its spiritual draw.

Cross-State Heritage

Today Chitrakoot is jointly developed by MP and UP tourism as a unified pilgrimage destination.

Top Attractions in Chitrakoot

Must-see places on your visit

Ramghat on the Mandakini — top attraction in Chitrakoot

Ramghat on the Mandakini

The riverfront where Rama bathed during exile. Daily evening aarti is one of central India's most atmospheric rituals.

Kamadgiri Hill Parikrama — top attraction in Chitrakoot

Kamadgiri Hill Parikrama

A sacred 5-km circumambulation of the hill considered Rama's forest abode.

Sati Anusuya Ashram — top attraction in Chitrakoot

Sati Anusuya Ashram

A serene riverside ashram with shrines to sage Atri and his wife Anusuya.

Hanuman Dhara
Bharat Milap Mandir
Gupt Godavari Caves
Janaki Kund
Sphatik Shila
Mandakini River
Kamadgiri Parikrama
Ramvan Pranay Ashram

How to Reach Chitrakoot

Well connected by road, rail and air across Madhya Pradesh

By train to Chitrakoot

By Train

Nearest station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi (8 km), well connected from Allahabad, Lucknow and Delhi.

By air to Chitrakoot

By Air

Nearest airport is Khajuraho (175 km) or Prayagraj (125 km).

By bus to Chitrakoot

By Bus / Road

Direct buses from Satna, Allahabad, Banda and Mahoba; shared taxis available.

Places of Interest

Explore curated experiences around Chitrakoot

Plan Your Chitrakoot Trip Today

M.P. Holidays — your trusted Madhya Pradesh travel partner since 2016 — designs seamless Chitrakoot itineraries, hotels and transport.

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