Town in Madhya Pradesh, India
Photo: Abhz79, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Chitrakoot (चित्रकूट Citrakūṭ) is a culturally and archaeologically significant town in Baghelkhand, split between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Though relatively unknown to tourists, the area is a pilgrimage destination known for a number of important temples and sites mentioned in Hindu scriptures. It is well worth visiting if you have the time.
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Ramghat is the main feature of Chitrakoot and resembles a minature Varanasi with river boats and pilgrims. It is located on the banks of the quiet river Mandakini. It is an important pilgrim spot and there are many ashrams where holy men in saffron dresses meditate and offer the solace of their wisdom to the large number of pilgrims who congregate there.
Gupt Godavari is a natural wonder consisting of two caves. There is a pond known as 'Sitakund' in one of these caves which is perpetually fed by a small stream of water. It is believed that Ram and his brother Lakshman held court in the cave with a stream of water running along its base and two natural throne-like rocks. It really is quiet nice, be prepared to walk through knee deep water on uneven ground. Entrance is ten rupees but beware, the ticket office may fry to sell you multiple tickets and the cave is full of shameless priests who will demand donations, offerings, larger donations, and are not above grabbing tourists! Assume you will lose at least 50 rupees.
Hanuman Dhara is a spring located on a steep hillside in Chitrakoot. On foot one has to climb a steep flight of 650 steps to reach this place. There is a big statue of Lord Hanuman, on which the water of this spring tumbles over. It is believed that, Hanuman Dhara was created by Ram to assuage Hanuman when he returned after setting Lanka on fire. Another 180 steps from here will get you to the Sita Rasoi. You may avoid the 650 steps by taking the newly launched (as of 2021) cable car ride by DRIL for ₹130 for a 2-way ticket.
Janaki Kund is situated 2 km south of Chitrakoot in Satna District, on the banks of the Mandakini River. Literally ‘Janaki Kund’ means the ‘Pool of Sita’. According to a legend, it was the favorite bathing spot of Sita, during the years of exile with her husband Lord Ram. It is said that Sita's footprints are imprinted on the rocks here. It is a quiet place which is blessed by Sita and people consider it auspicious to bathe here.
Some people said that during exile of lord Ram. Rama prayed to Kamtanath (Deity of local villagers) to fight with devils. After darshan in temple one must do parikrama of 5.5 km around the Kamadgiri hill.
Some people believed that during exile younger brother of Ram stayed on the Lakshaman Hill. Lakshman hill is situated on half way of Parikrama path of Kamdgiri.
Sati Anasuya Temple is located at Sati Anasuya in Chitrakoot District of Uttar Pradesh. It enshrines the idol of Sati Anasuya, the wife of saint Atri, with her three babies who are said to be the incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswar.
The 24 different forms of god appeared on the earth can be found here in the form of idols. The Mandakini River flows nearby. The ancient ashram of Rishi Atri is above the temple.
Sphatik Shila is situated in a densely forested area to the south of Chitrakoot in Satna District. This picturesque spot is famous for its two massive rocks which are believed to have the footprints of Lord Ram. It is located within a short distance beyond Janaki kund, on the banks of the Mandakini River. According to legend it was here that Sita was pecked at by Jayant, son of Lord Indra, in the form of a crow.
This is believed that this place was the kitchen of Lord Ram’s wife Sita. Sita Rasoi is situated on the peak of the Hanuman Dhara Hill.
Phoolmati Devi Temple
One of the 51 Shaktipeeth in India. Inside the Temple, there is an idol of Lord Shiva known as Chanda. Festivals like Ramnavami, Makar Sankranthi and Deepavali are celebrated here. According to Hindu Mythology it is the holy place where Right breast of maa Durga felt down. Maa is worshiped here with the name Maa Shivani/ Gayatri and her concert, Bhaitavs is worshiped with the name Chanda.
One of the few hotels on the Ghat accepting foreign tourists,clean, Great views from the large patio.
The official Tourist bungalow in Chitrakoot (dham), well maintained with friendly English speaking staff, a refreshing garden (and an electric shoe polisher!) it's definitely recommended. The cheap dormitories tend to book out completely. Accepting foreign tourists, beware "official" guides loitering inside.
Shringar Van
Vinod Lodge
By bus
You may get in by bus from the cities of Lucknow, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Jhansi, Jabalpur, Satna and Varanasi.
By plane
Prayagraj (IXD) and Varanasi (VNS) are the nearest airports to Chitrakoot.
By car
Chitrakoot is 260 km from Varanasi and it takes about 5 hours to reach there. The typical cab fare will be about ₹3,500+tolls.
Auto-rickshaws (tuktuks) and terrain vehicles take pilgrims from one site to another, prices are generally fixed but beware "official guides" and drivers who loiter in or around hotels.
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