Kamadgiri Parikrama
A 5 km walk around the sacred Kamadgiri hill, dotted with small temples. Many pilgrims walk barefoot.
Local tip: Start early, carry water.
Chitrakoot is where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman are believed to have spent part of their exile. Kamadgiri parikrama, Ramghat and Sphatik Shila are the main places.
At a glance
| Place | Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Known as | Lord Ram's vanvas |
| Best time | October to March. Somvati Amavasya and Deepdan Mela are busy. |
| Time needed | 1 to 2 days |
| Nearest railway | Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi) |
| Nearest airport | Prayagraj or Khajuraho |
Panchang at Chitrakoot today
- Date13 November 2026
- TithiShukla Chaturthi
- NakshatraMula
- Sunrise / Sunset06:22 AM / 05:20 PM
- Rahu Kaal10:29 AM – 11:51 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat11:29 AM – 12:13 PM
Chitrakoot yatra: what to know before you plan
Chitrakoot is where Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent eleven of their fourteen years in exile. The town lies on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the Mandakini river. The main rituals are the 5 km parikrama of Kamadgiri hill and an evening aarti on the Ramghat.
It is a small, calm and green place, ideal for a slow family yatra of two days.
Route and layout at a glance
The sights are spread over a few kilometres. Kamadgiri and Ramghat are in the town, Hanuman Dhara and Sphatik Shila are a short drive away, and Gupt Godavari is about 18 km from the town.
Plan your Chitrakoot trip by days
How many days do you have? Pick one and the plan changes.
1 day in Chitrakoot
A short stop from Prayagraj or Satna.
Day 1
- Morning. Kamadgiri and Ramghat.
- Afternoon. Hanuman Dhara and Sphatik Shila.
- Evening. Mandakini aarti.
2 days in Chitrakoot
The best plan.
Day 1
- Daily. Kamadgiri parikrama and Ramghat.
Day 2
- Daily. Hanuman Dhara, Sphatik Shila and Gupt Godavari.
3 days: with Prayagraj
The Ram trail.
Daily
- Daily. Chitrakoot and Prayagraj.
5 days: Ram trail
Ayodhya to Chitrakoot.
Daily
- Daily. Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot.
1 week: Ramayana circuit
A longer route.
Daily
- Daily. Add Varanasi and Bhopal region.
Darshan guide: what to see and why
Kamadgiri ParikramaRamghat and the Mandakini aartiHanuman DharaSphatik Shila and Janaki KundGupt Godavari
Ramghat and the Mandakini aarti
The main ghat on the Mandakini river where Ram is said to have bathed. A lovely evening aarti with lamps and boats.
Local tip: Go at sunset.
Hanuman Dhara
A hilltop temple of Hanuman reached by about 360 steps, with a spring of cool water.
Local tip: A ropeway is available in some seasons. Check at the site.
Sphatik Shila and Janaki Kund
A rock on the river bank where Ram and Sita are said to have rested, and a calm bathing spot.
Local tip: A short visit.
Gupt Godavari
A pair of caves with a stream of water inside, about 18 km from town.
Local tip: Wear shoes that can get wet.
Best time to go, season by season
| October to March | Pleasant. |
|---|---|
| Amavasya and Deepdan | Large fairs. |
| Monsoon | Green and lovely. |
| Summer | Hot. |
How to reach and get around
- By rail: Chitrakoot Dham Karwi, about 8 km.
- By air: Prayagraj, about 130 km, or Khajuraho.
- By road: From Prayagraj and Satna.
Where to stay
Hotels and dharamshalas near Ramghat.
What to eat
Simple vegetarian meals.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Doing the parikrama in the afternoon heat.
- Not carrying water.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly and remove footwear.
Day trips from Chitrakoot
- Prayagraj: About 130 km.
- Khajuraho: About 180 km.
- Panna: About 100 km.
Festivals and special days
- Somvati Amavasya
- Deepdan Mela (Diwali)
- Ram Navami
Check the dates for this year on our festival calendar, and choose a shubh time using the muhurat pages.
Darshan timings, booking rules and road conditions change, so confirm them with the temple trust or local authority before you travel.
Questions people ask
How many days do I need for Chitrakoot?
Two days.
How long is the Kamadgiri parikrama?
About 5 km, one to two hours on foot.
Is Chitrakoot in UP or MP?
The town lies on the border and has sacred sites in both states.
What is the best time to visit Chitrakoot?
October to March. Somvati Amavasya and Deepdan Mela are busy.
How many days are needed for Chitrakoot?
Plan 1 to 2 days.
How do I reach Chitrakoot?
The nearest railway station is Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi). The nearest airport is Prayagraj or Khajuraho. Check current road and train timings before you travel.
What are the main festivals at Chitrakoot?
Somvati Amavasya; Deepdan Mela (Diwali); Ram Navami.
What is today's tithi and Rahu Kaal at Chitrakoot?
On 13 November 2026, the tithi is Shukla Chaturthi and Rahu Kaal is 10:29 AM to 11:51 AM, worked out for Chitrakoot's own sunrise.
Photo credits
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