Panchvati, Maharashtra
Famous for its forest area passing through Nashik, the entire story of Aranya Kand of Ramayana is based on this area. “If you are familiar with examples from the story, this is the place where Lord Rama spent some years of his 14-year long exile and the incident of ‘Sita Haran’ also took place here. Today, you can visit Ramkund, Sita Gumpha (believed to be the abode of Sita), take long walks at Tapovan and photograph the picturesque ghats of the Ganga,” says host and spiritual travel expert Akul Tripathi.
How to Reach: Ozar Nashik International Airport is a major choice among travellers, being just 24 kilometers from the city centre. By rail, you can travel to Nashik Road station or take a bus directly to Nashik Central Bus Stand which is 10 km and 3 km respectively from the centre.
Best time to visit: December to March
Prayagraj (Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh
Formerly known as Allahabad, Prayagraj is a place where many events related to the Ramayana are claimed to have occurred. “Prayagraj is the place where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman spent time before going to Chitrakoot for their exile. Today, people from all over the country come here to see the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, Anand Bhawan, the new Yamuna bridge and much more,” says Rohit Kumar Singh, a filmmaker who lives 10,000 kilometers from Ayodhya. Famous for more walking. Sri Lanka on an 11-month journey following the footsteps of Lord Rama. He further said, “Another major attraction is the Kumbh Mela which is held once every 12 years and the Ramlilas of Patharchatti and Pajava which are attended by huge numbers of people.”
How to reach: Prayagraj Airport located in Bamrauli is only 12 km from the city center and if air travel is not an option, you can terminate your journey at Prayagraj Station, Allahabad Junction, City Station at Rambagh and Daraganj Railway Station. Take a taxi to the train station and the city. Prayagraj is also well connected by road with Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses available from Lucknow and Delhi.
Best time to visit: October to February
Chitrakot, Madhya Pradesh
Spread across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, Chitrakoot is often called ‘the place of many wonders’, and considering its religious and tourist history, the nickname couldn’t be more accurate. In the Ramayana, this is an echo of other popular legends such as Bharat Milap and Hanuman Dhara and Sphatikashila. Popular legend depicts the forests of Chitrakote as the place where Lord Rama and Sita spent fourteen years in exile. Today, located in the Vindhya Range, this destination houses attractions like Kamadgiri, Ram Ghat and Sati Anusuya Ashram.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Chitrakote is Khajuraho, located at a distance of 157 km and by rail you can reach Chitrakote Dham Karvi Railway Station. There is also good road connectivity to Allahabad, Banda and other nearby cities.
Best time to visit: October to March
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Located on Pamban Island, Rameshwaram literally translates to “Lord of Rama” in Sanskrit, indicating a deep connection between the destination and scripture. PM Modi also recently visited the temple of the same name in the city, where Lord Ram is believed to have come after defeating Ravana. Today, both the temple and the city serve as a sacred space. From taking a dip in Agni Theertham (a sacred bath), walking on India’s first sea bridge (Pamban Bridge) to exploring the abandoned ghost town of Dhanushkodi after taking a detour to Dhanushkodi beach, Rameshwaram has become a rising tourist destination. Has happened.
How to reach: Although air travel is not recommended, the nearest airport is at Madurai (174 km away). Rameshwaram Railway Station is the best option for travelers as it is well connected to major stations like Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore.
Best time to visit: October to February
