Chitrakoot

 

Here is a detailed tour guide for Chitrakoot, a sacred town in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, India. 

About Chitrakoot 

Chitrakoot means ‘the hill of many wonders’ and it is a place of great religious and cultural significance. According to Hindu mythology, Chitrakoot was the place where Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana spent eleven and a half years of their fourteen years of exile. Chitrakoot is also associated with many legends and stories from the epic Ramayana, such as the meeting of Rama and Bharata, the appearance of Rama and Sita before the poet Tulsidas, the birth of the monkey god Hanuman, and the meditation of the sages Atri and Anusuya. Chitrakoot is also the place where Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas, spent many years of his life. Chitrakoot is considered to be a holy place where the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva took incarnations. Chitrakoot is a place of natural beauty and spiritual bliss, where one can experience the divine presence and grace of Lord Rama. 

 How to Reach Chitrakoot 

Chitrakoot is well-connected to all the major cities of India by various modes of transport, such as air, train and road. Here are some of the ways to reach Chitrakoot: 

• By Air: The nearest airports to Chitrakoot are Bamrauli Airport in Prayagraj, which is located at a distance of about 141 km, and Khajuraho Airport, which is located at a distance of about 192 km. These airports are connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi and Agra by regular flights. You can take a flight from Delhi, Mumbai or other major cities to Allahabad and then take a bus or a taxi to Chitrakoot. Allahabad airport is served by domestic airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet.
• By Train: The nearest railway stations to Chitrakoot are Chitrakoot Dham Karwi, which is located at a distance of  around 10 km from Chitrakoot. After arriving at the junction, you can take a taxi or reach your desired location in Chitrakoot. 
• By Road: Chitrakoot is well-linked with nearby cities with good road conditions. You can take several government and private buses from several towns, like Allahabad, Banda, Satna, Panna, and many more. 

 Best Time to Travel in Chitrakoot 

• The best time to travel in Chitrakoot is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 30°C and the humidity is low. This is also the time when many festivals and events are celebrated in Chitrakoot, such as Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Holi and Shivratri. The winter season is also ideal for sightseeing, boating, trekking and shopping in Chitrakoot. 
• The summer season, from April to June, is very hot and dry in Chitrakoot. The temperature can go up to 45°C and the humidity is high. This is not a good time to travel in Chitrakoot, as one may face heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn. The summer season is also the time when the water level of the Mandakini river is low and the boating activity is limited. 
• The monsoon season, from July to September, is very wet and humid in Chitrakoot. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 35°C and the humidity is very high. This is also not a good time to travel in Chitrakoot, as one may face heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and mosquitoes. The monsoon season is also the time when the water level of the Mandakini river is high and the boating activity is risky. 

 Tourist Attractions of Chitrakoot 

Chitrakoot has many places of interest that attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Some of the most popular tourist attractions of Chitrakoot are: 

• Kamadgiri: Kamadgiri is a forested hill that is considered to be the heart of Chitrakoot. The name means ‘the hill that fulfills all desires’ and it is believed to be the original abode of Lord Rama. The hill is surrounded by several temples dedicated to various deities, such as Kamtanath, Lakshmi Narayan, Hanuman and Sita. The devotees perform a circumambulation (parikrama) around the hill, which is considered to be very sacred and auspicious. Kamadgiri is located about 1 km from the city center. 
• Ramghat: Ramghat is a serene ghat on the banks of the Mandakini river, where Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have bathed and appeared before the poet Tulsidas. The ghat is a place of worship and meditation, where one can see the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman. The ghat is also the venue for the evening aarti, which is a spectacular sight to behold. The ghat is also a place of boating and enjoying the scenic views of the river and the hills. Ramghat is located about 1 km from the city center. 
• Gupt Godavari: Gupt Godavari is a pair of caves that are believed to be the secret abode of Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their exile. The caves have natural rock formations and carvings that resemble various objects and figures, such as a throne, a bed, a snake, a cow and a lion. One of the caves has a very narrow entrance that leads to a spacious hall, while the other cave has a stream of water flowing inside. The caves are also associated with the legend of the sage Agastya, who is said to have received the divine weapon from Lord Rama here. Gupt Godavari is located about 13 km from the city center. 
• Hanuman Dhara: Hanuman Dhara is a waterfall and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and the devotee of Lord Rama. The waterfall is said to have been created by Lord Rama to cool down Hanuman after he set fire to Lanka, the kingdom of the demon king Ravana. The waterfall falls on the idol of Hanuman, which is installed in a cave. The temple is situated on a hill and one has to climb about 500 steps to reach it. The temple offers a panoramic view of the surroundings and a peaceful atmosphere for worship. Hanuman Dhara is located about 3 km from the city center. 
• Sati Anusuya Temple: Sati Anusuya Temple is a temple dedicated to Sati Anusuya, the wife of the sage Atri and the mother of the three incarnations of the Hindu trinity, namely Dattatreya, Durvasa and Soma. The temple is located in an ashram, where Sati Anusuya performed a miracle of turning the three gods into infants to test the fidelity of their wives. The temple has idols of Sati Anusuya, Atri and their sons, as well as a sacred banyan tree that is said to have been planted by Sati Anusuya. The temple is also a place of meditation and tranquility, surrounded by trees and hills. Sati Anusuya Temple is located about 16 km from the city center. 
• Sphatik Shila: Sphatik Shila is a place with two massive rocks that are believed to have the footprints of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The name means ‘crystal rock’ and it is said that Lord Rama and Sita used to sit here and admire the beauty of nature. The rocks are also associated with the legend of the golden deer, which was sent by Ravana to lure Sita away from Rama. The rocks are located amidst dense forests, close to Janki Kund on the banks of the Mandakini river. Sphatik Shila is located about 4 km from the city center. 
• Bharat Milap Temple: Bharat Milap Temple is a temple that marks the spot where Lord Rama and his brother Bharata met after Rama’s exile. Bharata had come to Chitrakoot to persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya and rule the kingdom, but Rama refused and gave his sandals to Bharata as a symbol of his authority. The temple has the footprints of Rama and Bharata on a rock, as well as the idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Bharata. The temple is a place of brotherly love and devotion, where one can feel the emotions of the epic meeting. Bharat Milap Temple is located about 3 km from the city center. 

