Ayodhya to Chitrakoot Distance by Road (2026): Route, Travel Time, Taxi Fare & 2-Day Tour Plan
Ayodhya to Chitrakoot is about 272 km by road (5.5–6.5 hrs) via Sultanpur and Prayagraj. Route, taxi fare, train & bus options, places and 2-day plan.
Last updated: 29 September 2026
Quick answer: The distance from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot by road is about 272 km (270–280 km depending on your start point), and the drive takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car. The most common route is Ayodhya → Sultanpur → Pratapgarh → Prayagraj bypass → Chitrakoot (NH-330 and NH-35). A private cab is the easiest option; direct trains are limited, so most train travellers change at Prayagraj. Plan at least 2 days to see Chitrakoot properly.
Chitrakoot is where, according to the Ramayana, Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman spent a large part of their 14-year vanvas. That is why many pilgrims visit Chitrakoot right after Ayodhya — it follows the Ram Van Gaman Path. This guide gives you the exact distance, the best route, travel time, fares, and a simple 2-day plan so you don't waste time on the road.
Ayodhya to Chitrakoot Distance at a Glance
| From → To | Distance by road (approx.) | Travel time by car |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya (Ram Mandir) → Chitrakoot (Ramghat) | 270–280 km | 5.5–6.5 hrs |
| Ayodhya → Prayagraj | about 165–170 km | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Prayagraj → Chitrakoot | about 120–130 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Chitrakoot → Varanasi | about 250–260 km (via Prayagraj) | 5–6 hrs |
| Lucknow → Chitrakoot | about 250–290 km (depending on route) | 5–6 hrs |
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt are all within about 10 km of each other, so the distance to Chitrakoot is almost the same from any of them. Actual kilometres can vary by 5–10 km depending on where you start in Ayodhya and where you stay in Chitrakoot.
Best Route: Ayodhya to Chitrakoot by Road
Route 1 (Recommended): Via Sultanpur – Pratapgarh – Prayagraj
- Ayodhya → Sultanpur (about 60 km) — good highway, few towns.
- Sultanpur → Pratapgarh (about 60 km) — mostly smooth; light traffic in town areas.
- Pratapgarh → Prayagraj bypass (about 45–50 km) — use the bypass to avoid city traffic.
- Prayagraj → Chitrakoot (about 120 km) — via NH-35 through Mau/Rajapur side towards Karwi and Chitrakoot.
Why this route: it is the shortest and has plenty of dhabas, fuel pumps and clean restrooms. You can also add a stop at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj if you have time.
Route 2: Via Lucknow and the Expressway (longer)
Some drivers prefer going towards Lucknow and then south via expressways and Banda. It is longer in kilometres but can be comfortable at night. For most families starting from Ayodhya, Route 1 is faster.
Road Trip Tips
- Start by 6:00–7:00 AM to reach Chitrakoot by lunch and see the evening aarti at Ramghat.
- Take a 20–30 minute break at Pratapgarh or before Prayagraj.
- Night driving is fine on the highway, but the last stretch near Chitrakoot has some narrow and hilly roads — daytime is better.
- Carry cash for small shops; mobile network is weak in a few forest patches near Chitrakoot.
How to Reach Chitrakoot from Ayodhya: All Options
| Mode | Time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private cab (sedan) | 5.5–6.5 hrs | ₹4,500–5,500 one way | Families, elders, flexible stops |
| Private cab (SUV / Innova) | 5.5–6.5 hrs | ₹6,000–7,500 one way | Groups of 5–7, more luggage |
| Tempo Traveller | 6–7 hrs | ₹12,000–15,000 one way | Groups of 10–17 |
| Bus (UPSRTC) | 7.5–8.5 hrs | About ₹400–650 per person | Budget solo travellers |
| Train | 6–8 hrs (with change) | ₹200–800 per person | If you get a confirmed seat |
Cab fares above are approximate one-way market rates including driver; tolls, parking and night charges may be extra. Round trips and multi-day tours usually work out cheaper per day.
By Train
The railway station for Chitrakoot is Chitrakutdham Karwi (CKTD), about 8–10 km from Ramghat. Direct trains from Ayodhya are very limited and don't run daily, so most travellers take a train from Ayodhya Dham or Ayodhya Cantt to Prayagraj Junction and then a connecting train or cab to Chitrakoot. Always check live running on NTES (Indian Railways) and book on IRCTC.
By Bus
UP State Road Transport buses run from Ayodhya towards Prayagraj and Chitrakoot. Check routes and timings on UPSRTC. Buses are cheap but slower, with several stops.
By Air
Chitrakoot has a small airport, but regular commercial flights are limited. Flying is not practical from Ayodhya — road is the best option.
