Chitrakoot is a town in Satna district of Madhya Pradesh, India. This place is also known as Hill of many wonders. In India this is one of the oldest pilgrimage centres which are located on the banks of Mandakini River. It is believed that Lord Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu were born in this place. During 14 years of exile period of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana have stayed in this place for more than 11 years. This place is famous for several religious places.
What to see in Chitrakoot:
Ram Ghat: It is a long stretch of steps made on the banks of River Mandakini. Holy men meditated here. They will dress in saffron cloths. It is believed that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana resided here during their exile.
Hanuman Dhara: According to the legends, Hanuman stood under the water flowing out of the rock at this place to calm down himself from angry after destroying Lanka with fire with his tail.
Gupt Godavari: Godavari streams goes from one cave to another and disappears. Inside the cave one can find two thrones like rock structures.
Bharat Milap Mandir: This is the place where Bharat came to meet Lord Rama to request him to come back to Palace and take over his seat as king of Ayodhya. Army of Bharat camped at this place. Bharat feet and impressions of Lord Rama can be seen here.
Sphatik Shila: In this place footprints of Lord Rama can seen. Janaki kund is located few kilometres away from this place. In this place Sita was bitten by Jayant.
Param Kutir: This was constructed by Lakshmana with Bamboo and other forest material for lord Rama and Sita.
Janaki Kund: This was the bath place of Lord Rama and Sita. Foot prints near this kund believed to be footprints of Sita.
Chitrakoot waterfalls: This is another attraction of this place.
What to see around Chitrakoot:
Kamadgiri Temple: It is believed that, before creating universe Lord Brahma performed Yagna in this place with 108 fire pits. Several caves can be seen here. It is located 7kms away from the town.
Sati Anasuya Ashramam: It is 16kms away from the town. According to Hindu Mythology, this was the residence place of Atri Maha Muni and his wife and children.
Ganesh Bagh: It is located 11kms away from the city. This garden was built by Peshwa King, Vinayak Rao. Lord Shiva temple is also located here. This temple looks like temples of Khajuraho.
Rama Shaiyya: It is located 5kms away from the town. It is believed that Lord Rama and Sita used to sleep on the huge rock located here during their exile. Mark of bow and mattresses can be seen here.
Getting to Chitrakoot: Chitrakoot is well connected with road and railways. From Allahabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Agra, Pune etc buses and trains come to this place. Nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport which is situated in Allahabad. This airport is well connected with Lucknow, Kolkata and Delhi.
Getting around Chitrakoot: Private vehicles, buses, taxis and autos are available to visit the surrounding places of Chitrakoot.
Best time to visit Chitrakoot: Best time to visit this place is between July to March.
Where to stay in Chitrakoot: plenty of Budget and midrange hotels are available to stay in Chitrakoot. Tourist bungalows, Dharmasalas, Lodges, Guest houses are also available to stay in Chitrakoot.
Where to eat in Chitrakoot: As this is the religious place non vegetarian cannot be seen here. Only vegetarian food is available. Food stall near Ram Ghat will provide North Indian cuisines.