Ayodhya to Chitrakoot by Road – Distance, Route, Stops & Travel Tips
One of the most common questions we get at Ayodhya Car Hire is — “How far is Chitrakoot from Ayodhya, and what is the best road to take?” If you are planning to cover Ayodhya, Prayagraj, and Chitrakoot in one trip, knowing the distances and routes helps you plan your days much better. This guide gives you the exact distances, the best routes to follow, good stops along the way, and some practical tips to keep the journey comfortable.
Ayodhya to Chitrakoot Distance by Road
The road distance from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot is approximately 265 to 270 km, depending on the exact route you take. The journey goes via Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad) and passes through the spiritual heartland of Uttar Pradesh.
Most pilgrims do not travel this route in one go. Instead, they break it into two comfortable days — spending a day in Prayagraj on the way — which is exactly how our Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Chitrakoot Tour Package is designed.
Distance & Time – All Three Cities at a Glance
| Route | Road Distance | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya → Prayagraj | 170 km | 4–5 hours |
| Prayagraj → Chitrakoot | 130–135 km | 3–4 hours |
| Full Circuit (Ayodhya → Prayagraj → Chitrakoot) | ~300 km | ~8–9 hours total |
| Chitrakoot → Ayodhya (direct return) | 262–270 km | 6–7 hours |
Best Route from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot
Leg 1: Ayodhya to Prayagraj (170 km | 4–5 hours)
The best route for this leg is NH330 via Sultanpur, then connecting to NH19 towards Prayagraj. This is a National Highway for most of the distance, so the road quality is generally good. The drive passes through open farmland, small towns, and the gradual shift from eastern UP plains towards Prayagraj.
Sultanpur (about 80 km from Ayodhya) is a good point to stop for fuel, tea, or a snack. From Sultanpur, it is roughly another 90 km on NH19 to reach Prayagraj city.
Before you enter Prayagraj, there is one stop that most pilgrims on this route should not miss — Shringverpur Dham (more on this below).
Leg 2: Prayagraj to Chitrakoot (130–135 km | 3–4 hours)
From Prayagraj, take NH35 (towards Banda) and then connect to SH39 as you get closer to Chitrakoot. The NH stretch is smooth and well-maintained. The road becomes slightly narrower on the state highway section, but it is completely manageable.
As you cross Banda and enter the Chitrakoot belt, the scenery changes noticeably — the flat UP plains give way to low hills, forests, and the Vindhya mountain range in the distance. By the time you see the first signs for Kamadgiri, the road itself starts to feel like part of the pilgrimage.
Return Leg: Chitrakoot to Ayodhya (Direct, 262–270 km | 6–7 hours)
If you are returning to Ayodhya directly at the end of your trip, the best route is NH731A connecting to NH330. This is the most direct road and takes around 6 to 7 hours. Since this is the longest stretch of the circuit, we recommend a morning departure — leave by 7 AM to reach Ayodhya comfortably by early afternoon.
Interesting Stops Along the Way
These are not just food-break spots. Each of these places has a direct connection to Lord Ram’s story and adds meaning to the drive.
1. Shringverpur Dham (between Ayodhya and Prayagraj)
About 38 km before Prayagraj, on the banks of the Ganga, is Shringverpur Dham — the ancient kingdom of Nishadraj, the fisherman king who helped Lord Ram cross the Ganga at the start of his exile. Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent a night here on their first day of vanvas.
The UP government has recently developed this site beautifully as part of the Ram Van Gaman Path. A grand 52-foot statue of Lord Ram embracing Nishadraj has been installed at the Nishadraj Tourist Park. There is also a meditation centre, open-air stage, and riverside viewing area. Entry is free. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a comfortable visit — and it is completely worth the stop.
This place is part of the official Ram Van Gaman Path project, connecting Ayodhya to Chitrakoot, so it fits perfectly into this pilgrimage circuit.
2. Bharat Milap Temple, Chitrakoot
Just as you reach Chitrakoot, on the Kamadgiri Parikrama path itself, stands the Bharat Milap Temple. This is the exact spot where Bharat came to Chitrakoot to beg Ram to return to Ayodhya and accept the throne. Ram, bound by his duty, refused — but the emotional meeting between the brothers is one of the most powerful moments in the Ramayana.
The temple is a short stop — 15 to 20 minutes — but knowing the story makes it deeply moving.
3. Lunch Break at Banda
If you are on the Prayagraj to Chitrakoot leg, Banda is a good place to stop for lunch. It is roughly halfway between the two cities and has a few decent vegetarian dhabas and small restaurants near the main market. Quick, filling North Indian thalis are available for ₹100 to ₹200 per person.
| Stop | Location | Time Needed | Entry Fee | Why Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shringverpur Dham | 38 km before Prayagraj | 20–30 mins | Free | Ram-Nishadraj statue, Ram Van Gaman Path |
| Bharat Milap Temple | Chitrakoot, Kamadgiri path | 15–20 mins | Free | Ramayana’s most emotional reunion spot |
| Banda Market | Midway Prayagraj–Chitrakoot | 30 mins | – | Lunch stop, fuel, clean restrooms |
Should You Drive Yourself or Hire a Cab?
This is a question many people ask, especially those who are comfortable with long drives. Here is an honest answer:
Driving yourself is possible, but there are real challenges:
- Navigation through Prayagraj city can be confusing, especially near the Sangam and ghat areas where roads are narrow and parking is not straightforward
- After a full day of sightseeing and temple visits, the return drive can be tiring
- Parking at Ramghat, Kamadgiri, and other temple sites in Chitrakoot requires knowledge of local spots — otherwise you end up parking far away and walking
- If you are travelling with elderly family members, driving and managing them at the same time can be stressful
Hiring a cab makes the trip much smoother:
- Your driver handles all navigation, parking, and local entry points
- You focus entirely on your darshan, prayers, and time with family
- The driver knows which gate to enter at Kamadgiri, which time Ramghat aarti starts, and where to stop for a clean vegetarian lunch
- No fatigue from driving back at the end of the day
For families, first-time visitors, and anyone travelling with elderly parents or grandparents, hiring a cab is strongly recommended. The cost difference is small compared to the difference in comfort and peace of mind.
Quick Travel Tips for This Route
- Start Leg 1 (Ayodhya to Prayagraj) by 7 AM to complete the Prayagraj sightseeing and still reach Chitrakoot the same day if needed — or comfortably the next morning
- Avoid this route during monsoon if possible (July–August). The SH39 stretch near Chitrakoot can get waterlogged after heavy rains
- Carry cash. ATMs get sparse as you move from Prayagraj towards Chitrakoot — fill up in Prayagraj or Banda
- Download offline maps before leaving Prayagraj. Network can be patchy in rural stretches near Chitrakoot
- Wear slip-on footwear. You will remove your shoes multiple times — at Shringverpur, at Prayagraj temples, and then again at every stop in Chitrakoot
- Book hotels in advance, especially for October to March. Chitrakoot fills up fast during festival months
Cover This Full Route Without the Hassle
At Ayodhya Car Hire, we drive this exact route hundreds of times every year. Our drivers know every stop, every parking spot, every shortcut, and every temple’s opening time. We have helped thousands of families complete this yatra without a single day of stress.
Our 3N 4D Ayodhya with Prayagraj & Chitrakoot Tour Package covers the full circuit — AC cab, hotel stay in all three cities, and sightseeing handled end to end. You just show up and pray.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 9517484252 📧 Email: info@ayodhyacarhire.com
Tell us your travel dates and we will send you a free quote — usually within the hour.
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