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Chitrakoot
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.
Heritage & Legacy
A timeline of devotion, history and natural majesty
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
The riverfront where Rama bathed during exile. Daily evening aarti is one of central India's most atmospheric rituals.
Kamadgiri Hill Parikrama
A sacred 5-km circumambulation of the hill considered Rama's forest abode.
Sati Anusuya Ashram
A serene riverside ashram with shrines to sage Atri and his wife Anusuya.
At a Glance
Key facts and the best way to experience Chitrakoot
📍
Location
Satna District (MP) / Chitrakoot (UP)
🛕
Famous For
Ramayana pilgrim sites, ashrams, aarti at Ramghat
🏞️
Best Season
October–March; Diwali & Ramnavmi extra special
⏰
Time Needed
2 days
More to Explore
Other places and experiences worth your time
Hanuman Dhara
Bharat Milap Mandir
Gupt Godavari Caves
Janaki Kund
Sphatik Shila
Mandakini River
Kamadgiri Parikrama
Ramvan Pranay Ashram
Chitrakoot Pilgrim Footfall
MP & UP Tourism — annual pilgrims & festival peaks
| Year | Annual Pilgrims | Diwali | Ramnavmi | Ashram Stays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 11.4 L | 2.6 L | 1.8 L | 42,000 |
| 2018 | 12.6 L | 2.9 L | 2.0 L | 48,000 |
| 2019 | 13.8 L | 3.2 L | 2.2 L | 54,000 |
| 2020 | 4.2 L | 58,000 | 42,000 | 12,000 |
| 2021 | 7.6 L | 1.4 L | 98,000 | 24,000 |
| 2022 | 14.2 L | 3.4 L | 2.4 L | 52,000 |
| 2023 | 16.8 L | 4.1 L | 2.8 L | 64,000 |
| 2024 | 19.4 L | 4.8 L | 3.2 L | 76,000 |
| 2025* | 21.6 L | 5.4 L | 3.6 L | 84,000 |
*Projected. Source: MP Tourism + UP Tourism shared pilgrim circuit data.
How to Reach Chitrakoot
Well connected by road, rail and air across Madhya Pradesh
By Train
Nearest station is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi (8 km), well connected from Allahabad, Lucknow and Delhi.
By Air
Nearest airport is Khajuraho (175 km) or Prayagraj (125 km).
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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With Hon'ble Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan
