Antra’s group trip to Chitrakoot: Beyond the Sacred Place

Hello, my travel wanderers, Antra is on this side.

I want to share my experience of visiting Chitrakoot. I had long been eager to explore Chitrakoot due to its religious significance and rich cultural heritage. Finally, the day arrived for me to make this much-awaited trip with a group of friends.

Our train adventure to Chitrakoot

Our journey began with a train ride from Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station at 8 p.m. I was with my five cousins. Also, the train journey was enjoyable, and the ticket cost 1000 INR per person (for the 3rd AC coach). Moreover, the train was on time, and we reached Chitrakoot Dham at 6 a.m. without any delay.

Checking into a Premium Resort in Chitrakoot

After arriving, we booked two rooms at MPT Mandakini Resort for 3200 INR per night. Also, we checked in, refreshed, had breakfast, and then headed to our first destination.

Day 1: Our Adventure Begins with an Exploration of the Sacred in Chitrakoot

At Ramghat, we immersed ourselves in the serene atmosphere and took a dip in the holy Mandakini River, savouring delicious street food like kachoris and jalebis.

Later, we visited Kamadgiri, a highly revered site, where we completed the 5-kilometre parikrama (circumambulation) of the hill. Also, the path, surrounded by lush greenery and temples, enhanced the spiritual ambience of the experience.

Pro tip: Take a Rickshaw from Ramghat to Kamadgiri.

Day 2: Mystical Caves and Historical Temples

We visited the Gupt Godavari Caves, which hold great significance in Hindu mythology, and found the narrow caves and the water stream inside to be a thrilling experience. Also, outside the caves, we enjoyed local street food like pakoras and chai.

Our next stop was the Bharat Milap Temple, where Bharat is believed to have met Lord Rama during his exile. Also, its architecture and peaceful surroundings left a lasting impression.

We concluded our tour at Sphatik Shila, known for its crystal-clear rock, where Lord Rama and Sita are said to have rested, and were captivated by the calm and picturesque environment.

Pro tip: We travelled from Gupt Godavari Caves to Bharat Milap Temple by rickshaw. From Bharat Milap Temple to Sphatik Shila, we took an auto.

On day 3, we checked out and returned on the same train we had travelled on before. So, visiting Chitrakoot was a deeply spiritual and enriching experience. Also, the sacred places, the serene environment, and the historical significance of each location left us all mesmerised. Moreover, the local cuisine added to the overall enjoyment of the trip.

Tips for travellers

Best Season to Visit Chitrakoot: October to March. Also, pleasant weather is during the winters and hot in the summers.
Essential packing for Chitrakoot: comfortable walking shoes, light cotton clothes, sunscreen, hats, and personal medication. Also, always carry some cash, as ATMs may not be easily accessible in remote areas. Moreover, stay hydrated and carry water bottles and snacks.

Pro tip: Further, respect the local customs and traditions.

Must know: For a group of six people, the budget was as follows: Train tickets cost 6,000 INR each way, totaling 12,000 INR for the round trip. Also, the hotel stay for two nights amounted to 6,400 INR. Moreover, local transportation expenses were 2,000 INR, while food costs were 4,000 INR. Likewise, the miscellaneous expenses added up to 2,000 INR. So, the total estimated budget was 30,000 INR.Looking for travel inspiration? Check out incredible stories from fellow adventurers at https://sowl.in/stories. Get ready for your next adventure!!!