 Things to Do in Chitrakoot 

Chitrakoot is not only a place of pilgrimage, but also a place of adventure and fun. Some of the things that one can do in Chitrakoot are: 

• Boating: Boating is one of the most enjoyable activities that one can do in Chitrakoot. The Mandakini river offers a serene and scenic experience of boating, where one can see the ghats, the temples, the hills and the wildlife along the banks. Boating is also a way of witnessing the evening aarti at Ramghat, which is a mesmerizing sight of lights and chants. Boating is available at Ramghat and Gupt Godavari. 
• Trekking: Trekking is another activity that one can do in Chitrakoot to explore the natural beauty and the historical sites of the town. There are many trekking trails that lead to various places of interest, such as Hanuman Dhara, Sati Anusuya Temple, Sphatik Shila and Bharat Milap Temple. Trekking is also a way of experiencing the flora and fauna of the region, such as the deer, the monkeys, the birds and the flowers. Trekking is suitable for all age groups and fitness levels. 
• Shopping: Shopping is another activity that one can do in Chitrakoot to buy some souvenirs and local products. Chitrakoot is famous for its handicrafts, such as wooden toys, paintings, pottery, carpets and jewellery. One can also buy some religious items, such as idols, books, CDs, rosaries and incense.  
• Festivals: Festivals are another activity that one can do in Chitrakoot to witness the cultural and spiritual aspects of the town. Chitrakoot celebrates many festivals throughout the year, such as Ram Navami, Diwali, Makar Sankranti, Holi and Shivratri. These festivals are marked by special rituals, prayers, processions, fairs and performances. One of the most famous festivals in Chitrakoot is the Deep Daan festival, which is held on the full moon night of Kartik month. On this occasion, thousands of earthen lamps are floated on the Mandakini river, creating a magical spectacle of light and devotion. 

 Hindu Temples in Chitrakoot 

• As mentioned earlier, Chitrakoot is a city of temples, where one can find many ancient and modern shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. Some of the most famous and revered temples in Chitrakoot are: 
• Mankameshwar Temple: This is one of the oldest and most important temples in Chitrakoot, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the base of Kamadgiri hill and is said to have been established by Lord Rama himself. The temple has a black stone lingam, which is the symbol of Shiva, and is decorated with flowers and offerings. The temple is also known for its musical bells, which produce a melodious sound when rung. The temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. 
• Lakshmi Narayan Temple: This is another temple located on Kamadgiri hill, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. The temple is also known as the Rang Mahal temple, as it has colorful paintings and sculptures depicting the scenes from the Ramayana and the life of Lord Rama. The temple has a marble idol of Vishnu and Lakshmi, which is adorned with jewels and clothes. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm. 
• Hanuman Temple: This is a temple located near Ramghat, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and the devotee of Lord Rama. The temple is also known as the Bade Hanuman temple, as it has a huge idol of Hanuman, which is about 20 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The idol is made of red stone and is believed to have miraculous powers. The temple is also a place of healing, as many people come here to seek the blessings of Hanuman for their ailments. The temple is open from 5 am to 10 pm. 
• Sita Temple: This is a temple located near Sphatik Shila, dedicated to Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. The temple is also known as the Janki Kund temple, as it has a natural spring, where Sita is said to have bathed and where Rama and Sita appeared before Tulsidas. The temple has a white marble idol of Sita, which is worshipped by the devotees. The temple is also a place of beauty and serenity, as it is surrounded by forests and hills. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm. 

 How to Travel Within Chitrakoot 

• Chitrakoot is a small town and most of the places of interest are located within a radius of 10 km. The best way to travel within Chitrakoot is by hiring a taxi, an auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw. These are easily available and affordable modes of transport, which can take one to any destination in Chitrakoot. The average fare for a taxi is Rs. 10 per km, for an auto rickshaw is Rs. 5 per km and for a cycle rickshaw is Rs. 2 per km. 
• Another way to travel within Chitrakoot is by renting a car, a bike or a bicycle. These are also available and convenient modes of transport, which can give one the freedom and flexibility to explore Chitrakoot at one’s own pace. The average rent for a car is Rs. 1500 per day, for a bike is Rs. 500 per day and for a bicycle is Rs. 100 per day. 

 Tips for Travelling Chitrakoot 

    Here are some tips for travelling Chitrakoot: 

• Plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation and transport in advance, especially during the peak season and the festival season, when Chitrakoot is crowded and expensive. 
• Carry enough cash and change, as there are not many ATMs and card machines in Chitrakoot. Also, carry some ID proof and photocopies of your documents, as you may need them for entering the fort and the temples. 
• Dress modestly and respectfully, as Chitrakoot is a religious and conservative place. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops and revealing clothes. Also, cover your head and remove your shoes before entering the temples. 
• Respect the local culture and customs, as Chitrakoot is a place of faith and devotion. Do not litter, spit, smoke, drink or eat non-vegetarian food in the public places. Do not disturb the pilgrims and the sadhus. Do not take photographs of the idols and the rituals without permission. 
• Be careful of the monkeys, as Chitrakoot is full of them. Do not feed them, tease them or provoke them. Do not carry any food items or shiny objects in your hands or pockets. Do not leave your belongings unattended.