Valmiki Ashram - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 22 km from Kanpur Central, Valmiki Ashram is a sacred place located in Bithoor near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Situated on a hillock, it is one of the best religious places to visit while part of Kanpur holiday packages.

Situated on the banks of the Ganga, the Valmiki Ashram is believed to be the site where Maharishi Valmiki has stayed and written the timeless epic, Ramayana. It is also the place where Sita stayed during her exile and gave birth to her twins Lav and Kush. It was here that they spent their childhood and were trained in the art of governance, warfare, and politics by the great sage. The children had also captured Lord Hanuman and invited Lord Ram into this very ashram.

Covering an expanse of vast land, the architecture of the place is pretty simple and is surrounded by greenery all around. The ashram houses three temples, one of which has an idol of Maharishi Valmiki. The present structure of the Valmiki Temple is said to have been built by Baji Rao Peshwa in the 19th century. Another significant place in the ashram is the Sita Kund, a pond that is believed to have been the source of water for the ashram people. One can also see a 'Swarga Naseinee' or Deep Malika Stambha, studded with niches all around for illumination.

Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti is celebrated every year on the Purnima day of Ashwin month to honor the Adi Kavi, the first poet of Sanskrit.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free