Top Places to Visit in Chitrakoot
| Place | Why visit | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Ramghat | Main ghat on the Mandakini river; evening aarti and boating | 1–2 hrs |
| Kamadgiri Parikrama | Sacred hill believed to be the main abode of Shri Ram during vanvas; about 5 km walking parikrama | 2–3 hrs |
| Gupt Godavari Caves | Natural caves with flowing water inside | 1.5 hrs (plus travel) |
| Hanuman Dhara | Hilltop temple with a natural spring; long stairway or ropeway | 1.5–2 hrs |
| Sati Anusuya Ashram | Ashram of Maharishi Atri and Mata Anusuya in a forest setting | 1 hr |
| Sphatik Shila | Riverside rock linked with Shri Ram and Mata Sita | 30–45 min |
| Janaki Kund | Peaceful stretch of the Mandakini where Mata Sita is believed to have bathed | 30–45 min |
| Bharat Milap Temple | Where Bharat is believed to have met Shri Ram to request his return | 30 min |
| Bharat Koop | Sacred well linked with Bharat ji's visit | 45 min (a little outside town) |
Before leaving Ayodhya, make sure you have covered the key temples there — see our top 10 places to visit in Ayodhya besides Ram Mandir and the Ayodhya 2 day itinerary. Book your free Ram Mandir darshan slot before you leave on the official portal online.srjbtkshetra.org.
Ayodhya to Chitrakoot 2-Day Tour Plan
Day 1: Ayodhya → Chitrakoot, Ramghat Aarti
- 6:30 AM — Leave Ayodhya after an early darshan at Hanuman Garhi (optional).
- 9:30 AM — Breakfast break near Pratapgarh.
- 11:00 AM — Short stop at Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj (optional, adds 1.5–2 hrs).
- 2:00–3:00 PM — Reach Chitrakoot, check in, lunch.
- 4:30 PM — Janaki Kund and Sphatik Shila by the river.
- Evening — Ramghat, boating on the Mandakini and the evening aarti.
Day 2: Kamadgiri, Hanuman Dhara, Gupt Godavari → Return
- 6:00 AM — Kamadgiri Parikrama (start early to avoid heat).
- 9:30 AM — Breakfast, then Hanuman Dhara.
- 12:00 PM — Sati Anusuya Ashram and Gupt Godavari Caves.
- 3:00 PM — Leave for Ayodhya / Prayagraj / Varanasi.
Have 3 days? Add Bharat Koop and a relaxed second evening at Ramghat, or continue to Varanasi — see our Ayodhya Prayagraj Varanasi tour plan.
Combine Chitrakoot with Other Pilgrimages
- Ayodhya → Chitrakoot → Prayagraj → Varanasi (4–5 days): the full Ram Van Gaman plus Kashi circuit.
- Ayodhya → Prayagraj → Chitrakoot (3 days): add a Sangam snan on the way.
- Ayodhya → Naimisharanya — another short pilgrimage option: Ayodhya to Naimisharanya tour.
For road distances and cab fares between these cities, read Varanasi to Ayodhya cab fare and Ayodhya to Prayagraj tour.
Best Time to Visit Chitrakoot
- October to March — pleasant weather, best for the Kamadgiri parikrama and caves.
- April to June — very hot; do parikrama only in the early morning.
- July to September — green and beautiful, but the river rises and some paths get slippery.
- Festivals: Amavasya, Deepawali and Ram Navami bring very large crowds to Kamadgiri and Ramghat — book stays early.
Where to Stay in Chitrakoot
- Near Ramghat — best for the evening aarti and early parikrama; many dharamshalas and budget hotels.
- Karwi town — closer to the railway station; more hotel options, 8–10 km from Ramghat.
- For official tourism information, check UP Tourism; part of Chitrakoot lies in Madhya Pradesh, so also see MP Tourism.
Travel Tips
- Chitrakoot spreads across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh; some places (like Sati Anusuya and Gupt Godavari) are on the MP side — your cab should have an all-India or UP+MP permit.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the parikrama; you walk barefoot in some temple areas.
- Keep small change for boating, prasad and donations.
- Carry water and a torch for the Gupt Godavari caves; the inside path has shallow water.
- Monkeys are common at Hanuman Dhara — don't carry open food.
FAQ: Ayodhya to Chitrakoot
What is the distance from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot by road?
About 270–280 km by road via Sultanpur, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj. The drive takes 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car.
Ayodhya se Chitrakoot kitni door hai?
Ayodhya se Chitrakoot sadak marg se lagbhag 270–280 km door hai. Car se 5.5 se 6.5 ghante lagte hain.
What is the distance from Ram Mandir to Chitrakoot?
Almost the same — about 270–280 km, because Ram Mandir is in the centre of Ayodhya. Ramghat in Chitrakoot is the usual end point.
Is there a direct train from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot?
Direct trains are very limited and don't run daily. Most people go by train to Prayagraj and then take a connecting train or cab to Chitrakutdham Karwi station. Check NTES or IRCTC for current trains.
What is the taxi fare from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot?
Approximately ₹4,500–5,500 one way for a sedan and ₹6,000–7,500 for an SUV, excluding tolls and parking. Round trips and multi-day tours cost less per day.
How many days are enough for Chitrakoot?
Two days are enough to cover Ramghat, Kamadgiri Parikrama, Hanuman Dhara, Sati Anusuya Ashram, Gupt Godavari and Sphatik Shila comfortably.
What is the distance from Chitrakoot to Varanasi?
About 250–260 km via Prayagraj, which takes 5–6 hours by road.
Planning Ayodhya to Chitrakoot? Our team can arrange a verified driver, a clean sedan, SUV or tempo traveller and a stay near Ramghat, with the route and stops planned around darshan timings. Book an intercity cab or send us your dates — we reply within the hour.
Ayodhya-based travel writer and Ministry of Tourism (India) certified guide. 12+ years guiding pilgrims across the Ayodhya–Varanasi–Prayagraj Holy Triangle. Every guide is fact-checked against current temple timings and local transport before publishing.
