Chitrakoot Yatra

Chitrakoot, "The hill of many wonders", nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas. This loveliest of nature's gifts is also hallowed ground, blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. A city with more than legendary significance, it was the abode of Lord Ram and Sita for eleven year when in exile, the place where Sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated, the divine spot saw the incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. This holy city is dotted with innumerable temples and shrines today.

Today many people gather here on each Amavasya. Somwati Amavasyas, Deepawali, Sharad-Poornima, Makar Sankranti and Ramanavami are special occasions for such gatherings and celebrations. It attracts crowds throughout the year including above occasions and for Free Eye Hospital Camps. Noted 'Ayurvedic' and 'Yoga' centres like 'Arogyadham' are located in Chitrakoot.

Tourist Attraction of Chitrakoot

Ramghat: The ghats that line the Mandakini river are called Ramghat. Here, amidst the chanting hymns and the sweet fragrance of incense, holy men in saffron sit in silent meditation or offer the solace of their wisdom to the countless pilgrims who converge here. The evening arti here witnesses a deep and abiding faith in the sanctity of Chitrakuta.

Kamadgiri: Kamadgiri, the original Chitrakuta, is a place of prime religious significance. A forested hill, it is skirted all along its base by a chain of temples and is venerated today as the holy embodiment of Rama.

Bharat Milap: Bharat Milap temple is located here, marking the spot where Bharata is said to have met Rama to persuaded him to return to the throne of Ayodhya.

Janaki Kund: Janaki Kund is situated upstream the Ramghat where it is said that Sita would bath in the crystal clear waters of Mandakini river during the years of her exile with Rama.

Sati Anusuya Ashrama: Sati Anusuya ashrama is located further upstream, 16 km from the town, set amidst thick forests that round to the melody of birdsong all day. It was here that Atri muni, his wife Anusuya and their three sons (who were the three incarnations of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh), lived and are said to have meditated.

Sphatic Shila: A few kilometres beyond Janaki Kund is another densely forested area on the banks of the Mandakini. One can climb up to the boulder, which bears the Rama's footprint and where Sita was pecked at by Jayant in the form of crow.

Gupt-Godavari: Gupt-Godavari is situated at a distance of 18 km from town. Here is a pair of caves, one high and wide with an entrance through which one can barely pass, and the other long and narrow with stream of water running along its base. It is believed that Rama and Lakshmana held court in latter cave, which has two natural throne-like rocks.

Hanuman Dhara: Located on a rock-face several hundred feet up a steep hillside is a spring, said to have been created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka afire. A couple of temples commemorate this spot, which offers a panoramic view of Chitrakuta.

Bharat Koop: Bharat Koop is where Bharata stored holy water collected from all the places of pilgrimage in India. It is small, isolated spot a few kilometres from the town.

How To Reach Chitrakoot

By Air: Chitrakuta is connected by air with the nearest airport at Khajuraho, situated at a distance of 195 km, which connects with Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.

By Train: The nearest railhead is at Chitrakuta Dham Karvi (10 km) on the Jhansi-Manikpur main line.

By Road: Regular bus services connect Chitrakuta with Jhansi, Satna, Mahoba, Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi), Harpalpur and Chhatarpur.

Best Time To Travel

March to April or August to October.