Chitrakoot is a peaceful town on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. With deep association to the Ramayana, the place has become an important religious destination for pilgrims, particularly those interested in the Ramayana. If you’re keen on visiting Chitrakoot and looking for a suitable Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary, you’re at the right place. This blog will help you plan a 2-day Chitrakoot sightseeing plan with guidance on which temples to visit, which ghats to go to, and what to see.
Best Places To Visit In Chitrakoot
1. Kamadgiri Hill & Bharat Milap Temple
Kamadgiri is considered the divine, living embodiment of Chitrakoot. It is the site where the ‘Bharat Milap’, the divine union of Rama and Bharat allegedly happened. The site has the famous Bharat Milap Temple. Pilgrims pay their respects by walking the 5-kilometer paved Parikrama path around the forested hill.
2. Gupt Godavari Natural Caves
The Gupt Godavari caves are a pair of natural limestone caves that are home to a secret stream, hence the name. According to legends, the river Godavari secretly flowed here from Maharashtra to pay tribute to Rama. While this is a mythical story, many pilgrims believe this story and visit the caves to experience the ‘Godavari’s’ flow.
3. Sphatik Shila
Sphatik Shila is a large quartz boulder on the banks of the Mandakini River that flows through Chitrakoot. The boulder is said to have spiritual significance as it is believed to have the footprints of Rama and Sita.
4. Janki Kund
Janki Kund is a small, sacred pool of worship located on the banks of the Mandakini. The name ‘Janki’ is one of the names of Sita and holds close association with her. It is believed that she bathed here during her days of exile. The kund is located in a peaceful, forested area and is in close proximity to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple and Shree Raghuvir Temple, two of the famous Chitrakoot temples.
5. Ramghat
Ramghat is the busy riverbank on the Mandakini River. It is here that Rama is believed to have bathed during his years of exile. The place is particularly known for its peaceful environment and the daily evening aarti. Pilgrims doing Chitrakoot sightseeing must definitely visit Ramghat to experience the spiritual, calming side of the place.
6. Hanuman Dhara
The Hanuman Dhara is a hilltop temple featuring a small, natural spring flowing over the idol of Hanuman. The temple hilltop is accessible via stairs or an aerial ropeway.
7. Sati Anusuya Ashram & Forest Reserve
The Sati Anusuya Ashram and Forest Reserve is tucked inside thick forests 16 km away from the main Chitrakoot town. This is where Maharishi Atri and Sati Anusuya are said to have lived. It marks the very starting point of the Mandakini River and offers lush forest walks that are unmissable for devotees and pilgrims who love trekking.
8. Kalinjar Fort
Kalinjar Fort is a Chandela-era hill fort. The majestic fort stands on the Vindhya range and is known for its rock-cut Neelkanth Shiva temple. History aficionados and lovers of ancient architecture will particularly enjoy this fort, so you must add it in your Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary.
Chitrakoot 2-Day Itinerary: How To Plan?
Day 1
Ramghat – Janki Kund – Sphatik Shila – Hanuman Dhara
Start Chitrakoot sightseeing early by visiting Ramghat. The morning ambiance at Ramghat is genuinely peaceful and ideal for strolling, people-watching, and exploring the ghat.
Visit a local eatery to enjoy a delicious morning breakfast and a cup of chai. Mornings in Chitrakoot can be slower and calmer, so it is recommended to enjoy it to the fullest.
From here, you can take a rickshaw to reach Janki Kund, explore the place, and then head to Sphatik Shila. Both the sites are in close proximity to each other.
You can stop by for a wholesome lunch and then take some rest, especially if afternoons are hot. After a little rest, you can head to Hanuman Dhara, which is located about 6.7 km away. After a spiritually rewarding experience and stunning views at Hanuman Dhara, you can end the day at Ramghat to attend the evening aarti.
Also Read: Where To Stay In Chitrakoot? Best Areas Near Ramghat, Kamadgiri & The Main Temples
Day 2
Kamadgiri Hill & Bharat Milap Temple – Gupt Godavari Caves – Sati Anasuya Ashram – Kalinjar Fort (optional)
Day 2 can be kept for places that are further away from Chitrakoot. On Day 2 of your Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary, you can begin your day at Kamadgiri Hill. Explore the hill and the Bharat Milap temple and head to Gupt Godavari caves. The caves can be visited after a hearty breakfast.
After exploring the caves, one can head to Sati Anasuya Ashram, which is a little further away from the main town. If time permits and you’re interested in history, you can visit Kalinjar Fort. It is about a 3-hour drive from the main town and can be an optional day trip.
You can then end your day by exploring the local market or local street food and experiencing the evening aarti at Ramghat.
Is A Chitrakoot 2-Day Itinerary Possible?
Yes, a Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary is possible. Chitrakoot is a small, peaceful town sitting on the banks. Most of the Chitrakoot temples and other sites of interest are located in close proximity, mostly located within a 3- to 5-kilometer radius.
Additionally, you can easily find rickshaws to navigate around the town. You can explore most of the sites within two days, and still have adequate time to rest and refresh.
Also Read: What Is Chitrakoot Famous For? Ram’s Exile, Temples, Ghats & Places To See
Author’s Note
Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary is perfect for family travelers and pilgrims visiting the town for the first time. With a few Chitrakoot temples, a complex of natural caves, and a few other sites of interest, Chitrakoot is easily explorable within a couple of days. From here, I’d suggest heading to Ayodhya for an additional 2 to 3 days of sightseeing. Read more about it in our Chitrakoot to Ayodhya trip guide.
Summing Up
Is it possible to cover a Chitrakoot 2-day itinerary? Yes, totally! The small, peaceful town allows you to comfortably explore most of the temples, ghats, and other sites of interest within 2 days. While you can extend your stay here, you can also head to Ayodhya to explore major temples like the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and Hanuman Garhi.
