Chitrakoot bears the burden of its heritage lightly, like a great sage unimpressed by his own wisdom. In fact, there/’s a pleasant informality about its affairs. The Mandakini moves with the serenity of a buxom housewife ambling across Chitrakoot. It is also the boundary between two of the largest states of our land: bustling, teeming, Uttar Pradesh and the heart-of-India domain, Madhya Pradesh. The mountain ranges of the Vindhya surround the area. Mixed forests spread in all directions. Despite the ingress of modernity, Chitrakoot and its environs have remained tranquil reminding the visitor of its hallowed past.

Chitrakoot covers a vast area comprising five villages: Sitapur, Karvi, Nayagaon, Kamta and Khohi. Legend has it that Lord Rama spent many years of his exile in the forests of Chitrakoot. Consequently Chitrakoot is full of shrines, legends and customs associated with the great and revered epic Ramayana. The main pilgrim centre, of course, is Ram Ghat, located on the bank of the river Mandakini.

Rising above Ram Ghat are such ancient temples as the Param Kutir, the Bharat Mandir and the Yagya Vedi. The first two are associated with the Ramayana; the third is believed to date back to the very origins of the universe.

Most of the spots of tourist importance are along the river Mandakini and the road running parallel to it, except Gupt Godavari (19 km), Deva Ganga and Hanuman Dhara (3 km). The other places of interest are Janaki Kund (2 km), Sphatik Shila (5 km), and Sati Anasuya (16 km).

The region around Chitrakoot is also dotted with places of historical and religious importance, besides some excellent picnic spots. A good place to begin your journey is the famous Kalinjara Fort and Neelkanth Temple, located around 50 km south-west of Chitrakoot. The fort stands on the last spur of the Vindhya hills overlooking the Gangetic plains at a height of 275 metres above the plains. Nearby is the Neelkanth Temple which has exquisitely carved panels. Perhaps the most ancient sites in Bundelkhand, these two structures combine the sanctity of hilltops with natural defensive strengths. Maihar is a famous centre of Indian classical music while the Chachai, Keoti, and Bahuti falls are excellent picnic spots on the banks of the river Bihad.