If you have decided to travel to Varanasi, you have made a great decision. Varanasi is an amazing tourist destination and has a lot to offer. However, if you include Ayodhya and Chitrakoot with your trip to Varanasi, it would be a better decision. Ayodhya and Chitrakoot are not too far from Varanasi, and travel agencies in Delhi have packages that combine Varanasi with Ayodhya and Chitrakoot. In this blog post, the reason why you must add Ayodhya and Chitrakoot to your Varanasi trip will be discussed. Continue reading to learn more!
Why must you consider adding Ayodhya and Chitrakoot to your Varanasi trip?
Varanasi Tour Package is a great destination for tourists and has a lot of places to visit. Some of the must-visit places in Varanasi are the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Sarnath, Sankat Mochan Temple, Vishalakshi Temple, Annapurna Devi Temple, and the Durga Kund Temple. Let us take a look at these places:
- The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an ancient temple in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Shiva and sees thousands of devotees every year.
- Assi Ghat is famous for its Shiva Lingam, which is considered sacred in Hinduism.
- The Dashashwamedh Ghat is popular for its Ganga Aarti, which is something every tourist should experience at least once in their lives.
- The Manikarnika Ghat is known to be a holy cremation ground for Hindus, and it is believed that those who are cremated in the ghat attain salvation in life.
- The Harishchandra Ghat is also considered a holy cremation ground for Hindus, just like the Manikarnika Ghat.
- Sarnath is the place which is believed where Gautama Buddha performed his first sermon.
- The Sankat Mochan Temple is situated in Varanasi and is dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. The Sankat Mochan Temple is very old and is regarded as one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- The Vishalakshi Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Vishalakshi and is among the Sati Peeths, which are considered holy spots according to Hinduism.
- The Annapurna Devi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Annapurna, who is regarded as the “Goddess of nourishment” by Hindus.
- The Durga Kund Temple is a sacred Temple in Varanasi that is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Durga.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya
Some of the important attractions you can include in your itinerary are:
- Ram Janmabhoomi and Ram Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kanak Bhawan
- Dasharath Bhawan
- Sita Ki Rasoi
- Nageshwar Nath Temple
- Saryu River Ghats
- Ram Ki Paidi
- Guptar Ghat
Varanasi Trip, Ayodhya & Chitrakoot
If you combine Ayodhya and Chitrakoot with your Varanasi trip, you will get to explore a lot of other sites along with the ones in Varanasi. Tour operators in Delhi have exciting packages in which Ayodhya and Chitrakoot are combined with the tour of the city of Varanasi.
Ayodhya is regarded as the place where Lord Rama was born and is a prominent location in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Ayodhya is home to the Ram Janma Bhumi Temple, which is one of the holiest sites for Hindus.
Chitrakoot is a place that is regarded as the one where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent 12 years of their exile. There are several temples present in Chitrakoot.
Important Places to Visit in Chitrakoot
Your Chitrakoot sightseeing itinerary can include:
- Ramghat
- Kamadgiri
- Hanuman Dhara
- Janaki Kund
- Sati Anusuya Temple
- Gupt Godavari
- Sphatik Shila
- Bharat Milap Temple
Taste Local Food and Experience Local Culture
Food is another enjoyable part of a Varanasi–Ayodhya–Chitrakoot journey.
In Varanasi, try local favorites such as:
- Kachori sabzi
- Tamatar chaat
- Banarasi lassi
- Chaat
- Malaiyyo during the winter season
- Banarasi paan
Ayodhya and Chitrakoot also offer a variety of traditional vegetarian food, sweets, snacks, and local refreshments.
Exploring local markets is a great way to experience the everyday culture of these pilgrimage towns.
Extend Your Varanasi Trip Into a Complete Uttar Pradesh Pilgrimage
If you have several days available, adding Ayodhya and Chitrakoot can transform a Varanasi holiday into a comprehensive North Indian spiritual journey.
A longer itinerary can include destinations such as:
Varanasi → Ayodhya → Chitrakoot
You can also consider adding Prayagraj to the route, particularly if you are interested in sacred rivers, temples, and pilgrimage traditions.
