Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot is a pilgrimage and a popular tourist destination located in the Bundelkhand region of northern Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, India. It is renowned for its mythological significance, deeply associated with the epic Ramayana. Legend has it that Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana spent fourteen years of their exile in the forests of Chitrakoot. This sacred place is believed to be where Bharata met Rama to persuade him to return to Ayodhya.

The district of Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River. Key attractions include Ramghat, a series of ghats where pilgrims take holy dips and witness the evening Ganga Aarti. Nearby is Kamadgiri, a hill considered the heart of Chitrakoot, which devotees circumambulate (Parikrama) as a religious ritual. Other significant sites include Hanuman Dhara, a waterfall cascading on a statue of Lord Hanuman, and Gupt Godavari, a cave with two pools of clear water.

The Uttar Pradesh part of Chitrakoot, though sharing the same name and mythology, is a separate administrative district. It also hosts important religious spots, often visited in conjunction with the Madhya Pradesh sites. The natural beauty of Chitrakoot, with its hills, forests, and the serene Mandakini River, complements its spiritual aura, drawing countless devotees and tourists seeking peace and cultural immersion. The area is easily accessible by road and rail, with the nearest railway station being Chitrakoot Dham Karwi.