Kamadgiri Hill is one of the most revered places in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Pilgrims to this religious site often perform a circumambulation to receive blessings. Situated in the southern part of the state, it is the holiest place in Chitrakoot Dham. Like most of the religious places in India, it is associated with several mythological legends. It is a Sanskrit word which means "one that fulfills all desires". There is a pilgrimage path enveloping this hill, whose distance is about 5 km approx. Devotees believe that all the teerthas, or, holy places, lie along the religious route. The principal deity of Chitrakoot is Lord Kamtanath. There are many temples dedicated to Lord Kamtanath apart from the main temple.
Several mythological legends revolve around this temple. According to one of them, the Kamadgiri Mountain is accorded the highest importance because it was here that Lord Brahma performed the first yagna before the creation of life (shristi). According to various mythological sources, this was the place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita spend twelve years of their exile. Tourists who have visited this popular tourist destination in Uttar Pradesh say that it exudes a spiritual aura. A large part of this can also be attributed to the amazing landscape of this place, which is characterized by dense forests and vegetation.
Devotees visiting Kamadgiri, which is counted among the popular tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh, often walk barefoot around this hill. Doing so is believed to bring about good luck and wash away one’s sins. According to historical sources, the passage which is used for circumambulation was constructed by Bundelkhand kings. Performing the parikrama takes devotees around three to four hours. Apart from the religious significance which this place holds, it is also famous for its serenity and ambiance. If you want to spend a day in complete peace and meditation, then you should visit this religious destination in Chitrakoot.
Popular Tourist Attractions Nearby
The district of Chitrakoot, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is home to various attractions which offer numerous options for sightseeing and exploration. Here are some of the places which you can visit.
- Ganesh Bagh
- Bharat Koop
- Ram Darshan
- Sati Anusuya Ashram
- Gupt Godavari
- Sphatik Shila
- Hanuman Dhara
- Ram Ghat
- Janki Kund
- Bharat Milap Temple
Best Time to Visit
The district of Chitrakoot in located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. During the summers, this place is famous for extremely hot summers, with temperatures often rising to 47°C. It can be unbearably hot during the daytime, while the evenings are relatively cooler. If you can cope with the heat, then you can visit it during this season. The best time to visit it however, is winters. The weather is cool and pleasant and the conditions are just right for having a great time.
How to Reach?
The district of Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh is located in close proximity to cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Ayodhya and Vindhyachal. Even though it does not have its own airport, it is connected to the rest of India by air and road. Here is the best way of reaching it.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Chitrakoot is Chitrakoot Dham Karwi. It is located at a distance of almost 22 km. You can easily hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach Chitrakoot, with the drive taking you not more than 40 minutes approx.
By Air
Chitrakoot does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Bamrauli Airport in the city of Prayagraj (Allahabad). It is located at a distance of about 108 km. After landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi or any private vehicle to reach this place. The entire driving time should take you about 2 hours 40 minutes approx.
By Road
Some of the cities which are located close to Chitrakoot are Prayagraj (Allahabad) (115 km), Varanasi (246 km), Ayodhya (270 km) and Vindhyachal (171 km). You can reach this place from these places via NH 35.