Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
Chitrakoot, located in the Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a place of religious, cultural, historical, and archaeological importance. Connected to the Indian epic Ramayana, it is a pilgrimage center that attracts devotees throughout the year. The city lies in the historical Chitrakoot region, which is divided between the present-day Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
How to Reach
Chitrakoot is well-connected by air, train, and road. The nearest airports are Allahabad (135 kms), Khajuraho (175 kms), and Varanasi (275 kms), with daily flight services to Delhi. Karvi is the nearest railway station, 8km away from Chitrakoot. State-owned buses are available from Allahabad, Banda, Kanpur, Satna, and Jhansi to reach Chitrakoot.
Get Around
The town is small and can be easily navigated on foot or by local transport. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are readily available for local transportation.
Things to Do
Chitrakoot is home to several temples, each with its unique history and significance. Some of the must-visit temples include the Kamadgiri Temple, Sati Anusuya Temple, and Hanuman Dhara Temple. These temples are not just places of worship but also offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Gupt Godavari Caves are a pair of caves with a very tiny entrance through which one can barely pass. Inside, there’s a stream of water flowing, adding to the mystical charm of the place.
Ramghat is a serene ghat lining the Mandakini River. It is believed that Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman appeared in front of the famous poet Tulsidas here. You can sit by the riverside, soak in the tranquility, or participate in the evening aarti.
Offbeat Places
For those looking for something different, Chitrakoot offers several offbeat attractions. These include Bharat Koop, Lakshman Pahadi, Gupt Godavari Caves, and Janki Kund.
Do
Visitors can participate in the various religious ceremonies that take place in the temples, explore the local markets, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Fairs and Festivals
Chitrakoot hosts several festivals throughout the year. Some of the significant festivals include Diwali, Dussehra, National Ramayana Fair, Navratri Celebration, and Ram Navami.
Shopping Malls
While Chitrakoot may not have large shopping malls, it does have local markets and stores such as Gupta Kirana Store and Priyanka Shopping Centre where visitors can purchase a variety of goods.
Food
Chitrakoot offers a variety of local cuisines. Visitors can try the local food at various restaurants and food stalls in the city.
Stay
There are several hotels and guest houses in Chitrakoot offering comfortable accommodations. Some of the popular ones include Ram Kripa Inn and SPOT ON Kavi Kesharwani.
Go Next
After visiting Chitrakoot, tourists have the option to visit Allahabad, Varanasi, Khajuraho temples, Bandhavgarh, Panna national park, etc. These destinations offer a mix of wildlife tourism, heritage tourism, and pilgrimage.