Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot spreads across a state border in low forested hills, and the Ramayana places much of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana's forest exile here. Ramghat on the Mandakini river is the centre, with boats, evening lamps and bathing steps. Kamadgiri, a low wooded hill held to be Rama himself in form, is circled on a five-kilometre barefoot circuit lined with shrines and monkeys. Other sites include Sphatik Shila, a rock by the river, Hanuman Dhara on a cliff, and Gupt Godavari, a cave through which a stream runs and which is waded in the half dark.

Highlights

• Ramghat - the river steps with boats and evening lamp offerings.
• The Kamadgiri circuit - a five-kilometre barefoot walk around the sacred hill.
• Gupt Godavari - a cave waded through with a stream running along the floor.
• Hanuman Dhara - a clifftop shrine reached by a long stair.

When to go

October to March; Diwali and Ram Navami bring the largest crowds, and the amavasya new moon days draw pilgrims monthly. Summer on this plateau is very hot.

Good to know

The Kamadgiri circuit is done barefoot on rough ground and monkeys along it are aggressive. Facilities are basic and mostly pilgrim-oriented. Sites are spread and need transport between them.

Nearby

Prayagraj lies northeast; Khajuraho is southwest.