Varanasi to Chitrakoot Cab & Tempo Traveller Service
All Routes
Distance
280 km
Travel Time
6 to 7 hours
Route
NH-19 via Prayagraj and Karwi
280 km via Prayagraj. Where Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent 11 of their 14 exile years. Kamadgiri parikrama, Sphatik Shila, Hanuman Dhara. Sacred Ramayana site.
Chitrakoot — straddling the Uttar Pradesh / Madhya Pradesh border — is where Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman spent eleven of their fourteen exile years. The 280 km journey from Varanasi takes about 6–7 hours via Prayagraj and Karwi. Chitrakoot is dotted with sacred sites: Kamadgiri (a 5-km circumambulation on the holy hill — possible by car), Sphatik Shila where Rama is said to have rested, the Gupt Godavari caves where the rivers flow underground, Hanuman Dhara on a high cliff, Sati Anasuya Ashram, and Ramghat on the Mandakini for boat rides. The 2-night Chitrakoot extension is one of the most spiritually rich segments of any Ramayana Circuit.
Trip Highlights
- Kamadgiri parikrama (5 km — doable by car)
- Sphatik Shila — Rama's resting place
- Gupt Godavari underground caves
- Hanuman Dhara cliff temple
- Sati Anasuya Ashram
- Ramghat boat ride on Mandakini
Stops Along the Way
- 1
Prayagraj
Halfway point. Optional 1-hour Sangam stop for a tarpan or boat ride.
- 2
Karwi
Last major town before Chitrakoot. Refresh and fuel stop.
- 3
Chitrakoot
Multiple temples spread across 8–10 km. At least a full day needed for the parikrama.
Fares by Vehicle
| Vehicle | Capacity | One-Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Dzire (4-seater) | 1–4 pax | ₹6,800 | ₹12,500 |
| Innova Crysta (6-seater) | 1–6 pax | ₹8,500 | ₹15,500 |
| Tempo Traveller 12-seater | 6–12 pax | ₹9,800 | ₹18,500 |
| Tempo Traveller 17-seater | 12–17 pax | ₹11,800 | ₹22,500 |
| Maharaja Urbania (luxury) | 1–9 pax | ₹15,500 | ₹28,500 |
* Fares exclude driver allowance, tolls, parking, and 5% GST. Round-trip rates assume single-day return.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Chitrakoot from Varanasi?
280 km via NH-19 through Prayagraj and Karwi. Travel time is 6–7 hours including stops. The route is well-maintained four-lane highway for the first 200 km, two-lane for the last 80 km.
Is Chitrakoot in UP or Madhya Pradesh?
Both. The town is split — Chitrakoot Dham in UP, and Karwi-area Chitrakoot in MP. Most temples (Kamadgiri, Sphatik Shila, Ramghat) are within walking distance across the border. The cab does not need any inter-state permit.
Can the Kamadgiri parikrama be done in a car?
Yes — the full 5 km parikrama road circles the hill. Most pilgrims do it on foot (90 minutes) or by car (15 minutes). Elderly pilgrims and groups with children take the car option. Walking allows multiple temple stops along the way.
What is the best time to visit Chitrakoot?
October to March (cool weather). Diwali and Ram Navami (April) are the most spiritually significant — but very crowded. Avoid May–June (40°C+) and the monsoon (heavy rain on hill paths).
Are there hotels in Chitrakoot?
Yes — budget dharamshalas (₹500–₹1,500/night) are abundant. Mid-range hotels (₹2,500–₹4,500/night) are limited but available near Ramghat. We can pre-book based on your sect, family size, and budget.
Can I combine Chitrakoot with Ayodhya or Khajuraho?
Yes — Chitrakoot → Khajuraho is 175 km (4 hrs) and Chitrakoot → Ayodhya via Prayagraj is 380 km. Both combinations are popular multi-day pilgrim circuits. Pricing on request.
Multi-Day Tour Packages on This Route
Starting From
₹6,800 one-way
excl. driver allowance, tolls, GST
Free quote · No booking fees · 24×7 support
Why Book With Us
- Since 1993 — 33 years on this route
- Drivers know every shortcut
- Fixed rates — no surge pricing
- Free flight tracking + waiting
- 24×7 emergency support