One of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India is Ramayana. It is about the life of Lord Ram and is divided into seven books known as Kandas. Valmiki ji wrote Ramayana. Ramayana Circuit covers all the places that are associated with various locations of Prince Ram’s life. For the followers of Sri Ram, it’s a great opportunity to worship and pray at all the sacred places. It is one of the soul-soothing trips which can be easily taken with family.
The Ramayana Yatra starts from Delhi – Ayodhya – Sitamarhi – Janakpur – Varanasi – Allahabad – Chitrakoot – Nasik – Hampi – Rameshwaram – Delhi.
This complete trip is of 17 nights and 18 days. The train is a Pilgrim special tourist train and starts and ends in Delhi. The train departs from Safdarjung Railway station. This 8000 km long circuit is launched by IRCTC to promote domestic tourism and heritage of India.
Main destinations covered by the Ramayana Circuit train
Ayodhya
Starting from Delhi on the first day, we reach Ayodhya on the second day. Ayodhya is the birthplace of Sri Ram. It holds a special place in history for its spiritual values. This ancient city has temples of Sri Ram and Mata Sita. Ayodhya is situated on the bank of river Sarayu. Many devotees visit for the evening Aarti here bestowing love for Lord Ram. Sri Ram Mandir is newly opened and will soon be starting for pilgrims. Many people also go to Nandigram, Hanuman Garhi, and Kanak Bhawan. If you are also excited to have darshan of Ram Lala Vigrah in Ram Mandir, book Ayodhya tour package for a satisfying trip experience.
Nandigram is about 20 km from Ayodhya and is the place where Bharat ruled when Sri Ram was exiled from Ayodhya. Bharat requested Sri Ram a lot to return to the kingdom but when he denied it, Bharat got Sri Ram’s wooden sandal and kept it on the throne. He worshipped them for 14 years till Sri Ram came back. This shows his love and dedication to his brother and family.
On the top of the Hill lies Hanuman Garhi, a temple of Sri Hanuman. From the temple, there are spectacular views of the terrain. Ayodhya seems to carry the legacy of Sri Ram. Kanak Bhawan is the palace given to Sita ji on her wedding by her stepmother-in-law Kaikeyi. You can also book Innova Crysta Taxi for a family trip to Ayodhya.
Sitamarhi
Sita Mata was born here and Sitamarhi lies in Bihar. This is the border of India and Nepal. Sita Maa was the daughter of Raja Janak and Sunaina Mata. Sita Kund is believed to be made up of Sita Ma’s tears. Devotees consider this place so pure.
Janakpur Dham also known as Janki temple is devoted to Sita Mata and attracts thousands of devotees a year. Here the Swayamvar of Sita ji happened. Sri Ram and Sita got married here so this place celebrates Ram Navami in full swing. This place is in Nepal and is a blend of Indian and Nepalese culture.
Varanasi
Varanasi also known as Kashi is not directly mentioned in the Ramayana but is a sacred place for Hindus and Jainism. The rich culture and its heritage make it a must for all. Kashi Vishwanath temple is located here and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Sankat Mochan and Mandir for Hanuman ji and Tulsi Manas temple devoted to Sri Ram, Sita ji and Laxman Overall, this place has a significant role in Hindus so can be covered on this route easily.
Allahabad
Allahabad is also known as Pryagraj. This place also has historical significance. The meeting of three rivers- Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati is called Triveni Sangam. If one takes a dip in this water, all the sins are minimized according to Hindu Mythology.
Darbhanga- It is not connected to Ramayan directly but due to its high cultural values and history. It is mostly explored when travelling through Bihar. It follows Mithila culture, the culture which Sita ji used to follow.
Know more: Tempo Traveller Delhi fare for Ayodhya Varanasi Prayagraj Tour
Chitrakoot
This city is located on the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Lord Ram, Sita Ji, and Laxman stayed in the forests of Chitrakoot. It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh reincarnated here at Chitrakoot. Sri Ram got to know about his father’s death and performed his last riots here only. Many temples of Lord Ram, Sita ji, and Laxman Ji’s idols are present.
Mahendragiri
It is another name of Mahendra Parvat. After returning from Lord Ram’s marriage, he had a massive fight here with Parsurama. During the fight, Lord Ram showed his Original Vishnu Face here so that’s why this holds a historical moment and has a great spiritual value.
Nasik
Nasik’s name is derived from the incident when Laxman cut Surpanakha’s nose (Ravana’s sister). There was a Panchvati region which is famous in Nasik. It is believed that these were five banyan trees where Lord Ram, Sita Ji, and Lakshman stayed during their exile. The city is situated on the banks of the river Godavari. There is one Ram Kund also where Ram ji used to take baths during his exile.
Lakshman Ji’s only temple in the world is here in Nasik. There are numerous temples of Lord Ram in Nasik so it is an important part of the Ramayan Circuit. Sita cave is also visited by many pilgrims. Lakshman Rekha was carved outside this cave when Ravana came to take Sita ji. In this cave, Ram ji, Sita ji, and Lakshman ji used to pray together to Lord Shiva.
Hampi
It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Hampi is home to many Hindu temples and places where a lot of mythology tales happened. Lord Ram and Lakshman ji met Lord Hanuman here while searching for Sita ji. Anjaneya Hill is situated near the river and is supposed to be the mother of Lord Hanuman. This sacred site is very much connected to the Ramayana circuit due to its spiritual facts and tales.
Rameswaram
Rameswaram is very important in Hindu culture as it is one of the four Dhams of India. This is the place where Sri Ram came to cross the sea to reach Lanka and the bridge was made. Vibhishan came to Sri Ram here leaving his brother (Ravana) during the war. Lord Hanuman found this place and it’s believed that being the son of God Wind, he took a big leap to Lanka from here. The Shiv Lingam in Ramanathatswamy is one of the 12 Jyotirlings present in India.
How to go for Ramayan Yatra Circuit in India
As the 18 days long Ramayan Yatra begins from Delhi, you must reach Railway station on time. If you are arriving on IGI International Airport, take tempo traveller on rent for Airport Pick up and reach railway station without any discomfort. You can also book a hotel in Delhi and enjoy the Delhi sightseeing tour on 1st Day and then catch the train on designated time. The Bharat Garav Train would commence from June 21 and will have all luxury facilities for your long distance trip. As per reports, the ticket price would start from 62,370 Rs per passenger including 3 Tier AC charge, hotel accommodations, sightseeing in buses, guide and travel insurance. For ticket booking, passenger can also opt EMI options for making payment in 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 or 24 months.