Planning a trip to Ayodhya and contemplating whether visiting Chitrakoot would be worth it? Both destinations are deeply connected to the Ramayana yet offer different experiences. Chitrakoot is quieter and Ayodhya is a major temple town. If you’re planning a Chitrakoot to Ayodhya trip, here is all that you need to know about the distance between them, travel time, and places to visit in Chitrakoot and Ayodhya.
How Much Is The Chitrakoot To Ayodhya Distance?
The Chitrakoot to Ayodhya distance is approximately 250 to 270 km by road. The actual travel time depends on your starting point in Chitrakoot, travel conditions, weather, and traffic conditions. Generally, it takes about five to seven hours on a one-way Chitrakoot to Ayodhya travel by road.
Chitrakoot is located in the Vindhya region on the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border, while Ayodhya lies farther northeast in Uttar Pradesh. This means that traveling from Chitrakoot to Ayodhya can take half a day of travel, leaving little to no room for a comfortable day of sightseeing.
Chitrakoot To Ayodhya Route By Road
The most convenient way to cover the Chitrakoot to Ayodhya route is by road. The journey takes one through small villages, towns, and cities in the eastern Uttar Pradesh region before reaching Ayodhya.
Traveling by car, preferably a private vehicle, is recommended as it allows more flexibility and convenience. This is especially significant if you’re doing a Chitrakoot pilgrimage trip and traveling with older people.
While there are cabs available both from Chitrakoot and Ayodhya, it can be an expensive affair. Cab providers may charge a surplus on top of the base fare during off-season or even during peak tourist season. Generally, a one-way Chitrakoot to Ayodhya cab can cost between INR 3,500 to INR 5,500 as per online sources. A return journey can cost upwards of INR 7,000 to INR 10,000!
For budget-conscious travelers, buses can also be considered, although journey times and connections can vary and it can be hectic and inconvenient.
Also Read: Places To Visit Near Ayodhya: Best Day Trips & Weekend Getaways
Chitrakoot To Ayodhya By Train
Train travel is more than often the fastest and the most economical option for travelers. However, depending on your travel date, railway connections may involve a change and can take considerably longer than travelling by road.
When planning Chitrakoot to Ayodhya by train, check the latest schedules and connections for your exact date.
There are two major railway stations to get from Chitrakoot to Ayodhya:
- Chitrakoot Dham
- Manikpur (24 km from Chitrakoot)
One can get a few trains like the Amrit Bharat and Jabalpur Ayodhya Special from Manikpur, whereas the Tulsi Express from Chitrakoot Dham railway station. These trains can take anywhere between 7 to 10 hours to reach Ayodhya but are an affordable option for family- and budget-conscious travelers.
Which Places To Visit In Chitrakoot?
Ramghat: It is one of the most important places to visit in Chitrakoot. Situated along the Mandakini River, Ramghat is closely associated with Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
Kamadgiri: When visiting Chitrakoot, one must visit Kamadgiri. This sacred hill is believed to represent Lord Rama and is surrounded by a popular parikrama route. The approximately 5-km circumambulation is one of the defining experiences of a Chitrakoot pilgrimage.
Other sites of interest for pilgrims include the Hanuman Dhara temple, Gupt Godavari cave complex, Sati Anasuya Temple, and the Janaki Kund, related to Sita.
Which Places To Visit In Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is comparatively more bustling and popular than Chitrakoot. The temple town is home to the newly inaugurated Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, attracting more pilgrims than ever before.
Because the temple complex can attract substantial crowds, plan your visit with time for security checks and queues.
Hanuman Garhi: It is an important temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is traditionally visited by pilgrims before or after visiting other important religious sites.
Kanak Bhawan: This old building is known for its ornate architecture and is known for its association with Rama and Sita.
Nageshwarnath Temple: This temple situated near the Ram Ki Paidi area, is another significant temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Ram Ki Paidi: This is a series of ghats along the Sarayu River. Watching the evening aarti here is one of the most memorable experiences of an Ayodhya pilgrimage trip.
Read in detail about 1-day, 2-day, and weekend itineraries in our Ayodhya itinerary blog.
How Many Days Do You Need For A Chitrakoot And Ayodhya Trip?
A minimum of three days is required for a combined Chitrakoot to Ayodhya trip, while four to five days is more than enough.
A three-day Chitrakoot Ayodhya itinerary could look like this:
Day 1: Chitrakoot
Arrive in Chitrakoot and spend the day visiting Ramghat, Kamadgiri, Hanuman Dhara, and nearby temples and pilgrimage sites. End the day with evening rituals at Ramghat before retiring for the day.
Day 2: Chitrakoot To Ayodhya
You can visit any remaining Chitrakoot attractions early in the morning. Have breakfast and then you can depart for Ayodhya. Once you reach Ayodhya, most probably in the evening, you can stroll around at the ghats and call it a day.
Day 3: Ayodhya
Start your day early with Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. You can then visit Kanak Bhawan, Sita Rasoi, Nageshwarnath Temple, and other sites of interest before exploring the local street food of Ayodhya and its markets.
If you have four days, add an extra day in Ayodhya. This gives you more flexibility around temple queues and allows you to explore nearby temples and ghats.
Confused about what to see around the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya? Read our blog on what to see around Ram Mandir in Ayodhya!
Chitrakoot And Ayodhya: Which Should You Visit First?
For most travelers, starting in Chitrakoot and ending in Ayodhya is the more logical choice. The journey naturally moves from the quieter landscapes of Chitrakoot to the spiritually enlightening temple town of Ayodhya. Plus, Ayodhya has its own airport and a major railway station, so you can book your return journey to your home from Ayodhya rather than Chitrakoot.
Best Time For A Chitrakoot Ayodhya Trip
The cooler months from October to March are generally the most comfortable for exploring both destinations. Daytime temperatures are more pleasant for walking between temples, ghats and other attractions.
However, winter can also bring larger crowds due to peak tourist season. It is recommended to make your hotel and flight bookings in advance if traveling in this season.
The summer months can be extremely hot, making long walks and temple-hopping tiring. Monsoon brings greener landscapes to Chitrakoot, but rain can affect road travel and outdoor sightseeing.
Also Read: Ayodhya To Mumbai Amrit Bharat Train Launch: Check Full Route, Timings & Stops
Author’s Note
If you’re planning to cover both Chitrakoot and Ayodhya in one trip, I’d recommend starting your trip from Chitrakoot. You can begin your trip in Chitrakoot on a calmer note and then make way to Ayodhya. From Ayodhya, you can book your train or flight tickets back home. Overall, a Chitrakoot to Ayodhya trip can be a spiritually rewarding experience.
Summing Up
Can you cover Chitrakoot and Ayodhya in one trip? Absolutely. With a five- to seven-hour distance between the two cities, one can easily plan a 3-day Chitrakoot to Ayodhya itinerary. Chitrakoot provides the quieter landscape of the Ramayana, while Ayodhya brings its living traditions, temples and riverfront celebrations together.