Suggested Varanasi–Ayodhya–Chitrakoot Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi
Arrive in Varanasi and check into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the ghats and attend the Ganga Aarti.
Day 2: Varanasi Sightseeing
Start the day with a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Visit important temples and explore the old city.
Depending on your interests, you can visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple and other attractions.
Day 3: Varanasi to Ayodhya
Travel from Varanasi to Ayodhya. After arrival, visit Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan.
In the evening, spend time at the Saryu River ghats.
Day 4: Ayodhya to Chitrakoot
Travel onward to Chitrakoot. After checking in, visit Ramghat and explore the surrounding pilgrimage sites.
Day 5: Chitrakoot Sightseeing
Visit Kamadgiri, Hanuman Dhara, Janaki Kund, Gupt Godavari and other important attractions.
Depending on your departure plans, you can continue your journey to your next destination or return toward Varanasi.
Best Time to Visit Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot
The best time for a combined trip is generally October to March, when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Winter can be particularly pleasant for exploring the ghats, temples and pilgrimage sites.
The summer months can be hot, while the monsoon season may bring rainfall and occasional travel disruptions.
If you plan to travel during major religious festivals, book hotels and transportation well in advance because demand can be significantly higher.
How Many Days Are Needed?
For a comfortable trip covering all three destinations, 5 to 7 days is a good starting point.
A shorter itinerary can focus on the highlights, while a longer trip allows more time for temples, cultural experiences, local sightseeing and relaxation.
A suggested plan is:
2 days – Varanasi
2 days – Ayodhya
1–2 days – Chitrakoot
You can add another day if you want to include Prayagraj or prefer a slower travel pace.
Travel Tips for the Varanasi–Ayodhya–Chitrakoot Trip
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear because many attractions involve walking.
- Keep some extra time for temple visits and queues.
- Respect local religious customs and photography restrictions.
- Carry water, especially during warmer months.
- Book accommodation in advance during festivals.
- Check the latest temple entry rules before visiting major religious sites.
- Start sightseeing early to avoid crowds and heat.
- Keep your itinerary flexible because pilgrimage destinations can become unexpectedly busy.
Why This Trip Is Worth Taking
Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot each offer a different perspective on India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Varanasi introduces you to the timeless traditions of the Ganges and Lord Shiva. Ayodhya takes you into the world of Lord Rama and one of India’s most important modern pilgrimage destinations. Chitrakoot offers a more peaceful experience surrounded by landscapes and places associated with the Ramayana.
Together, these destinations create a memorable journey combining faith, history, mythology, architecture, culture and nature.
So, if you are already planning a trip to Varanasi and have a few extra days, consider extending your journey to Ayodhya and Chitrakoot. It could turn a traditional city break into a much richer spiritual and cultural exploration of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Ayodhya and Chitrakoot from Varanasi?
Yes. If you have additional time, both destinations offer experiences that complement Varanasi, particularly for travelers interested in spirituality, temples, mythology and Indian culture.
How many days are enough for Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot?
A 5–7 day itinerary allows you to experience the major attractions without making the journey excessively rushed.
What is the best time to visit Ayodhya and Chitrakoot?
October to March is generally considered a comfortable period for sightseeing. However, travelers interested in specific festivals may choose their dates according to the religious calendar.
What are the main attractions in Ayodhya?
Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Saryu River ghats and Ram Ki Paidi are among the important attractions to include in an Ayodhya itinerary.
What are the main attractions in Chitrakoot?
Kamadgiri, Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Janaki Kund, Gupt Godavari and Sati Anusuya Temple are some of the important places to visit.
Can Ayodhya, Chitrakoot and Varanasi be covered in one trip?
Yes. With proper planning, the three destinations can be combined into a single itinerary. Travel time between destinations should be considered when planning the number of sightseeing days.
Final Thoughts
A journey through Varanasi, Ayodhya and Chitrakoot is more than a conventional sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity to explore some of India’s most important spiritual traditions while experiencing ancient cities, sacred rivers, temples, local culture and beautiful landscapes.
If Varanasi is already on your travel list, adding Ayodhya and Chitrakoot can make your journey more meaningful, diverse and memorable.
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